Chapter 13

                                    

                                          
A few hours until the New Year comes. Mom was busy doing something with a bowl of rice grains and several rolls of dollar bills. On the other hand, Claudia was beaming with excitement as she held a sparkler in her hand.
"Look!" She smiled at me crazy. "We've got magic wands!"
"Whoa, calm down Hermione," I said as I snatched it away from her hand. "...You'll have to wait until midnight to light this up."
"I swear, I would definitely 'Avada Kedavra' your ass!" Claudia imitated Voldemort, with his matching airy voice. "Avada Kedavra!"
"Fred! Claudia!" Mom called our names. "Stop playing with the sparklers and help me look for coins."
"I'll go get my piggy bank!" Claudia enthusiastically ran upstairs.
I was about to go look for pennies in my room when I received a chat from Darren. I didn't hesitate to open it as I went up the stairs.
"Hey Fred." He typed. "Since I came over at your place during Christmas, why don't you come over my place for the New Year? Dad told me to invite someone over to join us over lunch. Mom and Dex would be very happy to see you too."
I immediately ran back down and approached mom, who is holding a handful of peso coins.
"Yes, sweetie?" She looked straight at me as she asked.
"Darren invited me over at their place for lunch..." I explained. "He thinks it's only fair that I come since he was here for Christmas last time."
"Sure! It's not like their house is miles away from ours." Mom answered as she checked the time. "Just be home before it gets too dark, okay?"
"I will!" I grinned from ear to ear as I rushed to the door. "Thanks, mom!"
I left the house and ran to the other side of the street. Darren was already waiting for me in their front porch, and he smiled as soon as our eyes meet.
"Were you waiting for me?" I asked, still catching my breath.
"No, I just like hanging out on our front porch this time of the day." He said in a joking manner, followed by a chuckle. "Of course I was waiting for you."
Something about Darren seemed different. I can't exactly pinpoint what it was, but he seemed happier, and I can feel this positive energy emanating from him. Seeing him this happy is enough to make me happy too.
"Let's head inside." Darren pointed at their house. "Mom and dad's waiting for you."
We entered their house together. The smell of savory beef wafted around the air, and the dining table was filled with various Korean dishes such as rice cake soup, dumplings, and bulgogi. Darren's father was sitting on the couch when he saw me enter their living room. He looked really intimidating, I guess it's because of his sharp eyes, and even though he and Darren share the same features, they both give off different vibes.
"Dad," Darren put his hand on my shoulder. "This is Fred, my best friend. Fred, this is my dad."
"Ah, the best friend," Mr. Im's voice boomed. "It's very nice to meet one of your friends, Darren, but when am I going to meet a girlfriend?"
Wow, nice to meet you too Mr. Im.
I laughed awkwardly as Darren's face shifted.
"I don't have one, dad." He looked away.
"Huh, is that so?" Mr. Im's eyes turned cold. "I thought you would be less uptight when we finally move to the States, but I guess I was wrong."
I could tell Darren was a little annoyed with his dad's reaction, so I put my hand in his shoulder to assure him that everything will be fine. I'm not sure if it really worked, but hey, at least he smiled a little.