A Loser's Guide to be Noticeable

4: Create a Plan

It had been three years since the last time I stood on Jaeden's porch. Our houses were only a few blocks away from each other (a little far from our residence was the kindergarten and elementary school that we both attended), but when Jaeden cut the ties between us, the few blocks turned into a hundred miles away.

Yesterday, when I got home, I dived in and did some research, there were a lot of articles and videos regarding how your crush would notice you. Then I sorted it from what I thought was effective and doable from utter nonsense and ridiculous.

Now, clutching my planner, I rang the doorbell. My feet were tapping and my heart beat fast. I fished my handkerchief, removed my glasses, and wiped the sweat on my face. Why does I feel like I was standing on my death sentence? I mean, I did call Jaeden that I was going to their house in the afternoon (his voice was clipped, but he agreed as long as I go away before his dad came). Besides, Mrs. Savon and my mom were still friends. So why?

There were muffled voices then feet walking before the door sprang open, revealing Jaeden with a scrunched face. Was it just me or he doesn't really want me in their house? He was in his ripped-off sleeves shirt that was so ugly I wanted to laugh.

"So..." I said hesitantly when he still didn't invite me inside.

Jaeden opened the door wider, but he doesn't budge in his position, so I ended up awkwardly squeezing inside. His chuckles made me want to strangle him until he couldn't laugh anymore.

"Who's that?" Mrs. Savon's voice called from somewhere. She stopped when she saw me, hand on her chest, as she said, "Oh, it's Felix!" Mrs. Savon blinked. I stood, shifting my feet. Then she continued, "How long has it been since you're in our home?"

"Uhm..." Actually, our parents knew why Jaeden and I ended our friendship: about me being gay and Jaeden being a homophobic asshole. So I wasn't sure if it was a rhetorical question or if Mrs. Savon wanted answer.

I didn't need to figure it out when she swished her hand. "Come inside, dear. Jaeden didn't tell me that you'll be here." Then she glared at Jaeden.

I forced a laugh. "It's okay, Mrs. Savon."

Jaeden's house has no Tsinelas rule like ours. So I could enter with my shoes on.

Their living room's structure was the same as the last time I was here except the furniture was different and the cute angel wallpaper was replaced with cream-colored paint.

"Felix, sit down." She gestured to the couch. I was hesitant. Jaeden frowned, but he didn't say anything. "I'm going to prepare something to eat."

"Mom--"

"Hush. It's been so long since Felix is here." Then she went to the kitchen.

What's up with Mrs. Savon? Why does she's acting weird? I was more prepared for her interrogating and being suspicious of us than acting as if it was normal that I popped in after three years and nothing happened.

I wanted to bolt away.

Jaeden sat across from me while his mother was busy preparing in their kitchen. I took a glance at him, but he was glaring at me as if it was my fault. Not knowing what to do, I opened my planner and pretended to scribble something. Wishing that Jaeden wasn't cursing me to death.

Minutes passed and his mother was back with a tray of chocolate cookies and an orange juice as she sat across from us. I thanked her when she handed me a glass of orange juice.

Mrs. Savon clasped her hands. "I'd read your web novel. Did Susan tell you?"

My hand holding the glass froze. Mom never told me. "She did. Thank you so much, Mrs. Savon." Then I sip the orange juice.