My Aunt, Valerie

The Book Club

GLORIA’S POV

“So, what do you think? We visited almost all the clubs and associations that the school has. Or do you want to join the sports club instead?” Emma asked as we walked through the hallway. If I have to be honest, I have no idea which clubs I should join.

Emma said she's part of the track and field club. It would be the best choice to follow her, but I can't even run! Maybe I should join the book club. They have great yearly activities which I can enjoy without doing anything.

“Maybe the book club? I need to think about it more.” Emma chuckled.

“If that is the case, should we go to the cafeteria and have something to drink? My throat is dry from all the walking.” I feel guilty. Because of me, she has to endure so much.

“I'm sorry for being inconsiderate. Let us go; it will be my treat.” Emma chuckled.

“Really? It must be my lucky day then.” I thought she would decline my offer, but I’m glad she didn’t.

“Say, does that offer include food?” I chuckled before nodding my head.

“Sure- you can order whatever you want from the menu.” Emma giggled before grabbing my hand and dragging me to the cafeteria. This girl must be hungry.

“Gloria- are you heading to the cafeteria as well?” I smiled at Tommy.

“Hey! I am here too, Tommy.” Tommy laughed before he greeted Emma.

“Do you want to join us, Tommy?” Tommy nodded as he followed us to the cafeteria. Tommy told us what happened at his club when someone bumped into Emma.

“Watch where you’re going!” The person who was supposed to apologize to Emma suddenly yelled.

“You’re the one who bumped into me!” Emma raised her voice. The person was this close to raised his hand when someone in his group suddenly grabbed him and apologized to Emma.

“Sorry, Emma. Please forgive this i***t for what he did.“ Emma scoffed before leaving the guys.

“At least the guys remember who you are, Emma. If not- I wonder what you will do to make them remember what kind of person you are.” Emma sighed.

“You make it sound like I am some villain, Tommy. Look, you’re making Gloria nervous for no reason.” Tommy laughed.

“Are you nervous?” I nodded my head.

“Don’t worry, Emma is a nice person as you get to know her.” I smiled at Tommy. We went to the counter and ordered our food.

“Emma, will you be participating in the competition this year as well?” Emma nodded her head.

“Why wouldn’t I? I’ve been training my ass off for the competition. If I back down now, what’s the point of breaking my sweat?” Tommy raised his hand when Emma seemed defensive.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you. It’s just after I heard that your sworn nemesis is going to compete as well; I thought you would forfeit.” Emma scoffed.

“Over my dead body.” I have no idea what they’re talking about. As I paid for the food, Tommy was surprised.

“Wait- are you paying for mine too?” I nodded with a smile. Aunt Valerie gave me a lot of pocket money. At first, I wish to decline, but there’s nothing I can say when dealing with my aunt. Even Raven encouraged me to accept it before my aunt got annoyed.

“I don’t know how to repay for your kindness. No one has ever paid for my meal. Thank you, Gloria.” Tommy thanked me before offering to carry the food for us.

“Wow, Tommy- I never thought you would act like a gentleman. I don’t think you ever worked this way with your girlfriend.“ Emma made fun of Tommy as we walked towards an empty table.

“What, girlfriend? I’m single. I thought the news of me breaking up with my ex was well known to everyone in school. Where were you, Emma? That is why you should refrain from getting to school after the bell rings.” Wait- are they going to start fighting?

“That reminds me- I need to buy a new alarm clock. I can’t rely on my phone anymore. The damn alarm can't even wake me up!” Tommy laughed.

“I can recommend to you the store I always go to if you like. What do you say?” Emma shrugged.

“Sure. Send me the details.” Again, I have no idea what they’re talking about. While I was eating, a guy suddenly walked up to our table and tried to talk to Emma. But Emma doesn’t seem like she wants to talk to him at all.

“Dude, just man to man, if the lady doesn’t respond, it means she doesn’t want to talk and even see your face. Save the embarrassment and leave us, alright? We’re trying to eat.” Tommy decided to say something, but the guy didn’t look happy at all.

“Is this how you’re going treat me, Emma? Did you forget about what we’ve been through together? What if your new friend here knows about the little video we did not long ago? Are you ready to face the music?” Emma gave out a burst of dry laughter.

What video? Is it what I think it is?

“Do I need to remind you that we’re not in a relationship anymore? So what if you’re going to spread the video? I know you don’t have one. And even if you do, I won’t let you go. You know you’re only playing with fire. Do not wake up the beast from its slumber.” The guy seems taken aback by what Emma just said.

“You’re going to regret this, Emma.” Emma suddenly stood up from her seat.

“Leave.”

“Are you telling me what to do?” Emma nodded.

“Leave before I’m losing my patience.” The guy doesn’t seem like he’s going to leave, though. This time, Tommy is the one who stands up from his seat.

