7th July

What day is it?

Any takers for 500? Going once, going twice. No takers? I'll take it then. What? Did you want it? Too bad, I make the rules.

It's Thursday or Thor's Day.

So, anyway, on today's itinerary, I don't really have much planned. Of course, I gotta go visit Chloe again, but otherwise, I don't have anything else to do. Fable's going to school, Mom's going to work and dad's probably going to be asleep the entire day. I'm on my own again.

Rolling out of bed, I just fell onto the floor and let out a groan.

Maybe I can sleep a little more.

My eyes shut by themselves.

So, wanna hear a story I just came up with?

Imagine someone writing a story about a blind person, but it's from the first-person perspective. Seriously, no visual descriptions at all? Something's bound to go wrong. Or what if they write a story about a deaf person? No conversations at all? I guess there are ways around them, but dang would it be challenging.

Right, story.

So there are two people. One is a little girl who loves cute stuff like most other people. The other is a boy that just loves to mess around. The little girl grew up kinda shy of other people, you know? But the boy loves dragging people around. So one day, when the boy's favourite person to drag around transferred out of elementary school, he ended up looking at the girl mentioned.

They got along as great as oil and water, the boy being oil and the girl being water. This is important to the story.

So the girl kept getting dragged around by the guy and was getting kinda annoyed at it, so one day she asks him to stop. The boy might have liked her, I don't know. The girl most definitely didn't like him, that I know.

That specific day, there was a reason for the rejection.

You see, the boy's rather special, and had balls of steel. By that, I mean that he was fearless and would do some of the stupidest things imaginable. He had started dragging that girl around for about a month, and they had already climbed a tree to pick fruit, snuck onto restricted areas and mess up someone's lawn. They got scolded for it. Not sure if the boy found it romantic or whatever, but the girl sure as hell was not enjoying his company. The only reason she was following him around was that she had no other friends to play with. How sad.

So, on that specific day, the boy was all like "Let's go to the haunted house in the nearby forest!"

Obviously, the girl was all like "Yo, what the fuck?"

The girl didn't actually say that, but you get my meaning. For some context, the haunted house is some abandoned house in a forest that has yet to be touched. Now, rumours have it that they were going to start demolishing the house soon, which might have been why that boy was so dead set on entering it.

Now, the girl isn't that bad, so she follows him into the forest in secret.

He brought a torchlight and a camera, most likely to take pictures of stuff in his house. From what I remember, he loved keeping pictures. The girl hid behind a tree where she could see him enter the haunted house. Something was definitely wrong with the house, and after some time, the girl noticed what was going on.

There were wires and other stuff connected to the house. The adults appeared after the boy had walked into the house.

The girl had noticed it, she could have very well run to the adults to tell them about the boy. Or she could have told the boy before he went into the house. But what did she do instead? She squatted a safe distance away, eyes wide.

A thought crossed her mind as she made that decision.

'What if he could finally leave me alone?'

For just a moment, that one thought had kept her in place for just a moment. She squatted by, hiding behind a tree, seeing the boy through one of the windows. He seemed to also notice her, so he raised his hand to wave, a dumb grin on his face.

Kaboom~

She heard cheers off to the side as the adults celebrated the demolition of the haunted house. Going home, she felt kinda bad, but this girl was special. She just pretended that nothing happened, just acted like everything was normal.

Missing person report. Lost child.

No one knew where he had left his home to go.

The girl was asked questions, but she denied any knowledge of what had gone on. She did not even mention that the boy had gone to the haunted house.

What did I say? Like oil and water, am I right?

Guess my dad could say it's 'morbid'. Mom would love a story like this. We have the same sense of humour. I'm kinda like her clone, but younger.

What does this story tell us? No idea. Thought I was going to make a joke about the boy being like oil and a single spark might have ended him. But the girl, being water, was shaken momentarily before returning to her original state. Take it however you want, I don't care.

Opening my eyes, guess what? Late morning. Man, I really overslept there.

Let me see…

I'm on the floor. How the frick did that happen?

