One Door Away

Chapter 11

We are currently in Jenna's room studying for the upcoming quizzes. You might think that's it's becoming repetitive because all we ever do is study and go out sometimes. However, you're in fact right – that's literally the life of desperate students trying to succeed in life. The only fun we get to have is almost close to nothing except the occasional bantering with friends and partying.

It has been almost two weeks ever since Henry and I went downtown to play laser tag and I haven't had the chance to tell other people about this considering that I was occupied with my studies. It's tough to maintain good grades and if I were to ever lose this scholarship, it's going to be the downfall of my career. I have big dreams and my grades are a big determining factor in my success.

Inside Jenna's abode – or as she calls it – her pink aesthetics. It's ironic, seeing that her likes are of feminine whereas her personality is more of headstrong and direct. Before students were to occupy a living space, they were given the option to redecorate the interior from the color of the wall to the doors inside however, the student must pay the fees.

She placed yellowish LED lights on the ceiling that complemented her pastel pink walls. Her queen-sized bed was positioned opposite to where the windows were. She also has this make-up table with a heart-shaped mirror right beside the study table I am seated at filled with products from Sephora.

From my seat, I gazed up at her bulletin board that was meant for reminding her of her plans and goals. I bought this as a gift to her when she first moved in, excited in becoming independent and having a place not monitored constantly by her parents.

'Hey, Jenna,' I said. 'Where was this photo taken again?' I pointed at the photo pinned down on the board. The picture in front of me was a group photo of us in some trip I cannot recall. Jenna's height was still similar to us at that time and we all looked genuinely happy.

'That was from the camping trip, can't believe you forgot,' she replied with a tone of disbelief. Taking a rest from the overloading, I relaxed my head on the back of the table and said, 'How are you so tall now, Owen? We used to have the same height, and now, you're freakishly tall.'

'Genes, baby,' he said as he mimicked a chef's kiss. Jenna, after hearing his comment, looked up and down to Owen up, clearly showing a disgust on her face.

'I wish I was taller,' I said with a heavy sigh. 'I could probably reach the top shelf at the supermarket if I had your height.'

Owen and Jenna snickered as they both placed their book down. I looked at Jenna who was looking at me with her mouth pouted.

'What?' I said.

'Nothing,' she replied, maintaining her rapt look. I noticed Owen sneaking a glance from the bed whereas I dismissed it. 'Something's up and you're not telling us.'

'Huh?' I tried to act surprised.

'Don't huh us, Peter,' Owen commented. 'We know something's going on.'

'You were smiling and glowing these past two weeks. You're not even trying to hide it.'

'Fine,' I said giving in to their relentless questioning.

'Boo-yah,' Owen formed a fist in the air. They focused at me who was about to explain.

'We're waiting, Peter.'

And so, I started telling them about the barely two-week encounter with Henry.

-

7:35 pm
Monday
September 14, 2020

'Henry!' I said out of shock when I turned to the person who was tapping my shoulder.