Chapter 15: Chapter 15

I'm sure that if before, people used to look at me with mocking gazes, I vividly remember how Maudy and the others stared at me with worried expressions. Now, I find myself scrutinizing the room I'm currently in. For some reason, the cold atmosphere pierces my skin, and it feels eerily quiet. I attempt to examine every object around me, and there's only me in this dark-themed room, yet I feel as if someone is watching me until the sound of the door interrupts my thoughts.

I haven't even had a chance to think about anything when Rex appears concerned and rushes over to me. He reaches out his hand and sighs, looking at my face, "Are you okay?" That's the first question that comes out of Rex's mouth, and I can only nod, looking at Rex with questioning eyes. Why is he here? The answer seems to come when I see Miss Brenda entering after Rex, is this her house?

"Brenda called me earlier. She said you're at her house," Rex continues, drawing my attention back to him. I don't even know how to answer Rex's questions. My mind seems empty, struggling to comprehend what just happened to me.

"Mom said you were staying at your friend's house. I was going to follow you, but Mom said you'd be fine. But what's this?" Rex asks, making me blink in confusion. His question reminds me of Jeni; I couldn't even find her anywhere before I disappeared from the party.

"Ah, Jeni," I utter to Rex.

"Your friend safely returned home." This time, Miss Brenda answers.

"You were partying and drinking alcohol. Luckily, there was a report from one of the parents to disperse the party. Otherwise, I don't know what you would've done next," Miss Brenda continues, causing Rex to click his tongue in annoyance.

"So, you went to the party with your friend, claiming you were staying over to accompany her?" Rex asks, causing me to bow my head, as that's indeed what happened. I deeply regret lying to Aunt Anna.

"It's not like that, Rex. I also didn't know she would take me to the party, and I couldn't refuse. Besides, I was a bit curious about the party they were having," I reply, making Rex look at me again with a disapproving gaze.

"If you want to party, I'll take you to the kind of party you want, not a wild drinking party with them," Rex quickly retorts, and I can only snort. Of course, he'd take me to a gathering of police officers discussing crime, hamburgers, and rifles. That's probably what my inner thoughts would sound like.

We then fall silent again, gazing toward Miss Brenda. "How did I end up at this house?" I ask curiously, causing Miss Brenda and Rex to exchange looks.

"Fortunately, one of your friends brought you before you actually fainted," Miss Brenda replies, furrowing my brow. My friend? I guess it's not a vague memory anymore; I recall a familiar aroma, someone embracing me warmly, and that's all I remember. But I'm sure it wasn't Maudy, Jace, Khloe, Kylie, or even Jeni, whom I didn't see until the end of the party. Before I can ask my question, Rex stands up from his seat.

"We're heading home. Mom is worried about you," Rex says, reminding me of my guilt towards Aunt Anna. Rex then extends his hand, leaving me momentarily silent as I observe his large palm that always holds mine. I reciprocate, getting up from the bed and exhaling a deep breath.

"Oh, my clothes?" I utter, realizing I'm now wearing a hoodie I don't recognize.

"Just wear that. I don't know where your clothes are," Miss Brenda answers, making me grimace again. Of course, I remember vividly how I stripped in front of people. I don't know what I'll face at school tomorrow. Can I persuade Aunt Anna and Rex to let me take a few days off from school?

"You can bring them back whenever," Miss Brenda adds, making me nod once more.

"Thank you," Rex says in his cold tone to Miss Brenda, who merely offers a thin smile. Afterward, she leads me out of the large house that I'm convinced is Miss Brenda's. We descend the stairs. I wonder why the atmosphere in that house was so chilly. Maybe it's because Miss Brenda lives alone; it must feel quite empty, I think. I continue to follow Rex's footsteps while adjusting his tall posture.

When we reach the yard, I stop in my tracks as I see someone standing there, and it seems Rex notices it too.

"Why?" Rex asks, then turns to look at me as I'm now fixated on a man facing away from us. Of course, I vividly remember that man's silhouette.

"Lia, we're going home," Rex says again, making me snap my attention towards him.

