CHAPTER SEVEN: REUNION
1080 Words
That morning, after breakfast, Emily was clearing the plates while telling Ethan that she needed to head to the airport to pick up her cousin. Ethan paused beside her, teasing her gently, telling her he didn’t want her driving such a long distance alone. He leaned closer and said softly, “Let the driver take you. The road to the airport is far, babe.”
She looked at him playfully. “So you’re trying to say I can’t drive?”
He shook his head, laughing. “No, my love. I just want you to be safe.”
She smiled, leaned in for a hug, and he gave her a quick kiss before rushing out for work.
Emily went upstairs to get ready. She wore a pair of purple pants, a white chiffon top, packed her hair neatly, and added simple makeup light foundation, mascara, and lip gloss. She carried her brown handbag and slipped into her brown sandals. After checking herself in the mirror one more time, she headed downstairs.
The driver was already waiting. She got into the back seat, and halfway through the drive, her phone buzzed. It was a message from Chloe: I’ve landed already.
Emily replied:
I’ll be there in 10 minutes.
When they arrived at the airport, Chloe had already checked out and was waiting in the lounge area. Emily stood by the entrance scanning the crowd and called her.
“Where exactly are you?” Emily asked.
“Emily! Over here!” Chloe waved both hands dramatically, like someone signaling an airplane to land. Emily immediately spotted her.They ran to each other and hugged tightly.
“Oh my God, look at you!” Emily laughed. “You’ve gained weight!”
“And you look even prettier in real life,” Chloe teased.
The driver came out, picked up Chloe’s suitcase, and placed it into the trunk. On their way home, they talked about everything school, graduation, traveling, their childhood, old memories, and the stress of adult life. They laughed so much that the drive felt shorter.
Ten minutes into the ride, Emily’s phone began ringing. A strange number.
She hesitated, then answered, “Good afternoon, ma’am,” the male voice said politely.
“Good afternoon…” she replied, unsure. “Please, who is this?”
The man chuckled lightly. “Probably someone you bumped into at the supermarket. Remember?”
Emily frowned, trying to recall. Then he said, “Brian.”
Immediately, she remembered. “Oh! Brian—hi. How are you? But… how did you get my number?”
“Well, your business card fell on the floor. I picked it up. That’s how I got your number and address. I must say, you have a really nice store. I stopped by once, but you weren’t around. Your sales rep said you hardly come by.”
Emily nodded. “Yeah… I come once in a while. But I hope she attended to you well?”
“Yes, she did. Very kind,” he said, then added with a playful tone, “But not as kind as you and definitely not as pretty.”
Emily smiled awkwardly. “Okay, Brian. I’m actually on my way to do something and I’m really busy, so we’ll talk later.”
“No problem. Just save my number, okay? I already saved yours.”
“Alright,” she replied and ended the call.
When they arrived home, they settled in immediately. Chloe told Emily she wouldn’t be staying permanently because she had already found an apartment, but she would visit regularly.
Later, both of them entered the kitchen to make dinner. As they cooked, they talked about everything—life, family, pressure, dreams. Chloe opened up about her boyfriend, how they were having issues, and how things had been rocky lately. Emily listened, comforted her, and they continued chatting for a long while.
While they were talking, a message popped up on Emily’s phone:
Are you still busy?
Chloe saw it first and quickly snatched the phone playfully. “Let me text him back—who is he?” she teased.
Emily laughed and grabbed her phone back. “Don’t try it. I’m married, Chloe. And I love Ethan.”
“Relax, I’m just teasing,” Chloe said, grinning.
Just then, the door bell rang and Emily rushed to get the door followed by Chloe . Ethan walked in carrying a bouquet of fresh flowers, a box of chocolates, and some sweets.
Emily’s eyes widened. “Oh my God… these are beautiful.”
He hugged her warmly. Behind her, Chloe greeted him. Ethan replied with a kind smile and added, “You two really look alike. The difference isn’t much.”
He handed Emily the flowers and gave the chocolates to Chloe.
Then he headed upstairs to freshen up.
When he returned, they all sat at the dining table eating dinner and chatting. Ethan asked Chloe about her flight, school, her job search, and her plans now that she was done with college. It was a warm, smooth conversation.
At some point, Ethan asked, “So, Chloe, are you staying here for a few days?”
Chloe shook her head. “Actually, I already found an apartment. I’ll move in tomorrow. But I’ll visit often.”
“That’s great,” Ethan said genuinely.
They talked about so many things life, dreams, her transition into adulthood until it was finally time for bed.
Ethan went upstairs first while Emily remained in the kitchen arranging a few things.
Suddenly, her phone rang again.
She quickly answered before Ethan could hear.
“I’ve told you not to call me this late,” she whispered sharply. “It’s inappropriate to call a married woman at this hour. You should know better.”
He apologized immediately. “I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.”
“Well… goodnight,” she said, ending the call.
When she turned around, Chloe was leaning by the door, smiling knowingly.
“Stranger again, huh?” she teased.
Emily rolled her eyes. “Mind the business that pays you.”
They burst into laughter.
“One day,” Chloe said, “you’re definitely going to tell me who that guy is.”
Emily smirked. “You wish.”
They finished the dishes while talking about random things until it was very late.
Finally, Ethan and Emily went to bed, while Chloe settled into the guest room close to theirs.
The house slowly grew quiet, ending the night peacefully.
- Writer
