Chasing Bliss

Chapter 3: Little Surprise

Amara wasn't able to finish what she was about to say as we were both in shock upon the sudden flash. The light was so bright that it hurt my eyes and took me a few seconds to regain proper eyesight.

I looked in front to see what it was or to where it came from. And yes. I am not mistaken. It came from my mom's camera. It was no surprise to see her holding a camera as taking pictures has been her hobby since then. I was just shocked to see her use it now. I mean, I never thought she brought it today for she hasn’t taken any picture earlier using her camera.

I was about to get the camera from mom’s hand but I suddenly remembered Amara. Her eyes are pretty much sensitive to such bright lights so her phone’s brightness was always at the lowest and the same goes with her laptop. She never forgot to turn on the dark mode. As in never. She’s not photophobic though. It’s only a device’s brightness that gives her pain. Sunlight and outdoors seems pretty okay with her so the doctor told us not to worry. Still, I turned my gaze at her direction to see if she’s fine. I quickly checked if she regained her normal eyesight and, in my relief, she did.

She let out a sigh of relief as she crosses her arm around her chest leaning into her seat. “I seriously thought we were to be hit by a truck or bus or whatever.” She said looking like she just got a thorn out of her throat. I can’t help but giggle. A few minutes ago, she was a wild tiger ready to dominate me but now? She’s just a kitten who wants to extend her 9 lives. “What?” asks mom who looks like she was pleading innocent. “There’s nothing to worry about, sweetheart, as your father is a pretty skilled driver.” She continued. “And even after making it home, he hasn’t forgotten to drive me crazy.” She gave it a laugh while disgust is evident in Amara’s face. Me, on the other hand, was laughing like a jerk while stomping my feet. I can’t clap my hands as her mortarboard and diploma’s still with me. “You’re so cringey, mom.” I commented. Amara burst out laughing as well while pointing dad. “Dad is blushing! So being cringey is one way to preserve a relationship, I see. We’ll keep that in mind.” She said elbowing me.

Minutes have past and we finally arrived home. I bet Amara had been really tired as she fell asleep into my shoulders. Dad turned off the car engine and mom already went outside the car. “Aren’t you coming down?” dad finally said after his few hours of silent. “I’ll just wake her up. We’ll follow inside.” I said with a smile. Dad just made a face telling me “okay” and then quickly went out of the car meeting mom outside. Mom then smiled the moment he saw dad walking towards her. I wish someone would look at me the way mom looks at dad. It’s full of sincerity and… love. Mom and dad entered the door while holding hands until they’re completely gone from my sight.

Amara on the other hand was still fast asleep. I want to let her that way but the engine’s already off so is the car air conditioner. She’d still wake up either way so I just let a gentle tap on her cheek. “Wake up, sleepyhead. We’re home.” I said with a mild tone. She slowly opened her eyes and looked at me. “Already?” she asked with her cracked voice. I nodded in response. “Atleast you were able to sleep for 30 minutes or so. Thank the traffic.” I said jokingly.

We went straight to the house but the light’s off. It’s odd. I was sure mom and dad entered in but- oh well. I’ll just switch it on myself. Maybe they went straight to the room to ‘drive each other crazy’. I smiled at my own inside joke that made me look insane. My hands searched for the light switch as Amara went straight to the sofa and lie there. This day made her exhausted for sure. The light was switched on and there unfold a surprise.

“Surprise!” they said in unison. So, they plotted a surprise but did not bother to tell me? Why? I know this surprise was for Amara but I was left aback too. I mean, seeing your relatives inside your house is surprising, right? I was just 8 years old when I last saw them and I am now 15. I do have the right to be surprised, right?

They quickly scattered from place to place each holding plates of food or drinks. Some of my cousins were already talking to Amara but I am still standing at the entrance with my eyes left wide open . Social anxiety getting higher and the only things running in my head were “How am I supposed to talk with them?” “Do I need to socialize?” “Do I look weird in front of them?” Nevermind. I have to keep moving.

I look past through the crowds in search of mom. I saw her talking with my auntie so I tried to inhale some confidence and managed to walk towards her. I was about to tell her I’d be entering my room but I guess, getting her blessings is the biggest mistake I’ll be doing for today as she suddenly held my wrist and smiled. “You know what? My youngest is really good at piano.” She said making her voice loud and clear. In just a second, all eyes were fixed on me. I look at mom with an anxious face but before I could even say no, she happily announced that I’ll be playing piano. “Come on now, honey. They’re all pretty bored. Why don’t you entertain them?” Dad backed her up. How could I ever say no?

I walked towards the piano which is right into the corner not too far where their pretty little surprise is held. I sat down and positioned my hand in place. I look at mom as I let an anxious sigh. I put my gaze back on my keyboard and began to play.