A surprise visit

Chapter 14

Emilia

“We're back,” I announced to my mom as finally relaxed while Annette was in her room resting. She nodded, her expression soft.

“I’ll go check on your sister,” she said. I gave her a small nod before collapsing onto the couch with a sigh.

Wow, Cole Rivers is the definition of handsome—and somehow, even more stunning in person. The way he looked at Annette... it was obvious. There’s something going on there. She might pretend there’s nothing, but she knows—and, well, she’s Annette, so of course she’s ignoring it.

Just then, my phone started ringing. It was my boyfriend, Xavier. A wide smile spread across my face as I answered.

“Hey babe, it’s been a while. Don’t you have time for me anymore?” he said, sounding worried.

I scratched my head, a little guilty. We really hadn’t spoken much since I got home.

“I know. I’m sorry, something came up. How have you been?” I asked.

There was a brief pause before he replied, “I really missed you. I can’t wait to see you.”

His voice made me feel shy and warm inside. I closed my eyes, letting the sound of him wash over me. His voice always soothes me.

“I know, I missed you too—like crazy. But break will be over soon. We’ll see each other then.”

“Yeah, and don’t forget what you promised me when you get back,” he added.

Of course, here we go again.

“I haven’t forgotten. But seriously, one minute we’re talking about missing each other, and the next…” I looked around to make sure no one was nearby, then lowered my voice. “...You start talking about sex.”

He chuckled. “So? Don’t you want to do it with me too? We’ve been dating for a while now. I’m starving, babe.”

I bit my lip. The way he desired me made me feel wanted—and I did want him too. But I still hadn’t lost my virginity.

Was I really ready to give him that? I did love him… so what harm would it cause?

“Okay,” I said quietly. “I promised. I’ll keep my word.”

He got excited. “That’s why I love you, babe. You’re the best.”

I smiled to myself. Choosing Xavier really did feel like one of the best decisions I’d ever made.

---

Annette

“It could’ve been worse. I kept telling you to slow down,” Mom scolded gently. “Now look—you look older than your age. Take some time off, alright?”

I nodded, head still pounding. I knew she was only worried about me, and I felt bad for making her worry.

“I will, Mom. Don’t stress,” I promised.

She sighed and kissed my forehead.

“We’ve all been so worried. I bet your dad’s coming home early just to see his beautiful first daughter.”

I chuckled. He definitely would.

“Well, you lie down. I’ll go make you some porridge,” she said and headed to the kitchen.

I turned to my side and shut my eyes, but Cole’s image popped into my head. The way he looked at me—it was like he wanted to carry my pain, like he wished he could take me away from all of it.

Whatever bond we had as kids feels like it’s fading now. We’re adults. I just… can’t return his feelings.

I appreciated that he told me he liked me back then. But I’m not the same girl he once knew. Cole has been through enough. I don’t want to be another burden.

There are plenty of good women out there who will love him—just not me.

But why do I even think like that? Don’t I deserve something good too? Shouldn’t I, for once, be selfish and go for what I want?

Because the truth is—I still feel something for him. Should I let it die? I know I’ll regret it.

Still, since that day, he hasn’t said anything else about it. Maybe seeing me now changed things for him. Maybe he realized the Annette he once loved doesn’t exist anymore.

I’m a shell of who I was. And maybe that’s why I’m hesitant to be with him—because deep down, I no longer feel like I’m enough.

Not long after, Emily came in with the porridge. My headache had eased a bit, and she had a blush on her cheeks—clearly just got off the phone with her boyfriend. Young love… I was there once.

“Mom said you have to finish the whole bowl,” she said, handing it to me. It was hot—just the way I liked it.

“Thanks,” I smiled.

She grinned. “No need to thank me. Sooo… when are you and your friend finally going out?”

I almost choked. “What?”

She gave me a knowing look. “I’m not stupid, sis. I see how you two look at each other. Especially him—like he wants to devour you.”

I laughed. I hadn’t even noticed.

The way Cole looked at me always felt the same as when we were kids. I don’t know what a ‘look of desire’ from him would be like… and honestly, I’m not sure I want to imagine it.

“Yeah, maybe there’s something there,” I admitted. “But we’re both not in a place for a relationship. He just got divorced, and I’ve given up on love.”

“Or maybe it’s just you who’s not ready. Because from what I see, that man wants you.”

And what does my little sister know about men wanting women? Well, she’s not exactly clueless either.

“Hmm, speaking of which,” I said, giving her a teasing smirk. “Have you and Xavier… gone all the way?”

Her eyes widened. “What? No! You’re changing the subject!” she said, cheeks flushed.

I laughed. She looked so embarrassed.

“I’m not changing anything. Just be careful, okay? You never really know what boys are capable of.”

She pouted. “He’s not like other guys,” she replied confidently.

I nodded. Not everyone’s as unlucky as me when it comes to love.

We talked for a while as I ate, and just like Mom said, Dad came home early. And yes, I got another round of gentle scolding from him too.

But through it all, I realized again how much I love this family. We may not have much, but the love we share is priceless.

Later that evening, as I lay in bed, a message popped up on my phone.

"Hey, just wanted to check up on you."

I smiled when I saw who it was.

"Thanks, I’m perfectly fine now. Just trying to sleep," I typed back.

He sent a laughing emoji, which made me chuckle too.

"When you feel better, I’ll take you out."

I sat up, rereading the message. Did he mean like… a date? My heart raced, like it wanted to come out from my chest, I shook my head because I didn’t want to overthink it.

"Okay, I’ll be looking forward to it," I replied. My heart was racing.

His next message came quickly.

"You’ve promised. No backing out and I won't take excuses when the time comes."

My face heated up. I felt like a teenager in love again.