waking up to love

chapter 3

Ted lingered beside his mother for a moment, shifting his weight from one foot to the other.

“Mom, I’m going to play with my friends,” he said, already half-turned toward the gate. “I’ll meet you at home in the evening.”

His mother nodded absently, still gathering her things. Ted didn’t wait for further response; he excused himself quickly and ran off, his laughter trailing behind him.

After what felt like forever, it was finally happening.

Vivian stood quietly, her hands clasped together, her thoughts racing faster than she could control. She was going to be with her parents again—really with them this time. Not just visits or brief stays, but living together, under the same roof. And her siblings… she smiled to herself.

She couldn’t wait.

She had imagined it so many times—what it would be like to wake up in a house full of noise, to argue over little things, to laugh, to belong fully. Even the idea of sibling rivalry excited her. It meant connection, closeness… family.

“Vivian!”

Her mother’s voice cut sharply through her thoughts.

“What are you waiting for?” she asked, already halfway toward the car. “Go and pack your load. Let’s go.”

Vivian blinked, snapping back to reality. “Yes, Mommy,” she replied quickly, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nervous energy. Without wasting another second, she hurried inside.

From the corner of the room, Elena watched everything unfold, her chest tightening with each passing moment. Something didn’t sit right with her.

She turned slowly to her grandmother, who sat calmly, as if nothing significant was happening.

“Is she going with them?” Elena asked, her voice small but steady.

Her grandmother nodded. “Yes. She’s going to be living with her family now.”

The words landed heavily.

“Elena hesitated. “Ehnm… but Grandma, can’t I go with them?”

Her grandmother shook her head firmly. “No, you can’t.”

That was all.

No explanation. No discussion.

Just no.

Elena swallowed hard, her throat tightening. Without another word, she walked away and found a quiet corner where she sat alone, her mood darkening. She hugged her knees, staring at nothing in particular, trying to ignore the sting behind her eyes.

Back in the room, Vivian folded her clothes hurriedly, her excitement spilling into every movement. But something tugged at her conscience.

She paused and turned to her mother.

“Mommy… Elena wants to go with us.”

Her mother didn’t even look up. “Well, she can’t.”

Vivian frowned. “Why can’t she? Mommy, I’ll miss her.”

“No,” her mother said again, this time more firmly. “She can’t.”

Vivian sighed, her shoulders dropping. “Oh no… I really wish she could.”

There was a brief silence. Then her mother exhaled, as if reconsidering.

“Okay,” she said at last. “If that’s your wish, she can come. But she will only stay for the weekend. She cannot keep living with us. She has her own parents too.”

Vivian’s face lit up instantly. “Eeeishhh, that’s harsh, Mom,” she said playfully, though relief flooded her voice.

“Go and tell her,” her mother added.

Vivian didn’t need to be told twice.

She found Elena sitting alone, exactly where she had left her.

“I’m leaving, Elena,” Vivian said, trying to sound cheerful. “Won’t you at least say bye to me?”

“Elena didn’t look up. “Bye, Vivian,” she muttered, her voice flat and uninterested.

Vivian blinked. “Is that it? You won’t even hug me?”

“Please… leave me alone.”

The words stung more than Vivian expected.

“Okay ooo,” she said softly, turning slightly. Then she paused, remembering the news. “Well… Mommy later agreed. You can come spend the weekend with us.”

Silence.

Then suddenly—

“Are you for real?”

Elena’s head snapped up, her face transforming instantly. The dull sadness vanished, replaced by bright excitement.

“Yes, I’m serious,” Vivian said, smiling now.

Elena jumped to her feet. “Let me go and pack my bag!”

She ran off before Vivian could say another word, her energy completely renewed.

From across the room, the adults watched the sudden shift with amusement. Just moments ago, she had been withdrawn and moody. Now, she moved like someone who had just been handed the best gift in the world.

Vivian shook her head, laughing softly to herself. “Drama queen,” she murmured.

By evening, everything was ready.

Bags were packed, goodbyes were said, and the car was loaded. The sky had begun to soften into shades of orange and purple as they prepared to leave.

Elena clutched her small bag tightly, unable to hide her excitement. Vivian stood beside her, equally eager, though her emotions ran deeper—this wasn’t just a visit for her. This was the beginning of something new.

As they got into the car, Vivian took one last look around.

Then she faced forward.

The engine started.

And together, they departed for Vivian’s house—toward a home filled with new beginnings, shared laughter, and stories waiting to unfold.