“Dude- seriously. The lady said leave. Do I need to put it on writing for you?” The guy finally leaves but not before he threatens Emma.

“Pathetic. I’m sorry about this, Gloria.“ I waved my hands and continued eating my food. I hope nothing terrible happens to Emma and Tommy, though. That guy doesn’t seem like he’s playing around.

***

In the end, I decided to join the book club. And I am now on my way to our first meeting. I can’t say that I am not nervous because I am. What if they hate me? What if the president tells me to be alone just like before? I promised my aunt and Raven that I would enjoy myself.

But-

“You must be Gloria Serrano.” A girl smiled at me before opening the door that led us to a private lounge. And here I thought we were going to meet at the library. Of course, they have their private lounge.

“My name is Adeline. Welcome to the book club.” Wow. I am truly speechless. I didn’t expect the book club would be so elegant, and the members, though- they look like nobles who enjoys tea and gossip.

“Hello. My name is Gloria.” Adeline smiled before leading me to a group of girls.

“President, the new member, is here,” Adeline announced. I assume the girl as the president smiled at me before offering her hand.

“My name is Ruby- president of this book club. I received your official paperwork from the teacher. Welcome to the Academy’s book club. Here is where we talked about arts, culture, and even the history of the world. But for today, since we have a new member, how about we all introduce ourselves and get to go to each other more. That way, it won’t be awkward for us to interact with one another.” The president seems like a friendly person.

“Let me introduce you to the club members.” I’ll be Damn. I didn’t expect that every single member would accept me like this. Is it because my aunt is Valerie Forest?

This is by far the weirdest experience for me. What happened to me in this prestigious academy was different when I attended my former school. None of them give me the cold shoulder. I’m beginning to think that it’s because of my aunt and Raven. But they never once ask me about my aunt and Raven.

“Is it alright for me to ask what kind of literature yourself into, Gloria?” Asked one of the members. Should I be honest?

“I like horror or thriller genre books. But I also enjoy reading poems and short stories too. It depends on my mood.” Are they going to comment on my choice of books to read? Of course, they will! Isn’t that normal?

“I see. Most of us here love to read about love and sacrifices. We rarely read anything horror or thriller before. Maybe you could recommend us some. That way, we can widen our interest.” Wait- what just happened? Do they want me to recommend some for them to read?!

“Oh! I almost forgot. The teacher mentioned that your late mother is also a book club member. Hold on- the teacher even gave me an old picture where your mother was the president of this club.” Wait! My mother is part of the book club?! Really? I never once see her reading at all.

“Here- and this is your mother. She does look like you now that we finally meet.” The president handed me the photo, and I was shocked to see the resemblance. I never expect that I look like my mother at all.

Now that I think about it, there’s a lot of things I don’t know about my mother. I don’t even know her favorite color or her favorite food. I was too busy with my study and making my parents proud of me that I neglected to learn more about my parents.

“Gloria? Are you okay?” I smiled at the others before asking the president if I could keep my mother’s picture. The president was kind enough to allow me to keep it.

“My condolences. Although it’s late-,” I smiled.

“Thank you. It’s the thoughts that count, after all. Thank you to all who accepted me with open arms. I have never been so happy knowing that everyone wants me to be part of a group.” The president looks at me with weird looks.

“What do you mean? Didn’t you join any club at your former school?” How should I explain this?

“I was not needed anywhere.” I smiled, which made the others even more curious.

“What happened? If you don’t mind us asking.” I don’t mind, but I don’t want to look pitiful. It’s something I want to forget.

“It seems a little bit hard for Gloria to talk about it. It’s okay. You don’t have to if it’s difficult for you.” Adeline smiled while the others nodded their head with a smile.

“Thank you for understanding.” We continue to talk about what kind of books we have read and which is on the next-to-read list. I am surprised that the gathering is quite informative and fun to be part of.

None of the members say snobbish stuff even though they have the right to do so. They treat each member with respect, and everyone seems friendly. I was worried and nervous for nothing!

“Would you like some more tea? This time Adeline had brought something rare for us to enjoy.” How should I tell them that I think this tastes like regular tea? I should keep it to myself.

“Yes, please.” I offer my cup as one of the members pours some for me.

“Say, will you be attending the gala dinner with your aunt?” The dinner? Oh- I did hear my aunt and Raven talk about that.

“I won’t. I told my aunt that I needed more time to adjust to the new living environment. I don’t want to embarrass my aunt and her wife.” Now that I mentioned it, how did the public treat my aunt and Raven after they married each other?

I’m pretty sure that not everyone can be open-minded about things. I wonder if my aunt ever feels like the world is against her when she chooses to marry her wife.

Should I be nosy and ask Emma later? Or should I keep these questions to myself?