The Freak's Secret

Chapter Five - Garden Gnome

"Guys over here.", Jeremiah waves us over to a lunch table in the cafeteria. Yes you read right I said us and cafeteria in one sentence. Peppy has started to hang out with us again. I guess she listened to me when I finally decided to have the talk with her about time and willingness to heal. She seems to be doing a lot better, and I am really happy that all of our relationships has come out stronger because of this. We all decided to try something new and test the waters. Ever since Jeremiah started hanging out with us, a lot of our bullies have left us alone. We decided to put this to the test and try to hang out in the cafeteria. Hopefully this doesn't back fire and none of us end up getting hurt.

We make our way towards Jay expecting the worst, but we're suprised when we are left alone. No one has tried tripping us nor have we been called any inappropriate names, which I am really thankful for. "Well would you look at that. God really does answer prayers." Peppy says once we reach the lunch table. "Indeed He does. Hi Jay." I say. "Hi beautiful besties. How are you guys doing this fine day? " Jay responds. "Buttering us up I see. What's the occasion if I may ask?" I say, suspicious of his behavior. "Oh nothing just really happy to have you both back in my life.", he says smiling at Peepy. "Me too." she smiles.

The rest of the day goes by normally. Well the new normal anyways. I'm literally over the moon because Peppy and Jay have started talking to each other again. My heart is happy and feels at peace again. Before we know it the school day is over and so is our exams and school year. I am so exhausted, my body has never craved contact with my bed like this before. If I had the choice I would have went into hibernation. Then again going into hibernation isn't that good of an idea, kind of reminds me of the time our hamster Mr Squeaks was found in his cage unresponsive and cold in winter and we assumed he was dead only to have the zombie hamster dig himself out of the burial hole while Kean and I were having his funeral and paying our last respects. Who would have thought hamsters actually hibernated.

I bid my fellow weirdos goodbye and promise to meet up with them over the holidays as I get into Niki's car. "So how was school?" she asks once my weirdos make their way to Jay's car. "Exhausting. I can't wait to go home. I could eat for a whole village and I could really go for a sleeping beauty styled nap.", I say being my over dramatic self. "Well once Kean gets here we need to rush home. Mom and dad said that they have to discuss something important with us.", she says and when I turn to look at her puzzled she just shrugs her shoulders and we drive off as soon as Kean joins us.

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"What's going on?" I hear Nikkita say besides me. We squeeze our way through the boxes in the passage. Making our way to the lounge where our parents are seated on the couch, we notice a man dressed in a suit siting opposite them on the single couch. "Honey! You guys are home early! Great!" my mother then turns to the man and introduces him as Mr Abbott, her boss. When he turns to greet us I see that he is no older than my father, with his bald shinny head, tall frame and full grown beard. I bet he could braid that thing and it would still reach his ankles, okay so maybe I'm exaggerating a bit but it looks long and weird, it kind of makes him look like a garden gnome.

I try not to stare at the intimidating man whose presence practically screams power and ask my parents about what has been bothering me this whole time " Why are our things in boxes?" My parents share a knowing look and asks us to sit down. " I know this is short notice and very unexpected but Mr Abbott came here today to inform me that I have been promoted" " That's great mom! Congratulations" we all say and get up to hug her. Her smile flatters though as she continues "With this promotion comes a new office based in another country. And I know that you kids wouldn't want to leave behind the lives that you have  here but think of all the opportunities and new friends you can make!", my mother tries to convince us. "Well it's fine by me", I say " Me too.", my stooge follows " I'm happy for you mom.", Nikkita is the last to say and even though her voice gives away no emotion I can see that she is anything but happy. "When do we leave? Where are we going?" Kean asks excitedly. "We leave tomorrow as it's is best that I get there as soon as possible and we are going to the Netherlands specifically Amsterdam" my mom say beaming. I hear a sharp intake of breath and when I turn to see what happened Nikkita stands up "Well it was nice meeting you Mr Abbott but if you would all please excuse me I need to sort out a few things." And with that said she leaves the room and climbs up the stairs heading straight for her bedroom we all then hear her bedroom door shut and I look at my mother sympathetically.