I got off the floor and plopped myself onto the bed. I'm way too tired for some reason. Is this what people call oversleeping? When feeling like this, I assume most people would want to drink coffee, but I'm on a strict no coffee rule. I drank it a couple of times, and my Mom got pretty mad at me.

Wanna hear the story?

So one time when I reached the tender age of thirteen, I finally decided to give the coffee a taste. Being face to face with my Mom, who doesn't drink coffee, by the way, I thought I would be more mature if I finished the whole cup.

Caffeine… It makes your brain go fast. But what if it went fast, but for the wrong reasons? I just kinda became a little weird, kinda like a drunk person. I was on a high that made me act like a public embarrassment. My Mom, seeing this, decided it was best for me to go home instead of embarrassing her in public.

Neat story, huh?

Get my day started. What to do? Usual routine, don't want to go on a whole speech about routine again. I stared at myself through the mirror. I'm kinda tired. Can I just stay home and tell stories instead of going out? It's tiring outside, and I will rather be somewhere where there are fewer people.

Text message.

I put my glasses on and pulled out my phone. Well, what is this? An unknown number texted me 'We need to talk'. Ain't this interesting?

I stepped out of my bathroom, my hair still wet and uncomfortable, but who cares? I texted back 'About?'

'Candy.'

Heh. Skip over the next part if you don't wanna waste your time.

'I like sour candies. They really provide a balanced flavour that doesn't make me want to vomit. Specifically the not-so-sour kind of sour candies. Those are good. Especially gummies, sour gummies, I love those. I like to nibble on them. But they do get stuck between my teeth sometimes, so that's annoying. Hard candy, not a fan of it, but I'll still eat it. Besides that, I'm just not a big fan of sweet things. I like milk chocolate and all, but I prefer dark chocolate. Hey, what kind of candies do you like? I guess most people wouldn't have a favourite candy if you ask them, but that's more fun, right? Since you don't need to make a choice. But decisions do get muddled, and I have no idea how people can argue about candies seriously. Like, grow up, man. You wanna talk about candied apples? Not a fan. I don't like those apples that have a kinda sandy texture. Those taste disgusting and should be wiped from the existence of this Earth. But the crunchy ones are harder to bit into when candied, and I've had some really solid candied apples. I even hit someone with it before. I like apples, but I prefer oranges and tangerines. Tangerines are great, because of the white things that get stuck on the fruit, I can just focus on peeling those off for hours before actually eating the fruit. It's fun, and I don't know why people don't do it more. Orange-flavoured stuff tastes kinda weird, but I guess that's just how it is. Tangerines though are great as fruits. The only problem is that they're seasonal, so that's a bummer. Another fruit I like is watermelon. Someone once told me that if they were in complete isolation with no water and only one food, they would pick watermelon because of the water content. Watermelon's great and all, but I would rather have something nicer to eat. I was thinking soup, but the salt content does make things complicated. Besides that, if I was in that situation, I would probably give up and accept my fate and die. That sort of question makes it feel like a 'what would be your last meal on death row?' kinda question. Personally, in that situation, I would absolutely go for something savoury. I've seen people go for sweet things, and I get it, you can have anything you want. I'm just not one for sweet things, I guess. I would probably choose an expensive plate of fish and chips if I'm being serious. Maybe a piece of bread topped with another piece of bread and covered with another piece of bread to make a bread sandwich. Think about it, a bread sandwich. It's a slice of bread between two other pieces of bread. Is it a sandwich if the bread's a topping? I mean, it's kinda like the question of whether ice could be called water if it's solid water. I mean, scientifically it makes sense, it's water in the solid-state. So if ice is water, can you drink it? And if you can't drink ice because it's solid, what happens when you drink a slushie or a milkshake? Even when you chew ice, it'll melt to give you water, and the ice will melt in your stomach anyway, so you'll be consuming a liquid regardless, so technically, you are drinking ice. Or ice cream. Ice cream is eaten as a solid but becomes a liquid at room temperature. Also, people like licking ice cream, but say they're eating ice cream. Wouldn't it be drinking if they're licking it up and it becomes liquid? How do you eat a liquid? I also think that licking ice cream is an inefficient way of consuming it. You're giving the thing time to melt, and if you're licking it, it's also kinda gross to look at you. My favourite ice cream flavour is salted caramel. I like the contrast between the sweet and salty in a cold dessert. Ever tried ice cream pressed between bread? I like that it gives it something to hold the ice cream with and forces people to bite when eating. Eating ice cream sometimes freezes your teeth, so that hurts. I guess a spoon will do fine as well, but it's kinda troublesome to wash the spoon. Using a disposable spoon makes me feel bad, so I end up washing them too to use the next time I eat ice cream. Ever seen someone use chopsticks to eat ice cream? I have, and they're freaking weird. Instead of normal chopsticks, they tried using the breadsticks you sometimes find on ice cream, you know, the crispy biscuit things. I don't know how they did it, but they did it. People sure are weird, aren't they? Like, why hone useless skills, you know? Cool party tricks, sure, but to get a job? Nah. The only place you could earn money with these weird tricks is online, and even then your chances of success are about as low as most people's self-esteem. Even if you did make it big, you can fall off the face of the planet in an instant when someone tweets 'You're [insert term used to label those of discriminatory tendencies]'. Wild, ain't it? Then their public lives will be forever forsaken, and the more they try to climb back up, the more they realise it's almost impossible. Now those people have to work at Starbucks and listen to someone give a ten-page long order with seventeen secret brewing techniques developed in the Himalayan Mountains that they expect every barista to know like the back of their hand. So yeah, I like sour candies, what about them?'

