Lahat ng Kabanata ng Jenny & Jay - Volume 2: Kabanata 1 - Kabanata 10

The teaching finally began.At the dorm, I shared a room with Eddie. Our third roommate was never around—he practically lived at his girlfriend’s place. I could’ve done the same. We only ever saw him during lectures, which made our room feel pretty comfortable.I tried to fit in and find the group of friends I’d eventually belong to. I joined a team playing some kind of shooting game on the computer, but I just dragged them down—I kept getting shot.I also joined Eddie and his friends for card games, but even though they played for small stakes, I kept losing. I didn’t enjoy sitting with them too often. They were friendly enough, but I didn’t really fit in. They were all from the same town and had known each other for years.I talked to Brian and my family at least once a week—we always made time to call each other. Brian seemed genuinely happy with Mayoko. They’d moved in together and even signed up for a local swimming competition with Paul. Brian always kept me updated on our frien

The following week was awful. I was tired all the time, barely able to study, just counting down the days until the weekend so I could finally rest.But the weeks that followed only brought more disappointment. The weather was different—much colder—and even though I kept tagging along with different groups, I couldn’t really connect with anyone. I tried to call Jenny, but her phone was off all the time, so I casually asked Brian during one of our conversations.“Amber’s model’s phone is off,” I said lightly. “Is everything okay with the shop?”Brian just smiled and sighed. “Oh, right,” he admitted. “Jane asked me after your night call, and I forgot to tell you.”“Tell me what?” I tried to hide my anxiety.“She asked me and Amber to remind you that since you didn’t keep your word—her never hearing from you again—she took care of it.” Brian hesitated, then added, “She didn’t explain further, but Paul confirmed she blocked your number.” “I see,” I said, hiding my disappointment.A cou

I slept late—everyone was already up by the time I came downstairs.“Little bro,” Amber said, “you can start making up for your screw-ups. After lunch, you should help out at the shop.”“Isn’t Brad free?” I asked flatly. I had no desire to leave the house.“Forget it,” Amber said. “I’ll manage.”“Fine, I’ll help,” I said generously. “But only if your partner’s not there.”I wanted to talk to Jenny, but no one needed to know that.“She won’t be,” Amber replied. “Come by after lunch.”I nodded. Amber gathered her things and left.Then I got a message from an unknown number:“Come to Tony’s after lunch.”I figured it was Aaron or someone who’d changed their number. At least I’d get a decent meal.After studying and an early lunch, I drove to Amber’s. The shop was open, so I went in. The photos were new, but the model was the same. Dad hadn’t lied—she looked stunning in the suit, the hat, the dresses. Every new photo. On some, Amber had even added jewelry.“Hi, can I help you?” asked the

I couldn’t even finish my burger. I just wanted to get home, confront my dad, and change out of my sticky clothes.He was in the living room, scribbling something. Mom was watching TV. I was already on edge, and I didn’t care about the mess I was in—I needed to talk to them first.“Why didn’t you tell me Jenny was paying for my ex’s sessions?” I asked accusingly, standing in the doorway. Both of them looked up.“Watch your tone, son,” Dad said, eyeing me. Mom turned off the TV.“Why didn’t you tell me Jenny was paying for my ex’s sessions?” I repeated, calmer this time.“Because it wasn’t your business. And Shannon was my patient—she specifically asked me not to tell anyone.”“So my girlfriend was taking crap from people while secretly paying for my ex’s therapy with my dad?” I said with a hint of sarcasm. Dad ignored it.“Sit down, son,” he said, pointing to the armchair.“After Shannon got out of the hospital, she clearly needed help. But her parents decided it was her mess to deal

I looked over—she had her back to me and hadn’t noticed us. She was with three men and a woman, translating. She wore a modest gray suit but still looked incredible. Her new hairstyle was pinned up, though that one stubborn strand still curled loose at the side. I tried not to stare. I failed.“She works as an interpreter alongside school,” Brian said.“I didn’t know she actually went through with it,” I replied.“She makes good money and only takes jobs that fit her schedule. She’s certified in every language except Japanese.”“Why not Japanese?” I asked, still watching her.“She says the official requirements for certain events are too strict. She doesn’t want the pressure.”She turned, spotted us, gave a quiet wave, and went back to work.“Come on, I’m picking this one,” Brian said, pointing to a rose sculpture. “Let’s head home.”“Who’s she dating?” I asked, trying to sound casual.“Sorry, man. That’s not something we should talk about,” Brian said.He paid for the sculpture—it wo