Jenalyn: From the Inside (#3) [Complete]

Chapter 63: Hayden

Thursday, 7:43 P.M. EST

Ren was definitely skeptical about my intentions with Dan earlier while playing Popcorn, but I think I’ve steered her clear of any malintent on my end.

I just had to explain to her that though corny, I was a huge Harlee Gold fan before being adopted into her family. What kind of sister would I be if I didn’t jump on that opportunity? It was such a perfect set-up!

I’m sure she bought it.

“So Evan is coming in tomorrow,” Ren says when we make it to our room.

We skipped out on the movie tonight because Sarah put on The Parent Trap. We both agreed we’ve seen that movie way too many times to sit through it again. 

“He says he’s got a meeting to attend all day though,” she continues. “He never has meetings! I'm starting to wonder if upper management found out about us!” 

I stop what I’m doing to turn to her, partially out of curiosity and partially concern.

“Oh, no!” I gasp, channeling my acting skills again to seem concerned. “What would happen if they did?” 

Ren shrugs with little care. 

“I don’t know,” she says in a tone to match her demeanor.  “He’d probably get fired, and they’d bring in the next one!” 

I’m not sure if it’s her statement or the manner in which she said it, but I’m at a loss of words for a moment. 

Ren doesn’t seem to notice the shock.

“That’d be… unfortunate,” I say, thinking not only on his behalf but my own. That’d ruin everything I have planned! “What would happen to you?”

She shrugs again, still without care. “Probably an extended stay,” she says, with little emotion. “Which I don’t really care about, because well- I’m going to die here! Locked up in a looney bin!” 

I roll my eyes at her, though she’s too busy making her bed to notice.

“Don’t be silly,” I tell her, playing my friend role well as I act optimistic. “You’ll get out of here one day! You just have to-“

Ren cuts me off, growing defensive and upset in a matter of seconds.

“No!” she yells, throwing her pillow onto her bed with force before she turns to me. “I will NOT get out of here one day! I’m not like you, Hayden! I don’t want to get better!”