The Enemy Beside Me + The Liar Beside Me (Book 1 and 2)

Chapter 14

I'VE BEEN HEARING my classmates discussing if they'll be living here or if they'll keep on commuting from their home. I drown their voices out because I know my choice. Ally will stay with his wife. Having twins is such a big deal to Haru's family, so of course, Ally can't take care of me. And I don't want him to, anyway.

So I scribble my name, my age, my current address, etc. And then I tick all the 'yes' boxes that all mean the same thing: Am I sure that I'll make this place my second home for a year? Yeah, of course. Maybe. Am I going to follow every rule and adhere to their curfew? Sure, I'll try to.

'If it isn't Mister Jaxon Evans, who doesn't know how to count in our language. Fascinating,' Fumihiro humphs as he accepts my application. He's in charge together with Alasdair, whose job is to approve the application forms. For a fifteen-year-old boy, that's heavy-duty. Some little bird told me that his father has been pressuring him to grow up as fast as he can.

'I hope it won't affect my record.' Before sarcasm escapes my lips, I cage them behind a tight, polite smile, waiting for Fumihiro to finish typing. He scrutinises me over the screen and mumbles some words so quiet, Cupcake can't pick them up.

Do you hate foreigners? I can ask him that, but the answer's pretty much evident. Yamato International School has a No Bullying policy. I could report him. I should, but it's too risky. I don't know yet how biased Alasdair is towards his best friend. Sure, he's a clever boy. He's still fifteen, though. Skipping grades isn't always a good idea. Each year teaches you lessons about life.

When Fumihiro is done, he slides my form back to me. I asked Declan why the process is quite old-fashioned. He shrugged and said, 'Don't ask me, man. I'm new here too.' Then we both agreed that Alasdair loves signing papers.

'Bring your form to Yamato Alasdair. I assume you know where you can find him. He's on the fifth floor if you haven't realised it by now.' I nod and thank him. 'Do not forget to bring your guide along with you. Goodbye.' He presses a button, and the glass panel that separates us turns dark.

I hope the redhead isn't that sharp to see through Eien's lies. The kid said to leave it to him. He's planned everything. He said that his father was a soldier and had taught him helpful tricks.

I don't have faith in him exactly. I have faith in his stoic face. As long as he keeps that passive expression, maybe Alasdair will let him through.

* * * * * *

'So, this is it, huh?' Ally zips my backpack. He gave it to me last night and said the school had called and accepted my request. The school also told him I wouldn't need to bring that much since they'll provide all my basic needs.

'Yeah, I guess this is it. Oh, come on, don't give me that sad puppy face. I'll come to visit here. Once or twice a month. I guess.'

He sniffs, and no, he isn't acting. He's really crying. 'I feel like sending my kid to uni.'

'Uncle, it's not that far. You can visit me. But not often, OK? I don't wanna any of them to think you're my babysitter.'

'I don't mind babysitting you.'

'Well, I do mind!'

He dries his tears with the back of his hand. 'Can I at least cook for you one last time?'

'One last time?'

'Dunno. Feels like I won't be seeing you again.'

'You're overreacting.'

In a snap, the sad uncle is gone. An excited Ally replaces him. 'Yeah, you're right. Let's go!'

'You're not coming with me!' I say, opening the bag and shoving my favourite red shirt inside it. It's been with me for a year now; Jessica's gift. I'm not holding onto it because of her. I simply like it.