Ch3: He came looking for me

Georgia found her best friend, Penny, waiting worriedly at the hostel door. “Where have you been? I almost called the matron to inform her that you were missing,” she said, pulling Georgia into a hug.

Georgia sighed. “I had actually been kidnapped,” she said, a smile on her face.

Penny creased her brows and pulled Georgia back to her room. “Kidnapped? Who smiles after being kidnapped? Are you okay?“

Georgia chuckled. “Yeah, I'm fine! Now let me tell you. He came looking for me,” she said in a whisper.

Penny covered her mouth in shock. “What? Do you mean your...”

“Yes! Yes! He came. He said that he believes me. He knows that I didn't do it,” Georgia explained, her voice turning emotional.

Penny hugged her again. “I'm so happy to hear that, Jojo. It's the best news we have received for a very long time. At least we have one person on our side,” she said.

“Yeah,” Georgia nodded, her expression turning serious. “Now is my chance to get revenge on all of them.”

Penny was a bit shocked. “What do you mean?“

Georgia creased her brows. “I want to get him to love me again. I want him to want to protect me. Only then can I deal with my enemies. I'll make them regret ever framing me.“

Penny leaned closer. “So you mean you are getting closer to him just to get revenge? He'll be mad to learn that. After all, he is his grandfather.“

Jojo went silent for a second. “The grandfather that killed his parents. Once ge finds out the truth, he would be on my side, not his.“

“Mmh, I understand,” Penny nodded. “But does that mean that you will leave me?“

Jojo was happy that Finn trusted her. Her heart was still beating with joy. She didn't need to be afraid any more.

Penny pouted. And Georgia looked at her in confusion. “What is it? I thought you were happy for me.“

Penny sighed. “I am happy for you. But does that mean that you are going back to Country A?“

Jojo sighed. “He actually asked me to go back. He says that my dad wants to see me,” she said. She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. “To be honest, Penny, I don't want to go.“

Penny rubbed her cheeks. “It's fine, Jojo. You don't have to stay here by yourself. You can go back.“

For the past five years, Jojo had never seen any of her family. She was always by herself. It would only be great if she had someone else than her best friend.

Jojo shook her head. “I am not alone. I always have you, right?“

Penny nodded immediately. “Yes, we always have each other. No one can ever separate us,” she said. The two of them burst out laughing.

…

Penny and Jojo walked to class together. At the gate, they bumped into Jeff. He was holding a cup of coffee. “Jojo!“ He called happily towards them.

The two girls rushed over and said hi. “Jeff!“ Jojo called, a smile on her face. “I told you that you don't have to be bringing that over every day.“

“I think I should leave you two to talk. See you in class,” Penny said and ran off. She was always so reasonable that she would leave the two people to talk freely.

Jojo sighed as she looked at her. Then she turned to look at Jeff. “Um…”

“You don't have to say it, Jojo,” Jeff cut her short. “I just love it when I share my breakfast with you.“

Jojo didn't dwell too much into it. It was just breakfast, and after all, she wasn't going to spend her own money later on. She smiled and walked beside him into the school.

“Are you free tonight?“ Jeff asked, walking so close to her. “I found a new restraunt. It's dishes are just so great.“

Jojo paused for a second. She was always tempted by food. “Um, at what time? I… I…”

Jeff chuckled. “You don't have to stammer like that. I think seven o'clock will be great.“

Jojo was just about to nod her head when she remembered a certain someone. She coughed awkwardly and looked at Jeff. “Um… I…”

“Is everything alright?“ Jeff hurriedly asked. He didn't know why she looked so hesitant all of a sudden.

Jojo nodded her head. “Yeah, everything is fine. It's just that... Um, I don't think I'll make it tonight,” she explained.

Jeff frowned a little. It was very easy for Jojo to turn him down. “Why not? Are you doing something tonight?“

Jojo sighed again. “Yeah,” she nodded slowly. “Someone invited me to dinner.“

Jeff was silent for a second as he stared at her. “Are you kidding me?“ He asked. “Did you find yourself a boyfriend?“

“Cough! Cough!“ Jojo coughed awkwardly. “Um… no! I…”

“Jeff!“ Someone called and rushed towards them. For the first time, Jojo sighed in relief after seeing Talia. That girl was always a thorn in her flesh. But today, she had rescued her. She didn't want to explain so many things to Jeff.

Talia wrapped her arms around Jeff and hugged him. “I missed you. Where have you been?“ She asked, not caring about Jojo.

Jojo cleared her throat and smiled at Jeff. “I think I'll see you later,” she said and rushed off.

Jeff sighed in disappointment. He still wanted to know if she had a boyfriend.

“The class is about to begin. Come on,” Talia said, pulling Jeff away. Jeff could only follow her reluctantly.

…

Jojo and Penny were walking happily when a car pulled up next to them. They both looked at it in confusion.

However, when the window on their side was pulled down, Jojo gasped. She rushed over and looked at Finn. “Brother? What are you doing here?“ She asked.

Finn remained calm as he stared at her. “Am I not supposed to be here?“ He asked a question of his own.

“Is he your brother? He is cute!“ Penny whispered next to Jojo. Jojo had talked about this brother so many times. Penny didn't expect that he would be this handsome?

Jojo blushed. “Ah! Penny, this is my brother, Finn. Finn, my best friend, Penny,” she introduced the two.

Penny's face turned red, but Finn only nodded his head in understanding. “Why don't the two of you hop in?“

Jojo wanted Penny to join them, but Penny reminded her that her mom was on the way. Penny's mom was also coming to visit.

Jojo could only wish her well. “Say hi to your mom for me. I feel so bad that I can't see her today,” she said.

Penny's mom was so nice to her. Every time she visited, Jojo was always there to say hi.

“I won't forget!“ Penny said and winked at Jojo. She smiled again and walked away.

Jojo got into the car and sighed. She didn't see Jeff on the other side of the street, who seemed so shocked.