Season 6 Sidestory

Bella's POV:

On Saturday evening, we gathered at Victoria's house according to the plan. My heart started beating fast, and I was anxious with anticipation. This was the first time that I will be spending the whole night with friends. Rather before this, I didn't even have friends and people used to ignore and isolate me. So, I want to make sure that today's evening is perfect, I always wanted to spend the whole night reading novels and discussing literature if I ever get to have friends and today, finally my dreams will come true. I was excited and nervous at the same time.

Upon arrival, I was awestruck as we walked down the glamorous corridor of Victoria's house. Can "someone be so rich?", I thought to myself, I knew Victoria came from a wealthy family, but it only took a second to realise that our status was completely different. The corridor was filled with antiques and the floor was carpeted. Everyone felt awkward yet it was exciting. Soon we were found sitting in Victoria's room as her maids brought in some snacks and juices, which we started munching on as we got busy gossiping. Everyone seemed happy and in a light mood, as we gossiped, soon I realized it was almost an hour since we arrived and no one seemed to remember the reason for our gathering. My heart started pounding loudly again, "would it be rude to remind them?" I wondered. This was the first time, I hosted an event, even though it wasn't my house, I should take some lead….right? Or should I wait? Anxiety kicked me, as I placed my snacks down and stood up from my chair.

Me: Hope, all of you brought books, as promised yesterday. (I asked with a wide smile and expecting eyes.)

Victoria: (she looked around and stared at our faces) I think…yeah. (Some of them nodded in agreement and few seemed awkward.)

My anxiety increased, 'were they feeling boring? Was this event a mistake? What if they blame me for ruining their moods? What if they….stop being my friends?' numerous negative thoughts started crossing my mind, as I tried to keep a calm composure.

Choon Hee: Lets sit on the floor and place the books in front of us and then we will decide who will read which book. (She says with a soft smile)

Victoria: Are you sure that you want to sit on the floor? (She hesitates) I mean we can go to the house library, and sit comfortably there. (She said politely)

Choon Hee: It's fine dude. (She grins) Just sit. Anyways the floor is carpeted and the fireplace is near. So it's warm and comfy. (She says patting the floor)

Irina: Yeah….I never knew that the floor could be so soft. (She said while touching the carpet)

Jules: Perks of being rich. (She says excited)

Ratree: Wastage of money…..(she murmurs to herself with a slight hint of bitterness and jealousy)

Lotte: Wowie! The bed is sooooo soft!!!! (She says while jumping on the bed)

Anne: Lotte, don't jump on bed. And get down here. (She said while frowning)

Victoria: It's fine, no need to scold her. (She says with a formal smile)

Anne: No, it's bad manners. (She sighed while rubbing my forehead)

Lotte: (she pouts and gets down while speaking in a sarcastic tone) Sorry Mom.

Anne: (she pulled Lotte's cheek hard) You brat. I guess I am going too easy on you. (Lotte started giggling as Anne hugged her with her right arm keeping Lotte closer to her.)

Victoria: I hope, all of you are feeling comfortable. (She said feeling shy and hesitant)

Christina: Oh come on Victoria! (She replied cheerfully as she hugs Victoria tightly) Stop being so formal and enjoy the moment! We are all friends here.

Victoria: Y-Yea…but this is the first time, so many friends have gathered in my house…..(she says almost choking on her emotions)

Rather….before meeting you people, I didn't even know what genuine friendship looks like. For me it was like a business deal where people stick to those who give most benefits. (Her eyes wells up with tears as she uses her hands to wipe them off) I am sorry….I just got emotional.

Right….I knew how Victoria was feeling, because….I knew those things really well. Wait…is this tears? I realized that water was making my eyes blurry, as I looked away to wipe them before anyone could notice but failed, as more water rolled down my cheeks. 'No….I shouldn't cry. What if they think that I am pathetic?'

