Chapter 4 She's Here

It was ten minutes to six. I was leaning on the wall, going through my phone. Claire had sent me screenshots of that group chat's messages, and the messages were still pouring in.

Harold texted, "It's nearly six. Where's Elephant? My hand's getting sore."

Girl B answered, "I bet she's having cold feet. She's just going to embarrass herself in front of Jonathan with that size."

Guy C added, "Wasted half an hour for nothing. My legs are numb, and the mosquitoes are having a feast."

…

Down in the park, Wendy stood beside the pavilion, visibly irritated. She chewed her lip in frustration and blasted my phone with calls. I switched my phone to silent mode and ignored every call.

Eventually, she gave up and sent a voice message to the group chat instead. "Give it some time." Her voice reached everyone, and I heard it clearly. "I've been encouraging her all I can. Even bought her some clothes at the mall yesterday."

Her voice was filled with resignation and regret. "Still, she's not brave enough to face her own feelings. I'm disappointed with her."

Even now, she was still putting on an act.

"Doing it for her own good? That's what you call exposing photos of her old self?" Jonathan suddenly spoke, and he looked at Wendy coldly.

Wendy tightened her grip on her phone. Then, almost immediately, tears welled in her eyes.

"You got it all wrong, Jonathan." She stepped forward, already sobbing. "I've taken care of her for three years. Went to the hospital with her, had my meals with her, and even defended her when people bullied her because of her weight.

"That photo's just a joke. I want her to get over it and be a happier girl. Why do you insist on making me the villain?" She wiped her tears as if she was the victim here.

Jonathan tossed the fallen leaf in his hand away. "Did you get her permission before you posted that?" He stood up and approached Wendy. The guy towered over her, and the pressure was overwhelming as he stared at her.

"You use the past she never wanted anyone to see just to get some laughs out of the guys at school. You call that taking care of her?"

Wendy's performance faltered. Her face went white, and she stepped back, feeling nervous. Wendy wanted to retort, but Jonathan's intimidating aura kept her quiet.

It was almost six. She clenched her teeth and looked at the empty entrance. She took a deep breath and gestured at the fake mountain. "Guess she's too chicken to show up." She raised her voice so everyone could hear her. "Let's start the countdown, guys! We'll end this fiasco for her!"

Excited murmurs came from every hiding place. They sounded almost thrilled that the show was about to begin.

"Ten."

"Nine."

"Eight."

I opened up the rusty door and descended the stairs.

"Three."

Harold turned on the speaker just to hype things up. Sounds of elephants stomping and trumpeting echoed in the air, reverberating around the park. Bursts of laughter echoed around the trees.

"Two."

"One."

The countdown was over. I stepped into the park, my light, crisp footsteps covering the amusing sound effects.

The laughter stopped completely. Everyone held their phones up, aiming at the entrance.

I walked out from beneath the shadows of the wisteria and into the setting sunlight. There was no neon-pink tutu. No exaggerated costume. No double chin.

I was in a simple white tee and fitting jeans, and a canvas bag was slung over my back. The shape of my toned waist and defined shoulders was just visible beneath the fabric.

Every face behind those cameras went blank with shock.

I stopped before Jonathan and smiled at him. "Good evening, Jonathan. Sorry to keep you waiting."