Season 7 Chapter 8

Jules: I am done!!!! (She says whining while closing the book) I hate maths!!!! I crave freedom!!!! (She says springing up)

Maria: Drama…..(she says rolling her eyes)

Christina: Trigonometry will be the name behind my death. (She says while slapping the book against her face)

Irina: "Death by Trigonometry" the never ending saga. (She replies with a dramatic gesture.)

Lotte: Six died, three struggling with life. (She says laying flat on the floor)

Julie: Can we take a break…..?....please. (She says while pleading for mercy.)

Victoria: Come on guys, its hardly been five minutes! (She says facepalming in disbelief)

Christina: Soldiers! I am going down! Please...before I die....take care of the nation…..(she says holding her chest and falling on the floor dramatically)

Maria: (she sighs looking at them uninterested) Its already a circus here.

Me: I knew it. (I said rolling my eyes and shoving earphone in my ears to escape from the chaos.)

Bella: I guess, it was a bad idea after all. (She tried to concentrate but failed.)

Victoria: Guys! Concentrate! (She says springing up and placing her hand on her hips as she glares at everyone.)

Ratree: Can we make rules, that after heavy meals, sleep should be the main priority? (She says yawning and turning the pages.)

After enjoying our meal, we all gathered in my room. Due to the limited space, it took us the first fifteen minutes to decide where everyone would sit. I claimed the chair, leaving the others to find their spots. Three of them settled on the bed, while the rest made themselves comfortable on the floor. Then it took another ten minutes to debate on which subject should we study first, until I suggested Maths. All protests and complains were subdued as they reluctantly opened the text book. We decided to start with Calculus and Trigonometry as some of them were weak in it. But it already turned into a mess right after few minutes.

Hope: (she sighs) Maybe we should have started with something easier.

Victoria: How about history? (She asks)

Me: Urgh! Don't even think about it. (I replied while taking out the earphones from my ear)

Bella: English? (She raises her brow)

Maria: Who studies that? (She says sighing)

Hope: German? (She inquired)

Jules: Don't make me cry. (She says complaining)

Julie: Geography? (She tilts her head)

Me: Hate, hate, hate!!! Ahhhhh!!! (I said messing with my hair feeling irritated) How about Physics?

Lotte: Are you trying to make me cry? (She says while tearing up.)

Victoria: Why is this so damn hard?! (She asks as she loses patience)

Bella: (she throws her hands up in the air) I give up! Gahhhhhhh this is too hard! This is why I prefer studying alone at home. (She sighs feeling tired.)

Maria: I need a drink to open my mind. (She says leaning against the wall before looking at me) You have something to drink?

Me: Coffee? (I tilt my head)

Christina: I want something cold, my brain is already baked. (She groans.)

Me: So...iced coffee? (I asked)

Christina: Anything but coffee. (She groans)

Me: Naomi has some bottle of Sake in her refrigerator. You can go and grab one. (I said while playing with my hair and melting on my chair.)

Maria: We are not legally at the age of drinking alcohol. (She folds her arms and glares at me)

Me: Well, sad. Because there is nothing else here. Unless you want cold water. (I smiled.)

Maria: Go, and get us some drinks. (She narrows her eyes)

Me: Is it an order? (I narrowed my eyes staring at her.)

Maria: (she smiles and asks in a polite tone) Who wants something refreshing? (Everyone raises their hands.) See? Aren't you a good host? (They all stare at my faces)

Me: (I gulped my spit) All of you, seriously want me to go out and grab some drinks for you? (I said rubbing my face feeling frustrated)

Jules: (she places her finger against her lips to act cute as she pouts while speaking) Victoria was such a good host, took care of our needs. Unlike a demon that is sitting on the chair.

Me: (I tilt my head slightly and folded my arms and raised my brow in utter disbelief) Technically, you also stay in this rental place, so you are the co-host. What about your responsibilities?

Jules: (she puffs her cheeks) But they aren't sitting in my room! (Sticks out her tongue mockingly)

Me: tsk fine. (I said standing up) I will bring sodas for everyone.

Christina: But….I was ice cream. (She says as her eyes sparkles with expectations)

Choon Hee: As an athlete, I don't prefer sodas, maybe canned juice? (She says hesitating and avoiding my eyes)

Me: What's the difference? Both have sugar in it. (I pinched the bridge of my nose getting irritated.)

