We'Re Just Friends?
1
Mom
Are you done packing, Kaia?
I looked up from my suitcase and smiled softly at my mom, who stood by the door with that familiar worried expression she always tried to hide.
Kaia
I can’t believe I’m finally going back
Back to everything I left behind… including him.
My dad leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, but his eyes were warm.
Dad
You’ve been talking about this for years. Now it’s finally happening.
Mom
And just in time for your birthday too.
Mom added, walking over and fixing a strand of my hair.
Mom
Eighteen already… I still can’t believe it.
Mom
You’ll be staying with Lynda for a while, okay?
Mom
Just until the house is finished.
Kaia
Aunt Lynda won’t mind.
Dad
She and your mom have been inseparable since they were kids. You’re practically her daughter too.
It had been six years since I last saw him.
I wonder if he still remembers me.
2
The next day came faster than I expected.
The airport buzzed with noise, but all I could hear was the pounding of my heart as I stepped out, scanning the crowd.
She opened her arms immediately, pulling me into a tight hug.
Aunt Lynda
Kaia! Oh my gosh, look at you!
I laughed, hugging her back before turning to her husband.
Kaia
I miss you too, Tito.
(Note: Tito means uncle in tagalog.)
Uncle Deuce
We missed you more
I pulled away slightly, my eyes instinctively searching behind them.
I tried to ignore the small sting in my chest.
The car ride was filled with nonstop chatter.
Aunt Lynda kept asking questions, barely giving me time to answer before asking another.
Aunt Lynda
So, how was France? Your school? Your friends?
Kaia
It was… hard at first
I admitted, staring out the window.
Kaia
I got bullied on my first day.
I quickly added with a small laugh.
Kaia
Things changed. I guess… I changed too. I ended up becoming pretty popular.
Aunt Lynda
Well, of course you did.
Aunt Lynda said without hesitation.
Aunt Lynda
With a face like that? How could you not?
I laughed, feeling my cheeks warm.
3
Maids greeted us as we entered, and I was guided upstairs to my room.
Aunt Lynda
I heard you like pink so I had it decorated.
After unpacking, I went downstairs, drawn by the smell of food.
Kaia
Auntie, you didn’t have to cook.
I said, walking into the kitchen.
she replied with a smile.
Aunt Lynda
It’s been so long since you’ve been here.
We talked while she cooked—about everything and nothing at the same time.
Aunt Lynda
River has been such a headache lately
Aunt Lynda
His grades are dropping, he’s always out… I don’t even know what to do with that boy anymore
She said, shaking her head.
Aunt Lynda
Honestly, I’m even surprised he has a girlfriend.
Before I could processed it–
For a moment, everything went quiet.
A girl stepped into view, smiling brightly as she slipped her hand around his arm.
Note: Tita means auntie in filipino.
Something in my chest cracked.
Maybe things didn’t stay the same after all.
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