CHECKMATE - When life plays game with you

6

Samantha's P.O.V

Charlotte approached me with her problem. Frankly, I'm pleased that she turned to me for advice first; it's a positive step. She's always been reliant on my input for significant decisions. It's safe to say I have the upper hand.

As for her love life? Nonexistent. Social life? A barren landscape. And confidence? Well, I'm not sure she even knows the meaning of the word. She can't even bring herself to communicate her feelings to her parents. How utterly disappointing! But no worries, my dear Charlo Babie; your trusted friend is here to rescue you. I must admit, the thought of her parents giving her a sound scolding warms my heart. She deserves it, after all. I can hardly contain my smile at the image of my Charlo Babie in that vulnerable and pitiable state.

Samantha, control yourself. You need to show your friendly side in front of her.

- Charlotte, you have to say it to your parents.

- But what will they think? That I am a loser. That I am having a break when I should be running towards my future.

- Taking a break from college doesn't make you a loser or less worthy in any way. You are taking a break to improve your quality of work and to know yourself much better.

- But Samantha I-

- Hush. I am your best friend. I know the best for you. I will go to your house and do the talking with your parents.

- No. I will do that. You just accompany me.

Naturally, I can't let her navigate this alone. She's my 19-year-old grown-baby. I can't do that to her, plus I want a front-row seat for the drama. Witnessing Mr. and Mrs. Banerjee's reaction, and seeing her breakdown-I mean, it's the quintessential Indian parent response, right? Learning their only daughter is considering a break in her studies. I can already picture it. Their scolding and her tearful reaction. Then, as her sweet and supportive friend, I'll be there to reassure her that everything will be okay and things will get better in future, and blah blah.

I accompanied her to her house and took charge of the conversation. Mr and Mrs. Banerjee had stern expressions. I anticipated the impending drama with a sense of readiness, ugh I should have brought the popcorn. However, to my surprise, they seemed to disappoint me. What? Where's the expected reaction? Aren't they meant to lash out at her for considering a break? This quietness feels strange-maybe the calm before a storm. But now if they sent me off, how will I witness the spectacle? I need to come up with a plan.

She accompanied me to the door to bid me farewell. Ugh, the formality. I reassured her that her parents would understand, and everything would be alright. As I stood at her doorstep, I noticed she was lingering. Was she waiting for me to leave? Probably.

After she finally went inside, I silently made my way towards the living room window. Call it spying or curiosity, I was eager to catch snippets of the conversation. Placing my ear close to the window, I strained to listen. Mrs Banerjee's voice came through, "Oh no honey! Don't think like that. We are not your enemies. We just want the good for you and nothing else."

What? Where's the anger? The yelling? Where's the typical intensity of strict Indian parenting? Why are they being so understanding and compassionate?

I wasted my time and energy, frustrated by the lack of the expected dramatics and also the fear of getting caught eavesdropping had me quickly retreating, worried that their neighbours might call the police. I left, thoroughly disappointed by their unexpectedly supportive response.

Later that night, Charlotte gave me a call. I already knew what she was about to say, but I had showing excitement in my voice. "My mom and dad gave me permission to take a semester off." I know, I was there when it happened, yet I kept up the enthusiasm in my tone.

Suddenly, an idea sprang to mind. What if I took a semester off too, just like her? I didn't have to, but I wanted to demonstrate my thoughtfulness. So, I put forth the proposal to her, and as anticipated, her response was pure happiness. Just as I expected, that's Charlotte for you.

The next day, we headed to the college to sort out the necessary formalities. As we left the campus, Charlotte broke into her signature dance and asked me to join in. You know, the weird dance she does when she's exceptionally joyful? I dreaded doing that dance myself but I did anyway. Why did I get myself into this situation?

That evening, I visited her house for our cute girls' night, ready to discuss our vacation plans. My suggestion was to visit her hometown, what was the name again? Yes, Crystal Lake Town. Why you ask? Well because of a person who lives there - Charlotte's childhood best friend, Edward Byers. I have an enormous crush on him. It was so intense that I even broke up with my then-boyfriend, despite Edward not seeming too interested in me. But for Edward, I was ready to do whatever it took to make him mine. Absolutely anything!

The following morning, we went shopping for suitable clothes for the trip. On our way back home, we hopped onto a train. Charlotte was so exhausted from the shopping that her head found its resting place on my shoulder. As she drifted into sleep, I found myself whispering to her, "I'll make Edward mine. I won't let you take him." Of course, she didn't hear me. Just before our stop arrived, I woke her up. Honestly, a part of me wanted to leave her there and make a quick escape, but my sense of responsibility as a friend held me back.

We had our flight scheduled for Wednesday. On the night before our departure, I asked her about Eddie's whereabouts. As expected, he still lives in the same place. It occurred to me that I should probably get his number too, especially considering he's the one coming to pick us up at the airport. Well, it's more accurate to say he's coming to pick me up.

"I don't Eddie. He's just a friend." That's what Charlotte says every time. Which friend hugs their male best friend so dearly and tightly