Hope: It's fine, just let them out. (She says while patting Victoria's back)

Maria: Don't worry, Victoria. I am sure there are a lot of people here who agree with you. (She says while staring at Anne with a smirk)

Anne: (she clicked her tongue and rolled her eyes) Tsk.

Julie: (she wipes her tears in her napkin before smiling softly) Yeah….Maria is right.

At that moment, I realized that almost everyone, including Ratree, was becoming emotional, and I felt stifled and awkward. Initially, I wanted to comfort them, but instead, I broke into tears and became emotional myself. Anne stood there like a statue, contemplating whether to intervene or ignore us. Her expressions revealed her struggle to understand and navigate the situation, clearly finding it difficult to express herself. It was evident that she was in a challenging position.

Anne: Jeez. (She finally took a deep breath before speaking up) I thought, today's gathering was to discuss literature but instead it looks like a therapy session. (She folded her arms and looked away trying to act cold when in reality, she felt awkward and troubled. Everyone stared at her blankly, as the whole room turned silent.)

Maria: Tsk. (She clicks her tongue looking at Anne then pats her shoulder) Sorry guys, she fell hard on her head when she was a kid. Since then she turned out to be an asshole. (She grins while wrapping her arms around Anne)

Anne: Bitch….(she grumbled under her breath while glaring at Maria.)

Weird….This was the first time, I saw Anne acting like a kid or rather a moody teenager. Usually she acts like a mature adult but today, it felt like she was relaxed and enjoying herself but didn't want to admit.

Me: (I realized that there was no point of crying over the sad past. What's gone is not going to return. It's better to look forward and make the best use of today and enjoy our time) No….Anne is right. (I said wiping my eyes and standing up) There is no point in spoiling the evening by overflowing tears. It was supposed to be a relaxing time, but instead we got busy crying about our past.

Christina: Yeah, there is no need to hold on to our past loneliness, when we already have each other's back. (She says while winking)

Choon Hee: Come on guys, stop dilly-dally and take out whatever you brought. (She says with a wide grin as she places the book that she brought along with her.)

But my smile soon turned into disappointment as each one of them started putting their books forward, except for Victoria, Irina, Hope and Maria, none of them brought a proper novel rather some didn't even bother to bring a book. My excitement soon turned into frustration, my perfect evening plan was on the verge of collapsing, what went wrong? Was I unclear regarding my instructions? Or they didn't even want to do this in the first place? Did I force them to go against their will and spend some time with me?

Me: Seriously? (I said while raising my brow and staring at them. My hands were over my hips as I tapped my left feet impatiently.) Was my instructions, unclear? Or are you messing around with me? (They hesitated and looked at each other's faces then at the books they have brought.)

Anne: Well….(she cleared her throat) It is….what it is. (The audacity this bitch has is beyond my imagination)

Julie: What's wrong? (She asked while getting confused)

Me: What's wrong?! (I felt agitated) Tell me, what is right here. (I said rubbing my forehead getting irritated) Let me start with Choon Hee. (I picked up the book in my hand) Does anyone here know how to read Korean? (I raised my brow) Except for Choon Hee.

Choon Hee: (she looks down feeling guilty) I am sorry...I forgot that we were going to exchange books.

Me: ANNE. (I glared at her after putting down Choon Hee's book)

Anne: What? (She raised her brow)

Me: Since when did batman comics be considered a novel? (I facepalmed)

Anne: Batman is at least better than Harry Potter. (She replied while pointing at Maria's Harry Potter collection)

Maria: Hey! What's wrong with my Harry Potter? (She pouts)

Me: Wait, how can you insult Harry Potter? (I frowned)

Anne: At least, Bruce Wayne is a multi billionaire. (She smirked)

Maria: Harry Potter will make him disappear in a blink of an eye. (She says while making a slicing gesture over her throat, as she threatens Anne) I can also make you disappear if you say another word against my Harry Potter collection. (She says in a low voice.)