There was a long pause, so I put my phone down to dry my hair. In case anyone is wondering how I manage to type all of that out so fast, most of it was already typed out as a note on my phone. I just have to copy-paste and send. The only parts not involved would be the one on candy, so I just had to type out the opening sentence and the last…

Yeah, I'm bored, what about it?

Ding.

'I'm Lokesh, I was with Candace yesterday. I wanted to speak with you, so I managed to get your number from Candace.'

Ohhhhhhhhhh.

He meant that kind of candy. I thought he wanted to discuss candies. Or doughnuts.

Also, does Candace have my number? Why has she never bothered to contact me? I could have sent her so many types of texts and pictures. Maybe one of those pictures where I do the kissy face and a love heart.

Seems fun. Maybe next time.

'I don't mind, where do you wanna meet up?'

This seems interesting and also highly dangerous. I might get hurt if he wants to beat me up for making out with his girl pal. Guess what? I don't care. What can be entertaining to me, I will do.

He suggested we meet up at a local family restaurant. Why do they call it a family restaurant? Well, your family goes there to have a meal. Most people who go there seem to go on dates or with friends. I know that because they tend to talk really really loud.

Maybe he's hitting on me?

That would be very interesting.

Dear Candace, the guy you went out with yesterday just texted me. I don't know what he's planning to do, but it might end really badly for both you and that guy. Hell, make it three if you add me.

I left the house with my glasses. It's just a simple meet-up, so it seemed like a waste of time to try and put my contacts on.

This family restaurant he suggested we meet up at is not just any ordinary family restaurant. It's a special restaurant that I've actually been to a couple of times.

I brought only my wallet and phone. I wore this wacky outfit my Mom passed down to me. It has purple, grey and black splashes on it, a dull colour, but somehow striking at the same time. To pair with it, a pair of normal pants that reached just past my knee. Boyish, I know, but what's the point of prettying myself up?

"Good morning," I greeted one of the staff.

I looked around until I saw someone signalling me. I walked over. Indeed, the person sitting there was the guy I saw with Candace at the town fair. I slid into the seat, greeting him, "Hello, Hello, Hello. How do you do?"

The guy said his name was Lokesh?

He was definitely older than me. A year ago, I would have never gotten the courage to sit with someone like him.

"I'm fine," He replied.

