Both Veronica and Matthew were free in the afternoon. She asked him to call-Caleb, Skyler, and Miguel to come over and play poker.
She told him that it was for the sake of killing. time, but the actual purpose was to keep Eleanor company and help her with adapting to life in Bloomstead.
Before long, the guys arrived one after another. Miguel was the first to arrive, followed by Skyler who brought Shirley along with him. Caleb was the last to arrive.
When he got out of the car, a young and beautiful girl alighted from the same car. “Hey, man, are you finally bringing your partner along?” Skyler teased Caleb in an undertone.
Caleb was looking dashing in his army uniform, giving people a sense of security. He glanced at Skyler. “Just say that you have a death wish.”
“It’s a joke.” Skyler chuckled and stopped the teasing. “Abby, long time no see. You’re getting prettier.” Skyler waved at Abby Wright.
Abby was now a freshman in college. She happened to have free time on the weekend, so she accepted Caleb’s invitation.
She had met Skyler and the others a few times, but she could never get used to it. She gestured, Thank you, Skyler!
“Abby, let me introduce someone to you.” Veronica and Abby grew up in the same village, hence their close relationship. Veronica pointed at Eleanor. “This is Eleanor Gomez, and you know the others.”
Abby braided her hair and her skin was flawless. Akin to Shirley, she looked all sweet and innocent. ‘Hello, Eleanor.’ Abby gestured to greet Eleanor before looking at Caleb, signaling him to help with the interpretation.
Right then, Eleanor took a step forward and welcomed Abby. “Abby, right? Come, let’s head. inside.” Veronica was a little surprised. “You understand sign language?”
“This little thing is not a big deal for the Young- me.” Eleanor held Abby’s hand and headed to the living room.
“Wow, Eleanor is amazing,” Shirley exclaimed. Her eyes fixated upon Eleanor, who strode to the living room.
After a while, she turned around and realized that all eyes were on her. Her cheeks turned red in embarrassment. “Why are you all looking at me?” Veronica teased, “So, you never considered us as friends, huh? Running away from home without telling us?”
“No, no! It’s not like that.” Shirley knew that she would never be able to escape from that question. She glanced at Skyler with teary eyes and whispered, “Ron, I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay, it’s nothing big. Let’s go, let’s head inside and have fun.” Veronica spread her arm over Shirley’s shoulder. “You came here today to have fun, not to be interrogated.”
“You really got me there.” Shirley let out a long sigh of relief. The women entered the living room, while the four men stood at the entrance.
Miguel delved his left hand into his pocket and rested his right elbow on Caleb’s shoulder. “Are you really into Abby?”
“Caleb, allow me to remind you-she’s mute.” Skyler thought of his miserable experience and crossed his arms, sighing deeply. “Take it from my experience. Cut contact with her before you develop feelings for her. Your family will never accept someone like her.”
Miguel nodded. “I agree.”