Choon Hee: Cheat day? (She grins)

Me: (I blinked staring at her) Did I ever do something wrong to you people? Are you taking revenge on me? (They all nodded in agreement.) Seriously...(I cursed under my breathe.) Anyways, what do you all want? Just tell me clearly. (I sighed)

Christina: Chocolate ice cream. (She grins)

Choon Hee: Orange juice please. (She smiles)

Me: Wait….(I sighed) Raise your hands if you want soda. (5 of them raised hands including me.) Ice cream? (3 of them raised their hands) and rest all orange juices? (They nodded in agreement.) Fine, but what about the money? (There was pin-drop silence as they looked at my face quietly) These freeloaders...even you Victoria? (I was taken aback.)

Victoria: (coughs) Later….I don't keep open cash.

Me: Such a…..fine! (I said grabbing my wallet and storming out of the room. I knew these people will never pay back my money, and guess what? I was right!)

I walked down the street toward the market, fulfilling everyone's requests. After some time, I returned to my room, carrying their orders. Taking out an ice cream and a soda can for myself, I handed the rest to Maria for distribution.

I sat down in my chair, unwrapped the ice cream, and took a big bite. The cold, creamy sweetness filled my mouth as I stared at the soda can. Droplets of condensation formed on its chilled surface, slowly rolling down its metallic body. I savored the flavor of the ice cream, waiting patiently to wash it down with the refreshing soda. As I finished the last bite, I reached for the can, feeling its cold surface against my fingers. The pop of the tab breaking the seal echoed softly in the room, and a faint hiss followed as the carbonation escaped.

I brought the can to my lips, taking a long sip. The fizzy liquid mixed with the lingering sweetness of the ice cream, creating a delightful contrast. Leaning back in my chair, I let out a contented sigh, feeling the coolness spread through me.

Victoria: (she frowned as she says in a warning tone) Anne, you will catch a cold.

Me: (I took another sip and smacked my lips enjoying the flavour) Nah….I can handle this. Just a cigarette is missing. (I said with a smirk)

Victoria: (she rolls her eyes) Do whatever you want. (She says as she opens her orange juice)

Bella: I am confused that why is it being difficult for us to study. (She sighs drinking from her can.)

Victoria: Maybe because this room is a little….uhm….a little cramped? (She sighs)

Me: Hey hey! Don't even dare to complain, I already warned! (I said folding my arms and narrowing my eyes]

Victoria: (she hesitates) Well…..

Jules: (she stands up with a can of soda in her hand and smirks) I might know what is causing the problem.

Hope: (she looks up to Jules with curiosity) Really? What is it?

Jules: (she pauses and stares at our faces for a second then opens the soda can and takes a sip.) Makeup.

Choon Hee: Wait what? Makeup? (She tilts her head feeling confused.)

Jules: (nods slowly) We are lacking makeups that's why we aren't getting enough feminine energy to concentrate in studies.

Irina: (she frowns) Someone shut her mouth. The more she speaks the more I lose my brain cells.

Hope: It was my mistake to expect something smart from her. (She sighs)

Me: Jules, first you sit down and make up for your poor scores before doing makeup on your face. (I said rolling my eyes in disbelief.)

Jules: Trust me, makeup fixes every problem just like glue fixes broken vases. (She says with a grin.)

Me: (I grabbed a pillow and threw it at her face) Shut your trap.

Jules: (she spills soda on the floor as she gets hit by the pillow) Ouch….bully. (She pouts.)

Me: Go and clean the floor. (I said in a commanding tone.)

Jules: Hey trust me. (She sulks while cleaning the floor) It will help open our mind. (She looks in our eyes with seriousness.)

Julie: Uhm….maybe Jules is right? (She hesitates) Maybe we should listen to her?

Jules: Aw, Captain…..(she hugs Julie tightly) Only you love and understand me.

Julie: (hugs her back) That's not true Jules…..everyone here loves and cares about you. (She says with a warm smile.)

Jules: (she stares at Julie with puppy eyes) Really?

Julie: mhm! (She nods)

Jules: Then they will participate in my favourite activity? (Her eyes sparkled with excitement.)

Me: Not everyone loves watching porn like a pervert. (I said with a smile.)

Jules: (she ignores my remark) I just feel that our bond will become stronger through makeup. (She smiles while keeping her eyes fixed on Julie.)

Victoria: What's the connection between makeup and bonding? (She facepalms)

Jules: (she turns towards Victoria) You don't know anything. Makeup is like....uhm….(she falls short for words)

Bella: Chemical which ruins your skin and affects your health. (She says pushing her spectacle back.)