I picked the menu up, asking him, "Are you not getting anything to eat? I woke up not too long ago, so I'm absolutely starving. Mind if I order something for myself real quick?"

"I don't mind."

"Perfect!"

I called a waitress over and pointed at the menu. "Hi, can I have a stack of three pancakes? One normal, one chocolate chip and one blueberry. Pair that with a glass of orange juice, thank you."

After the waitress walked away, I faced Lokesh with a smile. "Whazzup?"

"I just want to talk about Candy," He told me, but cleared his throat. "I mean, Candace."

"You're dating her?" I asked.

"Kind of," He said, his tone revealing a hint of uncertainty. "We've been dating for two months or so."

"Did you do the sex?"

He gave me a look. I laughed it off, waving in front of me apologetically. "Sorry, sorry. You guys can do anything you want with your private life, I don't have the right to judge."

I put my chin on my palm. "What do you wanna know?"

He fidgetted with his fingers. "Well, firstly… Are you, by chance, les?"

Pause.

Does he realise what he just asked me?

I let out a laugh again before telling him, "No, no. I don't have any romantic attraction toward Candace. I kissed her cause she always leans so close to me when threatening me. It's been a long time coming, and I've been wanting to do that for a long time."

"Then about Candace trying to go after the hottest guy in your school, could you tell me more about it?" Lokesh continued.

"I've seen Candace try to flirt with the hottest guy in school," I confirmed. "Not exactly sure what her stance is, but I can most definitely tell that the guy she's going after is not interested in her."

I snapped my fingers.

"I get it," I grinned. "You're absolutely smitten with Candace, aren't you?"

"What?"

"Are you not? Cause if I'm wrong, this would make for a very awkward conversation moving forward."

He sighed and did a small shrug, confessing, "Yes, it's true. I've only been dating Candy for two months, but I feel like I need her to move on, you know?"

What in the actual fuck does he see in Candace?

"I've been in relationships before, but this is the only time where my chest hurts when I hear her being with other guys. She tells me not to worry, but I just can't help but wonder how I can keep her even closer."

Forget what he sees in Candace, this guy looks like a walking red flag.

"Hey, I know," I suggested a suggestion.

I… I really just used 'suggestion'...

Let's ignore that. I continued with my offer, "We can help each other in this scenario, don't you think?"

"Help?"

"I don't want to see Candace be with Mr Popular back in my school," I explained to him. "I would never hear the end of it, and it's just flat-out annoying. You want Candace to yourself, so I see this as an absolute win-win situation."

Lokesh hesitated.

Pancakes are here. I thanked the waitress as she set down the plate of pancakes, the glass of orange juice and the receipt for paying at the counter. I was reading the receipt to make sure everything was right when gave his answer.

"If you can make sure Candace doesn't end up with him, I don't mind working with you," He agreed.

"Amazing!" I smiled.

"But it can't stop there," Lokesh continued. "I want to make sure she doesn't break up with me, ever. If she goes, I don't know what I would do…"

Seriously, keep it in your pants.

"The rest is up to you," I shrugged. "I'm just here to make sure she doesn't hook up with Mr Popular. I can't exactly help you with keeping her interested in you."

"Fair enough."

"Commemoration selfie!" I announced, pulling out my phone and snapping a picture of the two of us.

"What's that for?" Lokesh demanded.

"It's to remind me of our deal," I told him, keeping my phone. "My memory is pretty bad, so I'm gonna need something to remember this event by. Also, it's fun to take pictures. I didn't even know about the selfie function until one year after I got my phone. Wild, ain't it?"

Lokesh nodded, his line of sight drifting off to the side. I continued to eat until he spoke up, "Just wondering, why did you send me that text?"

"What text?"

"The long one."

Oh yeah.

"Oh yeah," I held back a laugh. "It's this thing I prepared for potential scammers and impersonators. I'm just hoping that after reading all that they just give up on trying to scam me through text."

"That's… dumb," Lokesh said bluntly.

He doesn't know what he's talking about, don't listen to him.

"So, how did you convince Candace to give you my number?" I asked him.

