Chapter 4: Will the Plan Go as Planned?
1518 Words
“I’ll say goodbye for now…” Ron muttered, glancing at Drusilla and Issa with a hesitant smile.
At Issa’s house, Issa moved toward the kitchen. “Sit here. I’ll just get some water.”
“No,” Drusilla said immediately. “I’m coming with you.”
Issa handed her a glass. “So… what’s the plan? Are you going back there?”
Drusilla nodded. “Yes. Tomorrow morning. I have to feed my friends.”
Issa laughed softly. “Despite everything, you can still joke around, huh?”
“I’m not joking,” Drusilla replied firmly. “They’re really my friends.”
Issa placed the glass in Drusilla’s hands. “Of course. Here.”
Drusilla took it gratefully. “Thanks a lot, Issa. I owe you so much…” Her voice trembled, threatening tears.
“Oops, no more crying,” Issa scolded playfully, though her eyes glistened. “I’m afraid we’ll get dehydrated…”
Drusilla forced a smile.
Not long after, Issa’s parents returned home.
“Hi, dear! How are you?” her mother asked warmly.
“I’m fine, Aunt,” Drusilla replied politely.
“That’s good,” her mother said, smiling.
Issa’s father raised an eyebrow. “You both look tired and sweaty. What happened?”
“We played outside with Ron,” Issa explained. “He just went home not so long ago.”
“Anyway,” her father asked, “did you eat already?”
“Yes, Father,” Issa said.
“And you, Drusilla?” her mother asked kindly.
“I’m done, Aunt,” Drusilla replied.
Her mother’s eyes brightened. “By the way, our friends and we are going camping tomorrow. Issa mentioned you have a project?”
Drusilla nodded. “Yes, with Professor Ed. It relates to nature.”
Her mother’s gaze softened. “It’s up to you if you want to join us. The place is breathtaking, and you could capture some beautiful photos.”
Issa’s eyes lit up. “We’re going, Mom!”
Drusilla whispered softly, unsure. “I’m not sure if I can go with you…”
Her mother’s phone rang, cutting the moment short. “I’ll leave you two for now. Just take this call.”
“Okay, Aunt,” Drusilla said.
“What did you whisper just now?” Issa asked curiously.
“I… I can’t go with you,” Drusilla admitted.
Issa’s face fell. “What? If you don’t go with me—I mean, with us—I won’t enjoy it. I know Ron would want you to come too.”
“I’m still not sure,” Drusilla murmured.
“Go with us, please,” Issa urged.
“Fine,” Drusilla said reluctantly. “But my mother won’t let me.”
Issa smiled knowingly. “There are strategies to go without getting scolded.”
“I’m not afraid of being scolded,” Drusilla said. “I’m just worried about what might happen to them if I’m not there to help.”
Issa’s voice softened, almost breaking. “You really are a good child. I envy your parents for having you. I wish you were my sister.”
Drusilla frowned. “You just said no more crying…”
Issa laughed lightly. “Okay, okay.”
Drusilla’s lips curved in a grateful smile. “By the way, thanks.”
“Again? For what?”
“For not telling your parents about what happened,” Drusilla said softly.
“Of course,” Issa replied cheerfully. “What would it have done?”
Her mother called out. “Girls, it’s time to prepare your camping essentials now.”
In Issa’s room, Drusilla couldn’t help but glance around. “Your room is beautiful.”
“Thanks!” Issa said, walking over to a table. “Before I forget, I have two cameras. That one on the table is mine, and I want to give you the other one. I meant to do it the other day but forgot.”
Drusilla blinked in shock. “Are you sure? What if your parents won’t allow it?”
“They’re thrilled,” Issa said, smiling. “They were proud I wanted to give it to you. They raised me well.”
Drusilla’s heart raced. “I think my heart just skipped a beat… This is the first time I feel loved.”
“You are always loved,” Issa said softly. “Don’t ever feel alone again. We’re always here for you.”
