Chapter 68

I got up early the next day. It's already Saturday, and this is the day I've been looking forward to. I don't know what will happen the next day, but I'll confront it head-on. I've been waiting for this for a long time, and I'm not going to give up now. This time, I'd rather choose myself over the opinions of others. I'm hoping everything goes well as I'd like to be free of the situation I'm dealing with.
I took a bath, made breakfast, and cleaned my entire flat before deciding to go over my notes then. I went back to my room and slept as time was passing so slowly. I didn't want to pick up or open my phone as I didn't want to see any news that might hurt my feelings, so I decided to take a break.
I wasn't expecting to sleep for a long time, so when I awoke and noticed the time, I leaped to my feet. It's 4:49 p.m., and Aly just reminded me that I have to be at their place by 4:00 p.m. I didn't waste any more time and took a short shower before getting dressed. I didn't comb my hair or check my phone because I was certain she was looking for me. Why do I sleep for such a long time? Why hadn't I thought to set an alarm clock?
I am glad I didn"t wait long for a bus to arrive. I just checked my phone when I was seated. I'm not mistaken that Aly has a lot of messages and missed calls because of asking where I am. I was about to reply to her, but suddenly my phone vibrated because she was calling again. I immediately swipe the answer button and put it near in my ear.
"Hello, El. Are you there?" she asked. I can hear from her voice how worried she is.
I bit my lower lip before I responded, "yeah I"m here, Aly."
"Why did you just answer my call now? I have so many texts and missed calls from you but I haven't even received a response," she stated like a mad mom. "Look, El, I"m not mad. I"m sorry for the tone of my voice. I am just worried," she explained.
I wasn't with her and we didn't see each other, but what she said made me smile. When you can't be reached, it's reassuring to know that someone is concerned about you. When someone expresses concern for you, it implies that you are a significant person in their lives. Some teenagers may wish to live alone, be self-sufficient, and be away from their families or parents to have complete freedom in whatever they choose to do. I hope they learn it's not as simple as they believe, especially if you're a minor. Leaving alone is an unsettling experience, and exhaustion and despair will engulf your entire self. I'm in desperate need of someone I can count on and turn to for assistance right now. I'm grateful for the people God has placed into my life at this time because I don't know what my life would be like now if I didn't have the friends I have now.
"Aly, you don't have to be concerned about me." I'm fine, and I'll be there. I'm already on a bus, so please wait a few minutes," I explained. "I'm sorry if I made you worried about me," I said after taking a long breath. I had fallen asleep earlier and was up late. I didn't check my phone since I needed to go into my flat as soon as possible."
I heard how she took a deep breath as well before she responded, "okay, I understand. Just text me if you"re already at the front of our gate. My parents are waiting for you to arrive."
"Sure, Aly, I'll send you an SMS. Also, I apologize if I'm making your parents wait for me," I said.
"El, you don't have to feel sorry for yourself. It's fine with them, and I'll hang up and tell them you're on your way."
"Of course, Aly. Bye," I stated before the call ended.
I was before unconcerned, but now I am. I was apprehensive about meeting Aly's parents, and I'm hoping I don't stutter when I speak with them. I saw her parents in the photo and could tell they were pros. I was hesitant to speak with them because I was afraid that I might misunderstand what they were saying and hence be unable to respond appropriately.
I soon reached the opposite side of their subdivision. The guard let me in after he checked my id. I texted Aly that I had already entered their subdivision and she immediately replied that she was waiting for me outside of their gate. As I turned to the left, I saw her waving at me so I ran closer to her. She immediately hugged me and I reciprocated. She was wearing a robe while her hair was in a ponytail.
We departed from our hugs and she hold my wrist before the guard of their house open the huge gate. My hand trembled because I was frightened and uncomfortable. Aly became aware of this and stopped walking, as did I. I turned my gaze to her, and she locked her gaze on mine before speaking.
"Remain calm, El. Don't worry; I'm just as nervous as you are. This will be the first time I'll be introducing a friend to my parents, and I have no idea what their plans are," she explained. "Just trust me, El. I hope our friendship does not alter, regardless of what you hear or receive from my parents," she continued, and I nodded in agreement. Before we continued walking, she intertwined our hands and squeezed them.
We entered their home and immediately proceeded to the living room, where her mother and father were waiting. The only sound in their house was the sound of our sneakers, which added to the tense atmosphere. As I sensed we were approaching the living area, I strengthened my grip on Aly's hand.
My suspicions were correct, and when we entered, I noticed that her mom and dad were both staring in our direction at the same time. They were both dressed formally and holding a magazine. I slightly bowed at them as a sign of respect before I greet them.
"Good afternoon, mom, and sir," I greeted. I"m thankful that I didn"t stutter saying those words.
"Mom, Dad, this is El. She"s my best friend, " Aly introduced me.
We gulped spontaneously as I could see that nothing had changed in the expression of her parents. They are just looking in our direction while there was no expression on their faces. I felt Aly's hand tighten on my palm so I knew I wasn't the only one feeling the tension. It took almost a minute for her parents to examine me before his Dad spoke with a simple smile.
"You two can sit," her father said. I think her father is in his 40s, but the traces of his youth's muscularity and handsomeness are still visible, and her mother, with her flawless skin and body, also looks like a model.
"Thank you, Dad," Aly replied.
As we approach the sofa, I sense they were going to ask or interview me about my parents, family background, or even my studies; they are the type of parents who choose and recognize their daughter's friend well, and hopefully what I have in mind is wrong that they offered to help me because they want me to stay away from their daughter