Everyone was still quiet until her dad said, "Half a woman?" He chuckled softly. "Can half a woman handle the alcohol she might drink at that party?" He paused, placing his hands firmly on the table before continuing.
"Can half a woman stand up for herself if someone harasses her? Can half a woman understand what it means to bear a child?"
Fiona clenched her fingers on her lap, where a white napkin lay, unsure how to respond.
"That reminds me, where do babies come from?" Bluebell asked innocently. Everyone's eyes darted to the little girl, who sat munching on something with an angelic expression.
"Well, Bluebell, babies come fro-" Britney started, but Daisy quickly closed her mouth. Sitting directly opposite, it was easy for her to stop Britney mid-sentence.
"Now, Fiona," her dad continued, "can you answer my questions? If not, you're excused."
Fiona stayed quiet. She wiped her mouth and went to bed, still processing the conversation.
After a shower and some time relaxing, she heard a knock at her door.
"Come in," she called without looking.
"Fiona, can we talk?" Daisy's voice surprised her. She jolted upright, facing her sister.
"Daisy? Is something wrong?" Her eyes reflected confusion.
Daisy sighed and sat on the bed near her. "If you want to go to that party so badly, why not prove to Mom and Dad that you're half a woman?"
Fiona tilted her head. "I don't understand. Prove being half a woman?"
"Yes," Daisy said, smiling. "You're not getting any younger, and you will leave them soon enough." She leaned back, her grin widening. "When I was your age, I snuck out to huge parties. And Mom and Dad never found out."
"So… you're saying I should sneak out?" Fiona asked, confused.
"It depends," Daisy said, raising a brow. "If that's what you want." She stood in front of Fiona. "You see, Fiona… I wasn't always this mature. If you know right from wrong, if you understand what it means to be a woman, why hold back your youth? You might not get this chance again, young sister."
She walked toward the door, gripping the handle. "So, what will it be? Sneak out or live by the rules?" Then she left, closing the door behind her.
Fiona lay back, confused, torn between rebelling or obeying. She finally drifted to sleep.
The next morning, she followed her usual routine, had breakfast, and headed to school. Classes were calm, and everyone was in uniform, including Aviva.
Sitting beside Aviva, Fiona's mind replayed Daisy's words.
"Um… Fiona," Aviva clipped her fingers to get her attention.
"Sorry, Aviva. I was thinking."
Aviva frowned. "You're always thinking. Are you okay?"
Fiona smiled reassuringly. "I'm fine. So, I'm going for this cute bikini. What about you? And don't say you're not coming."
"Of course I'm coming. What color do you think suits me?" Aviva said, already decided.
"Okay, how about we hit the lingerie store after school and see what fits best?" Fiona suggested.
"Hey Fiona, did you hear the latest gossip?" Aviva whispered, leaning closer.
"No, what happened?" Fiona tilted her head, curious.
"Some students were caught having sex in class four," Aviva whispered. Fiona's eyes widened.
"What?!" she whispered back. "I didn't know that. We just got into our final year, and this is happening?"
"And guess what… they weren't using protection," Aviva added. Fiona gasped, shock lingering as the teacher entered.
After two hours of class, they went to the cafeteria. Fiona's mind kept circling Daisy's advice: being half a woman doesn't mean giving your body away. It means knowing your rights and limits.
After lunch, Fiona went to the bathroom, leaving Aviva behind. While washing her hands, she heard noises from one of the cubicles. Curious, she asked, "Is anyone in there?"
No reply. She opened the door, and froze. Two couples were making out. The girl was half-naked, the boy shirtless.
When the boy turned, Fiona recognized him. It was the perverted boy from the game.
"Well, well, what do we have here? An intruder. Wanna join us?" he leered.
Fiona, disgusted, replied, "Aren't you ashamed of yourself? Even in the girls' bathroom?"
He chuckled. "So what? If you don't want to join, leave." He banged the door shut. She could still hear the girl moaning and quickly left, embarrassed and disgusted.
Back in class, Aviva looked confused. "What took you so long?"
"Just washing my hands," Fiona said with a faint chuckle.
After school, Fiona and Aviva headed to the mall in separate cars.
"We're here," Mr. River announced, stopping the car. Fiona and Aviva got out. "We won't be long," Aviva told her driver, and they walked to the mall entrance.
Inside, the mall was bustling. Aviva guided Fiona to the escalator, leading them to the second floor where the bikini store was located.
They entered a boutique decorated in pink and glitter. From gowns to bikinis, it was perfect. A store employee in a pink polo and white shorts greeted them warmly.
"Welcome to Shanel. What are you looking for?"
Aviva spoke first. "We want your best collection of lingerie and bikinis." The worker guided them to the section.
Fiona's eyes widened at the selection. Aviva dragged her toward a black bikini.
"This would look hot on you," Aviva said.
"No, too exposed," Fiona protested.
"Too exposed? You're going to a beach party!" Aviva waved her hands dramatically.
Fiona finally picked a cute, modest bikini with blue butterflies and ropes to tie. She showed Aviva, who nodded in approval. "Let's find matching beach towels," Aviva said.
In the changing room, Fiona struggled to tie her bikini top.
"Aviva," she called.
"Yeah?" Aviva answered from the other room.
"I can't tie the ropes."
Before Aviva could respond, Fiona felt cold fingers on her back. "Thank goodness you're here," she whispered, letting the hands help tie the ropes.
When she turned to thank her, she froze. Twilight stood in front of her. Confusion filled her eyes.
"Don't scream," he said, placing a hand over her mouth. Slowly, he removed it.