Recap :
Aurora's family was initially shocked and worried about the expenses when she got admission and a full scholarship to Seoul National University in South Korea. However, upon realizing that the university would cover most costs, including flight, visa, passport, and hostel, her parents agreed to let her go.
As the departure date approached, Aurora's mother insisted on extensive shopping, buying her many necessities. On the day of the farewell party, Aurora enjoyed the celebration, while her classmates were jealous of her quick admission to the university.
The next morning, Aurora woke up early, excited for her journey to South Korea. She spent the morning preparing and learning some light makeup from her mom. Dressed in an all-black outfit, Aurora was ready to embark on her new adventure.
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I was lounging on the couch when Mom approached me with a concerned look.
"I think you should go and bid goodbye to your friends. You haven't even told them that you're leaving the country," she said.
"Not now, I'll go at 4:00 P.M.," I replied nonchalantly.
"Ok, but don't blame me later if you don't get a proper chance to talk to them," she warned with a hint of exasperation.
"Don't worry, Mom. They live just a 10-minute walk from our house," I said, plugging in my earphones and resuming my music.
At 4:00 P.M.
Mom's voice broke through the music.
"It's 4:00 P.M. Tell me clearly if you want to go or not. Later, you'll come running back complaining that you didn't get to talk to them properly," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
"Yeah, I'm going," I muttered, reluctantly getting up from the couch.
I reached their house in 10 minutes, rang the doorbell, and was greeted by the lady who opened the door with a warm smile.
"Hello, Aunty. How are you?" I asked politely.
"I'm good, and Aurora, where have you been all month?" she inquired, her eyes filled with curiosity.
"I was just busy with college admissions, Aunty," I replied sheepishly, offering a small smile.
So, the elegant lady in front of me is the mother of my friends, who are more like sisters to me. You might remember my dear friend Flare—well, this is her mom. My other friend, Flare's sister, is also very dear to me. The three of us share a bond that goes beyond typical friendship; we're more like best friends and sisters.
"So, Aunty, where are my sisters?" I asked eagerly, my eyes darting around the room in search of them. I couldn't wait to see their familiar faces and share the news. My excitement was overwhelming, and I struggled to contain my eager anticipation.
"Of course, I'll fill you in on their whereabouts. But first, I must know—where are you headed looking absolutely stunning? You've done your makeup so beautifully! Are you off to a grand party or a fabulous wedding function?" she inquired, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and a hint of admiration.
"No, Aunty, it's not a marriage function or party. I got admission to one of the most prestigious universities in the world. That's why I came to bid my final goodbye before leaving the country," I explained, trying to hold back a mix of excitement and nervousness.
"Leaving the country?" she asked, her eyebrows shooting up in surprise.
"Yeah, I got accepted into a university in Seoul, South Korea," I replied, unable to hide the pride in my voice.
"Oh my god! I am so happy for you! When is your flight?" she exclaimed, her face lighting up with joy and disbelief.
"Today at 5 P.M.," I said, checking my watch.
"And here you are, showing up at 4:10? Really?" she said, shaking her head with a smile.
"I'm sorry, Aunty. I was just swamped with preparations all month," I explained, feeling a bit sheepish.
"I can only imagine how hectic it must have been for you. But I'm truly happy for you. Congratulations and may you have a wonderful life ahead. And remember, don't forget us when you make new friends in Korea," she said warmly, enveloping me in a heartfelt hug.
"Thank you, Aunty. I'm going to miss all of you so much. Now, please tell me where they are, or I'll end up missing my flight," I said, feeling a rush of emotions.
"They both are in Amber's room with some of their friends," Aunty said, pointing towards the stairs.
Amber, Aurora's second best friend and Flare's older sister, is two years older than both Aurora and Flare, who are of the same age.
"Ok, thank you, Aunty. I'll go and meet them," I replied, rushing upstairs to Amber's room.
Just as I was about to enter her room, I heard voices—boys' voices. Aunty never allows boys in their room. Curious, I peeked through the window and saw two boys. I was trying to figure out who they were, and when I saw their faces, my eyes almost popped out of my sockets.
Containing my excitement, I was about to enter the room when I heard my friends talking about me. Though I don't like to eavesdrop, they were talking about me, and I couldn't help but listen.
My friends were whispering to each other so the boys couldn't hear, and they were sitting closer to the door, making it easy for me to overhear their conversation.
"I think we should call Aurora. She will be happy to get such life-changing news and also happy to meet 'THEM,'" Amber said to Flare.
"Oh, come on, sis, grow up. She is just a cold girl with a beautiful face. She will surely create a mess in front of them," Flare replied dismissively.
"But she needs to know the truth," Amber insisted.
"Don't think too much. They must have misunderstood her as someone else. Forget all this and enjoy," Flare said, trying to brush off Amber's concerns.
I felt a rush of emotions—anger, sadness, betrayal. Taking a deep breath to calm myself, I grabbed a pen and notepad that were lying on a nearby table. I quickly wrote a note for my friends, attached it to the goodbye gifts I had brought for them, and ran back home without looking back.
Preview of Next Chapter:
Aurora's heart raced as she fled, leaving behind the note, the gifts, and a whirlwind of emotions. Aunty's distant calls faded into the shadows, as the weight of unspoken words pushed her forward. Moments later, Amber and Flare, realizing the truth, ran after her, determined to set things right.
The air was thick with tension and unshed tears. Aurora, feeling a storm of anger and betrayal, brushed past her friends, determined and resolute.
And in that moment, destinies were set in motion.