chapter 3: The intruder

Ryann trudged through the front door, dropping his backpack onto the floor. The silence that greeted him was a familiar companion, one he'd grown accustomed to over the years.

He walked into the kitchen, where his mom sat staring blankly at a cup of cold coffee. Ana, his younger sister, was sitting at the kitchen table, her eyes shining with excitement.

"Hey, Ry! Only one more day until prom!" Ana said, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm.

Ryann raised an eyebrow, feigning disinterest. "Yeah, yeah. Can't wait."

Ana playfully rolled her eyes. "You're such a party pooper, Ry."

Ryann chuckled, despite himself. Ana's enthusiasm was infectious, and he couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt for not sharing her excitement.

"Hey, Ana? Why are you so hyped about prom, anyway?" Ryann asked, curiosity getting the better of him.

Ana's face lit up. "Because I get to go with my favorite person – you!"

Ryann smiled wryly. "You're really milking this, aren't you?"

Ana giggled. "Someone has to make sure you have a good time, Ry."

Ryann shook his head, laughing. "You're something else, Ana."

As they chatted, Ryann's mind wandered to the prom itself. He hadn't wanted to go, but Ana had been dying to attend, and he couldn't bring himself to disappoint her.

Almost every girl in his class had asked him to be their prom date, but Ryann had refused. He just didn't click with any of them.

Ana had even jokingly suggested being his prom date, but Ryann had laughed it off, saying it was a "really funny joke."

Now, as he looked at Ana's excited face, Ryann felt a pang of gratitude toward his sister. She was the one person who truly understood him, and he was happy to return the favor – even if it meant enduring a night of awkward dancing and small talk.

Prom day*

Ana was all dressed up, her prom dress sparkling in the morning light. She murmured to herself, trying to ignore the usual morning routine of their mom and dad, who were arguing in hushed tones.

Ryann walked into the room, laughing. "Oh, Ana, you're all dressed up already! Prom's not till tonight!"

Ana's facial expression changed, and she looked away, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just wanted to look nice, I guess. And I have to put on a fake smile all through the day because of Mom and Dad. Okay, I will have to see Mom force a smile all through the day."

Ryann's expression softened, and he walked over to her. "Hey, let's get out of here for a bit. Want to take a walk and get some ice cream?"

Ana's face brightened, and she nodded enthusiastically.

After a quick change of clothes, they slipped out of the house, eager to escape the tension.

As they strolled down the street, Ryann brought up an exciting idea. "Let's take a walk down the street and get ice cream. After that, we can just wander around till afternoon."

Ana agreed, and they continued their leisurely stroll.

After a few miles of walking, they turned a corner, and a girl came running around the bend, her eyes fixed on the ground. She was wearing an exercise track suit and earbuds, and she didn't seem to notice Ryann and Ana standing in front of her.

Before Ryann could react, the girl stumbled over him, her arms flailing wildly as she struggled to regain her balance.

Ryann caught her by the elbow, steadying her. "Whoa, easy there!"

The girl looked up, startled, and their eyes met for the first time.

There was a minute silence

Rachael adjusted herself and apologized, "Hi! I'm Rachael." Breaking the ice.

Ryann didn't welcome the greeting, but he smiled politely.

"I'm Ana, his younger sister," Ana said, filling the awkward silence.

Ryann added, "Be careful next time," and moved away from Rachael.

As they walked away, Ana whispered, almost loudly, "I wish she was your prom date."

Rachael's ears perked up. "Did you say prom?"

Ana covered her mouth with her palm. "Oh, I said that loud."

Rachael smiled. "It's fine. I'm actually having prom at my school today, but I hate the school, so I chose not to go."

Ana's eyes widened in surprise. "What!!!"

Ryann's reaction changed, and he seemed interested in the conversation. Someone who shared the same idea as him and hated prom too? He liked the idea.

"My brother Ryann doesn't have a prom date, but he will be going," Ana said, looking at Rachael with a sly grin.

Rachael raised an eyebrow, looking at Ryann sarcastically. "Wow! How is he gonna do it?"

Ana chimed in, "You can be his prom date, you know!"

This time, Ryann got uncomfortable with the conversation. "Ana, let's go," he said, pulling her away from Rachael.

Rachael just smiled as she watched them leave.

As evening fell, Ana and Ryann prepared for prom. They slid into one of their dad's sleek white Lamborghinis and cruised through the gate. But just as they were about to exit the driveway, the driver slammed on the brakes.

"What's wrong?" Ana asked, trying to open the car door.

"I almost hit a girl," the driver exclaimed, breathless.

The trio stepped out of the car, and Ana's eyes widened in shock. "Wow!" she exclaimed, her mouth hanging open.

It was Rachael, the girl they had met earlier that day. But now, she was transformed. She wore a stunning dark gown that shimmered with dazzling lights, her hair styled to perfection, and her heels sparkling. Even her nails were impeccably manicured.

Ryann's expression turned from surprise to annoyance. "Jesus! What the hell were you doing in front of the car? Do you want to get yourself killed?" he exclaimed, ignoring her stunning appearance.

Rachael smiled, unfazed. "Hi! Sorry it has to be like this. I'll be your prom date and go to your school with you instead. Since I hate my school and you don't have a date, it's a win-win," she said, her words flowing like a rap.

Ryann's jaw dropped, and Ana's eyes grew even wider. "What?!" Ryann exclaimed, stunned.