The Incubus System

Once again, we were stuck in a traffic jam. Our car moved slowly just like any other car. To make it worse, I was stuck between Celia and Jenny. Even though I was used to sitting between girls like this, it felt different this time.

The awkward silence made me feel uncomfortable. The only thing that could be heard was the sound of the TV in front of me. It was the Ravenetwork channel since I wanted to confirm whether the show mentioned me or not. Fortunately, no. After all, the news show had finished and was replaced with another program. So my face was not there anymore.

I turned to Celia and Jenny alternately. They shut their mouths tightly as if they didn't know each other even though it was me who should have done it. Funny thing was, they kept stealing a glance at each other.

As I couldn't bear with this silence anymore, I decided to get my voice out.

"Do you guys want some wine?" I tried to break the ice between them. I knew deep inside their heart they wanted to stop this, but their pride stood in their way.

Too bad it didn't work.

"No, thank you," said Celia.

"I think I will pass," said Jenny.

"Fine," I said with a forced smile. Then the silence returned. Yep... Sitting between two girls who were in the cold war like this was definitely a bad idea.

To be honest, I felt like I wanted to pretend to sleep to avoid this annoying situation. Moreover, judging from the cars around us, I didn't think we would be able to get out of this traffic soon. This was Celia's idea, yet I was the one getting the headache. Indeed, the one who invited her to come with us was me, so yeah... I kinda regretted it.

A long breath escaped my mouth. Since I didn't want to go through this in this uncomfortable atmosphere, I decided to speak up my mind.

"This silence kills me. How long will you two be silent like this?" I said boldly.

My voice made them both turn to look at me.

"Tonight and your graduation day is the last day for both of you. No one knows when you will meet again after that. I know you guys want to fix your relationship. Just speak up your mind and let the other know. It's your last chance to set things straight," I said straight to the point.

I thought Celia would open her voice, but I was wrong. None of them replied to me.

'Haa... Whatever.' At least I had said what's in my head.

After another long silence, Jenny finally opened her voice.

"I know this was just a misunderstanding and I shouldn't be mad at you. But after what happened, I feel you've humiliated me. It makes me wonder what's wrong with me. I always try to be the best in everything. Yet, all good things always come to you. Isn't that unfair to me?" She said it in a calm tone, a bit gloomy I could say.

"It also happened today... Even though I was desperately preparing everything and looking for a prom date. In the end, you were the one who stole everyone's attention," she added. Jenny turned to Celia. Her bitterness and envy were evident from her gaze.

"A handsome prom date and a limited edition car that appeared out of nowhere. A dance that stole everyone's attention. Now tell me, Celia... Are you Cinderella?"

"Jenny... I..." Celia's words stopped since she didn't know what to say. Celia couldn't deny her words since Jenny was--- kinda right. A single poor student who could barely take her exam, suddenly came to prom night with a nice dress, a luxury car and a handsome companion, do made her look like Cinderella. She didn't wear glass heels though, I should have bought them if they did exist.

Although it was a serious conversation, I found it a bit funny.

'If Celia is Cinderella, is Maria the fairy godmother? And I am the prince?' Well, the prince part was right. But Maria's image was definitely far from a fairy godmother. If it was real, the story would turn into a lewd fairy godmother who seduced a lustful prince instead of a normal Cinderella.

"I'm just a Cinderella for a night, Jenny. After this, I'm back to the usual Celia. Besides you also have a lot of things that I don't have, but I never envy you." Finally, Celia answered her in a calm tone.

"You have nice and supportive parents. Also..." She glanced at me.

"A brother now." She returned her gaze to Jenny.

"Your brother just came back from overseas last night, right? I saw his photos on your PaceBook page." I knew she said it because of what my mom had done to us. While I would go to the Dark Dimension soon.

"I cherish them. But---"

Celia quickly interrupted Jenny.

"Are you willing to exchange it for a one-night event like this?" Her words made Jenny speechless.

"That may be a simple thing for you but I'm longing for it. And my brother--- He will go somewhere far away soon... You have a complete family waiting for you at your home when I only have an empty house. Don't you think it is also unfair for me?"

Jenny stared at Celia's eyes which trembled in emotion for a while before shifting her gaze to the other side.

"Sorry." From her expression, she already realized her mistake.

"Jenny, I hope we can be good friends again, like in the past..." said Celia.

After a short pause, Jenny finally turned to her and answered her with a nod.

'Yes, finally! This teen drama is over!' I screamed in happiness internally. After this, there should be no awkward silence anymore, at least, it shouldn't be as bad as before.

One more time, I tried to break the remaining awkwardness between them. Just to make sure there was no drama again.

"So... Since the problem is over, do we need a toast to celebrate it?"

Celia and Jenny exchanged glances once again. This time a smile on their faces.

"Shall we?" Celia said.

"Sounds good to me," Jenny answered.

Note: Ethan says Maria is the fairy godmother because the car belongs to Myra (Maria in disguise)