Flashbacks

Vera and I were laughing hysterically as Dan kept muttering curses under his breath. At first, I thought it was just Dan and I who were going to hang out but he ended up bringing his (beautiful) girlfriend. It was a bit awkward and uncomfortable at first, but then we ended up warming up to each other quickly.

I also felt the need to explain things to her - things about Dan and I's friendship and such. Obviously Dan already told her that we're only friends, but I still wanted to let her know that I wasn't interested in Dan like that and he wasn't into me like that either. She understood everything, thankfully.

"So, what do you do for a living?" I asked her once things became more calm.

"I'm a veterinarian," she answered, her eyes lighting up. "I love animals and taking care of them. I can't wait to get a pet of my own, too! They'll be my first little baby."

I chuckled at her eagerness. "When I was younger, I was terrified of animals. But now I ask myself what I was so scared of," I joked.

She laughed. "I promise you, they're harmless little things."

"What kind of pet do you want?" I asked.

"She wants a chihuahua," Dan cut in, "but those dogs are evil."

Vera and I laughed at his serious tone. "I'm sure when you get one you won't think that anymore."

He shrugs his shoulders and we continue eating. It was relaxing and peaceful. Not once did I feel like I didn't belong there. And, despite knowing my messed up past, Vera didn't look at me how someone else would. She treated me like I was normal. Admittedly, I felt as though I made a new friend.

"We should hang out later," Vera said, “just me and you."

I smiled. "Sure, that'd be fun. Give me your phone number so we can stay in contact?" I asked. We both exchanged phone numbers quickly whilst Dan was smiling at us. I also noticed the time and shot Noah a text, telling him to pick me up. He went somewhere nearby since 1) he didn't want to intrude and 2) he didn't want to go home without me.

"It was really nice hanging out with you guys but I have to go now," I announced. Vera quickly gave me a hug.

"I can't wait to hang out again!" she whisper-squealed into my ear. I smiled.

Dan also got up and gave me a quick hug. "I'm proud of you, Elle," he said.

I furrowed my brows together, confused. "Why?" I asked awkwardly.

"For getting better."

I was speechless for a moment, but I found myself agreeing with him almost. I should also be proud of myself because this is a step forward. At last, I'm getting better.

I gave each of them one more hug before I left the cafe, smiling to myself. I saw the car parked nearby so I went to see Noah waiting for me. I quickly got in, my smile not disappearing just yet.

"How was your lunch date with your friends?" he asked as he began driving us back home.

"It was fun. I think we're gonna hang out again soon."

The car quickly grew quiet, but thankfully it didn't take long for us to arrive home. We walked to the porch at a steady pace, not too fast but also not too slow. He then unlocked and opened the door for me and was immediately greeted by Celeste and Arthur.

"Hi, sweetie! How was your day?" Celeste asked.

"My day went well," I answered. "How about you?" "Everything went well."

"How was your meeting with Dan?" Arthur asked.

"It was fun. They - he and his girlfriend - were really nice."

"That's amazing, sweetie. My wife and I are going to go out today. We called for a babysitter, they should be arriving in about 30 minutes. Can you or Noah open the door for them?" he asked.

"If you want, I can watch Norma and Cominic while you guys are out," I suggested.

"No, it's okay. Norma and Cominic can be a bit much."

They must think I'm not capable of taking care of my siblings.

"No, honestly, I can take care of them. It's the least I can do for, you know, staying here free of charge."

"Okay, then. But you don't have to! I'll call the babysitter and cancel. Their bedtime is at 10 since it's Friday today," Celeste answered.

"Is there anything else I should be on the lookout for?" I asked.

"Don't give them candy," Arthur cut in. "They won't be able to sleep."

"Got it!"

"Thank you," Arthur thanked me. "I appreciate it. We'll see you later tonight if you're not sleeping," he added.

"Okay."

"By the way, they're in the living room watching TV. We already kissed them goodbye," Celeste said. I nodded before they both left, shutting the door behind them. Turning around, I walked to the living room to see both Dominic and Norma on the couch, watching something.

"What are you guys watching?" I asked, sitting on the couch in between them.

"Mulan," came Norma's reply.

"What is it about?"