"I told her I wanted to confront you," He replied.

Makes sense.

Before I was done, Lokesh got up from his seat, telling me, "I'll take my leave first. I'm trusting that you do what you promised."

"Got it, no probs."

Man, are people always so serious? The way he phrased it makes it feel like I'm doing some kind of illegal drug deal with the mafia. Granted, it would be epic to be a part of that, but I'm just not that kind of gal.

I'm stuffed. I thought pancakes were easy to eat but as it turns out: No. I paid for my food and I'm on my way. I thought about going home straight away, but I saw something that made me change my mind.

I was going to visit Chloe at Kaster's later today. It has occurred to me that I may be unable to visit her so often next week when I have to return to school. So why not give her a present while I'm still able to visit.

Let's see… does she like dolls? Plushies? I have no idea.

I went into the shopping mall which was a surprisingly long awk away from the family restaurant. Like, holy hell it was further than I expected.

At least there's air conditioning.

I think it's the same shopping mall I went to with Catherine way back when. I can't exactly remember when exactly, but I'll just assume it was a week ago.

Going around, there weren't too many people walking around. It's a weekday morning, I understand. Looking around, I eventually came across a chocolate store. Maybe I could buy Chloe some chocolates? Kids love sweet things, right? Maybe I could tease her by buying some dark chocolate as well.

I hope she's not lactose intolerant.

At the chocolate store, I was just minding my own business. I got a couple of chocolate bars and a small chocolate horse which I thought was rather funny.

What else could I get Chloe? I don't intend to spend too much, but it's for Chloe. She's basically the little sister I never got to have.

Maybe something that will last. How about a plushie? I could give her Peel, but that's the plushie Catherine gave to me, so I can't possibly throw it out. Instead, why don't I buy her a completely new one?

An avocado plushie? It's an avocado cut in half and had a smiley face on the seed. It's cute.

I saw it on sale at a store, so I stared at it for a few moments. There were other plushies as well, sharks, snakes, literally every animal you can find in the Lion King, and one Minion. Why not?

I grabbed one of them and paid for it. Now in my hand, I had two plastic bags, one with chocolates and another with an avocado plushie. I don't have anything else to do, should I go home instead?

Seriously, today has got to be one boring day. I got nothing planned. How's your day?

Before I could die of boredom, there was an unlikely coincidence. Tall and pretty. I feel like I've seen that girl somewhere before. Wait, I most definitely have, we met yesterday.

She turned around and noticed me too, her eyes widening. I waved and approached her. My oh my, what is Fable's girlfriend doing out here on a school day?

"Whatcha doing here?" I asked her. "Isn't it a school day today?"

"I had a match today," Yin replied awkwardly. "So I was allowed to leave after my match ended."

"That's nice," I nodded. "At least you didn't get suspended or anything."

"Yeah…"

Yin glanced behind her. She was in front of a bookstore, not exactly entering, and she doesn't look like she bought anything from the store either. I asked her, "Were you inside the bookstore just now?"

"Yeah," She confirmed. "I was looking through some manga."

"Manga? You read them?"

Yin glanced off to the side. "Yeah… Fable recommended a couple of them to me, so I was thinking of reading some of them."

Does she not know I live in the same house as Fable?

"That's great!" I exclaimed, holding her hand. "It's great that you're getting along with Fable. He's kinda anti-social, so it's nice knowing he has such a nice girlfriend."

I stared her directly in the eyes. "Right?"

She let out a small laugh before shrugging. "I can't exactly say yes to that. I would be sounding too arrogant."

Yin stared at me for a moment, so I struck a pose to see how she would react. She laughed lightly before asking me, "Have we really never met before yesterday?"

"I dunno," I shrugged. "If we have, I can't remember."

Out of the corner of my eye, I could vaguely see someone looking in our general direction. I smiled at Yin, who asked me, "I was wondering, are you and Fable twins? I mean, since you two are in the same grade and all."

"Nope!"

"You're not?"

I laughed it off, stepping away. "It's complicated."

