"Have a good evening," I say goodbye for now, the words feeling almost foreign.
While the three of them have a lively conversation, I disconnect myself from the outside world. 

With my personal background music playing, I make my way to the kitchen and from there to the garden. 

Even though it's dark, the lights illuminate the space, creating a cozy atmosphere even for jumping on the trampoline. 

Something that would do me good at the moment.

Just as I do a few jumps, the song is interrupted. 

Shirley calls. 

There was something...
"Yes, Shirley?" I pretend to be surprised.
"Didn't you get my message?"
"You sent me a message?" I ask her, trying to sound genuinely confused. 

I might be Pinocchio's competition if I keep this up.
"Doesn't matter, I already called you. At least this way I can see your reaction live. Well, Zola is with Christine."
"Okay," I tell her, my mind elsewhere.
There is an uncomfortable silence for a moment. 

What have I done wrong? The bottom line is that I don't know these people. 

Talking about them feels like a waste of time.
"Asta, I can understand your loss, but you should go back to the people."
Go back to the people? 

You want me to go back among people. Just because I'm not in blasphemy mode. I've taken care of my grandmother...
My grandmother. So I never really had time. 

I only talked to my classmates as much as I needed to. 

The fact that I actually made a few friends back then is nothing short of a miracle, as my mother likes to point out.
"I've got a new neighbour," I tell her, changing the subject.
"Hottie or junkie?"
Delighted, she jumps right in.
"Definitely a hottie, but not my cup of tea."
"Then how is he a hottie if he can't even make it to you? Are you sure he's a hottie? Is he at least as good-looking as your brothers?"
"He's definitely a hottie, but I can't really compare him to my brothers. My brothers are just my brothers."
She sighs. 

"Asta, that's exactly your problem. But what am I talking about? A wall is a wall. And knowing you, you don't like it, do you?"
"You know me very well."
"Well, you have always been suspicious of good-looking men. That's why I'm surprised that Kenan is an exception for you," she finishes with a chuckle.
"Shirley," I growl at her, feeling the frustration build.
"That's okay," she continues giggling. 

"The trip's still on for tomorrow though?" I ask her, needing to confirm.
"Yep, rock solid. See you tomorrow then."
"Ciao," I hang up. One last jump on the trampoline, trying to shake off the conversation.
"Hottie?"
I startle in the middle of the jump. You've got to be kidding! You don't have any privacy anymore!
"You don't eavesdrop on other people's conversations," I hiss at him, my voice sharp.
"You don't blaspheme behind people's backs either," he hisses back at me, his eyes cold.
Without further ado, but with a venomous glare, I move towards the kitchen, my steps heavy with irritation. 

But in the background, to my regret, I hear his almost raucous laughter. 

It grates on my nerves.
I can't find the words to describe him. Shaking my head, I turn. 

Actually, from a distance, he looks kind of nice.
"Asta," my brother Lauren interrupts me, thank God. Another second and I would have found this guy likeable.
"Yes, Lauren," I say, grateful for the distraction.
"Could you do me a favour and stay as far away from this guy as possible? I don't want to force anything on you, but I think it's better if you follow my advice."
His look is serious, very serious indeed. 

A bit unusual for him, but understandable. 

I don't want him to integrate into the family either. 

Nor will I let him use me for that purpose.
"I had already planned that," I answer him soberly, my resolve firm.
He gives me a long, penetrating look before disappearing into his room. 

Sometimes looks say more than words. His contempt for these guys is quite high. 

It can't just be his success. 

Something must have happened between them. 

Something I'm about to find out.
Oh, I completely forgot. The necklace!