Chapter 30: How Can I Be Ever Sick of Food?!

On the main road of Winterville, there's a thrift shop where I sometimes go to buy comfortable clothes. When people say that stuff here are good quality even if it's cheap, it really isn't bullshit.

I've been planning to buy a tuxedo for a while now for Jess and I's monthsary. I don't own any formal attires because, I mean, why would I get invited into anything, ever?

So, having a girlfriend before leaving town was a great jackpot.

Not only did the thrift shop have tuxedos, there was a wide array of tuxedos which can look legit if this was unblemished properly. Now that I'm shopping for the date, I might as well buy a jewelry or something for her while I'm at it.

This hype is already making me want to already say the four-letter word to her tomorrow.

-

My hands were completely full the rest of the afternoon. I finally picked out the perfect outfit and the perfect gift. Afterwards, I went back to Yuki to return my book and I also bought him different types of tea as a thanksgiving.

When I gave him the old 'how can I ever repay you' mantra, I had a feeling I shouldn't have said that because he started to grin. So, the other half of my afternoon, I was stuck at his house trying all these crazy different types of Ramen. To my surprise, it actually tasted great and he said he might un-retire to introduce these new blessings to the world. I didn't exactly knew what any of them were but after trying my fourth random bowl which he named 'The Yaki-soda', I was too scared to ask.

Before I left, he gave me a business card if I ever need anything again in the future. Right, business cards are a big deal in Japan. I saw that in a facts website yesterday as I was researching about their culture. What? I wanted to be respectful the next time I visit. To add some cherry on the top, he also already gave me his first batch and that I should share it to everyone at home. I wonder how sick Grumbly will be because of how much Ramen we've been eating for the past few days. Ramen is my favorite food but this is not what I meant.

It's already past dinner time when I came back home, so I think she wouldn't have to be disgusted by all of this.

"Ramen!" Rose instantly screamed the moment her eyes interlocked to the package I was carrying.

I laugh, "You're still not tired of eating these things?"

"How can I be ever sick of food?!" I laugh again.

While eating she asks, "Why'd you go home so late today?"

"Well," I start off joyfully, "I was buying something for my girlfriend."

"That Jessa girl again?"

"Jessica."

Rose stops eating, "I don't feel good about her."

I raise a brow, "Come on, I already told you before. She's good. And soon enough, I'll finally introduce you to her. So, get excited."

"I'd rather just eat a billion ramens."

I roll my eyes, "Anyway, can I please finally borrow the book you've been bragging about," I slide Jacob's journal to the table, "I already finished it."

"I'm actuawwy intewested in that book so gib me a wittle mowe time to fiwnish it!" Rose says.

"For the billionth time, Grumbly, finish your food before talking."

"Owkay, owkay!"

"You're doing it agai—"

My sentence got cut off because Aunt Maine suddenly entered the living room. Our eyes intertwine and I felt a little awkward. I purse my lips and nod and she tried to smile at me before going upstairs.

Rose looks at me suspiciously because of our encounter, "What did you tell her?"

"I told her this morning that we'll think about how we feel about leaving Winterville and we'll talk when we're ready. That is what we agreed on, remember?" I explained.

Rose sighed in relief, "Thank goodness. I wasn't done doing my research on dad, his business and the place we were going to move to."

"Woah, you little detective, you."

Should I be worried that she already knows the ways of stalking?

After snacking and some more chatting, I went up and prepared for the next day and the date. While I was going around my room, I see my sketchpad inside my bag. I haven't touched this in a while. Been so busy with the important stuff I've been taking care of.

I sit on my bed to take a look at all my drawings. Ah, right, the first time I tried acrylic paint, that was this year. It wasn't a great time. Then, I have a random drawing of Pepe the Frog from April 20? Okay? Hey, this one's pretty good, I drew the landscape of our backyard. I've forgotten about most of these.

I put myself in Malinda's shoes and think that having these random reactions is how she felt going through my sketches. I smile at the memory of us fighting the first time we met.

And then I flip it to the last thing I've done—a picture of Jessica. This reminded me of earlier when I was doing Malinda's dare. Why would she even ask me to close my eyes and then do nothing? And why did she randomly say my girlfriend's name?

I scoff. I look at the clock and it seems I have time to kill before I finish fixing up my things and sleep. A proper sleep is something I seriously need right now. The past few days have been actual hell and I couldn't do anything normal or good anymore. Well, my life hasn't always been normal and good even if it's just filled with school shit.

Thinking of just that one 's' word reminded me of earlier and my head drops down to the table. Mr. Teach told me to get on with my art project and go to school or I'd be forced into brutal confinement, I mean detention, this Saturday. But any time I'd draw something for the project, nothing looked good. I'm trying again right now and draw some small scenic drafts, but, still, nothing looked good. Maybe I should warm my hand up on something more familiar.

I didn't know why, but the first thing I thought to draw was her.