I glanced behind me and apologised to her, "Sorry, but I gotta go. See you next time."

"Alright…"

Now, what exactly is dear Yin hiding? She claims that Fable recommended manga to her. Puh-lease, the only thing that guy does is game. If he read anything, he might be more emotional. Instead, he shoots things in games and yells at people online. I know for a fact he doesn't read manga because he mentioned it before.

I managed to catch a glimpse of the person looking at us, but I think that was just some stranger completely unrelated to Yin. Instead, another person showed up.

…

I'm not so much surprised that it's a guy. I'm surprised because I think I know the guy. Captain of the guy's volleyball team. Tall, good-looking, constantly with Mr Popular. I don't know his name, but he has certainly been talked about.

Never was interested in him, even in the past. But other girls were, and so it seems Yin.

They could just be hanging out as people do, but I doubt it. If she was just there to hang out, why lie to me? When they got far enough, I sat down on one of the random seats they have at shopping malls.

Dear Fable. Poor Fable.

Whatever, none of my business. Besides, there are other things I can do instead.

Back at home, I noticed something strange. My dad was awake and sitting on the couch. I entered the house, greeting, "Morning. Aren't you usually asleep at this time?"

"I was," He agreed. "But then I ended up waking up. So I'm catching up on the news."

Noted.

I dropped my stuff off in my room. I stepped out, making sure my room's door was closed when I called out, "I'll be going out later today."

"Okay," He called back. "Just let your mother know whether she has to get dinner."

I disappeared back into my room.

Let me just casually waste an hour or so before I left the house wearing the same clothing. I carried a bag filled with stuff I wanted to give to Chloe. Heading out, I told my dad, "I'll be off. Going to meet someone."

"Is it a guy?" He joked.

I returned a playful smile. "Nope. It's a girl."

I laughed, leaving before he could ask me any further questions. Too bad, dad.

On the bus, I was unfortunately situated beside a baby stroller. I thought it was a good idea to stand instead of sit because there were a couple of old people around the back, but guess what? A stroller.

The baby was calmly asleep, and the mother was looking at her phone.

At least the baby's asleep.

I noticed the stroller starting to shift as the bus made a turn. To prevent the stroller from rolling away, I placed my foot in front of one of the wheels. The mother hasn't noticed. My foot remained there for a solid half of my journey before the mother finally realised what was going on.

She's the type to leave a baby in her car while she goes shopping, isn't she?

I'm at Kaster's now.

Checking in. Checked in. I'm in.

When I entered, Chloe was napping. One of the adults working there explained that the kids at Kaster's have designated napping times. Well great, I'm left with nothing to do but wait for her to wake up.

"Um… excuse me," One of the staff tapped my shoulder and said softly. "The Director wants to speak with you."

The director? Why?

I followed the staff member to the Director's office. I hadn't been around here for so long that I forgot the Director existed. That's awkward.

"In there," One of them showed me the way.

I entered the office and was immediately face-to-face with the Director. She was a mean old lady with an amazing sense of style. She adjusted her glasses and faced me with her strict eyes. "--- ----, or is it Sullivan now?"

"I don't go by Sullivan, Ms Granger," I replied with a smile. "My Mom may approve of it, but I still don't like that name."

"Well, whatever," Ms Granger sighed, pushing a few documents aside. "I see that you've become quite acquainted with one of the kids."

"Chloe's a darling, isn't she?"

"Well, I've been informed of Chloe's situation," Ms Granger said. "And I find it appropriate to seek your opinion."

"Shoot."

"Chloe is an orphan with nowhere to go. Would you let her be put up for adoption?"

"No."

"I know it's difficult, but the child needs a family," Ms Granger insisted. "You know her circumstances."

"I know," I nodded. "But I'm not going to decide it. Chloe will be the one to choose."

"Then when will you tell her about her parents?" Ms Granger demanded.

I stared her dead in the eyes, maintaining my smile. "When I decide it's appropriate to tell her."

"It better be quick," Ms Granger grumbled.

