Forty-three

"Love is beautiful!" Mia exclaimed, her giggles trailing off into the air. Jade, however, tried to maintain her composed facade, feigning indifference as she nonchalantly descended back downstairs.

"Could you please get up, Eloise? Not that I don't appreciate it, but you're heavy." Naoka's words were laced with a hint of amusement, but her underlying concern was evident.

Apologizing quickly, Eloise stood up and extended a helping hand to Naoka. "Oh, yes, excuse me," she said with sincerity. Together, they rose to their feet, with Naoka expressing her gratitude. "No need to apologize. I was genuinely happy to help you," Naoka assured Eloise, appreciating her kindness.

"It's getting late, and I don't want anything to happen to you." Her protectiveness towards Naoka was evident, displaying the depth of their friendship.

Unbeknownst to Eloise and Naoka, Jade had silently passed by downstairs, wordlessly exiting the scene. Amber, ever observant, noticed Jade's sudden departure and questioned, "What's wrong, Jade?" Her worry painted across her face as she tried to unravel the mystery behind Jade's actions.

Jade remained silent, swift in her movements as she made her way out. Amber's conclusion reflected her concern, "I don't know why she left, but she looked angry." Amber turned to Lucy, seeking her opinion on the matter.

Lucy, understanding Jade's need for space, intervened gently, advising, "I think you should leave her alone for now, Amber. Sometimes people need time to sort through their emotions." She recognized the complexity of human emotions and the importance of allowing others their personal space.

Taking Lucy's advice to heart, Amber acknowledged, "Yes, you're probably right." She made a mental note to check on Jade later, making sure to respect her friend's need for solitude.

In the midst of the unfolding drama, Eloise, Mia, and Naoka arrived, their presence filling the room with a new energy. Mia's cheerful greeting broke the tension, "Hi, Amber," she chimed, her voice resonating with warmth.

Amber, eager to divert the attention, inquired, "So, how was your day, Mia?" Hoping to shift the focus onto something more lighthearted and positive.

Mia, ever the concise one, simply replied, "Good," leaving Amber longing for more details. The exchange was brief but left a sense of anticipation hanging in the air.

Eloise, aware of her obligations, informed her mother, "Mom, I'm going out for a moment. I'll drop Naoka off and then come back." Her words reflected a dutiful daughter, keen on fulfilling her responsibilities while ensuring the safety of her friend.

"Don't worry, you can go, but don't take too long." She trusted her daughter's judgment while reminding her to be mindful of time.

With their mission in mind, Eloise and Naoka set off together, embarking on a journey filled with conversation and connection. Eloise recognized the opportunity to deepen their bond as she mentioned, "I never really took the time to talk to you."

"Yes, I have to admit that sometimes I wonder how I managed to be part of the council and be in the first position." She revealed her inner doubts, seeking reassurance from her friend.

"Don't say that. If you're first in the council, it's because you deserve it. I'm sure you must be very powerful." Her words held a sincere belief in Naoka's abilities, aiming to uplift her spirits.

Their conversation flowed as they strolled along, and soon they reached Naoka's house. Naoka extended an invitation, "Well, this is my place. Would you like to come in and see?" A sense of trust and friendship was palpable in her voice.

Eloise, intrigued, accepted the offer, replying with enthusiasm, "Why not? It sounds interesting." Her curiosity piqued, eager to learn more about Naoka's life beyond the walls of their school.

As they entered the house, Naoka's voice rang out, "I'm home, Mum." Concern etched into her mother's voice, she exclaimed, "Oh dear, I was worried when you didn't come home this afternoon." Her worry transformed into relief upon hearing Naoka's explanation.

Naoka reassured her mother, "Don't worry, Mum. I was just at my friend's house." The joy in her voice was evident as she proudly shared her newfound friendship.

Naoka's mother expressed her delight, "A friend? That's great!" Her words echoed with happiness, recognizing the significance of connections in her daughter's life.

Eloise, ever polite, greeted Naoka's mother, "Good evening, ma'am," displaying the respect she held for her friend's family.

Naoka's mother, eager to know more, inquired, "Tell me your name, young lady." Her warmth enveloped Eloise, making her feel welcome.

