Survival Under Protection - Book Two (Sequel)

46 - Ticket to freedom for caged souls

RIA's POV:

"So, when are you starting your school, Ria." Sally asked while we two were having lunch at her house.

I replied after finishing the last piece of the sandwich that Sally's mother, aunt Sandra, prepared for us, "Dad is gonna visit the school authorities tomorrow to talk for me and my brothers, so maybe we will start from Tuesday or Wednesday. So, I just have at max 3 more days."

I sighed and laid back on the chair.

Sally scoffed and playfully pushed me, "All these while you were cribbing as you had to home-study and now that you can be back to school, you are cribbing again? Common, it will be fun to be back with me, Rini and the girls. Even Tim misses you, you know..."

I smiled, "Yeah, of course, but it won't be fun to get up early morning, get out of the pajamas and the most scary part, I have to face the teachers. Oh God, I have prepared nothing for the tests due in 2 weeks!"

-"Stop for pity-party now! It's still Sunday today, and we are gonna have so much fun today!"

I was about to answer when Sally's mother, aunt Sandra came out from the kitchen, "Sally, Ria... do you want some more sandwiches or eggs? I hope you liked them."

"No, aunt Sandra, we are already so full, and the food was so yummy!" I answered with a smile.

-"I am glad you liked it, Ria. I will be around, just in this room. Feel free to ask for some juices or sweets."

"Mom, we are good, and now we will go to my room to-" Sally got up from the chair, telling but was quickly cut by aunt Sandra, "Sally why don't you to sit out in the hall here? You can use the new recliners. They are comfortable and you can watch TV also. Bye."

Sally exhaled and sadly looked at me and signaled me towards the recliners in the hall. I followed her and took one of them. Indeed, they were very comfortable. But Sally still looked sad.

I patted her hand, "It's ok, Sally. I don't mind."

She exhaled sharply and angrily, but in a lower voice vented out her anger, "But I mind, Ria. We are best friends since 8 years and suddenly my parents are so sensitive of me hanging out with you, when you have spent so many days here before! Even August is so irritated whenever I talk about you nowadays."

I chuckled, but I was sad inside, "Of course they will, Sally. Afterall, Logan talked to yours and August's parents in not getting involved with me after Jack was so critical. I am sure it was kind of a threat only. I am sorry, Sal, that you got so much scolding because of him, and also me... Even today, I had to fight with John for permission, just to meet you. Can you even imagine that? Thankfully, my mother was there to support me."

"I am glad too. Let me get us something to drink." Sally said as she got a coke bottle from her fridge and handed me after having a sip, "You got any news of John and Kate yet? Did they find Ray?"

I took the bottle too and answered after a sip, "They just reached Rincon sometime back, we should hear something soon. I really wish they do."

Sally nodded and put her hand over my shoulder, "And, how is Jack, now?"

-"Andy said that he is much better now and can start eating solids in 2-3 days. We might even have him back home within a week."

-"Andy said? You didn't visit him yet, Ria?"

-"No. I don't know how to face him."

-"Because you think it was your fault?"

I nodded.