Deviating from the original plot

Chapter thirty-nine

"Tsk, tsk," Tomika shook her head in mock pity. "Pan is for everyone... but Alicia ends up with no one."

"Honestly," Cheryl added with a mischievous grin, "if you're going to keep up this loser behaviour, you might as well crawl back into the closet."

"I hate all three of you!" Alicia screamed before charging at them.

The girls scattered down the street, shrieking with laughter.

"Beeee who you arrrre, for your priiiide~!" they sang at the top of their lungs as Alicia chased after them.

By the time they finally slowed down, the four girls were breathless with laughter, collapsing on the grassy field near the park.

"You guys are the worst," Alicia huffed, her cheeks still red as she threw herself onto the grass.

"Correction," Tomika said between giggles, "we're the best—because you love us."

"You mean annoying," Alicia muttered, tugging at the blades of grass beside her.

Hannah flopped down next to her. "Come on, it's not that deep. We're just saying... if you like someone, you should go for it."

"Losers," Alicia muttered, though a smile tugged at her lips.

"Yep," Hannah grinned, "one big loser family—with you as our mama loser."

"Aww, I love it!" Cheryl clapped her hands dramatically. "The Loser Family! Group hug, everyone!"

The girls collapsed onto the grass, wrapping their arms around each other in a messy, giggling pile.

"You're all so weird," Alicia said, laughing despite herself.

"Ice cream," Tomika declared suddenly, with a serious face like it was a life-or-death decision.

"Yes, please. It's way too hot," Hannah agreed, fanning herself.

"Ice cream!" they squealed together before dashing off toward the shop.

✦ ✦

"Hi, Mum," Alicia called as she slipped into the house later that afternoon, heading straight for the kitchen.

"Hello, dearie. How was school?" her mother asked while rinsing vegetables at the sink.

"It was fine. We got our report cards today—I scored a 96% overall."
Her mother arched a brow, a playful grin tugging at her lips. "Should I pretend to be surprised?"

Alicia smiled faintly. "You could at least try."

"Well, congratulations anyway, my genius girl." Her mum wiped her hands on a cloth and pulled her into a quick hug. "You worked hard, and it shows."

Alicia leaned against the counter, fiddling with a spoon. "I came second though... Jason beat me by just one mark."

"Jason? That boy again?" Her mother chuckled. "Sounds like you two have quite the rivalry."

"It's not a rivalry," Alicia muttered.

Her mother gave her a look but let it go. "Well, whether it's first or second, I'm proud of you. Now—wash up and help me set the table. We're having your favourite for dinner tonight."

"Really? "Thanks, Mum." Alicia smiled as she quickly went up to her room to clean up and change.

✦ ✦

They had just finished preparing dinner when Alicia's father walked in from work, loosening his tie as he stepped into the kitchen.

"Whoa, something smells amazing in here," he said, taking a deep breath. "What's the occasion?"