We stayed like that for the rest of the term.
Me and Gina—no calls, no messages. She blocked me, and I did the same. Honestly, I had zero intention of going back. I got used to it… just like I'd gotten used to failed friendships before.
As for John, we kept walking to school together every day, going back together too—until my parents finally moved back home. Surprisingly, my dad's wife seemed to warm up to John. That was… unexpected. She gets along with everyone except me, which is still weird if you ask me.
And of course—Noel.
He didn't stop bothering me. He even started saying out loud how happy he was that Gina and I weren't friends anymore. Cute, right?
Want the truth?
I don't care about them. Whatever's happening between them is their problem. But the funny part? They don't have the guts to face me directly. They just throw comments here and there like cowards.
The doorbell rang.
I already knew—it had to be John.
Like I said, we'd become a package deal. School together, home together. He kept saying he wanted me to meet his grandma, and I kept asking him to wait. I needed time to breathe after everything.
Now though… I think I was ready.
I put on a long red dress, ankle boots, and a light jacket. The weather was finally cooling down, that kind of cold that sneaks up on you slowly. I left my hair down, adding a few front ties, pulling two loose braids to frame my face.
I heard John talking to my stepmom.
He sounded relaxed. Comfortable. Even my dad didn't freak out knowing I had a guy friend. Like I said before—John feels warm. The kind of person who makes you feel safe without even trying.
When I stepped out, I hugged him instinctively.
"Hey," I said.
"Hey," John replied with a smile.
"Are we going?" I asked, glancing nervously at my stepmom.
"Be back early," she said casually.
I blinked.
Wow. That was new.
I looked at John in shock. "What did you do?"
He grabbed my hand. "Bye!" he called, already pulling me outside.
"John! How did you convince them, you maniac?"
"Trade secret. You wouldn't understand."
"No, seriously—what did you say?"
"Honestly? I don't even know. Let's leave before they change their minds."
I laughed. "You're unbelievable."
"I know," he said proudly. "A little reckless."
"A little?" I laughed. "More like a lot."
When we got to his house, the moment we stepped inside, I felt it.
Warm.
Cozy.
Clean but lived-in.
If John hadn't told me about their financial situation, I would've assumed they were doing just fine.
I sat down, looking around while John went to talk to his grandma, who was already busy in the kitchen preparing food—for me.
When she came in carrying plates, I stood up instinctively, studying her gentle smile.
"Welcome, dear," she said. "This is the first time John brings one of his friends over, isn't it?"
I froze for half a second.
Wait… was I really the first?
"Thank you," I replied, smiling back.
"I made some cake and pastries. You can take some home too, if you'd like. Maybe for your parents."
"That's really kind of you," I said honestly. And it was—she truly was sweet.
8:00 PM
Gina stood in front of her mirror, finishing her makeup.
A tight short black dress. Expensive heels. Exactly what you'd expect from someone raised comfortably.
"When is he coming?" she muttered. "I can't wait."
She rushed downstairs.
"Mom, does my hair look better down or tied up?" she asked, spinning slightly.
"Tied," her mother replied confidently. "Men like a woman who looks elegant… captivating. Someone whose features pull them in."
Gina rolled her eyes. "Wow, Mom, are you really giving me love advice now? From experience that clearly didn't work?"
"You don't understand," her mother said firmly. "But what I'm saying is true."
"Yeah, yeah," Gina said distractedly as her phone rang.
"Noel," she answered. "Good evening… Are you here?"
"Yes. I'm waiting."
She grabbed her bag. "Bye, Mom. Love you."
Her mother blew her a kiss.
Back at John's place, the house was quiet.
John sat in the corner, playing the guitar.
I didn't know he could do that. Or… so many things, actually. He was talented. Just unnoticed.
I listened, letting the music sink in.
It's a beautiful thing—having people who understand you. Who don't question every word you say. Who don't need explanations. Who just get you.
"What?" John laughed suddenly. "Are you talking to yourself again?"
I laughed. "No. I was just thinking."
He grinned mischievously. "Sure."
"Hey!"
"Okay, okay. I'll stop. Promise."
"When does your shift start?" I asked.
He hesitated. "Soon… I'm sorry we didn't spend more time."
"It's fine," I said quickly. "Actually—hire me."
"What?" He looked shocked.
"I want to make money," I said seriously. "I feel useless sometimes. My dad controls everything. If you can help me find a job—yours or somewhere nearby—tell me."
He stared at me for a moment.
"What?" I shrugged. "I'm just like you."
He laughed. "I'll walk you home."
"Oh. Okay."
I won't lie—
this kind of care?
It makes me happy.
To be continued…