Chapter 7

Henry

Then I heard her familiar, bubbly laugh. She must’ve thought I wouldn’t recognize her voice, because she dropped the fake deep tone she’d been using.

“Yay! You didn’t guess right this time, Henry!” she squealed, skipping right in front of me, excitement glowing on her face.

“Hey, careful,” I laughed as she bounced closer.

“Relax, I won’t trip,” she replied with a mischievous grin.

I reached out and ruffled her hair before continuing down the hallway. Adeline walked beside me.

A comfortable silence fell between us as we strolled. Honestly, I hadn’t left the classroom with any particular destination in mind, I just needed to clear my head and stretch my legs.

“So, are we having dinner at Uncle Kay’s tonight?” Adeline asked, her eyes fixed on me.

“Why?” I asked casually.

“Why?” she repeated, clearly irritated. “Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten what day it is. It’s Friday. We always spend our weekends at Uncle Kay’s place.” The annoyance in her tone was impossible to miss.

“Oh,” I nodded, finally getting it. “You don’t have to get so worked up. I only asked why, it’s not like I said I wasn’t going.”

Of course, there was no way I’d admit that I didn’t actually feel like going. If I did, Adeline would nag me nonstop until I gave in. Besides, it had been a month since we last visited, so it wasn’t that big of a deal.

“Hmph. Good,” she said. “And even if you refused, I wouldn’t let you. Uncle Kay said he’s taking everyone on a picnic tomorrow, and I’m not missing that.”

I simply nodded, though my lack of enthusiasm was obvious. Thankfully, the thirty-minute break soon ended. Adeline returned to her building, while I went back to class for the rest of the lectures.

When I got to the classroom, my friends were already in our usual seats. Maverick wasn’t there, but I doubted anyone noticed, the teacher didn’t even mention his absence.

After classes ended for the day, we stepped outside, enjoying the fresh air.

Suddenly, our phones lit up with notifications.

I read the message and let out a small “oh,” then looked at the others. “Did you guys get the same text from Coach Steve?” I asked, staring at my screen.

They nodded.

“Yeah. Basketball practice is canceled again since Coach isn’t around,” Arda said.

David stretched lazily. “Well, since we’re free today, I guess I’ll head home,” he announced dramatically.

We all rolled our eyes. Everyone knew David was a complete homebody. He never missed a chance to go home, yet he made it sound like some rare opportunity.

Ignoring him, we started walking.

“Hey, wait for me!” David called out as he hurried after us.

Back at the dorm, everyone flopped onto their bunks to rest, except David, who immediately began packing.

Stellan sneered. “You’re such a mummy’s boy, David.”

“Is that news to you?” I added, and the room burst into laughter.

Aside from basketball and pretty girls, David’s greatest obsession was going home to see his mom. Honestly, if he ever went a whole month without mentioning her, we’d assume something was seriously wrong.

David only scoffed, not bothering to argue.

I was about to tease him again when my phone lit up.

Seeing the caller ID, I sighed.

Oh no… Adeline, can’t you give me a break?

I had only just laid down to rest after promising her I’d meet up later.

“What’s wrong, Henry?” Arda asked, noticing my expression. “Why do you look like that? Did someone beat you up?”

If only he knew, it was worse. If Adeline found out I was lying comfortably in bed while she was outside waiting, she’d skin me alive.

My phone buzzed again. This time, it was a message:

[Hey bro, I’m at your dorm building. Hurry up and come outside!]

I jumped off my bunk instantly. Without wasting time, I took a quick shower, changed into fresh clothes, and packed my weekend bag. I finished everything in under twenty minutes, so fast that even I was impressed.

“What the hell are you doing, Henry?” someone asked.

I paused and looked up.

All my friends were staring at me like I’d completely lost it.

I cleared my throat before anyone could jump to conclusions. “Uh… don’t think I’ve gone crazy. I have to head to my uncle’s place now, and you know how Adeline is. She’s been blowing up my phone.” I slapped my forehead.

“Adeline?” they repeated, laughing. “Say no more.”

The moment they heard her name, they relaxed back onto their beds, grinning knowingly.

My face burned with embarrassment. They were far too familiar with Adeline’s tantrums. 

“I’m heading out now,” I muttered.

From the side, David smirked. “So you were teasing me for being a mummy’s boy? Look at you now, a total sister’s boy. Afraid of your own sister. How embarrassing.”

I didn’t bother replying. I just rolled my eyes and quickened my pace. I knew he was talking about me, but I wasn’t in the mood to argue.

I hurried toward the dorm entrance, only to come face-to-face with a furious Adeline.

Oh no. I’m finished.