That Thing Between You and Me

23. Birthday...Shocks?

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Chapter 23 | Birthday...Shocks?

"Friendship is perhaps the purest sentiment. No responsibilities, no promises. Just unconditional love."

The room was filled with sound of laughter and chattering. People were entering and leaving, making the door bang again and again. At one corner of the gigantic room music was blaring. Teenagers were giggling at random jokes. With occasional bursts of 'Happy Birthdays', the party was in full swing.

Sitting in the middle of the room, Mallory felt nervous and jittery. Her legs were on the chair hugging her chest. With slight trembling and shivering, her breathing became shallow as she felt a strange sense of déjà vu engulf her. Each time the door opened, she couldn't help but flinch.

She thought she was strong. She thought she was finally over it. But clearly she wasn't. As a lone tear slipped out of her eye, she couldn't help but ponder over the events that put her in that position.

• • •

(Earlier that day)

"So, what you are trying to say is that Andrew is Emily's brother and he is here to take revenge from 'The Beasts' by being a part of the gang?" Eva Millington frowned at her daughter, her face held a look of skepticism.

"Um...the way you say it, it does sound far fetched. But mom, it's true." Mallory said desperately.

"Sweetheart..."

"No. Don't give me that look." She said holding the wrapping paper while her mother was putting adhesive tape on the corners. It was Ben's birthday and her mother was helping her in wrapping whilst she was recounting the happenings of past week, omitting a few of them.

"What look?" Her mother asked.

"That look which you used to give me when I was a kid. You think I am making this up." She threw her hands forward in exasperation.

"I don't think you are making this up. I just...uh..." Eva trailed off.

"You see that is exactly why I keep some things secret. You say you won't judge me. But at the end you do. I cannot believe it, mom. You think I am lying."

"I am not judging you, Melly. I would never do that." Her mother said. "It's just that, you know how teenage boys are. I think...I think, maybe, Andrew is messing with you. I know it's hard to believe since you like him and everything, but maybe that is the truth."