*Dianne's POV
The cold night breeze brushes my bare arms as soon as I stepped out of the vehicle. Perhaps due to the fact that I'm already feeling fidgety, the unexpected air made me shiver from where I stood. Lucky for Aaron, his brown leather jacket saved him from the sudden wind gust. Though I grew up in this neighborhood and lived in this house since birth, I have never felt so afraid stepping into the imaginary boundary that separates me from whatever or whoever awaits us inside the seemingly empty home.
Few more minutes have passed yet both of us still standing stiff on the soul less road saying nothing. Like deaf and mute, we can't seem to produce the exact words needed at this moment.
Another heavy and long sigh, I looked up and gazed at Aaron's eyes and he mirrored my action. I closed both of mine once.. twice, five seconds after.. then thrice.
"What the hell's wrong with you? How many times do I need to repeat myself? You are not twelve anymore!"
I exclaimed. I looked at Aaron's face and he seemed dumbfounded with my words. The typical sweet, candid and trustful Dianne was no more. I signaled with my eyes and lips that it's his time to deliver his line in his most believable angry tone. Taken by surprise, it took him a couple of seconds to respond as he snaps out of reality.
"You know what's wrong Dianne! Why won't you let me explain? Just hear me out, okay?" He replied. The crack in his voice sounded like he was about to cry. If this was indeed a real fight, I would have immediately wrap my arms around him and pat his back until he feels a little bit better. Along those lines, my heart strings were tugged and then torn into hundreds if pieces a second after. I'm so lucky to have him.
"What's there to explain Aaron?" I saw it with my own eyes! I can't have any decent conversation with you anyways!" I shouted while turning my back against him. I just feel freaking terrible doing this to my best friend and letting him face the unknown yet possible consequences. This is worst than my break-up!
I hurriedly walked up and was about to grab the knob when the door suddenly flinged open and my mom was standing there wide eyed.
"Dianne? What's happening?" She asked. I know that it's best to not answer the question and just let my mom's imagination run wild. This is part of our plan. One of our expectations actually came true, which means we did things right. Plus, she sees through my lies, so better be safe than sorry.
"Not now Mom... but I'll definitely explain things to you some other time." I dramatically answered so she won't have any doubt while I lower my head to hide my snicker. I made my way to the kitchen, drank some water then confidently head upstairs to my room. "That was a success!" Fisting the air and skipping my way through the hallway... or so I thought.
A few minutes after while I was changing my clothes, I heard my phone's notification. I excitedly ran to my bed, wanting to see Aaron's bragging chats about how good his idea was and how I should show my appreciation for his efforts. I smiled from ear to ear as I unlocked the blank pop up text balloon and after laying eyes on the words written on it, I immediately knew we messed up.. because if not, the gods are undoubtedly playing tricks on us.
"You better get down here now! Your parents brought me inside!" was what he sent to me. I just froze and stared blankly at the screen.
Did he say 'parents'??.. Both of them? Holy Cow!.
We did not expect this... I did not want this to happen! How should I save him? Mom's already a force to reckon with but with my Dad being there, Aaron's going to die.
I kept on pacing back and forth for what feels like eternity untill I decided that now is the best time to return the favor and impress my best friend at the same time. I went down, not minding how messy I looked. I zipped towards the living room and found Aaron kneeling in front of my the monsters.
"Mom?! Dad!?" I screamed on top of my lungs. I never saw Aaron that afraid before. He was literally shaking. I tried to compose myself to not give away our plans. "What is he still doing here"? I asked.
Aaron still has his head bowed.
"You tell me! Aaron told us something I didn't know you would do Dianne." My mom answered with strictness in her tone.
"I don't know what he told you mom but don't believe him... please" I replied. I didn't know what else to answer. I'm running out of ideas.
"You slapped somebody Dianne!.. but that I can accept. What's worst is having a fight with a stranger in a busy street! Why would you do that? Didn't you remember what I always told you? You disrespected me!"
I was blown with what my Dad said.
My mind cannot keep up with all the information I wanted to process all together. I have always been careful not to disappoint my family, specially my father. First, he hates violence. Second, perhaps because he's in the marines, he always taught me self restraint, discipline and righteousness. Third, this was not part of what I discussed with Aaron. I'm fucked up.
I slowly stepped backwards then ran upstairs to lock myself in my room. This turned out to be a bigger mess. As I made my way, I heard Aaron mumbling something to my parents. I saw him standing up in the corner of my eyes but I didn't care anymore. I just wanted to hide from all this shit.
I was almost at the door of my room when a cold hand grabbed me from behind. I was taken aback so I let out a low scream.
"Dianne, I'm so sorry. I.. I really am sorry.!"
"Fuck that Aaron! You know better!"
I snapped at him. I forcefully opened my door to get inside and escape from him but before I knew it, Aaron swung my door open and invited himself inside.
"Let's talk Dianne" he said with a stern voice.