"A girl who took her father's place in a war. She pretends to be a boy, though," Dominic chimed in.

"That's cool..." I decided to say. "Your parents are out and I wanted to bond with you guys," I then admitted.

They both turned their heads towards me. "Do you want to play a game with me?" Norma asked.

I smiled happily. "What game?"

"I don't want to play!" Dominic immediately groaned.

"Why not?"

"Her games are so boring."

"Don't say that," I lightly scolded. "What game do you want to play?" I asked Norma before looking at a pissed off Dominic. He did look adorable though, and I ended up giggling despite trying my best to not laugh.

"We can ask each other questions!" Norma excitedly said.

"That sounds fun," I responded. "What do you think, Dominic?"

He shrugged. "I guess..."

"Alright, then come sit in a circle. I'll go get some snacks."

They both nodded as I walked into the kitchen and began my search for snacks. As I was looking through the cabinets, Noah walked in with grey sweatpants and a plain white tee shirt. He looked more at ease with himself.

I quickly looked away from him to pick out a few more snacks.

"Did the babysitter tell you to get those?" he asked, raising a brow.

"No. She's not coming - I'm the one watching over them."

"Sibling bonding time. I like the sound of that."

I chuckled. "Me, too."

We both stared at each other for what seemed like forever but was actually just a few seconds. When I was beginning to feel a bit hot, I cleared my throat. "Well, I'm gonna go back now. Can't keel them waiting." He blushed but nodded nonetheless, then I left him for the kids who were patiently waiting for me.

I put the snacks in front of them and told them to dig in.

"Where's the candy?" Dominic asked.

"If I give it to you, you won't be able to sleep," I answered, causing him to pout. "But I can give you some tomorrow. How does that sound?"

"Promise?" Norma asked.

"I promise."

"Who wants to go first?" the young girl asked, looking at Dominic and I excitedly.

"I will!" Dominic answered before turning to me. "How old are you?"

"20," I answered.

"Favorite color?" Norma asked.

"Definitely blue."

"What do you want to be when you grow up?" The question caught me off guard but I didn't have to think to answer it. I already knew the answer.

"An author."

"Like daddy? He loves to write. He has a writing business."

"Yeah, like daddy. Sort of."

"Are you, like, our cousin?" Dominic asked.

I scratched the back of my neck. Do I tell them the truth or lie?

"No, Dominic. I'm your sister."

Their eyes grew big and bigger.

"Really?"

"Yeah."

"That's so cool! Now I can tell everyone I have a big sister!" Norma grinned.

"Don't tell them yet,” I said. "Ask your parents for permission first.”

"Why?"

"It's complicated," I answered.

The rest of the evening was fun. Bonding with my siblings was something cared about a lot. Even though I couldn't tell them

everything, it felt nice getting to net

know them and vice versa. I set them off to bed 20 minutes before 10 because I wanted to continue writing for my story Memories.

I was at it again. Desperately trying to hold onto something that's only going to cause me danger and hurt. I should've ran while I still had the change, but now I have to attack. made so much improvement only for it to be ruined. One silly action ruined everything. I should let go. I can't keep rereading the chapters hoping for a different ending. I have to let go.

I finished typing in the last paragraph of the chapter before I was startled - once again - by Noah who magically appeared in front of me.

"What the fuck - you can't keep doing that," I whispered, giving him a WTF look.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I called your name but you didn't hear me," he answered with a light blush on his cheeks.

"No, it's okay. My bad for that. I just get scared easily."

"What are you writing?"

I shrugged. "I just finished writing a chapter of Memories."

"Can I read?"

"Yeah, sure," I replied as I handed him the laptop. When he finished reading the chapter, he didn't say anything. Just looked at me with a weird look that I couldn't describe.

"Well?" I asked, slightly self-conscious.

"It's good - great even - but dark. Really dark. But I can see what you're going for here, making the littlest things become the biggest problems. Shit, Elle - this is amazing! You should show it to your dad." "No!" I squealed. "We're not showing this to anyone. Not until, you know, but thanks."

The rest of the night was really nice. We didn't talk much, but instead sat in silence and watched TV together. It felt nice and relaxing. Everything felt too good to be true.

It's time for me to start living the life I want.000000