“This is the second time I’m saying this,” Drusilla said. “I don’t know what I did to deserve your love and friendship. I owe you so much.”
“I’m happy to be your best friend,” Issa said, her eyes shining. “I love you, Drusilla.”
Drusilla’s voice trembled. “I love you immensely, Issa!”
Issa’s face lit up. “So… what else do we need to bring for tomorrow’s camping?” she asked, bouncing with excitement.
Drusilla thought for a moment. “A flashlight and a sweater.”
“Already in my bag,” Issa said. “What else?”
“First aid kit, pillow, power bank, food, tent?”
“Also in the bag,” Issa said. “My parents are bringing food and water.”
“And the Uno cards?” Drusilla asked.
Issa laughed. “Oh, that one. I almost forgot.”
The next stop was Ron’s house. Issa knocked firmly.
“Hey!” she called as the door opened.
“Are you okay?” Drusilla asked him.
“I should be asking you that,” Ron replied, concern etched on his face. “Are you okay?”
“Yes,” Drusilla said softly. “Thanks to Issa.”
“Good,” he said. “Come inside. Let’s talk.”
Once inside, Ron asked, “So… what brings you here?”
“We’re going camping tomorrow,” Issa said brightly. “Want to come?”
“Yeah,” Ron replied. “How about Drusilla?”
“I won’t,” Drusilla admitted.
“It would be better if you did,” Ron said gently.
Issa gave Drusilla a knowing look. “See? He wants you to come.”
Ron smiled. “I’ll help you escape.”
Drusilla blinked. “Escape?”
“Just trust me,” he said.
“I think I should go home now,” Drusilla said nervously. “My mother will suspect something.”
“It’s against my will,” Ron said firmly, “but I’ll allow it on one condition.”
“What condition?” she asked.
“I’m going with you,” he said. “I won’t let your mother see me, I promise.”
“And me?” Issa asked. “I want to come too.”
“Your mother would easily catch us,” Ron said. “Issa, you can come tomorrow morning at six if we’re not there yet.”
“But I want to come,” she insisted.
“You don’t have to,” Ron said calmly. “We’ll be back before six. You just have to wait.”
“And who said I’m letting you come with me?” Drusilla said, hesitating. “My room is small for three, and there’s no bed.”
“That’s fine with me,” Ron said assertively.
“That’s fine with me too,” Issa said, smiling.
“Guys…” Drusilla whispered softly.
“Okay, fine,” Issa said, relenting. “I’m not coming, but Ron will come. He’ll protect you, right Ron?”
“Positive,” he said.
“No more talk,” Issa added. “You’ll need someone with you.”
Ron smiled. “Okay, since everything is planned, what activities are we going to do?”
Issa grinned. “I have a list in my notebook… at home, unfortunately.”
“Is playing Uno included?” Ron asked.
“Oh yes,” Issa said, laughing. “Drusilla reminded me of it.”
“I can’t forget it,” Drusilla said, smiling. “We have too many memories with those cards.”
Issa’s cheeks turned pink. “Memories?”
Drusilla teased her. “Issa… you’re blushing.”
“Blushing?” she muttered, hiding her face.
“You can’t hide it,” Ron said, laughing.
“By the way, do you still communicate with him?” Drusilla asked.
“Sometimes,” Issa admitted, still blushing. “Like on New Year’s, he greeted me.”
“You still have feelings—” Ron started.
“Stop it, Ron,” Issa said, serious.
“I refuse to believe that,” Ron teased.
“Stop that, Ron,” Drusilla chimed in, laughing. “They’re just friends.”
Issa glanced at the clock. “It’s getting dark. You two must go now.”
“You’re right,” Drusilla said. “That’s what I wanted to say too.”
“I’m going home now,” Issa said. “See you tomorrow morning at six, right?”
“Okay, Issa. Take care!” Drusilla replied.
“Ron, take care of Drusilla,” Issa said sternly. “You better hurry tomorrow.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Ron said, assertively, nodding.
- Writer
