Alienata

Chapter 2

“So…” Jenny says awkwardly after a few moments.

“What happened earlier Jen? Iona seemed really upset, and I heard lots of shouting.”

Jenny cast her glance out the window, biting her lip nervously. “I went on a walk, to the lake. James was there. We got in a fight, and he threw my jacket, and necklace which was in the pocket, in the water. Then he swam in to get them, and left them in that hollow tree nearby. I ran back, and he followed. He must have climbed the vines to his room, on the third floor.”

Deirdre puts her hand on Jenny’s shoulder. “I understand. But why were you mad at the others?”

“I wasn’t. I was just upset, and didn’t know what to do. I should apologize, shouldn’t I?”

Deirdre nods. “Yes. I know they have good intentions, but somehow they felt upset by your behavior. If you let them know what are your real feelings, they’ll surely forgive you.” She smiles softly, making Jenny’s confidence raise a little bit.

“Thank you so much. This piece of advice is truly what I need,” is Jenny’s answer. She takes her friend’s hand, assuring her about doing what she’s just been advised right now.

After an exchange of glances and smiles, Jenny lets go of Deirdre’s hands, before reaching for the stairs to go back to the hall on the first floor, where Iona and the others are still waiting for her. She wants to make things clear among the group; yet, she fears that she’ll receive a cold treatment for how she scowled at them and didn’t even bother apologizing straight away.

She tries to let go of every negative thought trapped in her mind as she walks through each step of the wooden stairs. As soon as she reaches the last step, she’s greeted by a smiling Iona. “Hi, Jenny.”

Jenny smiles back. “Hey. I’m sorry about before, slipping off and coming back mad.” she begins, and goes into the story she told Deirdre.

At the end, the others are gaping. “That jerk! He’s the worst!” Janey shouts.

Iona, Alex, Charlotte, and Lacey agree. “Don’t worry Jen. We all forgive you.” Charlotte says, placing a hand on her friend’s shoulder.

Jenny beams back. “Thanks. Now who-” she’s cut off by a loud knock on the door, and the sound of many voices.

“Open that door!” The knock becomes more and more insistent, as well as louder. Everyone but Jenny makes a step back. She, on the other hand, makes a step forward, leaning towards the doll.

She opens the door, only to find two more girls and two guys. They’re all wet, soaked to the bone and probably feeling cold.

“Come in. I’m gonna take you upstairs so that you have a shower and change into something… uhm… dry,” says Jenny, showing a welcoming smile. The others, barring Lacey, are very diffident, shaking their heads.

“I can’t believe you’re letting them in, Jen!” exclaims Charlotte, earning Janey and Alex’s approval. Iona, on the other hand, is far more dubious at her friend’s statement, even going as far as thinking that she’s being downright rude.

So, she glances at the brunette, hoping to soften her glacial look; however, it doesn’t work as she expected, with Charlotte even looking away in embarrassment.

The group at the door don’t seem to mind the awkward scene in front of them. Although, one of the girls, clears her throat in annoyance. Jenny’s attention snaps back to them, and her friends scatter awkwardly, heading to their rooms. “Follow me.” the strawberry-blonde says, and begins toward the staircase.