Me: (I sighed) Stop it, both of you. And Anne….(I refocused on Anne)

Anne: What? (Blinks)

Me: I never expected anything better from you. (I rolled my eyes) Now go and stand at the corner.

Anne: Huh?! What do you mean?? (She felt offended hearing my words.)

Me: Go! (I said sternly while pointing at the corner)

Anne: Fine…..(she pouts as she stands at the corner)

Me: Jeez….And Captain. (I sighed) Fairytale?

Julie: It's my favorite childhood book. (She smiles brightly) My mom used to read it to me every night, during bedtime, so I wanted to share those childhood memories with all of you. (She hesitates) I am sorry for ruining the event by bringing this book.

Me: Nevermind...(she said while feeling bad for hurting her sentiments, then focused on the remaining members) And why did you people fail to bring books? Christina, Jules, Ratree and Lotte. (I inquired while folding my arms)

Christina: To begin with, I was never into books. (She says scratching the back of her head while looking away)

Jules: I get limited pocket money by working part-time. (She covers her lips with a slight blush over her face) And save it to buy adult magazines.

Irina: Ew. (She crooks her lips in disgust)

Jules: What? It's not that disgusting. (She pouts and folds her arms)

Hope: But you are only 15 years old. (She says feeling concerned)

Jules: Staph judging meeeeee. (She whines like a child)

Me: Fine, we won't judge you. (I sighed feeling tired of this mess. I wondered how Anne or the Captain handles us everyday. Were we always so…..full of energy and differences?) What about you? Ratree, Lotte? Why didn't both of you bring books?

Ratree: I don't even have enough money to buy my necessities. And you are talking about spending on luxuries. (She sighed)

Me: I am sorry….(I felt guilty after hearing her words)

I realized that I was privileged and while making decisions, I forgot to acknowledge many factors. My heart ached as reality hit me. I wasn't a good friend, rather I was an entitled asshole who failed to consider other's emotions. Now what? What if they start hating me? I already had a hard time making friends and now that I have friends, each day I fear that they would abandon me after they discover that I am a pathetic person who is good for nothing.

Ratree: It's fine, anyways, all my money goes on my photography. (She grins) They are kinda costly.

Lotte: I don't want to bother my mother. That's why I didn't buy any novels. I am sorry for ruining the event. (She says looking down)

Choon Hee: Aww….baby….come here. (She hugs Lotte tightly) Everything is fine, don't cry.

Me: (My heart sank hearing their words) No, it's my fault. (I pressed my trembling lips against each other, trying to stop my overflowing tears) I should have considered all of these factors, before making plans. (My whole body started feeling weak as I flopped on the floor and hugged my legs tightly) I am sorry guys, I just wanted everyone to enjoy it but instead….I just caused a blunder.

I buried my face against my legs, out of embarrassment and fear. The fear of abandonment was stronger than ever, the negative thoughts crossed my mind repeatedly, and overthinking made me feel anxious and stressed. I could feel my heart pounding fast, and breathing increasing. A cold sweat formed on my forehead, my brain screamed asking me to disappear, so that no one could find me.

Victoria: (she stands behind me and squeezed my shoulder reassuring me) Don't blame yourself. It just shows that each one of us has different preferences. It's not your fault. I have lots of novels in our library, I will ask the servants to bring them here.

Choon Hee: Yea Bella, don't blame yourself. (She smiles and strokes my head)

Christina: Nothing is ruined, we have the whole evening to enjoy. (She grins)

Julie: I am sorry for bringing a fairytale. I promise that I won't repeat the same mistake next time. (She says smiling)

Jules: It's not your fault that some of us find reading as a boring task. (She sighs)

Irina: Reading and writing is not everyone's cup of tea. (She shrugs)

Hope: 'But' (she says stressing on the word) We can always try new activities. And I am glad that Bella gave us this opportunity. (Everyone nodded in agreement)

Ratree: And, it's not your fault that some of us don't have the privilege of affording such luxuries. (She says with a hint of sarcasm)

Lotte: Stop complaining. You already waste your fortune on your camera lenses. (She replies while hitting Ratree with her elbow.)

