Is this destiny?

Eventually, the topic of Noah and Chloe simmered down, and Chloe used this chance to steer the conversation on something else.

"So, what are you teaching?", Chloe asked Nala and Oni.

Oni responded because Nala had her mouth full.

"We are doing a number of classes, but today we will discuss our plans for booths for the upcoming event in two weeks. Ade and Hande are in charge of the music performances, Ron and Zula are handling choreography and dancing, and Xiaohui already approved art pieces that will be put up for sale. However, everything else is still fluid. Today, we will decide on what we will sell, and what activities will be provided. Once that is settled, we will form teams and get to work."

"We will be busy.", Nala added. "When we figure out who is doing what, we will break into teams and determine what all we need and start gathering materials. There will be a stage for music, dance, and maybe a play or two, we will also have booths where we will sell food and crafts, and there will be games as well. Oh, and we need to decide on a name. Last time we called it 'Spring fair in Boyle Heights', and I hope that this time we can be more creative."

"My team is in charge of designing banners and posters.", Xiaohui said proudly, "Noah works with kids to get them polished digitally and printed while Allen and Julius manage the online marketing. The more people come, the better."

Chloe could see that the girls got energized while talking. It was obvious that they were excited about the upcoming event.

"At the last event, our leather bracelets were a hit.", Harini said.

"Bracelets had a metallic insert where guys from Nico's and Beck's team would etch names or custom messages.", Panya said and added with a pout, "If I was with Ryan at that time, I would get us matching bracelets, so everyone knows we are a couple."

Harini giggled. "Don't be so dejected. We can do bracelets again, or necklaces. Anklets might work as well…"

"You can also do things like brooches and neckties.", Chloe added to what Harini and Panya responded with thoughtful expressions while nodding.

"Customized items are always a hit.", Merve mused.

"If you get your hands on the embroidering machine, you can customize pillowcases, scarves, and t-shirts within minutes.", Chloe said without thinking.

"Uuu… that's a good idea.", Hande's eyes sparkled. "I want a pillowcase with Ade's name."

Merve stifled a laugh. "Maybe we should print his face on your pillow."

"Now that's a good idea!", Hande exclaimed.

"Let's focus on manageable things.", Nala had to stop Hande from chattering about Ade, because that can take a while. "We can't have a fabric-printing machine there. But embroidering machines are small and that is something we could do."

"I will see if we can get a machine or two. I'm sure that people will be interested. We can start with t-shirts, hats, and pillowcases, and give customers a discount if they provide materials.", Oni said, and Chloe's face lit up when she realized that they are considering her idea.

"We should separate stalls for cotton candy, popcorn, and face paint.", Rosa said. "Little ones gather there and it's like a small riot."

"While on the topic of little ones, I vote that we have more bouncy houses. Last time we had two, and it was not enough.", Merve reminded everyone.

"Sounds fun.", Chloe said while imagining the neighborhood gathering and all the colors and noises that such an event might bring.

"It is!", Hande exclaimed. "You should definitely join. If you participate, you are eligible to get a percentage of sales and you get bragging rights. Ade and I were at the ring toss booth last time, and each of us earned more than a hundred dollars. Not bad for one afternoon of sitting with your boyfriend in a booth and passing plastic rings to the customers."

"Oh, please… I earned three hundred dollars.", Xiaohui said smugly.

"That is because you were doing portraits…", Hande pouted.

Oni laughed and waved to get Chloe's attention. "Don't mind them. Whatever we earned, we gave it to the center, but we get to keep bragging rights. Everything is a competition."

Chloe smiled and nodded in agreement. "I noticed."

"If you have some skill, feel free to share with us. We could always use fresh ideas and an extra set of hands.", Nala said to Chloe.

"I don't know…", Chloe paused and bit her lip while thinking. Everything these people do seems to be practical, and the embroidery idea came to Chloe because she had her clothes embroidered so that they can be easily found after doing the laundry which the girls did together in her college dorm. After a few seconds, Chloe thought of something… "I'm good with makeup."

"Uuu…", Rosa hummed with her eyes open wide. "We can definitely do a makeover booth. I will do the hair, and Chloe can do the makeup. We will be a hit, earning the most, and leaving others in the dust."

"I thought you will be selling cupcakes with Daniel.", Xiaohui reminded Rosa.

"Cupcakes are made before the event. Daniel can sell them, while I double my income with Chloe at the makeover booth.", Rosa said cheekily.

Chloe laughed. Rosa had dollar signs in her eyes, and Xiaohui frowned like she was in trouble and that was comical.

"Other than participating in the fair, we are also taking on roles as mentors.", Oni said to Chloe. "Rosa and Daniel will do a booth with cupcakes, but kids from the center will be helping them as well. Last time, other than working on cupcakes, Daniel and Rosa supervised booths with crepes, fruit tarts, and donuts. The booth that wins gets a prize, but also mentors who were assigned to it."

Nala smiled smugly. "At the last event, Haru and I won as mentors and we got a weeklong vacation in Hawaii."

Chloe's eyes were open wide. It's not that she thought how going to Hawaii was a big deal, but that was an amazing prize for earning the most at the fair. "Really?"

Oni confirmed. "Sarah and Aiden make sure that winners get rewarded for their effort. Like that, others get to see that hard work pays off and we try harder next time."

Chloe thought how all that sounds wonderful. She observed the noisy and boisterous atmosphere, and she didn't mind. Chloe relaxed and without trying she joined in the commotion.

Noah and the guys returned to the dining hall and found the sight of their girls chatting and laughing, and Noah had a feeling that things are progressing well.

After lunch, Noah showed Chloe the vegetable garden and the building where kids are sleeping.

He was telling her about future expansions and upgrades and she was absorbing his every word hungrily.

Noah and Chloe also peeked into several other classrooms and the time trickled away.

Gradually, Chloe noticed how faces are becoming more familiar. Some teens from the youth center would smile at Chloe and chat with her casually, and Chloe observed that the kids would approach Noah without reservation. They were all respectful, but relaxed and friendly.

Draco waved at Chloe enthusiastically every time he saw her. Draco either didn't notice Noah's glare, or didn't care about it.

Chloe was surprised when Noah told her that it's close to five o'clock in the afternoon and that they should head back. She was not sure if the day passed quickly because of all the novelty of the youth center, or because she was with Noah. Probably both. And them holding hands through the day was definitely a bonus.

"I had fun today.", Chloe said to Noah while they walked back to his apartment.

"I'm glad."

Chloe wanted to let him know how much she appreciates everything he did for her so far. "I really needed to relax and forget about the problems, and this was just what I needed. Seeing everyone working hard after what they've been through is inspiring. Honestly, you did so much for me that I don't know how to thank you."

"Well, there is one thing…", Noah said mysteriously, and Chloe gulped softly while looking at him with her eyes open wide.

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