Chapter 12: Chapter 12

For some reason, my hands keep brushing against my slightly swollen lower lip as a result of... I don't want to remember that embarrassing incident, but for some reason, my brain seems to be malfunctioning, replaying that event over and over.

Arghhh, darn it. Come on, Aurel, close your eyes and go to sleep. I roll over and try to hug the round hamster-shaped stuffed toy beside me. This stuffed toy was my last birthday gift from my father. Usually, when I'm restless, hugging this round toy helps calm me down. But something's different this time. Even though I've been counting time, minutes have passed, and Gray's memory still keeps spinning in my mind.

I try to take a deep breath and close my eyes, but the sound of the door opening makes me abandon my attempt to fall back asleep. I sit up slightly and look towards my half-open bedroom door, where Aunt Anna is gazing at me.

"Aunty thought you were asleep?" she asks.

"Yeah, I'm trying to sleep," I reply, causing Aunt Anna to raise an eyebrow.

"Forget it. Does Aunty need anything?" I ask.

"No, but there's a friend of yours looking for you," she says.

"A friend?" I mutter, trying to guess who might be looking for me this late at night. Friend? Which friend? While I've been here, my only friend has been Jeni. Could it be her? I don't think I've given her my address, and we're not that close to visit each other.

Gray.

For some reason, that name suddenly pops into my mind. Could its influence on me be this strong? Arghhh, he's really bothering me. But why is he looking for me? My eyes widen as a possible reason comes to mind. Could he be going to confront me in front of Aunt Anna? Could he embarrass me? No, no, could he be here to harm me? Arghhh, darn it, my hand still stings when I remember slapping his face. Could he be pressing charges against me for assault?

"Sweety, won't you meet your friend?" Aunt Anna's question snaps me back to reality, and I turn my gaze back to her.

"Oh, yes, I'll meet him," I answer, making Aunt Anna smile.

"Alright, he's waiting for you on the porch," Aunt Anna says before closing my bedroom door.

I remain seated on my bed, still and speechless. After a few seconds, I spring up and walk out of my room. I don't want my mystery friend to have a lengthy conversation with Aunt Anna. My concern is that if it's indeed him...

As I approach the front door, I slow down, trying to steady my racing heart and take a deep breath. Before my hand can fully grip the door handle, I hear Aunt Anna's laughter, presumably while she's chatting with my "friend."

The night breeze brushes against my face as I open the door. Feeling a bit scared and anxious, I don't know, I start walking towards the porch where Aunt Anna and my "friend" are talking.

Oh god.

I truly breathe a sigh of relief when I see Jeni chatting with Aunt Anna. I walk closer with a sense of relief, taking deep breaths a few times.

"Hi Aurel," Jeni greets with a friendly smile.

"Oh hi," I reply.

"Have you been sleeping?" Jeni asks, looking me up and down. She notices my yellow pajamas with a monkey print on them. I can see Jeni holding back her laughter as she looks at my attire. Is there something wrong with my pajamas?

"Yeah, I was just getting ready to sleep."

"You forgot our promise," Jeni says, making me furrow my brow. Promise? I try to remember if I ever made a promise to her, and the answer is no, I never did.

"Oh come on, Aurel, you promised to stay over at my house tonight," Jeni continues with a hint of sadness because I forgot a promise I never actually made. I glance briefly towards Aunt Anna, who is also looking at me. So, Aurel, what will you say? I'm torn between Jeni's gaze and Aunt Anna's.

"Oh, um, I..." I stutter.

"Come on, you wouldn't leave me alone at home, would you?" Jeni pleads, deepening the wrinkles on my forehead.

"Where's Mrs. Kim?" Aunt Anna asks, seemingly familiar with Jeni's parents.

"Mommy, Daddy, and George are visiting grandma. Usually, my little brother doesn't want to go, but for some reason, he insisted on going this time, so I'm home alone," Jeni explains.

"Oh, that's why Mrs. Kim hasn't been by to order bread for two days," Aunt Anna adds, nodding her head. Then, they both turn their attention to me.

Well, continue your conversation, why are you staring at me? Of course, they're waiting for your answer, what else, Aurel, think.

"Um, I forgot that I made plans with you," I nervously reply.

"That's just great," Jeni sighs.

"I even went all the way to pick you up," Jeni continues, causing me to shift my gaze to the backyard. I only see one bike here. Don't tell me she rode her bike here to pick me up?

"You biked here?" Aunt Anna asks.

"Yes, Mrs. Smith. I'm not allowed to drive alone yet," Jeni answers.

"So?" Jeni looks at me this time, and I raise an eyebrow.

"Oh yeah, Auntie, I completely forgot that I had plans with Jeni. That's why I didn't tell you. Can I go with her?" I ask, looking at Aunt Anna. She doesn't answer right away. I know she's probably a little worried about letting me stay overnight somewhere else.

"Sure," Aunt Anna finally replies, making me a bit surprised. Really? Aunt Anna's giving me permission?

"I promise it's just for two days, Mrs. Smith," Jeni adds, reassuringly, probably sensing Aunt Anna's concern.

But wait, she said two days. I thought it was just for tonight.

"Yes, but remember, don't go anywhere after tonight," Aunt Anna instructs.

"Maybe just to the supermarket nearby to buy some snacks because Aurel and I have chosen a movie to watch two nights from now," Jeni cuts in, causing Aunt Anna to nod.

"Yes, I trust you. And don't go farther than the supermarket, understood? Also, never open the door if there's a late-night visitor."

