Against society [AMBW]

Chapter Thirty Eight

W11~ Saturday

"How long left?" I whine, stretching myself out in the passengers seat. With the amount I've been talking this whole journey, I know for a fact that Adrian is irritated, especially with his short replies and shrugs. Ever since I could talk, my parents have forever accused me of having a big mouth. Personally I don't find it a fault, it is a bit weird though. Given that I'm very introverted, yet will talk as if I've known people for years.

"Five minutes, Jagi." He yawns in a croaky tone, signifying his own annoyance. His eyes glow with the light only the winter's sun can bring. They light up the rest of his face which looks just as frozen as the remaining water droplets on the rim of the car windows. Despite the amount of layers I'm dressed in, the cold breeze seems to find its way to me.

Even though the waves continue to collide, the harsh temperature of the water is enough to make me shiver. Winter is truly a wonderful time to spend with friends and family, however I will never be able to understand the love for its weather.

"Do you want me to go in with you?" Adrian reverses the car into a parking spot close by to Mr Kim's store. His daughter told me to visit him, so if I told Adrian to follow me it could be seen as rude.

"I'll be fine."

"Okay, but promise me you'll be safe, sprinkles." His tone of voice reminds me of the innocent voice people automatically put on when talking to a baby.

"I'm only going into the store." I roll my eyes, giving him a slight giggle before a quick peck.

As I get out of the car, I feel my feet sliding like an animal on ice. The slippery ground always gets me. Every winter I've fallen over, but this year will be different. I will not fall!

Eventually finding my balance, I waddle over into the convenience store greeting yet again the same Asian man behind the till. His smile, brightens up my mood instantly, especially after almost breaking my ankle from trying to walk from point A to B.

"Mr Kim?"

"Uh-huh." I bite my lips, admiring the different pieces of Christmas décor surrounding the front. The festively designed counter, illuminates with blinking fairy lights and all natural garlands drooping down. For Mr Kim, Christmas has always been a time of peace and community, so he makes sure to decorate to keep spirits high.

"He's in his room." He uses his index finger to point towards the hallway leading upstairs.

"Thank you." I smile at the man and make my way upstairs.

The sweet smell of mulled wine hits my nose, filling the room with a cinnamon aroma, defining Christmas with one scent. As merry as it feels, something isn't right. If Mr Kim is in bed, how on earth can he put the stove on?

Coming to realisation, the black bag on the living room sofa suggests he's got company. I walk up to the door, knocking exactly three times, hearing a call out in response allowing my entrance.

"Good after-"

The shock in my face is evident and I can tell everyone in the room has registered it with the way their faces are flustered. The daughter of Mr Kim doesn't seem taken a back with my expression, in fact if I can see properly, it's almost as if a smirk is creeping onto her face by the corner of her lip. Mr Kim's red face, reminds me of the tomato song my brother and I used to obsess over, however it soon dies down almost instantly. But her face... is the most pale I've seen it. The most guilty, the most confused. All in one.

What is she doing here?

"M-Mother?" I gulp, attempting to get rid of the ready forming lump in my throat. She looks down at the ground, as if studying the cotton of the carpet. I don't know what's happening here, but by the look of it, I'm not going to like the explanation.