Is this destiny?

~ Los Angeles, the Cliffside Villa ~

2:31 PM

Hande is excited. She is in her own room, keeping things in the closet. For the first time in her life, she has her own room.

They arrived about two hours ago, had lunch, and now they all have free time to settle into their rooms and relax until 3 PM when the program will start.

Hande loves the room. There are a bed and a desk and a computer, and a sitting area with a sofa, two chairs a coffee table. And even with all that, there is plenty of space to move around. The closet is massive, and her eyes widened in surprise when she saw that some brand-new clothes are already waiting for her. The bathroom is spotless, already filled with toiletries and it's all hers!

The only thing that is a bit dampening her mood is Ade. Or to be more precise, it's the absence of Ade. She caught a glimpse of him during lunch. Ade was sitting with Jamari, Allen, and Julius and they were chatting in a good mood. That is all well, but she hoped that he will come and greet her which he didn't do.

Hande met Ade on her first testing day at the Beach House. At that time, she was peeking at Ade from behind a bush because he was the youngest kid in the house (before she arrived), and she was curious… and he spotted her. The two of them started with an argument, and Ade was super-cool when he caught her after she tripped, and then they spoke, and things were going well. Or so she thought.

Hande was confident that they are friends and she was looking forward to seeing him again, but Ade never came to the Beach House again. And that was three months ago. 

She thought that he was busy and that they can resume their friendship now that she is here, but the fact that he didn't come to greet her is bothering her more than she wants to admit.

The last three months Hande is training hard and Sarah approved an increase in her routine twice already. She learned how to swim, and is reading books, and practicing playing violin, and painting, and learning to code, and Spanish as well.

Hande had a busy three months and she is happy, but it would be better if Ade visited, at least once. She was hoping that he will come so that she can show him her progress. Because he is only two years older than she is, Hande was confident that he will appreciate all the things she achieved. And even their names are rhyming. But he does not seem to show any interest in her.

"Hande?"

Hande was startled when Merve called her.

"How come you got in my room?", Hande asked while patting her chest dramatically.

"I knocked, you didn't answer so I came to check if you are OK.", Merve responded. "So far, we shared a room. Is it a problem that I am here?"

"Oh… Sorry. I am fine. Unpacking. This room is great. How is yours?"

Merve smiled. "Mine is the same as yours. Do you need help unpacking or organizing something?"

Hande rejected. "No. I'm done."

Merve can see that Hande is trying to be cool about it, but she noticed that her little sister is throwing glances at Ade and sighing during lunch.

"Do you want to go for a walk? Sarah said that we are free to explore. Francisca and Camila were in the garden and they say that there is a massive cage with colorful birds."

Hande nodded. Going out is good. Maybe she bumps into Ade and she hopes that he will not ignore her again.

…

Merve and Hande were about to go to the garden, but their attention got drawn to the commotion next to the training grounds.

There is a stage set up, and some kids are arranging benches for the audience to watch the upcoming performance. Allen and Julius are setting up speakers, and Imani and Jamari are testing the microphones.

On the sides are long tables, and snacks and refreshments are being set up.

There is a big metal container full of ice and Daniel and Xiaohui are placing bottles and cans of different beverages in it while chatting in a good mood.

Masika and Nala are carrying plates with spring rolls and mini-sandwiches while Francisca and Camila are following them with hands full of plates and utensils.

It's lively.

Merve nudged Hande and pointed up.

Hande looked up and blinked at the sight of Ade who is hanging upside down on a metal pole which is way up in the air. Only then Hande noticed that there are metal poles that are sticking from the ground and stretching above the stage, curved at the top, each holding multiple reflectors. Ade is on top of one of the poles. His knees are bent and that is how he is holding on while adjusting the reflector.

"How is this?", Ade bellowed.

"Just a second…", Beck responded while typing on his laptop. "Perfect!"

Ade twisted his body and coolly slid off the pole.

"How many more?", Ade asked Beck and Nico.

"One more…", Nico responded and pointed to another pole. "Something might be off with the cable. Try tightening it or…"

"I know, I know…", Ade interrupted Nico and skillfully climbed up the pole Nico pointed at previously.

Since their summer apprenticeship with Felix, Nico and Beck are tech-guys in the house. They still go to Felix's workshop twice a week, even though the summer is over.

Hande watched Ade climb the slick pole using his hands only and she sighed. She is still far from doing such a feat. No wonder Ade ignores her. In his eyes, she is nothing much.

"You should be happy that the guy you like is so capable.", Merve said only for Hande to hear.

"What?", Hande looked at Merve with her eyes open wide and she felt that her face will combust how hot it was.

Merve smiled knowingly at the sight of her little sister who is so red that she looks like a ripe tomato.

"I don't like him.", Hande denied it.

"Sure. Whatever you say." Merve responded and walked away.

"No, no… I know you are teasing me. I really don't like him.", Hande persisted while walking behind Merve.

Merve rolled her eyes and didn't respond. She knows that Hande was talking about Ade at least a few times every day during the last three months. And Merve didn't miss Hande's reaction just now. Ah, kids.

"Instead of following me around, why don't you see if you can help?", Merve asked Hande and walked to the table to help setting up the plates and napkins without giving Hande time to respond.

Hande looked around and she didn't know what to do. She knows everyone because all of them came to the Beach House at least once but she is not outgoing and does not make friends easily. Sure, she can talk a lot, but only when she is comfortable, and this setting where everyone has something to do and they are friendly and chatting without inviting her is not comfortable.

Hande felt a knot in her chest and tears swelled in her eyes. She did her best to blink them away. She thought that maybe coming here was not a good idea. The Beach House was better. There are so many kids around, but she never felt so alone.

"With so many things to do, can you afford to stand idle?"

Ade's voice startled Hande out of her thoughts. She looked at him blankly. Hande observed that he looks much taller than he did three months ago. She wondered, do boys grow up so fast or is she just imagining it?

Hande felt silly. For the last three months, she wants to talk to Ade, and now that he is here she can't form a word.

Ade tilted his head and observed her. "Do you want to help?", he asked after some time.

Hande nodded.

"Here…", He pushed neatly rolled cables in her hands. "Take these to Nico and ask him where to connect them…"

Hande smiled and walked away while hugging the cables Ade gave her. Somehow, these cables are much more than just pieces of metal and rubber, they pulled her out of her dark thoughts, and she is happy again. Or maybe that was because Ade spoke to her, but she will not admit that.

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