Silverside Academy

How It Should Be/Reality

Hanging out with Aliso was exactly the break she needed. It was a remembrance of the friendships she’d had before her father passed.

Mrs. Smith-Hwang was a gracious host and made sure they had plenty of snacks as they gossiped about boys and school.

Alison was still in awe about Silverside.

“You know, maybe I’ll apply there.” She laughed, but there was an edge to her words that told Eilidh she wasn’t entirely joking.

Guilt licked at her again. For a moment, she considered the reality of the situation: Alison would never be allowed at the elite academy. As much as she wanted to be honest, she couldn’t bring herself to.

She was having too much fun.

I want to pretend, just for a little longer.

“You should!” She lied through her teeth. “You’re way better at school than me. They’ll have to accept you.”

Even though she knew it wasn’t true, just saying it made everything feel a little more right; like a bandage. Or concealer.

Hours passed like water as they enjoyed their time together, but it felt like no time at all.

Before Eilidh realized it, they were sitting down for a lunch full of laughter and delicious, spicy tteokbokki. Its sweet and creamy notes paired well with the southern-style tea and meant ice cream made for the perfect dessert.

Afterward, Alison took her to her room, where she showed off her latest crafting obsession: knitting.

Eilidh was happy to listen to her explain how the needles fed loops of yarn to each other, even as she promised herself she would never bother with it. Still, Alison made it fun with the way she spoke so passionately.

This feels normal, she caught herself thinking as the pair put on a movie to watch. This is how my summer should be.

But reality, much like truth, had a way of catching up with a person.

When Alison’s father pulled up, she muttered, “Oh, crap.”

Eilidh’s brows furrowed. “What’s wrong?” She couldn’t recall Alison ever mentioning having a bad relationship with him. Then again, she could’ve been sparing my feelings since mine is gone.

Alison sprung up from her bed and darted to her closet. “I lost track of time.” She waved her hand towards the T.V.

“I need to change out my clothes so I can go welcome Dad home.” Then, without missing a beat, she added, “Keep an eye on the window. Please tell me when he gets out of the car.”

Feeling like she’d suddenly been sucked into an entirely different timeline, Eilidh agreed and watched Mr. Smith.

In next to no time, Alison had changed into a fresh set of nice clothes. They almost looked like a uniform; a knee-length skirt and button down shirt, both perfectly pressed.

She quickly combed through her hair, and even walked over to peek around Eilidh.

“He always sits there for a few minutes before he comes in,” she explained. “I think he watches videos or something.”

Eilidh wasn’t sure what to say, but she suddenly felt underdressed in her jeans and T-shirt.

Just then, Mr. Smith finally opened his door. “I’ll be back in a few minutes,” Alison waved towards her room. “Do whatever.”

As soon as Alison closed the door behind her, the weight of the situation threatened to crash down on Eilidh.

She pulled her phone out, ready to scroll through videos and check her socials.

But it was cold.

Oh yeah. She hadn’t thought about it in hours.

I wonder if Mom’s been texting me?

Her finger hovered over the power button.

“We have a guest,” Mrs. Smith-Hwang’s voice carried up the stairs. And through the door.

Great. I guess this is just another perk of being a werewolf.

She shoved her phone into her purse, mad all over again.

She barely had time to suffer. Not long after, Alison returned. “Mom says dinner’ll be ready in like an hour.”

Eilidh couldn’t believe it. She’d already had lunch and enough snacks to count as a second meal at least. She eyed Alison, who was slim and relatively short.

But she avoided the cliche ‘where does it all go’ joke.

The girls ended up scrolling on Ali’s phone until her mom called for them to come down.

“Sorry I don’t have anything to wear,” Eilidh gestured towards her outfit. But Alison shook her head. “Don’t worry about it. Mom’s old-fashioned, but it only applies to us. You’re good.”

As she descended the stairs, Mrs. Smith-Hwang called up in Korean. Alison struggled against rolling her eyes and whispered, “She wants me to introduce you to my dad.”

Eilidh was expecting something more… extreme. But Mr. Smith was actually really chill. When she walked into the living room, he waved and greeted her with a big smile. “You must be Ali’s friend. It’s nice to meet you.”

She returned his wave and smile. “I’m Eilidh. It’s nice to meet you, too, Mr. Smith.”

He chuckled. “You can call me Jake.”

It had been a while since Eilidh shared the dinner table with dad. He could never even come close to her own, but it was still pretty nice to have someone there to make unapologetic jokes. His warmth was a pleasant balance with his wife’s more austere attitude.

I can see why they got married. She thought as he whispered something to her. Mrs. Smith-Hwang’s mouth twitched as she battled the smile that sprung to her lips.

It was a great break from her usual schedule - even before the recent drama. Being able to cut loose with her friend, try some new foods, and experience someone else’s life for a little while was nice.

And under normal circumstances, she could see where it would have helped her to appreciate her life even more.

Mrs. Smith-Hwang had just served delicious-looking slices of Korean-style strawberry shortcake when there was a knock at the door.

Alison’s parents looked at each other in surprise.

“Honey, are you expecting someone?” Mrs. Smith-Hwang didn’t look at her husband, but directly at Alison. And Eilidh.

She knows.

Mr. Smith looked between the girls. “No…” He let the word linger for a moment. “Girls? Did you invite more friends?”

Though his tone was friendly enough, they knew better than to think they’d be getting out of this scot-free.

I’m screwed. The thought wasn’t exactly high-I.Q., but it was an honest, knee-jerk reaction.

Alison looked like she was thinking the same. Her wide eyes met Eilidh’s and she seemed to beg an unasked question: what do we do now?

I don’t know, Eilidh thought.

Another knock, sharp, rapt, and rent with urgency, bolted through the atmosphere like lightning. It contrasted with the bright summer sky.

Eilidh’s eyes darted to the old grandfather clock in the corner. 8 o’clock? Mom’s been home for 3 hours.

Her stomach plummeted. She’d turned her phone off hours ago.

I should’ve told Alison that Mom didn’t know…

Then the other voice spoke up. She’s smart. I’m sure she figured it out for herself already.

The thought didn't exactly bring Eilidh comfort. Instead, it only stirred up her guilt again. A feeling that seemed to cling to her like a stench.

Mrs. Smith-Hwang gave them a devastating look, the kind that could have withered grapes on the vine. It clearly said, this better not be what I think it is.

She brought a napkin to her mouth to blot away crumbs that didn’t exist, then smoothed her hair before she nodded curtly.

“Excuse me, I’m going to see who’s at our door.”