The Hidden Door

Chapter 4: The Diner Scene

We took our "respective seats," according to the waiter. He handed us a menu and some water. It was almost as if he hesitated to. I heard him and his colleagues arguing about who would serve "those people from that house."

Wait. What's wrong with my house?

"So Jessy, what would you like to have?," Mom asked, interrupting my thought. I could tell she was in thought, as well, about what to order.

We decided, then ordered. We've never been here before, so we're going to try some new things.

"She what's the big news, Mom?," I asked eagerly.

"Hold your horses, Jess. Wait until the food is here."

Jess. Yet another one of my nicknames.

I looked around, the window waterfall with lights in the back was pretty cool. Behind me, there were many booths with people eating, drinking, and chatting. The place smelled of rose and was painted a dark, soothing red.

I was worried. What if something happened here. What could possibly make this day worse, I reassured myself. Then I saw. In the far distance of the diner, a girl with blonde hair and blue eyes with a friend. The same girl that hissed at me that morning. Oh. My. Gosh. Jenny Sanchez.

I shrieked and looked away. Mom asked me what was wrong but I said nothing.

After a couple of seconds, I got up slowly so Jenny wouldn't see me. "Can we leave now?"

"Young lady, what has gotten into you?"

"Nothing mom." Uh-oh. That was loud. I watched as Jenny turned her head towards me.

"Go outside and get some fresh air," Mom commanded.

"No mom. I'm fine." I knew for sure that Jenny won't make a scene in public. Especially in front of my parents.

"RIGHT NOW."

I gulped. "Ok," I said in a small voice. And of course, Jenny saw all that.

She excused herself from her table and followed me.

I went outside and ran. My heart was beating hard. To bad I'm not a fast runner. And it didn't help that I was wearing heels. Jenny caught up with me, grabbed my hand and brought me into the nearest alley.

"Why are you always following me?! You will never have a nice talk with me, let alone be my friend! I know that everyone looks up to me but you have no hope."

"I'm not... my parents brought me here. You saw them."

"Yeah right. You and your parents wouldn't have a reason to go out on a special occasion. Nothing special ever happens to you or your parents."

"But I-"

"But nothing. You're ruining my reputation. If the kids at school find out, then what will happen to me? You will go and tell your unfortunate parents that you don't feel good and want to go home. NOW!"

Now she's gone too far. I can take insults about me, but never my parents.

"You listen up, Jenny Sanchez. I will not leave and you can't make me. If there's something you don't like about me, just come out and say it! If you ever come in front of me again, I'll call the cops!"

I turned to leave, gasping at what just happened. Oops, forgot to say something.

"And one more thing. Don't you ever say a word about my parents ever again." That sounded risky.

With that, she was left speechless.

•The Hidden Doors•

I sat back down at the table. Before my mom asked, all I said was "I'm fine. What's the big news, Mom?" The food was here and it smelled delicious.

"I just got a promotion at work!," she said eagerly.

"Oh my gosh, Mom! I'm so happy for you!" With that, we hugged.

I could feel Jenny's stare pressurize me. I took a deep breath, knowing that I should step up my game a bit.