Chapter 15- The Calm Before The Party
881 Words
Mrs. Montgomery and Mr. George was discussing like any other couple.
“Babe, I’m traveling on a business trip,” Mr. George said.
“Aren’t you taking Alex again?”
“I wish, but he’s not willing to go with me. His mom didn’t agree with it either. So I have to go alone.”
“Okay. Richard’s the same, but I’m not leaving yet. I still have a few things to take care of. So where are you going this time?”
“South Africa,” Mr. George replied.
“South Africa?” Alicia, who had been napping, suddenly spoke up.
“Hey, kiddo. You’re awake?” Mr. George asked.
“Yes, Dad. I heard you say South Africa. Are you going there?”
“Yeah, Daddy’s going on a business trip,” Mrs. Montgomery replied.
“Can I go with him, Mommy?” Alicia asked.
“You heard me say ‘business trip’, so definitely not,” her mom answered.
“Daddy, please, I want to go with you,” she begged.
“That will be difficult, kiddo.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll help,” Alicia said.
“What? What do you, a four-year-old, know about helping?” Mr. George asked, laughing.
“Daddy, please, I really want to go,” she said again.
“Okay, okay. I’ll think about it.”
“Thank you, Daddy!” she said happily as she skipped back to her room.
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At School
Kate was talking to Lara in their class.
“So everything is ready, except the Shocking Liar game. I’ve got eight shocking liar detectors, and I’ve got a lot of people coming,” Lara said.
“Oh my, your birthday is really tomorrow! Happy birthday in advance, buddy.”
“Thanks,” Lara replied. “So for the party—”
“I can help with one shocking liar detector,” Kate cut in. “How many people are you expecting?”
“45 or more,” Lara replied.
“How come?” Kate asked.
“Our classmates plus you and I make 26. Alex and Richard make it 28. Then five people from my family make it 33.”
“Wait—who and who?” Kate asked. “I don’t think your parents are coming.”
“Yeah, they’re not. But my two brothers and three of my cousins are,” Lara explained.
“Oh, now I understand,” Kate replied.
“Wait, didn’t I tell you my parents are abroad? How will they show up at my party? Think, sis!” Lara teased.
“Ohh… yeah. I forgot,” Kate replied.
“I forgot", Lara mimicked. They both burst out laughing.
“Back to your senses, please!” Clark, a classmate, shouted.
“Mtcheeeew,” Lara hissed. “Let’s go outside,” she added.
They walked out of the class.
“So if it’s 45 max and there are 9 shocking liar detectors, there’ll be 5 groups. Wait—with all these people, will the cake be big enough?” Kate asked.
“Yeah, my brother Joshua booked it for me.”
“Ohh, Senior Joshua,” Kate smiled. “So what are the events for the party?”
“Yeah, that’s what I was about to say,” Lara cut in. “The party is after school hours. It’ll start from 3 pm to 7 pm.”
“Okay, that’s a good plan.”
“Here’s the order of events,” Lara said, handing her a paper.
As Kate read it, she exclaimed, “Oh my! The party is going to be lit!”
“Really?”
“Yes! Especially since it’s a beach party!”
“Lol!” Lara laughed.
Just then, Henry came up to them.
“Hey girls,” he said.
“Hi, Senior Henry,” Lara replied.
“Hi,” he said, then turned to Kate. “What’s up?”
“Nothing,” she replied.
“I’ll leave you guys to talk,” Lara said with a knowing smile. Kate’s eyes widened as Lara walked away.
“I heard someone’s doing a birthday party in your class,” Henry broke the silence.
“Yeah, it’s Lara,” Kate said.
“Am I invited?”
“If you wish,” Kate replied.
“Where’s the venue?”
“Atican beach,’” she teased.
As Alex passed by, he saw them together and called out, “Henry, come!”
“What time is the party?” Henry asked quickly.
“3 o’clock,” Kate replied.
“Okay, thanks,” he said as he walked away.
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At the Corridor with Alex
“Senior Alex,” Henry greeted.
“Didn’t I tell you not to be close to my sister?” Alex asked seriously.
“I’m not. I’m just… finding a chance,” Henry mumbled.
“I must never see you with her again. And even if she gives you a chance, I’ll make sure you never get it. Understand?”
“Okay,” Henry said, devastated.
They both went their separate ways.
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At the Restaurant
Mrs. Williams was serving customers, looking tired, when she suddenly heard a familiar voice:
“Mrs. Ella Williams.”
She turned around to see who it was.
“Long time no see,” the voice said again.
- Writer
