I look around my room to make sure everything is arranged. Two huge mattresses lie on the floor beside my bed. I bought extra pillows yesterday with Bran because I didn't think mine would be enough, especially with Bran and Alicia sleeping over.
Later today, Josh and Leroy will arrive. Josh declared he was done with his mom, but I know he loves her more than he lets on.
After taking one last look at my bedroom, I head down to help Mom with the cooking. My birthday is five days away, but my best friends decided to meet up and use me as an excuse.
Even though I've known Josh and Leroy for years, they haven't met my childhood best friends, Bran and Alicia. They've only seen each other through video calls.
"Mom, what can I do?" I ask as I run down the stairs.
She turns around and smiles gently. "Can you peel these potatoes and carrots?"
"What are we cooking?" I ask while washing my hands and looking for the peeler.
"Papa wants beef stew, so I'm making that," she replies.
"Uh, sounds yummy, but please not too spicy, Mom."
"Of course! I know you can't handle spicy foods. Anyway, what do you think we should have for dessert? What do they like?" Mom asks while checking the beef.
"Hmmm... I'd love tiramisu! Or how about cheesecake?" I say hopefully, remembering how much I missed Mom's cheesecake.
"Cheesecake is kind of tedious, but do you want it?" she asks, hands on her hips.
"Yes, Mom! Please!"
"Okay, cheesecake for dessert. How about pasta?" she continues.
"Sounds great; lasagna will do," I smile back.
"After you peel those, help me with these ingredients," Mom says, gesturing to the counters filled with food.
I spend half my day with her. After lunch, we finish all the dishes, and Nick comes home with milk pills, or what we call pastillas—they're delicious!
I text Alicia to ask when they'll arrive. She responds that they'll be here before six.
That gives me a few hours to take a nap.
I message Josh, but he doesn't reply immediately. I decide to take a bath. Afterward, still no response, so I call him. After a few rings, he picks up.
"Hey, why aren't you replying to my message?"
"Oh, sorry babe, I was sleeping," Josh says, sounding groggy.
"Ah, okay. So Leroy is driving?"
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"Nope, we took the bus. Neither of us wanted to drive."
"Ah, okay. So where are you now?"
"About halfway there," he replies.
"Just text or call me when you're close. Remember, it's Arch de San Miguel, okay?"
"Got it, Mom," he says before the line goes dead.
I smile and find my spot to nap.
Before five, I get Josh's message that they're near, so I head to the bus stop to wait for them.
After a few minutes, a bus pulls up, and I spot Leroy and Josh bouncing off it.
"Omi gosh! I missed you, babe!" Josh exclaims, wiping fake tears from his eyes, earning a chuckle from Leroy.
Leroy hugs me first, followed by Josh, who gives me a bone-crushing hug.
"So, how was your trip?" I ask, stepping aside to face them.
"It was tiring but I ENJOYED it!" Josh beams, linking his arm with mine as we walk back home.
"This is my room," I announce, opening the door.
Immediately, Josh flops onto one of the mattresses I set up.
Leroy chooses to sit beside me, giving me a side hug after lying down on my bed.
I turn to him and smile. "So, how are you, babe?"
"Uhmm... I'm doing great. Having my family around helps a lot," I respond.
"Well, I'm happy to hear that," Leroy says, kissing my forehead.
"Make yourself comfy; you can put your things in those cabinets I emptied, then take a shower or a nap. I'll be downstairs," I say. I glance at Josh—he's already asleep.
"I'll do the same. Just get us when dinner is ready," Leroy replies sleepily.
After dinner, we hang out in the living room. Bran and Alicia are coming for a sleepover.
"Okay, kids, we'll head out now. Nick, you're the eldest. I don't want to be woken up by our neighbors, huh?" Mom says, cradling my baby brother, who is smiling at us.
"Don't worry, Mom," Nick assures her, kissing her cheek and playfully kissing Grae as well.
Papa steps outside to lock the gate and gives us a stern look. "Don't be too noisy, okay?" He pats Bran's shoulder and kisses me goodnight.
We exchange goodnights and settle in front of the TV, scrolling through options to watch.
Nick chats with Bran and Leroy about sports; Leroy is into archery while Bran and Nick prefer basketball and soccer.
We all sit on the floor, absorbed in The Witcher.
"He's so hot," I hear Alicia whisper.
I send her a glare. "Don't start with me, Alice. Henry is MINE."
"Tsk... I'm just appreciating his hotness. I NEVER thought he'd look so damn good with long white hair! Shit!" Alice exclaims, practically drooling over my Henry.
I lightly push her. "C'mon, I'm watching. I've been dying to see this, but this witch doesn't want me to," Josh complains, shooting me a mock glare.
"Okay, I'll shut up, but Henry Cavill is MINE," I declare, marking my claim.
Laughter erupts from the boys, and I shoot them my signature deadly glare.
The night rolls on, and we finish five episodes.
Bran decides to sleep in Nick's room, and the girls head to mine. Before I go upstairs, Nick grabs my arm.
"Hey, I haven't had a chance to talk to you. About Mom's... you know the story. I just want you to remember that I'm here," he says, concern etched on his face.
"Nick... I don't know if I should worry about it again. Your words make me doubt," I reply, my eyes pleading.
Nick hugs me tightly. "I'm sorry, Arwen. I should have protected you. I shouldn't have let this craziness come to you. But... I failed. Just let me know if something weird happens, okay?"
Still doubtful, I nod to appease him.
After ensuring everything is properly closed, we head to our rooms, calling it a day.
Well, it's already 3 in the morning, after all.