Whispers Of The Unseen

Chapter 42 - Haeirn's POV: Bridges Of Secrets, Glitter Bombs

This week has been quite the journey. When people say that sex changes you, they are absolutely right. Every time I look at Minji, vivid images and scenes from that unforgettable night fill my head. What excites me even more is the anticipation of more to come. My senior year has been a rollercoaster of learning and emotions, ranging from longing to rage to admiration. It's hard to believe it's coming to an end soon. In just two weeks, there's the school dance, then summer, and finally graduation. I can't help but think... I might actually miss Ravenwood. It's a school that has its standards, great teachers, and some pretty decent students. Not exactly a place for a "freak," but I've managed to carve out my own space here, haven't I?

Danielle doesn't hang out with Alexandra anymore. She's quite stubborn, and after finding out what Alex did, which, to be honest, wasn't even that bad compared to Claire's antics, she dropped her. It's comforting. Speaking of Claire, she practically scurries away when she sees me. It's liberating.

Anyways, as I'm getting ready to exit math class, I realize we had a substitute today. Minji had to take Luna to the "vet," though in reality, she took her to the pet salon. Minji really loves that dog, and I do too. Sometimes we even compete for her attention, but it's all in good fun. We balance each other out.

I walk along the halls and spot Danielle on my way to lunch. Then, an announcement blares through the speakers, instructing me to report to the counselor's office. I glance at Danielle, who just shrugs. Sighing, I roll my way to the stairs, wondering why I'm being called there now.

I knock on the counselor's door, and I hear a soft, "Come in." As I enter, the ginger-haired counselor beckons me to take a seat. "Hello, Haerin. Enjoying senior year?" she asks. I give a nonchalant shrug. It seems like the default response when people ask about senior year.

She sucks in a breath, and I prepare myself for what might come next. "Well, I have a slight concern for you. It's your grades," she says. I deflate. I had half-hoped it would be about some scandal or sanction, but this is way worse.

"Your graduation is coming soon, and I understand you have some family issues, correct?" she continues. I squint at her. She smiles warmly, attempting to be professional, I suppose. "There's nothing to be defensive about. The word spreads quickly in high school."

I've heard enough school counselors talk to know when they're about to drop some potentially bad news. "I'll cut to the chase," she says. "If you don't get at least six grades above or below average during the rest of this term and your last, I'm afraid you won't be able to graduate with your chosen course."

My lips part in disbelief. This is not what I expected. She offers tutoring lessons and mentions some kids who would be happy to help for extra credit. I sigh heavily. "You're a sleaze, you know that?" I finally say.

She gasps, clearly not used to a student talking to her like this. "Excuse me?" she stammers.

I nod. "Your excused, though I'd rather excuse myself," I retort as I stand and head to the door. Clearly, she hasn't been put in her place before. "Since you want to be in teenagers' business so badly, I'll remind you of what that's like."

I reach into my pocket and drop a small capsule inside before abruptly shutting the door behind me. I can't help but smile as I listen to her horrified scream from inside the room. The door opens, and a gust of glitter emits from the room. Being a teenager is like a glitter bomb, after all.

I glide away from the counselor's office, leaving a trail of glitter behind me. The thought of being a teenager as a glitter bomb makes me chuckle inwardly. I've never been one to follow the rules, and I won't let this counselor dictate my future.

As I navigate the school's hallways, I spot Danielle waiting by my locker. She raises an eyebrow at me, clearly curious about why I was summoned to the counselor's office. I give her a sly grin but decide not to spill the glittery details just yet.

"Hey, what took you so long?" Danielle asks.

I shake my head playfully. "Had a little chat with our lovely counselor. You know how it is."

Danielle's eyes widen with curiosity, but she doesn't press further. She knows I'll spill the beans when I'm ready.

We head to the cafeteria together, and I fill her in on the latest gossip about Claire. Apparently, Claire has been trying to stir up trouble again, but it's not getting to me anymore. Danielle and I have become closer friends, and I've also found a sense of security and happiness in my relationship with Minji.

We grab our lunch trays, and as we find a table, I can't help but wonder about what Minji might be doing right now, using one of her beloved off-days from work.

Danielle chats away, and I listen attentively, grateful for the friends I've made during my senior year. It's been a rollercoaster ride of emotions, but I wouldn't change a thing. My thoughts drift to graduation, the school dance, and the future that awaits me. I can't predict what comes next, but I know one thing for sure – I'm ready to face it with a smile, even if it's as wide as a glitter explosion.

As the school day comes to an end, I begin my journey back home. While walking, I take a moment to check my phone. There's a message from my grandmother, but I can tell it's really from my dad since English isn't her strong suit. The message reads, "Have you visited your mother? She misses you. Make sure to see her. She tried to hide it, but I could sense it."

I pause in my tracks, contemplating the message. The thought of visiting my mother tugs at my heartstrings. I want the next visit to be special, a moment when I can reveal my secret to Minji. My heart quickens at the mere thought of it.

I start playing with the silver ring on my finger, tracing the intricate designs encrusted on its surface. It should happen sometime this week. My mom should meet Minji. After all, why should I ever hide something from my mom, aside from my decision to stop taking medication – a choice I made months ago? It's time to bridge these two important parts of my life and introduce them to each other.