Ratree: I mean…..whatever. (She says looking away with a hint of bitterness).

Me: (I finally looked up, my eyes were filled with tears as I wiped them using my sleeves. For a second, all fear disappeared and only warmth remained. Their concerns and reassuring words were enough for me to feel belonged to this group of mismatched people) Guys…..thank you. (I finally understood that joining this team was the best decision ever and it was thanks to Anne, that I could experience such warmth and comfort)

Anne: (she was still standing at the corner) Wow….and no one supported me when she punished me. (She pouted while grumbling)

Maria: You deserve it, for insulting Harry Potter. (She hits the back of Anne's head)

Anne: Ouch. (She whined while she rubbed the back of her head feeling frustrated)

I couldn't help but let out a small laugh watching them get along, it seemed like Anne has changed a lot over the months, even though she doesn't realise but she was more relaxed and childish. She acted more and more like her age and was getting along well. Sometimes, I wonder, does she feel similar insecurities like me? Nah….what am I even thinking about? That is Anne, she can easily make friends and socialize with people if she wants. She is perfect in everything, maybe more perfect than Victoria, sometimes I wish, I was like them. I wonder when I will find something that I am good at and be unique and important, instead of just being an average human being. "I wish, I could be brilliant like Victoria and Anne, instead of being a burden." I thought to myself while sighing.

The housemaids brought a few novels for us, along with some more snacks. As we took one book each and started reading them. Soon I was engrossed into the chapters, as if being drawn to a whole new world. I was one with the characters, feeling their emotions and agony, each page got me excited, the sound of the paper, the feeling over the tips of my fingers, the smell of the pages, I was lost in the moment. I have always been an introvert, who was busy daydreaming, initially…..I never really felt the need to have friends, though loneliness tried to engulf me, my imaginations were my friends. I would lie if I say that I was never jealous of people who had friends and could laugh and cry with them, But, I wasn't desperate for friendship.

But now, everything has changed. And somewhere I was happy that I wasn't dependent on fictional characters for my emotional needs. I had people who cared for me and are ready to support me. This made me feel elated. 'Peers', they are a necessity in your life for your growth, at the same time, I still enjoyed the world of my imagination. Lets say, I love my social life, at the same time, I enjoy my moment of solitude.

It was exactly fifteen minutes after our session started when Christina got up on her feet grumping and stretching herself. She yawns before looking at Anne and Jules with expecting eyes.

Christina: Want to play video games? (She grins)

Jules: Yup. (She says putting down her book)

Anne: But what about the reading session? (She says in an uninterested tone)

Christina: (she pouts) You really want to read it?

Anne: Uhm….ugh….(she contemplated as she stared at the book then at my face)

Me: You can go, if you want. (I said smiling)

Anne: (she sprung up getting excited) Lets go!

Christina: Yosh! (She grins as they head towards the playstation)

Irina: Count me in! (She follows them)

Lotte: Me too! (She joins)

Hope: Don't end up breaking anything! (She gets worried)

Victoria: It's fine. Let them play. (She says in a reassuring tone)

They took turns to play video games as we continued reading novels. After some time, we were called for dinner by one of the maids working in the mansion. The dining table was lit up with our giggles and murmurs. The room was filled with delicious aroma and the food looked expensive. It was a taste that we never had before. This day would forever remain engraved in my mind. At night, we sat in a circle and each one of us took turns to narrate a story, some described stories that they have read in novels while others from their own life experiences. Finally, it was Anne's turn. She asked to switch off the lights while she lit a candle and kept it in between as she stared at our faces before beginning. Anne's face, illuminated by the flickering candlelight, took on an almost eerie appearance. Her voice dropped to a whisper, drawing us all in closer as she began her story.

