The Popularity Switch | ✔️

35

CH 35 |

Once again, I wake up with something wet on my cheek. Why, just why?

My eyes flitter wide open and I sit up from the cold, hard floor. Slowly, my eyes register a familiar eight year old boy holding a water gun.

"MORNING SAMARA!" Bruno yells before spewing water at my face again.

I cough violently, swiftly grabbing the water gun from his hands and spraying repeatedly at him whilst saying, "My. Name. Is. SUMMER. Not. SAMARA!"

"OKAY, okay, I'm SORRY!" Bruno cries, shielding his face as much as possible from the spurts of water attacking him.

"Good, now come here." I extend my arms out for a hug.

Bruno scrunches his nose. "Ew, no way! You're drenched!"

"Oh come on, I insist!" I insist, inching closer to him.

He inches away cautiously. Then he gets on his feet and runs away, screaming, "MO-O-OM!!"

I chuckle to myself before glancing at the fancy clock on the wall. 7:15AM. Wow, he makes a good alarm.

Standing up, I grab the fresh set of school uniform that is folded neatly on the chair beside the door and hop into the bathroom to change. Thankfully, they weren't men's uniform. After brushing my teeth, cleansing my face and throwing my hair into a high ponytail — which took forever to do thanks to the countless visible lumps that keep popping out everywhere — I make my way downstairs, which also took a while thanks to the collosial maze called 'hallways'.

"Summer, my dear cupcake!" Wendy coos, rushing towards me and enveloping me into a tight, warm hug. A very tight, warm hug.

"Wendy! How are you?" I choke out, trying not to squirm at the immense pressure on my shoulders and chest.

"Oh forget me, I'm worried about you!" She chirps, her concerned eyes frantically searching mine. "Vincent told me everything! You poor darling, your father just left you at home for a business trip after that dreadful robbery incident? How dare he!"

I mentally applaud Vincent for the believable excuse. My father does tend to ditch me and go on business trips a lot, leaving me nothing but a new batch of cheesecake in the fridge.

"Yup, poor me." I laugh nervously. More like poor dad! I hope they've at least fed him and given him water.

"Oh look at those tears brimming in your eyes!" She pouts. "You know what? I'm going to call him and give him a piece of my mind!"

Blimey! If Wendy calls my father, C.H.A.N will know and then go and investigate her, which means they'll find us!

"NO!" I shout abruptly, causing her to jump in surprise. I laugh convincingly. "No, no, no, that won't be necessary. You see, it's not my father's fault... It's mine. I persuaded him to let me stay at home, and after a long day of firm objections, he finally gave in."

"Oh, is that so?" She frowns. "Very well then, you must never do that ever again! What were you thinking child? You're lucky Vincent found out and convinced you to stay here. In all honesty, please do stay for as long as you like."

I smile sincerely. "Thanks Wendy."

"Don't thank me, love! Thank Vincent, he's the one who brought you here. Oh, I'm so glad you two are friends again!" She squeals, clapping her hands together in delight. "Anyways, come and take a seat, I've made chicken and egg soup with a special morning twist for breakfast!"