Kaylee had no clue why three people tried to call her repeatedly just because she didn't pick up the phone. She could understand why her mother would call her often and check on her condition ever since she decided to live independently in her apartment.
She could understand a mother's worries, so Kaylee never complained when she got dozens of miscalls from her mother.
But now, not only her mother but her father and Wendy contact her until their missed calls filled her phone logs. She didn't even know how many times the three of them called her.
And all those relentless calls only because her mother wanted to let her know about the invitation?
They could tell her the following day or when she returned to the Zouch residence this Friday.
"You guys called me repeatedly just to tell me this?"
"What's wrong with that? The sooner you know, the better. So you wouldn't have an excuse that you have a schedule or something to avoid the Black family. I know you are afraid of the young Mister Black, and I know it will take time for you to get acquainted with the young man. But at least you shouldn't refuse the kind invitation from the senior Mister Black."
"Mom,"
"Darling, I'm not bothering you to accept this arranged marriage these days. I hope you understand how hard I restrain myself not to talk how big my desire to make the young handsome ideal son-in-law be my daughter's hubby." cut Britney without giving Kaylee a chance to speak. "Please grant my request to come to the event. Hm? Aren't you my sweet girl that never disappoints me?"
Kaylee sighed, then smiled softly even though she knew her mother wouldn't be able to see it. "Okay. I'll come. When have I ever disappoint you?"
"That's my girl. So, are you coming home tomorrow?"
"Uhm… I can't. But I will be back on Friday."
"That's too long. I miss you, my baby girl."
"Mom," protested Kaylee in a spoiled tone. "I'm not a baby."
"You still are, darling. Until forever, you are my baby girl."
"And mine." was the low voice from her father, making Kaylee chuckle.
"Fine. It's up to you. I will always be your baby girl. Good night mom."
"Wait, I still want to talk to you." begged her mom while Mr. Zouch told her to let Kaylee rest for the day.
"Let her sleep. It's already late she had early practice. Isn't that right, baby?"
"Yeah…"
Kaylee doesn't have training tomorrow morning, but she does have to wake up early to prepare for college. It took her almost an hour to apply the additional skin and wrap the white cloth on her chest.
Of course, Kaylee didn't tell her parents about this. Otherwise, they might pass out to hear their dear daughter disguised herself as a boy and made friends with many young men.
"Good night, darling."
"Good night, mom. Good night dad. Love you so much."
"And we love you more."
Kaylee smiled with satisfaction after chatting with her parents then decided to take a warm bath before going to bed.
The next day, Kaylee walked into her classroom with leisurely steps while whistling happily. She couldn't wait to meet Declan Black to start additional tutoring.
"Yo, Nick."
Instantly Kaylee's footsteps stopped as soon as someone greeted her. Her smile grew again when she saw his friend's face, which was as bright as the rising sun, approaching her.
"So how is it? Did you ask her?"
"Who?"
"Have you asked permission from Roe?"
Kaylee's mouth dropped open as she remembered her promise to give Jacob's contact number for Roe. She completely forgot! She even hasn't bought a new number yet.
"Ah, sorry. I forgot to ask."
Jacob put on a cute grim face, causing her barely hold in her laughter. This young man acted like a cranky kid because she didn't buy him a new toy, but Jacob didn't scold her nor feel annoyed.
"I'm so sad." Jacob cried, leaning his head on Kaylee's shoulder like a child who wants to seek comfort from his mother. "You neglected me. Huhuhu…"
Kaylee couldn't help but laugh at her best friend's ridiculous behavior. What's more, Jacob's dark-blonde hair tickled her neck, and the fragrance of her friend's odor was hypnotizing her once again.
"I am really, really sorry. How about I make an appointment for you guys? You can meet her in person." Besides, Kaylee also wanted to talk to Jacob as herself.
"Really?" Jacob immediately lifted his head and looked at Kaylee with a beaming face making Kaylee skipped a beat.
It's so blinding… Kaylee felt she was looking at the sun without sunglasses, and there was a halo-like radiance around this young man's face.
"When have I ever lie to you? I'll tell you the place later."
"Yes! You are the best, man." Jacob hugged Kaylee tightly without warning, making Kaylee frozen instantly.
This was the first time she's been hugged by a man!
Oh boy, please have mercy to her poor heart.
"See you in class." Jacob continued, releasing his arms and running, jumping with joy as if he'd just won a match.
Kaylee cleared her throat a few times to calm her racing heart.
'Calm down, Kaylee… right now, you're Nick. Nicholas can't be having a pounding heart just from being hugged by his male friend.'
'Stupid girl. How could you compare yourself to Nick? He is a boy, and you are a pure maiden in disguise.'
Miraculously, Kaylee felt she saw the shadow of an angel and devil sitting relaxedly on her shoulders.
'Don't listen to this stupid devil. She doesn't know what she's saying.'
'Did you just mock me?'
'I'm not mocking you. I'm talking about the fact that you have a low IQ.'
Kaylee massaged her forehead in frustration at the little imaginary thing's bickering.
"Go away!" Kaylee ordered while brushing her shoulders to get rid of those imaginary things.
Miraculously, Kaylee's heart calmed down again as soon as the two contradictory voices disappeared. In the end, Kaylee walked to her class and was ready to go through her college day with a reserved heart.
But…
Why did her stomach suddenly hurt?