The Girl He Promised To Protect

The visit - 1

In the heart of the most luxurious neighborhoods of Capital City, the Hills of Moon Village is ironically stuck in a re-development that is still in progress after so many years due to the terrain.

Thus, if there is an urgent business to settle in, the villager won't bother to go through the unwinding stairways alley just to get to the city, as the basic essential supplies can still be acquired from the row of old shops, which I barely remember grocery can consist of a barbershop, little cafe, and a groceries mart.

Yet, Naomi goes along the same route daily to get to school. I almost admired her strong will. Looking back to check on Samuel, I caught Samuel wiping away his sweat many times.

"Are you alright, Sam?" I deliberately ask just to check whether he regrets his decision to go with me this morning.

"I'm good, watch your steps." In his breathy voice, he replied.

"We are almost there," I said, showing him the significant gate at the end of the alley.

Ringing the bells, we are welcomed by Mrs. Jang, Naomi's mother. Astonished at first by our sudden visit. Her amiability ambiance that I always reminisce broadcasted once she acknowledged my presence. "Look who is here, oh dear." She opens the gate widely, welcoming me with her heartwarming hugs. "It's been a long time, how are you, dear girl?"

"Aunty, I missed you so much," I exclaimed, tightening the embrace.

As we parted, her attention went to Samuel, who was behind me.

"And who is this young man?" She crinkled, turning her gaze to me.

Before I got the chance to answer, Samuel gladly introduced himself. "I'm Samuel Jin, Naomi's classmate. Nice to meet you, aunty."

He said, bringing the basket of fruit we bought to Naomi's mother. "Here is a little gift for you."

"Such a good-looking young guy you are, thank you. Both of you are such good people. Please come in, come in." She invited us, leading us to the verandah to sit. "I have just made a scallion pancake that you like, let me get it for you."

"Great, I'm a little hungry now." My eyes lightened at the offer of my favorite food.

"Good timing then, please wait for a while, alright."

As Mrs. Jang disappeared into the house. Samuel nudged my arm. "Gosh, you are unbelievable, no shame at all."

"Oh... You will love it. Aunty makes the best scallion pancakes in the world. I love scallion pancakes," I gushed in excitement. It's been some time since mom allowed me to come here anymore. I got a good beating on the day my mom found out I had been spending time with Naomi there.

"Are you sure?" Samuel queried me. His eyes widened with curiosity. "Lana Kang, a scallion pancake is a pancake with a scallion. And you don't like a scallion. Lana, are you alright?"

"I know, but she makes the best pancake and even the fish scallion smells great."

"Gosh," Samuel slapped his forehead, mumbling to himself. "You must be kidding me. A scallion is a scallion. How can it taste like chicken or fish? Gosh, girls are complicated."

I ignored Samuel's grumbles, keeping a watch towards the front door, waiting for Naomi to turn up anytime soon. I was hoping this time Naomi would at least talk to me again. Instead, I'm going to be disappointed again as Mrs. Jang comes her way with a tray in her hands.

Samuel was there in an instant before I was able to stand, assisting her with setting it on the table.

"Ah, you are such a good child. Your parents must be proud of you." Mrs. Jang is praising Samuel again. "Anyway, do you like scallion pancakes as much as Lana likes them, child?"

"Yes aunty, I love scallions in my meals too. I love scallions." Samuel sneered, glaring at me with his cynicism.

"Good. Eat and drink, I'm happy to see you both." She said, placing the tray beside the table and taking a seat across them. "But if you wanted to see Naomi, she will only be back in the evening, she is doing part-time in the cafe in this neighborhood. Perhaps you can go to her directly?"

"How long had she been working, is everything alright?" I asked, regretting having missed many of Naomi's issues. It's no wonder she withdraws herself from me.

Because I'm a useless friend.

"Just recently, she said she needed some money for the incoming examination fees." Mrs. Jang explained, exhaling in heavy breathing. "If only Nora was here..."

Nora, Naomi's eldest sister, had seen her for a while prior to her running away from home with their parents saving. Nora's deeds had broken their hearts apart, and they had been living through difficulty for some time.

"Aunty, let's don't recall the bad memory." Holding her, I don't want the kind old lady to become sad again. "Naomi doesn't want to burden you because she is also a good child. Don't worry, I will take care of her too, trust me, hmm."

" I really wish Nora had half of your quality, Lana. It's really breaking my heart because she is my daughter."

"Shh... no, no, don't say so, she is just being with the wrong friends, she is not a bad daughter," I assured her.

Wiping her tears, she apologized, "Pardon me, child, I have been a little overly emotional these few days due to an incident that happened,"

"Don't worry about it, aunty." Samuel slipped into the conversation, "Is everything alright, is someone in the family sick?"

I looked at Samuel, surprised by his blunt question, and turning to Mrs. Jang I'm hoping she could answer my concern about Sunni's accusation of Naomi.

Mrs. Jang paused for a moment, regaining her composure, "I'm sure both of you happen to know about the murder of a security guard in your school, right?"

I exchanged a glance with Samuel and we replied to Mrs. Jang at the same time, "Yes,"

"If I were to tell you, please don't judge Naomi, would you?"

"What happens?" I asked impatiently.

"He is my younger brother from a different father..."