Jules: One day, we all will die. Why not die looking pretty? (She says dramatically.)

Maria: Just like the women in Victorian era? (She coughs)

Jules: Come on guys, Makeup is an art! (She says with her head held high)

Choon Hee: But…I don't know how to do makeup. (She says hesitating.)

Christina: I think, most of us don't have any idea regarding this matter and for some makeup just means applying lipstick. (She shrugs.)

Maria: If you are worried regarding that matter, our makeup specialist Anne, will help us out. (She says with a wide grin while pointing at me.)

Me: (I chocked on my soda and coughed) You….bitch…..(I said putting down my can and pinching the bridge of my nose.)

Maria: Hehe. (She smiles innocently)

Christina: (she looks at my face and hesitates) Uh.....are you sure?

Jules: I never saw her using makeup products. (She says raising her brow in disbelief)

Choon Hee: Yeah….Anne doesn't look like someone who would use makeup. (She says placing her palm against her cheek and wondering.)

Maria: She might not use it. But I know she has makeup products stored in her wardrobe. (She smiles) Don't go for her looks, my baby is multi-talented. She learned to use makeup, so that she can doll up her sister.

Me: (I rubbed the tip of my nose with pride) Now that everyone are pleading me, I guess, I don't have a choice. (I said placing the remaining soda on the table, and standing up.)

Choon Hee: (she blinks) But….no one really asked you…..I mean why not? (She says looking away to avoid my eyes.)

Bella: I guess….it doesn't really harms us? (She says thinking it through.)

Victoria: I am rather curious, I must say, we can never judge a book by it's cover. (She says placing her fingers over her chin and scanning me head to toe with a judgemental look.)

Me: (I sighed) Guess I need to prove my skills. (I said pulling up my sleeves as my tattoos pops out.)

Victoria: (she grabs my hand and pulls me towards her as she stares at my arms with curiosity) Wow…..Its really interesting. I never really noticed your tattoos before.

Me: (I blushed slightly looking away) Because I am good at hiding them. (I coughed pulling my arms away) Anyways, lets get to business. (I said with a smirk.)

Bella: I guess….I will be the first to volunteer?.... (She says nervously.)

Jules: (she smirks) Didn't you say that its harmful for skin?

Bella: I….I don't want to backout from trying new things. (She pouts standing up.)

Jules: (She claps her hands) This is going to be fun!

Me: Alright Bella, any specific look you're going for? (I asked while opening my makeup kit)

Bella: Just something simple and natural, please. (She says smiling nervously)

Me: Got it. (I began working on her face, applying foundation and blending it carefully.)

The room was filled with chatter and laughter as everyone watched the transformation. One by one, they took turns, each requesting different looks. Some wanted bold and dramatic, while others opted for soft and subtle. But something felt wrong, as the makeup session soon started turning my room into a beauty parlour as they came up with varied requests and I found myself preparing face masks.

Me: Guys…..what the fuck is going on here? (I said while massaging Hope's face.) Don't you think that this seems unfair? (I frowned)

Christina: We can't help it, you are really good at this work. (She says half asleep as her face shone like my luck.) This is so relaxing…..(she says melting on the floor with her face masks on.)

Victoria: Look at us, we should be studying but instead we got busy with useless things. (She says yawning)

Bella: This is Jules' fault…..she did it on purpose. (She says trying her best to keep her expression neutral so that the mask doesn't get ruined.)

Jules: (grins happily) Mission accomplished! (She hi-fis with Maria.)

As the makeshift beauty session continued, I found myself running out of supplies. The face masks and other products were almost depleted, and I needed more to keep up with everyone's requests.

Me: (I looked around, noticing the dwindling supplies) Julie, could you open the drawer over there and check if there are any more face masks or makeup products left? (I asked while finishing up Hope's massage.)

Julie: (She nodded, walking over to the drawer and opening it) Sure, let me see. (She rummaged through the drawer and found a few more face masks and some makeup items when her eyes fell on something interesting as she takes out my rusted Harmonica and turns towards me with a grin.) Hey Anne, how many more talents are you hiding from us? You never told that you love playing music. (Everyone stands up out of curiosity

My mind went blank as I noticed the old harmonica. "Wait… when did I bring that here?" No matter how much I tried, I couldn't recall its presence. "Wasn't it kept at home? How did it get here?" I couldn't remember bringing it back from Japan. Why had I even put it in my bag? And why couldn't I recall that part of my memory, as if I had erased it on purpose? My heart raced, and anxiety seized me as I clenched my fist, feeling annoyed at Julie for touching my personal things. Thirst seized me, why did I even bother to bring that damn thing here? Does it mean that I betrayed Angela? Why am I still clinging on my past when I clearly gave up on them?.....does it means that my craving for music was far greater than my love for my own sister?.....no….no…..that's not true…..right?....

