Tyler was dropping me off to a bus station.
We are both going back to our home for Christmas.
I sighed before I enter.
I can't believe I'm coming back home again.
I feel more relax now, I know Sarah won't be there. I'm sure her parents are planning some out of country or town trip.
I immediately text Tori.
I want her to know I'll be around in case she wanted to meet up.
She lives not that far from our home town.
It took a few hours before I got home.
I glance at Sarah's house.
Like expected, no one's there. I knock at the door.
"Hey mom, it's me.. Can you open the door please?" I said trying to call for her to open the door.
She open the door wide for me.
"Via! Oh sweety.. you're here!" She said while giving me a big hug.
"Well you told me to come home didn't you?" I replied casually while pulling away from the hug.
"I miss you baby! Oli's not celebrating Christmas with us." She mentioned.
I drag my luggage inside.
"Why are you so thin? Have you been eating well in LA?" She asked concern.
"Yeah.. yeah, just doing some healthy diet. Don't worry. Hehe" I replied.
"I'll just put my stuff inside my room" I said.
I put my luggage inside then went back to the living room.
I'm actually relieved that Oli wasn't here to see me.
"Can I invite a friend over?" I asked my mom.
"Sure.. is it Tyler?" She asked casually.
"No, it's a new friend. You haven't met her yet but she's nice." I said.
I called Tori. She immediately picked it up.
"Hi! I just got back.. I'm already home. Can we meet today?" I asked smiling.
"Sure.. I'm just in the neighborhood. You text me earlier remember?" She said sweetly.
I rub my back.
"I already told my mom you're coming." I said giggling.
"Okay, I'll see you in 20 minutes." She said softly.
I changed my clothes and help my mom with household choirs.
A few minutes later, she came.
"Hi good morning!" Tori said energetically.
"I brought pie.." she said while showing a box in front of me.
"Thanks.. that's my mom's favorite dessert." I mentioned.
I invited her in and my mom quickly greets her as she enters.
"How lovely.. please feel at home." My mom said while motioning for her to sit.
My mom is a people pleaser..
She knows how to entertain guest and make them feel comfortable and relax.
"I'm glad to meet you. You look so pretty. Are you a model or something?" My mom joked.
I think Tori was secretly enjoying the praises of my mom.
She fix the few strance of her hair while giggling softly.
I sat next to her.
They quickly hit it off and became really close.
How could they not when they are both amazing.
"Mom, can I help Tori shop for gifts?" I asked after awhile.
Tori looked at me confused.
To be honest, I'm the one in need of shopping.
I wanted to give my mom something for christmas.
I just gave her a meaningful look.
She quickly follow through.
"Right.. I wanted to buy some gifts. Is that okay Mrs. Ford?" She asked sweetly.
"Just call me aunt Liza.. of course Via would be happy to help. Right sweety?" My mom replied while motioning us to go and do what we want.
We both stood up and my mom hug us before we left.
"Your mom is so cool!" She mention.
"Of course.. it runs in the family." I said proudly.
"Well if you aren't always awkward.. I'm sure you'll be at least half as cool as your mom." She said teasing me.
"You don't think I'm cool huh?" I said while poking her sides..
She tried to run away from me and I chase her down the streets.
Until we reached her car.
She drive us into a department store.
"So what are we buying?" She asked curiously.
"Let me think.. um?" I said while letting my pointy finger rest on my temple.
She chuckle at me.
"You're so cute right now." she said while pinching my nose.
I step back..
I glance at the appliance section.
"Got it! I'll buy her a new cooking appliance set." I said while grabbing her hand.
"How original.." she whispered.
"Got a better idea?" I asked casually.
"How about you bake for her instead?" She asked smiling.
"Well you already bought pie.." I argued.
"No silly, I made that.. I didn't buy it." She said proudly.
She looks a little offended with my initial guess.
"Okay.." I said shortly
I'm only teasing her.
She pinch my arm.
"Meanie.. We should just go to the groceries and buy some ingredients for later. Then we can help your mom cook." She offered.
I frowned.
"You know I don't cook right?" I reminded her.
"Well I'll help.. it's time for you to learn. I'm a good teacher." She replied while grabbing my wrist.
She drag me to the supermarket.
"I'm a bad student.. Trust me." I replied sadly.
She just rub my shoulder.
"There's no such thing as a bad student to me!" She said trying to cheer me up.
I smiled at her optimism.
She kiss my cheeks.
She's really affectionate.
It took another hour before we finished buying ingredients.
"Hey mom we're back.. Can you get the door open?" I said loudly while knocking.
The door open to my surprise..
My mom wasn't the one who open it for us.
"O?"
Yup, it's no other than the girl I've been trying to avoid for months.
"Sarah?" We almost spoke at the same time.
"You're really here?" She asked.
"Liv can you hold this for me? I think I forgot my phone in the car." She said still unaware of Sarah's presence in front of us.
She was even more shock to see Tori with me.
"Tori what are you doing here?" Sarah asked.
Tori gently lay the ingredients down.