Anne: In the middle of nowhere, there used to be an old mansion surrounded by graveyards. The Mansion looked similar to this one. (She pauses for a second before continuing) One night, while a village girl was returning home late at night, all of a sudden thunder cracked (she makes a thunder sound with her mouth) Rain started pouring heavily. The poor helpless girl, unable to find a shelter, runs towards the old mansion, unknown to the fact that it was a mansion filled with dark secrets. (She speaks in a ghostly tone as shiver runs down our spines)

I looked around the circle and saw everyone's faces illuminated by the candlelight. The flickering light cast eerie shadows that danced on the walls, creating an atmosphere perfect for Anne's ghost story. My heart was racing with anticipation and fear, feeling the tension that Anne had created with her words.

Anne: (She continued in a low, haunting voice) The girl, drenched from the rain, knocked on the mansion's large, wooden door. To her surprise, it creaked open on its own. (She makes creaking sounds to make the surroundings more realistic) She stepped inside, calling out for anyone who might be there, but all she heard was the echo of her own voice. She shivered as she walked through the dimly lit halls, the portraits on the walls seeming to watch her every move. She could hear the distant sound of whispering, but saw no one around. (As she describes the situation, Maria and Lotte took the opportunity to create whispering noises. Each scenario was vivid right in front of my eyes, as I hugged my legs to comfort myself and Julie seemed like she was about to cry)

Victoria: (Whispering) This is getting creepy...

Anne: (ignoring Victoria and continuing) The girl wandered deeper into the mansion, drawn by a strange, glowing light coming from one of the rooms. She pushed open the door to find a grand ballroom, filled with dancing shadows. Her face turns pale, as she tries to ruin away but the heavy door closes automatically. (She pauses again as she looks at our pale faces before continuing) The girl screams in agony and tries to open the door, with each passing seconds, the shadows got closer, unable to think, she runs towards the far end of the ball room, hoping that the shadows will stop following her, and when she felt that she finally escaped. (She gulps her spit) T-Two h-hands grabbed her from behind. (She stammers) a chill runs through her spine as she looks behind and...and...(Everyone stares at her intensely wondering what happens next when Maria and Lotte stand behind us and let out a shrill scream as we break into tears and scream as well. Anne started laughing at us.) Hahahaha! Scardy cats.

Victoria: Anne! That wasn't funny! (She was in a cold sweat.)

Julie: Y-Yea….(she tears up)

Choon Hee: Not funny Anne, what if there is a real ghost in this mansion? (She says frowning. As soon as Choon Hee completes her sentence, the door creaks open and a figure stands in front of the door. We all started screaming out of fear, and even Anne flinched for a second.)

Maid: It's time for bed. (She said with a warm smile before switching on the lights and cleaning the room) Have a good night. (She bows before leaving)

Christina: I-It was j-just a m-maid. Haha….ha…(she shivers while stammering)

Irina: Yea….(she gulps her spit)

Maria: Lotte, did you wet your pants? (She snickers)

Lotte: (flustered) No!! (She pouts hearing such allegations)

Jules: (she hugs Anne tightly) That was freaking scary!!!

Julie: (she cries) Can we stop talking about ghosts??

Anne: Pfft. (She found the whole situation thrilling)

Victoria: Guys, let's sleep. No more stories for tonight. (She said while rubbing her forehead)

We settled into our sleeping arrangements, feeling a mixture of relief and lingering tension from Anne's ghost story. Victoria's room was spacious enough for all of us to sleep comfortably, with soft blankets and pillows laid out in a large circle. As the lights were dimmed, the glow from the fireplace provided a warm, soothing ambiance.

Me: (hugging my pillow) Despite the scares, I'm really happy to be here with all of you. This has been a special evening.

Choon Hee: (smiling) I agree. We've had our ups and downs, but it's nights like these that we'll remember forever.

