Neddy's parents didn't turn Roy away when he visited. They recognized him as the boy who had brought Neddy home that night.
They were deeply worried about Neddy's current emotional state, but since she had locked herself in her room and refused to see anyone, they felt helpless.
Neddy's mother led Roy to her room and knocked on the door.
"Neddy, your classmate is here to see you!"
"I don't want to see anyone!"
"It's the boy who brought you home that night!"
*Clatter!*
Roy heard some strange noises from inside the room, making him curious.
A minute later, the door swung open. Neddy stood there, slightly out of breath.
"Roy? What are you doing here?"
Her gaze was fixed solely on Roy, completely ignoring her mother, who could only sigh helplessly. Her once affectionate daughter was slipping away.
"I heard about what happened from Jennifer, so I rushed over to check on you. Can I come in?"
"Come in!"
Neddy grabbed Roy's hand and pulled him inside before quickly shutting the door.
From outside, her mother called out, "Neddy, be careful, okay?"
As an American girl, Neddy understood the implication immediately. Her face flushed with embarrassment.
"Mom, what are you even saying?!"
Roy chuckled and took a moment to observe Neddy's room.
Like most girls' rooms, it was predominantly pink. However, what stood out was the massive bookshelf packed with books—clearly, Neddy was an avid reader.
"Sorry, there aren't any extra chairs. You can sit on the bed if you'd like."
Neddy gestured for Roy to sit on the bed while she took a seat at her desk.
As Roy sat down, his hand brushed against something soft. He looked down and realized he had touched a pink bra.
"Ahhh!"
Neddy let out a sharp scream and snatched the bra from Roy's hand, stuffing it under her blanket.
Roy noticed a pile of clothes hidden beneath her blanket. She had probably been frantically tidying up before opening the door.
Her scream alarmed her parents, and a knock came from the door.
"Neddy, is everything okay?"
"Dad, I'm fine! I just stubbed my toe!"
"Be careful, sweetheart!"
Roy was surprised at how understanding her parents were.
Neddy's face was burning red as she tried to play it cool, but her heavy breathing gave away her flustered state.
She looked so adorable that Roy couldn't resist. He leaned in and kissed her.
Completely caught off guard, Neddy melted into the kiss, losing herself in the moment.
Unfortunately, being a homebody, she had little stamina. After a short while, she was already out of breath, forcing Roy to pull away.
As soon as the kiss ended, guilt washed over Neddy.
"Roy, we shouldn't be doing this... It's not fair to Jennifer."
What a loyal friend.
Roy gently pressed his forehead against hers, their noses touching. He could feel her every breath.
"Don't fight it, Neddy. Just let things happen naturally. Follow your heart, okay?"
Neddy closed her eyes, her face full of conflict. The guilt weighed heavily on her, making it difficult to accept Roy's feelings.
Seeing her hesitation, Roy sighed and reassured her.
"Neddy, I don't want to see either you or Jennifer sad. Do you understand? Let's just do what feels right and leave the rest to God."
This was a classic Puritan belief—one that might seem odd in other parts of the world but made perfect sense in deeply religious Texas. *Forrest Gump* was built on the same philosophy.
Neddy, a Christian herself, murmured softly to herself before finally embracing Roy.
"You're right, Roy. Let's leave it to God."
Roy exhaled in relief. He had finally made a breakthrough with Neddy, and winning her heart would only get easier from here.
Just then, he remembered something strange about Jennifer's home.
"By the way, Neddy, I dropped Jennifer off earlier and noticed something odd about her house. What's going on there?"
Neddy wasn't bothered that Roy had taken Jennifer home. She was far more understanding than Jennifer in that regard.
"Jennifer's past is really tragic. When she was little, her family was murdered, and she had to be taken in by distant relatives. But her foster parents are terrible people. Not only are they drug addicts, but her foster father also… has been eyeing her. That's why Jennifer despises most men—except for you."
Roy was shocked. He never imagined Jennifer had gone through so much.
"Why hasn't she reported them to the police?"
Neddy sighed and shook her head. "I asked her the same thing, but she says it's not the right time. She's been working part-time jobs for years, saving up for college. Once she has enough for tuition, she plans to report them and send them to prison."
Roy frowned. Jennifer's plan was solid, but American college tuition was no joke. If it were that easy to save up, student loan debt wouldn't be such a nightmare.
"I think Jennifer needs to act sooner rather than later. She could be in danger."
Neddy sighed. She was clearly worried about her best friend.
"I've tried convincing her many times. I even told her she could stay at my place if she needed to, but she refuses."
Jennifer was way too strong-willed.
Roy had no choice but to rely on Neddy. "You live across from Jennifer. Keep an eye on her, and if anything happens, call me. I'll take care of it."
Neddy gazed at Roy, feeling a deep sense of security. He looked so reliable at that moment.
"I will."
Just then, her mother called from downstairs.
"Neddy, dinner's ready! Are you coming down to eat?"
Judging by her mother's tone, Neddy had probably been eating in her room for the past few days.
"Just leave it outside my door!"
Roy shook his head disapprovingly, and Neddy quickly changed her response.
"Actually, Mom, I'll come down now!"
Pleased, Roy patted her head. "That's better. And don't skip school tomorrow, okay? Don't worry about what others think. Just remember, I'll always be here for you."
Neddy leaned against him, taking in his comforting scent.
"I should get going now."
"Aren't you staying for dinner?"
"Not today. I didn't let my family know I'd be late, so I should head home."
(End of Chapter)