Jules: Really? (She was awestruck) She never told me….(she pouts.)

Choon Hee: Come on Anne, you shouldn't hide so many things from us, you know. (She grins.)

Julie: Anne why don't you play it for us? (She grins happily) I really love music.

Christina: Yeah Anne. We really want to hear you play. (She smiles encouraging me.)

Maria: Guys….(she hesitates.)

Their words fell on my deaf ears, my head throbbed, I felt like my head will break apart from anger as I motioned towards Julie and snatched the Harmonica from her hand, throwing it in the garbage bin. Then glared at her while trying to control my anger.

Me: Don't….ever touch…..my personal belongings. (I said looking away, and taking a deep breathe) It was my mistake that I asked you to do me a favour.

Victoria: Anne! (She shouted at my behaviour making me snap back to my senses as she stepped forward.)

Julie: (she tears up as she looks down feeling guilty) I-I am s-sorry….(she starts stammering out of fear.)

Silence fell over the room that was once filled with cheerful energy, I was taken aback by my own actions, my own inner turmoil ended up reflecting through my anger. I never meant to scold Julie, and I knew she was just curious and excited when she learned about the Harmonica. But I couldn't help but hesitate as I failed to apologize, rather her tears only added to my irritation. I took a deep breath and stepped back.

Me: I am sorry. (I said bowing my head then motioned towards the door.) I am going out for fresh air, if you need something just let me know.

Maria: Bring us some pastries. (She says with a faint smile as if understanding my inner turmoil and making the situation less awkward.)

Me: (I nodded in silence.) Hm….(I said before opening the door and walking out.)

Maria: (as soon as I left, eyes fell on Maria as if searching for an answer) Don't at me like that. (She smiles.) If she wants, she will open up herself, till then, lets bury this matter here itself. (They all looked at each other's face feeling awkward but decided to leave the matter.)

Rest of the evening was eventless, after I returned with the pastries, no one asked me anything. Initially there was awkward silence and distant mood, but soon everyone started enjoying themselves. I tried to avoid Julie, so that I don't end up reopening the scar but she didn't mind my presence. It felt like, only I was overthinking regarding the incident while she was already over it, or so did she show on the surface. I knew more than anyone that Julie was deeply hurt by my behaviour but still acted normal so that she doesn't end up ruining the mood.

I respect her because of her maturity, but somewhere it made me feel even more guilty. I wished she had scolded me or stopped talking with me, I feel that would have been far better than this…there was warmth yet an overwhelming burden of anxiety that failed to disappear from my shoulder. I gulped my spit and decided to act like nothing happened.

Dinner was prepared by Naomi, as I helped her out along with Jules, she choose to prepare omurice for everyone as they enjoyed the unique flavour between the fusion of omelette and fried rice. After dinner we refocused on our studies, it was around twelve mid night, when I stood up with a grin over my face.

Me: Its time for horror movie. (I smirked grabbing my laptop.)

Victoria: (she yawns and looks at me in disbelief) Seriously?

Me: You gotta keep your promissseeeeee (I said with a grin)

Victoria: (She sighs, giving in) Fine, fine. Just make sure it's not too scary. I still want to sleep tonight.

Lotte: (Her eyes light up with excitement) Yes! I love horror movies!

Christina: (Groans) Can we not? I'm still trying to recover from Trigonometry.

Maria: (Nudges Christina) Come on, it'll be fun. (She smirks)

Christina: Of course you will say that. (She frowns) Beside, isn't Julie scared of horror movies? (She glances at Julie hoping she would stop this from happening. Only to notice Julie sleeping soundly on my bed.) Agh….nevermind. (She sighed)

Choon Hee: She looks so cute while sleeping….Just like a baby. (She says awestruck.)

Me: (Ignoring the mixed reactions) Alright, let's see what we have here. (I start scrolling through my laptop, looking for a good horror movie)

Bella: (Hesitantly) Maybe something that's not too intense?

Hope: Yeah, a light horror, if that even exists.(she says in a sarcastic manner)

Irina: Just play anything already. The anticipation is worse than the movie itself. (She sighs)

Me: (Smiling) Got it. (I said putting an intense horror movie.)

