waking up to love

chapter 6

Elena straightened her shirt quickly. “Do I look normal?”

Vivian looked her up and down, deliberately taking her time. “You look like someone that was just talking about a boy.”

Elena smacked her arm lightly. “Stop it!”

“Come, let’s go before she comes out herself,” Vivian said, already heading toward the house.

Elena took one last quick glance in the boy’s direction before following. “I will see him again,” she murmured confidently.

Vivian overheard and shook her head. “This girl has already started.”

Elena smiled to herself as they walked inside. Maybe, just maybe… this place was going to be more interesting than she thought.

Inside, the house felt slightly cooler, though the scent of old wood and closed spaces lingered in the air. Vivian’s mother was already moving from one corner to another, opening windows and adjusting things, determined to bring life into the space.

“You children should help and arrange things,” she said without turning, her tone firm but not harsh.

“Yes, Mum,” Vivian replied automatically, though her eyes scanned the room as if calculating the easiest task to pick.

Elena dropped her bag on a chair and looked around. “Where do we even start?”

“Anywhere,” Vivian’s mother answered. “Just don’t stand there looking like visitors.”

Elena laughed softly. “Okay o, we hear you.”

She picked up a small box and dusted it lightly. “Vivian, come and carry something now. Don’t leave everything for me.”

Vivian stretched lazily. “I just came inside. Let me breathe first.”

“You have been breathing since morning,” Elena shot back.

Vivian rolled her eyes but grabbed a bag anyway. “Fine. Let’s do small work before we collapse.”

As they moved things around, Vivian’s mother paused and turned to Elena.

“Elena, your siblings will be here soon.”

Elena froze. “Mum… are you for real?”

“Yes,” she replied with a small smile. “Ted will come with Helen.”

Elena dropped what she was holding in excitement. “I can’t wait to meet them! Are they nice? Are they funny? Do they talk a lot?”

Vivian laughed. “Relax, you’ve not even met them and you’re already interviewing them.”

“I like to prepare,” Elena said proudly.

At that moment, a phone rang, cutting through the noise of movement.

Vivian’s mother quickly reached for it. “Hello, my love.”

Her voice softened instantly.

From the other end, her husband’s voice came through faint but clear. “How are you guys settling in?”

She sighed lightly. “We are trying, though. The children are not helping me.”

“Dad, it’s a lie!” Vivian called out immediately from across the room.

Elena burst into laughter.

“My daughter,” her father’s voice responded warmly through the phone. “Vivian, is that you?”

Vivian rushed closer. “Yes, Dad!”

“Don’t mind your mum,” he said. “How are you doing?”

“I’m fine, Dad,” she replied, smiling brightly. “We just got here. The house is… okay.”

“Hmm,” he chuckled. “I know that ‘okay.’ What should I bring for you?”

Vivian didn’t hesitate. “Dad, bring everything! I love you, Dad!”

Elena laughed again. “Everything ke?”

Her father laughed from the other end. “This girl… Don’t disturb your mummy, my daughter.”

Vivian grinned. “Okay, Dad.”

Her mother tried to take the phone back. “My love, don’t let me disturb you at work.”

“You’re not disturbing me,” he replied. “Just make sure you all settle in well.”

“We will,” she said softly.

“I will call you later.”

“Alright. Bye, I love you.”

“I love you too.”

She ended the call and placed the phone down gently, shaking her head with a small smile.

Vivian crossed her arms playfully. “Mummy, you were the one complaining about us o.”

Her mother gave her a look. “And I was correct.”

Elena stepped in quickly. “Don’t worry, ma. From now on, we will be very hardworking.”

Vivian turned to her. “Speak for yourself.”

Before Elena could reply, the sound of voices drifted in from outside—loud, lively, and unmistakably familiar.

Vivian’s head snapped toward the door. “Did you hear that?”

Elena’s eyes widened. “They are here!”

Without waiting for permission, both girls rushed toward the entrance.