Even after Diane got released, the scandal did not seem to fade away that easily. People had always wanted things to say whether it is true or not. Some even added to the story and said it was not only Diane that got missing in the building but also another boy which was not true. Diane's release was not made to the public, hence, made people concerned. The following day, Diane refused to get out of her room. She seemed to be trembling down with fear. I tried to convince her to eat but no to avail. But, what would I have done? It was her choice.
Later when weekend was over, I had to go to school. Unlike any other people, I had always been so elated to go to school. But the fear of meeting John did not motivate me to go to school that day. But I could not afford to miss school and I could not run from him throughout my school life. So, I decided to go that day even if it meant I avoided him. As expected, I met him in the hallway. At first, I was nervous but he seemed nice.
"Hi. How are you doing today?" He asked with a broad smile. He had a crooked teeth with an almond eye. I nodded and tried to leave. He stopped me still putting on the smile.
"Come on. I must have annoyed you last week, right? I did not mean to do so, I just wanted someone to eat my food. No one ever volunteers to because it tastes bad. But, I really cooked it well that day and I wanted someone to appreciate me by tasting it. But I guess I took it so far. "He explained. His reason was kind of lame but I understood him.
"It is okay. You don't have to apologise. And also, you don't have to make people appreciate you. Even without your effort, I am sure they will. I can also bet the tuna fish tasted great. "I replied with a slight smile.
"Nice. I brought dumplings to school today, do you want to taste?" He asked. Even if I wanted to appreciate his generosity, not anything like dumplings. I was sick and tired of eating it. So, I politely refused.
"I am not in the mood to eat right now, but I am sure those dumplings are very chewy and delicious." I replied. He did not seem that satisfied, but just like that, we became good friends. Well, that was not the only day he offered me food and each day, I refused — politely.
Right in my home, I heard a knock. As I went to open it, I saw a man. He had mustache. I had never seen him in my life.
"Who are you please?" I asked. He looked at me with a surprising face like he was not expecting a young boy to open the door for him. Or, probably he thought he went to wrong house.
"Oh! Is this Miss Lily's house?" He asked. He looked like one who would be compared to an Italian mafia.
"Yes. May I know who you are?" I asked.
"Well, I can't tell you that but help me inform her that she's got a guest." He replied. His voice was deep.
"Okay." I replied as I closed the door on him. Unfortunately, I noticed that Lily was not home. I went on to tell him about the situation. He looked very disappointed. I had a thought that he might be Lily's boyfriend who is Buddhist. But I never knew guys with mustache were one of her types. Well, I should not have been surprised. She literally liked all guys. Then I got to realize that she might have broken up with him judging by his face. Like she once said to me, she did not need to work. Guys are ready to spend on her. Well, I did not believe it even till now because I knew she would work later.
Trying to figure out whether or not Diane's mother really died, I went on by asking Kate. Even though, I and her broke up which we did not literally date for real, I thought since she saw me as her childhood friend, she might tell me what she knew.
"What exactly do you mean by that?" Kate asked as she folded her arms.
"I am just wondering if anyone died in your family."
"No one died in my family but there was a woman living with us. She died brutally, like she was beaten before she died. I heard it happened in my house. But, my dad told me that it did paid her off, that she got she deserved. I don't know why I am telling you this but as long as my father is concerned, no one died. "She explained. Then, I realized that Diane did not lie to me, her mother really died. Asking Kate really cleared all my doubts. But her words made me realize that her father was really involved. If not, there was no reason he would conclude that she got what she deserved.
"Alright. I was just wondering because your face look pale these days." I replied.
"Come on, my face can't look pale because that idiot woman died. And it has been close to a month now, why will I still be sad? I even threw a party a week after her demise, you think I am remorseful for her?" She said with a grin. Kate was annoying, I knew she was not involved in her death but it was like she was putting everything on her.
"Did you kill her?" I asked just out of curiosity.
"I wish I had but I was not." She replied.
"Then, who killed her? You said she died in your house, did you carry any investigation about who killed her?" I asked.
"I am sure it was suicide. She must have been frustrated in our house even when her ' daughter ' hated her too. "She replied. What she meant by 'her daughter ' was what I did not seem to understand. To avoid sounding suspicious, I stopped the questions. Life was easy to rule, imagine me just figuring out something in just five minutes.