"Why is Gray here?" I ask Rex, prompting him to glance at Gray for a moment before answering my question.

"Well, this is his house," he replies, leaving me utterly disbelieving. What? Don't tell me he and Miss Brenda... I don't even continue my question as Rex swiftly responds.

"They're siblings," Rex answers quickly, making me gaze at Gray. No wonder he can do whatever he wants at school. When I think about it, they do share a resemblance.

"Stop staring. We need to go home, Lia," Rex continues, and I finally nod, following his steps again. Occasionally, though, I find myself looking back at Gray, who's watching us. I don't know why, but I'm fixated on his gaze, which is silently locked onto me. It's not the mocking look he usually gives, he's just standing there quietly, observing our departure, and it makes me feel uneasy. I decide to break my gaze.

Rex gently pushes me into the car, then he follows and sits in the driver's seat. The car slowly pulls away from Miss Brenda's house, yet for some reason, I keep wanting to turn back and gaze at the house. Well, perhaps it's because of someone who stood in the yard, wondering if they're still watching us. My futile efforts end as our car turns at the intersection. I need to prepare the answer I'll give Aunt Anna. I can imagine the worried expression on her face when she hears about this. I then turn to Rex, who's focused on driving.

"Did you really tell Aunt Anna about this issue?" I ask, causing Rex to respond with an annoyed look.

"Rex, I hope you didn't tell her," I continue, making Rex snort.

"Then what kind of answer should I give to my mom when I bring you home in the early hours like this?" Rex asks again, leaving me speechless.

"Just say I called you and said Jeni's parents were back, and I didn't feel comfortable with her family," I reply, causing Rex to look even more irritated.

"Think of some other ridiculous excuse. What's clear is that you need to make up for this mistake, Lia," Rex says, making me feel even guiltier.

"Slow down the car," I request, needing to think of an excuse to give Aunt Anna. Somehow, the journey feels quick as Rex stops the car right in front of our house. He exits the car while I still remain seated. I fidget with my nails, feeling nervous, until Rex opens the door for me.

"Come out. Don't think you can just stay in the car," he says, causing me to sigh in annoyance before finally getting out.

"I'm pretty sure Aunt Anna is still asleep, so let me just head straight to my room, okay?" I persuade, causing Rex to stare at me for a moment. He roughly rubs his face, and for some reason, I can see his frustration. Is he truly worried about me?

"I know I messed up, but I'm fine, really. I promise this will be the last time I cause any trouble. I won't lie or deceive you again," I say, making Rex eventually reach out and grasp my shoulder.

"Lia, you really scared the living daylights out of me. Just contact me if you want to go anywhere, and tell me what you want. Just say it to me. Never lie to me or deceive me again," he says, making me roll my eyes lazily. Isn't the term "deceive" a bit harsh? It's not like I planned for Jeni to show up, and it wasn't in my plans either.

"Alright, next time, I'll ask you," I reply, finally trying to soothe Rex.

"Alright then, go to your room and rest. You can have a day off from school today," Rex says, and I nod. But just as I'm about to reach the front porch of Rex's house, he speaks up again.

"Lia," he calls out, making me turn to look at him.

"Do you remember anything before you lost consciousness?" Rex asks, furrowing my brow. I don't know why, but I'm intrigued by Rex's question. I shake my head while trying to recall something.

"I don't know, but I'm sure someone helped me at that time," I reply, making Rex fall silent before nodding.

"Alright, rest up," he says.

"And you?" I ask.

"I have to get back to work. I'm still on duty," Rex answers.

"Oh, and one more thing. Mom is staying at the store, so you'll be alone at home. Lock the door properly and don't open it for anyone. Also, lock your bedroom door," he continues before getting back into the car. So, he was just bluffing to scare me. Well, I can guess Rex wouldn't want to tell Aunt Anna about this issue and worry his own mom either.

As Rex instructed, I lock the door, then head up to the second floor where my room is located. Thankfully, Rex allowed me to take a break today, even if it's just for one day. I'll rest and calm my mind.