Victoria: (nodding) Yes, I feel so lucky to have you all here. It's the first time my house has felt this lively and full of joy.

Irina: (yawning) I don't know about you guys, but I'm exhausted. Let's get some sleep and dream about something nice. No more ghost stories, please!

Christina: (laughing softly) Agreed. I've had enough of shadows and creepy mansions for one night.

We all murmured our agreements, and soon the room was filled with the quiet sounds of breathing and the occasional rustle of someone adjusting their position. As I lay there, feeling the warmth of my friends around me, my earlier anxieties faded away. It wasn't the perfect evening I had envisioned, but it was perfect in its own way.

Anne: (whispering) Hey, Bella?

Me: (turning to look at her) Yeah?

Anne: (smiling softly) Thanks for organizing this. You did great, even if things didn't go exactly as planned. We all had fun.

Me: (smiling back) Thanks, Anne. I'm glad you think so.

With that, we finally drifted off to sleep, comforted by the presence of one another and the knowledge that we had formed a bond that could withstand the ups and downs of any evening. The night might not have gone as planned, but it ended up being a night of laughter, scares, and deepening friendships, which was more than I could have hoped for. Time passes fast when you are surrounded by your peers. At least that's what I thought. It was the middle of the night when my eyes opened with anxiety, as I springed up from my bed, my forehead was covered with cold sweat, and my face was pale, one would think that I might have witnessed a nightmare but it was worse.

Me: Hey, guys…..our exams are in two weeks. (Everyone was wide awake as they heard my words, we realized that none of us have opened our books in months, as we were too busy with football.)

The words hung in the air for a moment, sinking in. One by one, everyone woke up, their expressions mirroring my panic, except for Anne who was still in deep sleep, we started pacing around the room as anxiety kicked in.

Victoria: Fuck! I completely forgot! (She started biting her nails out of stress) My mother will kill me!

Christina: Meh, it's just mid-term exams. (She shrugs)

Me: Its Midterm!!!! (I started panicking even more)

Choon Hee: Guys come down. I am sure we can do this. (She says reassuring us)

Irina: But what are we going to do? Two weeks isn't enough time to cover everything! (She says biting her nails)

Hope: We can start studying now. (She sighs)

Ratree: You mean, pulling all-nighter? (She frowns)

Choon Hee: We don't have any other choice. (She sighs)

Jules: I hate all-nighters. (She grumbles)

Maria: You hate studying. (She snickers)

Julie: But how to start? (She sulks) so much to study….

Lotte: No idea. (She says)

Victoria: Why the fuck, she is still sleeping, while we are in chaos? (She points at Anne).

Jules: Perks of being a genius. (She folds her arms)

Maria: And that genius can save us. (She smirks)

Me: How? (I felt confused)

Maria: Of course by helping us to study. (She says before kicking Anne, who jolts up)

Anne: Who died? (She asked rubbing her eyes and yawning.)

Maria: No one. Our mid-term starts in two weeks. (She says grabbing Anne's arm)

Anne: So? (She asks unbothered)

Maria: Help us with academics. (She says pulling her)

Anne: Bitch! It's freaking midnight! (She groaned)

Victoria: You promised my mother that you will take care of my academic performances! (She says while pulling Anne's legs)

Anne: Fine! Jeez! Leave me! (She says before getting up on her own.) Lets start. If I find anyone slacking, I will kill you. (She says before tying her hair in a knot.)

We quickly scrambled to gather our textbooks, notebooks, and any scraps of notes we had taken throughout the semester. The living room was soon transformed into an impromptu study hall, with papers and books scattered everywhere. Anne, our resident academic prodigy, took charge immediately. We spent the whole night scribbling on our text books, and getting up to date with our syllabus. By the time, we were done, the sun was already up, our eyes were filled with dark circles and we looked deprived of sleep.

To be continued....