"Aunt, can I stay a little longer, I don't wanna go home this soon. Please?" I begged, looking at her with puppy eyes. I loved spending time with her. She was the coolest aunt ever, She always had interesting stories to tell which fascinated me and increased my interest in the universe, fun games to play, and yummy food to eat.
She glanced at the wall clock and said in a gentle voice, "Child, it's time for you to go now. The lectures have been over for a while and you know how your mom worries about you. She will be calling me any minute to ask if her baby is on the way home." She gave me a warm hug and kissed my cheek. "I can't wait to see you again tonight. It's been so long since I had a chance to catch up with your mom, my best friend since childhood. And listen, don't you dare wander off anywhere else on your way home. I'll be there in the evening remember I went on a trip abroad I've brought gifts for you and we'll have a fun sleepover too."
I looked at her with curiosity and asked her if Uncle Jimmy was coming too. He was her husband and my dad's best friend since college. They were always joking around and having fun together.
She nodded and said with a wink, "Yes, of course. But promise me one thing: you, your dad and my husband won't sneak out after we go to bed and play video games all night. You know how much they love their Call of Duty, free fire and FIFA."
I crossed my fingers behind my back and said with a grin, "Of course not, Aunt. You have nothing to worry about." I zipped up my bag and picked up the book she had lent me. It was a book about loopholes theory in the multiverse and the secrets they hid. She had told me it was based on a true story that happened 21 years ago. A story that involved her, my mom, and someone else.
I walked out of the door, waving goodbye to Aunt Emily. She was the best.
I got home and mom greeted me as usual. She hugged me and asked me how my day was.
"It was good, Momm. I learned a lot from Aunt today. She's such a great professor."
Mom smiled and said, "I know, right? She's always been so smart and passionate about cosmology. I'm so glad she's your aunt."
She asked me if I was hungry and offered me some snacks, but I declined. I was too eager to read the book I had borrowed from Aunty.
Momm, I'd rather go to my room and finish this book before Aunt and Uncle Jimmy arrive. It's really interesting."
Mom looked curious and asked me what book it was.
I felt a pang of guilt. I knew I shouldn't lie to Mom but Aunt had told me not to tell anyone about the book or the story behind it. She had said it was too painful.
I blurted out that it was a love story, but I didn't want to share more details.
Mom raised an eyebrow and said, "A love story? Really? Since when are you into romance novels?"
I felt myself blush and said, "Well, you know...I'm 21 now. I can have my secrets."
Mom smiled and said she understood. She said she was looking forward to seeing Aunt and Uncle Jimmy tonight, but she had a favour to ask me.
She wanted me to keep an eye on Dad and Jimmy because they always either drank too much and complained about their wives, or played video games all night long.
I nodded and agreed to help her out.
I went to my room and locked the door behind me.
I opened the book and started reading.
I didn't know that this book would change everything.
I picked up the book titled "Just 100 Light Years Away" and started reading the story. The first page caught my attention as it was a diary entry of the main character. It said (the chapter):
"Diary Entry."
Name: layla pierce
Hobbies: dancing, reading, swimming, sleeping :)
Age: 21
Phone no: 7058XXXXXX
Good traits: I'm very good. Why do you ask?
Bad traits: I'm the bad guy, duh!
About: Well, whoever reads this without my permission, be prepared for some curse words, because baby, they are just for you! ;) And I'll fry you in lava when we meet in hell, remember that, because I'm the Queen of hell, you earthlings or mudbloods... just kidding, lol <3
I was surprised and amused by the first page because the name on the diary was the same as my Mom's .....