Eloise introduced herself gracefully, "My name is Eloise," her eyes catching sight of wounds on Naoka's mother's arms, revealing a painful truth.

Naoka's mother responded warmly, "Nice to meet you, Eloise. You can come here as often as you like." Her invitation held sincerity, extending a safe haven to Eloise.

Expressing gratitude, Eloise thanked her, "Yes, thank you. I will come here often," her words tinged with appreciation and an unspoken promise.

Naoka, aware of the time, interjected, "It's getting late. You should go home, Eloise." The responsibility of time weighed on her, mindful of her friend's journey back.

Eloise agreed, acknowledging the importance of timeliness, "Yes, you're right. I'll go home, and I'll see you tomorrow then." Her voice carried a touch of longing, yearning for the continuation of their friendship.

Naoka bid her farewell, her words laced with anticipation, "See you tomorrow." As Eloise left the house, her mind raced with concern, thoughts swirling, "It's strange that Naoka's mother has so many injuries. I hope it's nothing serious." A sense of worry clung to her as she pondered the unseen aspects of her friend's life.

Shifting to Naoka's perspective, concern etched into her voice as she asked her mother, "Are you alright, Mum? Please tell me Dad didn't do anything to you." Her worry for her mother's safety was evident, her protectiveness shining through.

Naoka's mother reassured her, "Well, no, he didn't do anything to me." The relief in her voice was palpable, but there was an underlying sadness.

Suddenly, Naoka's father stumbled into the house, visibly drunk,holding a bottle of beer. His presence brought a wave of tension into the room. Naoka's father, slurring his words, called out to Naoka, "You're here, so come over here, you." His voice was filled with a mix of aggression and intoxication.

In a swift and alarming turn of events, he struck Naoka with his hand, his anger unfurling without restraint. The room erupted in chaos as Naoka's mother intervened, desperately trying to protect her daughter. "What are you doing? Leave her alone!" she protested, her voice trembling with fear and anger.

Naoka's father, belligerent and consumed by his vices, retorted, "You stay out of it and go over there." With a heart-wrenching act of violence, he struck his wife with the bottle, the sound of shattering glass piercing through the air.

Naoka, witnessing the brutality unfold before her, couldn't bear to remain silent. "No, Dad, stop!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with a mix of defiance and desperation. In a moment of unexpected strength, fueled by love and a need to protect, Naoka retaliated, delivering a powerful blow that caused her father to faint.

Rushing to her mother's side, Naoka anxiously asked, "Mum, are you alright?" Her voice quivered with concern, her heart pounding in her chest.

Naoka's mother, though shaken, mustered a reassuring smile. "Yes, don't worry. I'm fine now," she said, her voice holding a hint of weariness. "Please go to bed, Naoka."

Naoka hesitated, torn between the need to ensure her mother's safety and her own exhaustion. Eventually, she obeyed her mother's plea, slowly making her way up to her room. In the silence of her thoughts, Naoka's mind filled with a jumble of emotions. "It's always like this," she reflected bitterly. "Mum works hard to earn money, and Dad goes and spends it all on alcohol or gambling.

Then he comes back and hits us. I'd prefer it if he were proud of me again, but now I'd prefer him to die and stop taking advantage of Mum's kindness." Her heart ached with the weight of a toxic family dynamic, leaving her longing for a life free from the pain and chaos that had become her reality.

Meanwhile, Jade, on her way home, found herself caught in a whirlwind of self-reflection. The realization of her own mistakes flooded her thoughts, and she berated herself. "What the hell was I thinking, leaving like that? Plus, Eloise and I aren't dating, so she has the right to do what she wants." Regret washed over her, mingling with the fear of losing a cherished friendship.

As Jade continued on her path, she noticed Eloise approaching in the distance. Eloise's presence sparked a mixture of relief and anticipation within her. Eloise, too, had been grappling with her own thoughts. "Oh, there's Jade over there. I must admit that since what happened in class, I haven't seen her," Eloise pondered internally, her voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of longing.

Closing the distance between them, Eloise walked towards Jade, her voice filled with warmth and genuine happiness. "Hi, Jade! I haven't seen you in a while,".