"Aye aye, Mrs. Smith," Jeni replies enthusiastically.

"Alright, Aurel, I'll wait here," Jeni says, snapping me back to reality. I'm still unsure about what to do next.

"Come on, why are you still standing there? Aren't you going to pack for our two days together?" Jeni urges.

"Uh, yeah, just wait a moment," I reply. I quickly run to my room and pack a few clothes and some of my homework books. I don't need to bring too many books since the next two days are the weekend, and there's no school.

I stand up and hold onto Jeni's shoulder as she swings her bike. Once we're a sufficient distance from the house, I'll start asking Jeni what all of this means.

"Jen—"

"Yeah, I know you're probably shocked, but can you save all your questions for later when we get home? I can't talk while riding my bike," Jeni says, making me quiet again as I observe my surroundings.

It takes about fifteen minutes of biking to reach Jeni's house. She puts her bike in the garage and leads me inside. Jeni's house is not much different from Aunt Anna's, or so it seems. The interiors are similar too. Jeni takes me to her room, and I place my backpack beside the rather large bed.

Jeni pulls a chair and sits across from me, as if preparing for the questions I've been holding back.

"So, do I need to explain?" she asks, making me roll my eyes. Of course, you do.

"Yes, of course you need to explain. You know, your unexpected visit forced me to lie to Aunt Anna," I retort.

"Yeah, yeah, sorry about that. It wasn't planned, and it really was an accident," she replies, making me raise an eyebrow.

"So?"

"Actually, I wasn't entirely lying. My family is indeed visiting grandma for a few days, and I was too bored to stay home alone without any friends," she explains.

"Then you came and dragged me into this?"

"Hey, I didn't drag you. I asked Mrs. Smith for permission nicely," she defends herself.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. So, what else? I know you haven't told me everything," I guess, and she smiles widely, confirming my suspicion.

Jeni pulls her chair closer as if the next part of the conversation is the most crucial.

"Here," Jeni says, taking out two cards and placing them in front of me. They look like greeting cards, but not quite – more like membership cards.

"What's this?" I ask.

"These are entrance cards to the club party."

"Club party?" I murmur.

"Yes, tonight there's a party at Maudy's place, and all club members are invited. Since you're already part of the swim club, I asked Maudy to give you one of these cards too."

"No way," I firmly reply.

"Come on, please. I don't want to go alone."

"Why don't you stay at Maudy's place then? Aren't you cousins?"

"The problem is, my relationship with Maudy's older brother isn't that great," she explains.

"Your male cousin?" I ask.

"No, not my cousin. He's Maudy's stepbrother. They have different mothers," Jeni clarifies, helping me understand their less-than-good relationship.

"So, that's why I'm inviting you. Please, just this once," Jeni pleads, making me even more annoyed. I really don't want to go. I don't want to lie to Aunt Anna any further, and I already know what kind of party Jeni and I would be attending – blaring music, the stench of alcohol, couples shamelessly cuddling, and groups of people playing truth or dare games. I know the whole setup from reading novels and watching Western movies. Parties like that are bound to be like that.

"Jen, I don't like parties."

"That's probably because you've never been to one. I promise Maudy's party will be fun," she persuades, and I know exactly what she means by "fun."

"Please, just tonight," she adds.

"I didn't bring any party clothes," I say, coming up with an excuse.

"Come on, our sizes are the same, and just for tonight, let me dress you up," she says enthusiastically. I know better than to let Jeni be in charge of dressing me up.

"No, I can do it myself," I reply, then I stand up and head towards Jeni's closet. I'll have to borrow clothes from her since I only brought home clothes.

And I truly can't believe what's in Jeni's closet.

"Jen, don't you have any other clothes?" I ask.

"What kind of clothes are you looking for?" Jeni questions, then she comes closer and picks out a few outfits for me.

"I think this will suit you," she says while holding up ripped denim shorts and a tank top with one strap.

"No, find me long pants and a long top," I say, and my response causes Jeni to fold her arms in front of her chest, then she scans me from top to bottom.

"Ah, I know the perfect style for you," she says with a smile that slightly scares me.

Afterwards, Jeni starts rummaging through her closet and instructs me to put on the clothes she's chosen. For some reason, I just remain silent and follow her lead. Has she hypnotized me or something?

"See, I was right. You do look great in that style," Jeni says with a satisfied smile, gazing at me. I'm just standing there in a daze. I'm pretty sure I'll be going to the party wearing this outfit.

Jeni has me wear a knee-length black skirt paired with a loose red t-shirt, not forgetting the white sneakers she recommended. Well, this isn't too bad.

"Come on, we'll be late if you keep refusing. I haven't even prepared myself yet," Jeni says, then starts picking out her own outfit.

Once we're ready, we head downstairs. Wait, am I supposed to ride a bike in a skirt?

"Jen, I'll change into pants instead of this skirt," I say.

"We don't have much time, Aurel."

"But I can't bike in a—"

"Who said we're biking?" she interrupts, and yet again, she gives me a smile that worries me. As expected, after this, Jeni leads me to the garage and opens the car door for me. I don't immediately get in. I stare at Jeni with an "Are you serious?" expression.

"Get in," Jeni says.

"Are you sure you can drive this thing?"

"Of course, are you doubting me?" Jeni responds, then pushes me into the car. Afterward, she walks around and enters the car through the driver's side.

"I hope I can still see the sun tomorrow," I mutter, making Jeni chuckle softly.