"Why rush?"

Ms Granger looked back at me. I returned the gaze. She stood up and approached me. "Not everyone thinks like you. Chloe can't stay here forever. You were here for a year-"

"A year and a half," I corrected.

"You've never experienced what some of the kids here have experienced," Ms Granger continued. "We may be giving you a chance to decide Chloe's immediate future, but eventually, we will have to take things into our own hands."

"No problems."

I let out a small laugh which probably surprised Ms Granger. I told her, "Why so serious? No worries, I'll do what has to be done. What? Do you think I'll develop special feelings for Chloe and try to shelter her?"

"Yes. That's exactly what I'm worried about!"

"I know myself better," I stated. "I like Chloe, she's like a little sister to me. Telling her these things just need a little bit of time. Have some patience."

Ms Granger sighed and sat back down. She picked up and tossed a stack of paper aside. She told me without even looking at me, "In one month, if Chloe doesn't make a decision yet, we'll immediately put her up for adoption."

"Sure."

Before I could leave, Ms Granger added on. "Oh, and ---, try to accept reality, okay?"

I shut the door behind me. How frustrating. I love Ms Granger, she's a real nice lady, but to try and influence me to do things? Nu-uh, don't do that.

But hey, I got things under control.

Chloe had already woken up and was rubbing her eyes. I snuck in, surprising her by throwing the avocado plushie directly at her head. She fell back onto her bed, her face showing a mix of confusion and frustration.

"Surprise!" I announced myself.

I showed her chocolate and stuff, but today seemed a little lighthearted. God dammit Ms Granger, you just had to come along and ruin my mood. Anyways, Chloe loved the chocolates, so I left them with her. Who knows? Maybe she'll be able to share them with the other kids at the orphanage.

"Are you coming tomorrow?" Chloe asked me unexpectedly early on.

"Hm… maybe," I told her. "Maybe I'll bring special chocolate tomorrow."

"Really?"

I laughed and chatted away with her. It's kind of a downer. I have to eventually tell her about her parents, but I don't quite know how to go about it. Especially when Chloe's been trying so hard to distract herself.

Soon.

Checking out… I'm out.

On the way back, I simulated several ways my conversation with Chloe might go. Despite how close we looked, we weren't close at all. Hell, I never even told Chloe my name. I don't even know much about Chloe either.

Hell, I don't care anymore.

At home, who else is there other than the man, the myth, the legend, Fable. Some might even call him the fabled man. Get it? Cause his name?

"Whatcha doing outside your room?" I asked when I walked in. "Get kicked out again?"

Fable sighed, shaking his head. "Nah, I wasn't."

"Then?"

"Mom's trying to clean my room, and she got pretty pissed," Fable told me.

"What? Got things to hide?" I joked. "Maybe some illegal mangas that you haven't been telling me about?"

"I don't read mangas."

"Uh, let me correct that," I corrected him. "You don't read. Period."

"Fuck off."

I stood around as the sound of a vacuum came from Fable's room. I continued talking to him. "You're not hanging out with Yin today? Unusual for both you and Mom to be home this early."

"Yin had a competition today," Fable sighed.

"You guys worked out a day before she had a competition?" I asked.

"Yeah," Fable nodded. "Yin said she was fine. She went home early today because of the competition and all."

"Seems reasonable."

There was a pause again. I went back to my room to have a shower and drop my stuff off while I was at it. Right after I exited the shower and dried my hair, Mom called me over for dinner.

For dinner, we have fish and chips. Mom also bought a couple of strawberry sundaes that were chilling in the freezer.

"This Sunday, your father and I have decided to go on a family outing," My Mom declared. "No excuses, we have to go."

Good tactic, Mom. Take away my chance to refuse before I can refuse, just what I expected from my Mom.

"Where to?" I asked.

Fable was just quietly eating his food. Mom had a big smile on her face when she replied, "We're going to the amusement park."

Sounds dreadful.

I mean, yay. I love amusement parks.

I'm tired. End of the day. Get lost now, thanks.