The Lies That Built Us

A Weekend Apart

Chapter 5

The weekend arrived with a gentle breeze and an open schedule. Winny and Kathryn decided to hit the mall, partly to run errands and partly to escape the routine of campus life. The two girls wandered through stores, trying out makeup samples, comparing lip gloss shades, and laughing over ridiculous fashion trends.

"This looks like something out of a sci-fi movie," Winny said, holding up a sparkly silver jacket.

"You could totally rock that at a futuristic fashion show," Kathryn teased.

As they strolled through racks of clothes, their conversation shifted from campus gossip to boys. Winny, while picking up a deep red lipstick, raised an eyebrow.

"I’m honestly surprised Jamii didn’t show up with you today like your little minion."

Kathryn laughed out loud. "Please! My shadow, you mean. But honestly, I haven’t heard from him much this week."

Winny paused, a flicker of relief washing over her face. She had also been wondering why Jamii hadn’t been texting her. Their fun chats from the previous week had come to a halt, and she was starting to overthink it.

"Really? I thought maybe he was just ghosting me or something," she admitted.

"Nah, probably just busy. I’m actually spending the weekend with him anyway. Our moms planned this mini getaway for his mom, Helen, so she can experience the city a bit. I’m tagging along as the honorary family member. We used to go on these trips all the time as kids."

Winny tried to hide her disappointment. She wished she could tag along, especially now that she was starting to enjoy her moments with Jamii. But she knew if she were invited, Kat would have said so.

"Sounds fun," she said, forcing a small smile. "I’ll miss you."

Kathryn squeezed her hand. "I’ll be back before you know it. Just the weekend."

That evening, Winny packed a small bag and decided to pay her dad a surprise visit. She hadn’t been home in three weeks, caught up in school and her project. Her dad’s face lit up the second he saw her at the door.

"Pumpkin! What a surprise."

They spent the afternoon catching up in the cozy kitchen where Winny had learned to cook growing up. She chopped vegetables while her dad prepared rice and sauce.

"School project still stressing you out?" he asked.

Winny nodded. "It’s getting better. Just time-consuming. How’s work?"

Her dad sighed. "People are getting laid off. I’m just hoping I’m not next."

She frowned and turned to him. "Don’t stress, Dad. Whatever happens, we’ll figure it out."

After lunch, they settled into the living room. Winny curled up on the couch, watching her favorite childhood sitcom rerun. Her phone buzzed with a notification.

Jamii: I heard you miss me.

She smirked.

Winny: What? Who told you that?

Jamii: Kat said you asked about me when you didn’t see me with her.

Winny: And that translates to me missing you?

Jamii: Pretty much.

They kept texting, the playful banter flowing easily again.

Jamii: I’ve been helping my mom set up her new wine business. She’s been dreaming about this for years. Used to work in wine distribution when she was younger. She let go of it all when she met my dad, but now she’s finally building something of her own. She named the brewery after him.

Winny: That’s so sweet. Sounds like a beautiful way to remember him.

Jamii: We’ve been prepping non-stop for the launch. This weekend trip is her way of forcing us to take a break. Moms, right?

Winny: Moms always know best.

At that moment, Jamii was lounging in the hotel lounge, waiting for their moms to finish a spa session. He was so deep into the conversation with Winny, he didn’t notice Kathryn walking up to him until she tapped his shoulder.

He looked up, startled, and quickly put his phone face-down.

"Let me guess—Winny?" Kathryn grinned.

He gave a crooked smile. "Busted."

Winny lay in her bed that night, staring at her phone screen. Their texts had turned flirty and sweet.

Jamii: You admitted it, by the way. You missed me.

Winny: Maybe I just missed our fun convos.

Jamii: That’s code for missing me. Admit it.

She shook her head, laughing silently to herself.

It was getting harder to brush off the way she felt about Jamii. What started off as awkward encounters and teasing jokes was slowly growing into something else. But she wasn’t sure if it was just playful friendship or something more.

And that uncertainty kept her up a little longer than usual, staring at the ceiling and wondering what tomorrow might bring.

After the weekend getaway, Jamii texted Winny again.

Jamii: Meet me at the café later? I’ve got something for you.

Winny’s heart skipped a little. Was this a date?

She picked out a cute outfit and even touched up her makeup. When she arrived at the café, her excitement deflated a little at the sight of Jamii and Kathryn already seated, laughing about something.

She hesitated at the door before making her way to their table. Jamii smiled and pulled out a chair for her.

"Hey, you made it."

Winny sat across from them, trying not to look too disappointed. Jamii slid an envelope across the table toward her.

"This is for you."

Winny opened it to find an elegant invitation.

You’re Invited to the Grand Opening of O'Edward's Wine House

"My mom’s launch party," Jamii said. "She wanted me to invite the people who matter."

Winny blinked, caught off guard.

"Wow… thanks. That’s really sweet."

Kathryn beamed. "It’s going to be amazing. You’ll come, right?"

Winny nodded, even as her chest tightened a little. She had built up the moment in her head, thinking it might be more personal—just her and Jamii. But maybe she had just been overthinking everything.

That night, back in her dorm, Winny found herself sketching another fairy-like dress, letting her imagination flow to distract from the odd ache in her chest. Her phone lit up with a new message.

Jamii: So… you coming to the party looking all magical again?

She laughed.

Winny: Maybe. Depends on whether you plan to match the vibe.

They texted late into the night, laughing and teasing. And just like that, the ache faded—replaced with a strange warmth that lingered long after she put her phone down and drifted off to sleep.