As the movie plays, the room slowly fills with suspenseful silence, interrupted occasionally by gasps and whispers. But as soon as the movie reached it's climax, the door creaked open as we all flinched. Naomi stood there with her wooden spatula, as she places her hand over her hip and glared at us.

Naomi: Did you see the time?! Go and sleep all of you! (Julie flinches as she wakes up hearing the commotion.) I have opened an extra room, so suit yourself and one of you can sleep with me tonight. Now shut that damn laptop before I break it!

Me: Yes mommy! (I said closing the laptop in a hurry, with a pale look over my face.)

Christina: So, Anne is scared of someone? (She smirks).

Ratree: If Anne is scared, it means we are in danger. (She shivers)

Maria: (she stands up and runs towards Naomi and hugs her tightly) I will sleep with you.

Naomi: (she smiles and pats her head) Alright dear. (She then looks at me) Also, Anne, come with me. There are some dishes to wash. (She says before leaving.)

Me: (I walked up to her) Yeah. (I turned towards my friends.) You all adjust yourself, I will come back after washing dishes.

I said before going downstairs with Naomi and Maria. Naomi helps Maria, get comfortable in her room before handing over some futons, pillows and blankets to me. As I carried them upstairs, now that Maria was sleeping downstairs, and Julie on my bed, I decided to help the others get assigned rooms. Lotte kept asking me to sleep with her, so we decided to sleep on futon in my room. Victoria, Bella, Choon Hee, and Jules slept in Jules's room, while Hope, Irina, Ratree and Christina slept in the extra room. After allotting rooms to everyone, and making sure that they are comfortable, I went back downstairs to help Naomi. As we stood near the sink washing dishes, Naomi stares at me for a second before looking away.

Naomi: Thank you…..(she says with a faint smile.)

Me: Huh? (I looked at her face getting confused.)

Naomi: I guess….if my daughter was still alive…..this place would have lit up in a similar manner like today. (She smiles wiping her tears) After I had miscarriage, and my husband left me because I couldn't have the courage to conceive again…..I closed my heart to everyone and preferred being alone. (She sighs) But now…..I feel that, its not that bad to have people around. (She pats my head.) Go to bed, after you are done with dishes.

She kissed my forehead and takes a deep breathe before leaving the kitchen, as I noticed Maria standing near the kitchen door. I glanced at Naomi's back for a while before placing my attention towards Maria, as I opened my arms, she smiles and walks up to me and hugged me tightly.

Maria: Are you that same Anne, who used to hate hugs? (She remarks while embracing me.)

Me: Maybe…..(I murmured carelessly.)

Maria: (she frowns and looked at my face) What happened?....I thought, you would be happy.

Me: (I moved my eyes away, while moving away, as I started washing the utensils again) I am.

Maria: Then why is your face, so pale? (She raised her brow while holding me back.) I…..I never saw you like this before…..(she asks as her voice was filled with concern.)

Me: Maria….have you ever felt that…..you are really happy….but inside here….(I tapped my head) It keeps telling you, that "don't get so excited, all these are just for the moment?"

Maria: (she looks at me with a sad eyes.) You tell me. (She says with a hint of sarcasm.)

Me: (I held her hands tightly as anxiety seized me) Maria….(I fixed my eyes in her eyes) I am really scared…..it feels like, as soon as I turn back, everything will disappear….and I will find myself stuck in that hellhole again...(I gulped my spit) Do you…..do you think that I truly deserve this happiness?..... I…..I don't understand my emotions anymore….everything feels like they are getting out of my controls...(I gasped for breathe as my chest felt tight.)

Maria: (she hugs me tightly) Everything will be fine Anne, even if everyone leaves you side, I will never leave you. (She says in a warm manner.)

Me: Maria…..do….do you think that they will think…..that I am a monster?.....if they find my reality? (I hesitated.)

Maria: (she shook my getting angry) You aren't a monster! Stop saying that! If you are so scared, why don't you go and tell them, about your past and pain? Try to open up your vulnerable side!

Me: (I hesitated and stuttered as I spoke) I-I can't. (I gulped my spit then wiped my face frustrated.) I have already messed up…..you know what? Lets forget it. (I forced a smile over my lips and patted her shoulder) We should sleep now. Goodnight. (I said walking past her.)

Maria: Anne….(Maria tries to call me, but I didn't turn around, instead hurried back to my room as if trying to escape from my own issues.)

To be continued.....