Chapter 14

This vacation has been truly amazing. I've had the opportunity to engage in numerous fun activities with my family. Chad returned home for the vacation break yesterday, adding even more excitement to the household. School officially resumes in two months, but for now, I'm enjoying these moments to the fullest.

This morning was no exception. Dad had already left for work, leaving my brothers, my mother, and me at home. Breakfast has become quite enjoyable lately, as we share funny anecdotes around the table. These moments are etching themselves as core memories in my mind.

Chad and Miles have been playing non-stop video games since morning. While it's a blast, I can't help but wish for a baby sister to join the fun. Meanwhile, my mother has been engrossed in her online business. I sat up in bed, picked up my storybook, and continued reading from where I left off. Lately, I've developed a sort of addiction to werewolf stories. Who knows, they might even be real, but regardless, I've grown fond of them. I found myself daydreaming about being an Alpha female and chuckled at the thought.

My phone suddenly started ringing, interrupting my train of thought. Annoyed, I glanced at the caller ID. It was Daisy. I couldn't believe I had forgotten about her. It's been ages since our last conversation. I hesitated for a moment, considering whether to let it ring, but I picked up before it stopped. “Hi Daisy, what's up?" I greeted, waiting for her response. However, there was only silence on the other end. “Daisy, are you there?" I asked, puzzled by the lack of a reply. After a brief pause, she spoke, “I got you, didn't I? You've surely forgotten about me, Millie. When was the last time you called me? Don't you miss me?" Her accusations caught me off guard, and I felt guilty because she was right. I hadn't been the best friend lately, and I promised to keep in touch when I left.

“I'm sorry, Daisy. I haven't been the best friend, but I promise to check up on you more often from now onwards," I replied sincerely. Daisy chuckled at my response, seemingly used to my promises that I hadn't quite kept. “I just wanted to let you know that we're relocating to Australia to start a new life. It's a decision my parents have been considering for a while. You know my dad is Australian, and given the challenges we've faced since he lost his job, this move became necessary. My mom has been taking odd jobs to ensure we're okay. Don't miss me too much while I'm away. I promise we'll attend the same university, and during that time, you'll be stuck with me forever." We both burst into laughter at her lighthearted remark.

“When are you guys leaving for Australia?" I inquired. “Today. In fact, we're at the airport right now. Don't miss me too much, Millie. I have to go; I need to check in for the flight. Goodbye, Millie." I bid her farewell and hung up the phone, realizing I hadn't been the best friend I could have been. I could have made more effort to stay in touch and bid her a proper goodbye before she left.

...

“Mom, I'm already exhausted. We've been working tirelessly since morning. It's almost noon. Who exactly are we expecting tonight? Is it Joe Biden and his family?" I sarcastically remarked. Miles playfully knocked me on the head, and Chad chuckled. “You got the easiest task," Miles said, making funny faces. We all burst into laughter, and Chad shook his head at our playful banter. “Complaining won't finish the rest of the cleaning, Millie. It's not every day you get to celebrate Thanksgiving with your friend and their family," my mom reminded us, instructing Chad to clean a vase on the table.

With about two hours left until dinner, we finally completed the cleaning. The house looked impeccably clean, with walls that seemed to reflect our own images. Dad had returned home a while ago, and we had changed into the outfits Mom insisted on. Chad had put on our favorite horror series, “The Witcher."

Miles brought out a big bowl of popcorn with soda while we were having the much-needed fun. Out of nowhere, my mom appeared, scaring the hell out of me. It's quite embarrassing to get scared by someone's mere presence, especially after watching horror movies. I ended up falling from the sofa, dropping popcorn all over the living room. Miles and Chad burst into fits of laughter while I felt utterly embarrassed.

"Clean it up, Millie. They will be here in thirty minutes," my mom spoke, leaving no room for explanations. I shrugged and grabbed the broom. Miles and Chad offered to help, and we were soon done.

Currently, we were sitting around the dining table. Dad had brought out the grilled turkey, and my mouth was watering already. The doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of whoever had us cleaning since morning.

"Coming!" My mother hurried to the front door. "Rosa!" I heard a squeal, and the familiar voice left me wondering who it was. "Come inside, dear," my mother said in a hurry. I couldn't see the person's face from where I was sitting. "You do have a wonderful family. Please, do come in, y'all," my mother spoke and then returned to our table.

“Principal Geraldine!!!!" "Miles and I shouted at the same time. "What is she doing in our house?" I exclaimed. "It's Aunt Geraldine for you. Your mom is a dear friend of mine. We grew up together here in Florida, but she moved away after getting married," she explained, and we nodded. I looked behind her and saw a man who was an older version of Cody.

It was just like how Miles and Chad resembled my dad, often mistaken for twins. But that wasn't the end of it. I chuckled when I noticed Cody. There was also a little girl, no older than thirteen, hiding behind Cody. She must be the shy type. Never in my wildest dreams did I think Cody had a younger sister.

"Geraldine, meet my family. This is my husband, Peter, whom you obviously know since you were my chief bridesmaid. This is my eldest son, Chad. That's Miles over there, and this is my youngest, Millie," my mom spoke with a proud smile. "I know your two children because of school, but I haven't seen this fine young man before," she said, pointing to Chad, who smiled. "He's in college; that's why you don't know him."

I looked at Cody, who was sitting beside me, grinning from ear to ear. This guy really had nerve. After giving our thanks for the year, both dads cut the turkey and shared it out. Cody's sister, Keke, sat beside Chad, while Miles sat between Chad and me. During dinner, Cody tried to act friendly, but he wasn't my friend. So, I pushed my chair closer to Miles. My mother glared at me and whispered for me to act nicely.

I was relieved when it was time for them to leave. I knew I had a crush on Cody, but he wasn't my friend, and I disliked how he acted like we were very close. Before they could leave, I noticed both parents were catching up on things they had missed. I dragged Cody into the guest room downstairs and shut the door. He laughed, but I told him to be quiet.

"I know our parents are friends, but don't act like you know me when you see me outside. It's that clear," I warned, and he smirked. "And what if I don't want to? Do you hate that much?" He feigned hurt, and I chuckled. "I won't fall for your tricks. Get out; your parents might be looking for you." I opened the door, motioning for him to leave. He ruffled my hair before whispering goodbye, leaving me blushing in embarrassment.

It was a good thing that Miles and Chad were already in their rooms; otherwise, they would have witnessed this and teased me about it. Once I got into my room, I called Alicia, my current gossip partner. "You won't believe who showed up here," I said, and Alicia chuckled. "Aside from your parents, friends, and family, who could it be?" she asked. I giggled, saying, "It's Cody and his family. Who knew my parents knew them? It was such an awkward evening."

"No way, girl! How was it?" she asked, sounding curious. "It was awful that Cody sat beside me. My heart could have burst just from his mere closeness, but I acted tough. It would be a disaster if he saw right through me that I like him," I explained, adjusting my blanket. "Millie, let's continue tomorrow; I've got a movie to catch up on," Alicia said. I chuckled, "You're ditching me for a movie? I didn't know I had a little place in your heart. I'm hurt." She laughed and bid goodbye. I placed the phone on the nightstand and hugged my teddy bear really tight.