"What are you doing here?" She asked matching Sarah's shocked expression.
Okay..
I was not prepared for this.
At all!
"Um.. well," she glance at me for a second.
"You know Liv?" She asked curiously.
Okay, she's pretty convincing.
Tori has talent for acting. She's really good at pretending that she has no idea that Sarah and I knew each other.
"She's.. well.. I'm.. I'm her.. bestfr-" she struggle to finished her sentence.
"Hey guys! You done shopping?" My mom appeared next to Sarah.
I haven't really spoken a word yet.
"Yes aunt Liza.. um, Sarah can you please get this for me. I'll just get my phone in my car. I didn't know you knew Liv." She replied casually.
Dang! She's really good.
I walked silently inside with Sarah in front of me.
I saw her glance once but I looked down on my feet as I walk to the kitchen with her.
I don't think my mom notice anything weird.
She just kept on talking about some things I hardly pay attention to.
"I'll go check on Tori." I said hastily and went outside to meet her.
Shit! This is not my plan.. what the hell is she doing inside my house. I should go. I can't do this.
Tori can sense how uneasy I was.
She already has her phone in her hand.
"Calm down.. deep breaths." She said while gently placing her hands on my shoulder.
She instruct me to just calm down and inhale and exhale.
"Don't worry I got this." Tori said smiling.
"Just play along.." she said casually.
Play along with what?
Just seeing her now is making my mind go blank.
Tori took my hand and we went back inside and meet Sarah in our living room.
"So Sarah.. you know Liv. What a small world don't you think?." She said casually.
Sarah nodded.
I can feel her glancing at me from time to time.
"How do you know her?" Sarah asked hesitantly.
"We met in LA. She kinda looks like Oliver right? Haha.." Tori answered.
I shift in my seat.
This is really awkward.
"The friend you were meeting in LA?" Sarah asked further
"Sarah has a boyfriend that looks a bit like you." Tori said turning her attention to mine.
She wink at me while Sarah wasn't looking.
"Oh.. yeah, m- my brother." I replied awkwardly.
Tori pretended to be more shocked by my response.
Seriously though, she's a natural.
I would be laughing now at how good she was if Sarah wasn't just around staring at me.
"Wait so you and Oli are related?" She raised her voice.
"They're twins." Sarah answered for me.
"E-excuse me.. I need to use the rest room." I said while I stood up from my seat.
Sarah stood right back.
For a moment, we just stare at each other.
But I quickly looked away and left as fast as I can.
"Let's chat?" Tori said smiling to Sarah so she sat again.
I stayed in the rest room for bit longer.
I can feel my heart starting to beat fast.
Can I really endure this?
I'm sure Sarah has a lot of questions for me.
I'm not ready to answer any of that.
Not anything about how I just suddenly acted weird and distance myself.
Like well I really just completely cut her off so I'm sure she's confuse as hell.
Maybe even mad..
I heard a few knocks on the door.
"Olivia..? You okay?" It was Tori.
She was concern.
I open the door and pull her inside.
"I don't think I can do this." I said to her.
"Relax.. can't you see I've already covered for us. I don't think Sarah notice anything weird." Tori replied while caressing my arms gently.
Right right of course...
Except the fact I never talked to her after Lacey's birthday party.
"J-just.. Do-don't make me do anything stupid." I said trying to calm myself.
"Sure.. how about we start by cooking now?" She asked trying to lighten up the mood.
My mood..
---
Tori and I walked hand in hand.
She announce to my mom that I would be cooking as a christmas gift for all of them.
So you could probably imagine the shock in my mother's face when Tori mention that.
I'm terrible at kitchen. Everyone knows that.
My mom just laugh hysterically.
I pinch Tori's hand.
Sarah was still silent as she stood beside my mom.
Tori is just laughing with my mom.
I played along.
"Wait and see mom, I'm gonna blow your mind away." I said joking.
My mom nudge Sarah playfully.
"Hear that Sarah? Your bestfriend is gonna cook for us.. What do you think?" She asked trying to include Sarah in our conversation.
"Cool.. can't wait for it." She answered politely to my mom.
"Okay I guess I'll leave the kitchen in your hands." My mom said to me.
The three of us stayed in the kitchen.
"Let's get this thing started." Tori said clapping.
She's like a big sister trying to instruct me and Sarah of what to do.
"You're really cooking?" Sarah asked in desbelief.
Normally, I don't step inside the kitchen unless the food is ready.
I gently nodded.
Tori pulled me towards her.
She wanted me to observe the process.
"How's Tyler doing?" Sarah asked trying to make a conversation.
"Still good.." I replied shortly.
The mood is getting awkward again.
If it wasn't for Tori, I don't know how long I could go with these. She made the atmosphere as light as possible.
She made sure Sarah and I would be preoccupied with our own assignments.
I can actually feel myself more relax.
"How's Oli doing?" Tori asked curiously.
I pretended not to care.
"Still the same.. he's on a band concert that's why he's not spending Christmas with his family." Sarah answered.
"I see..." Tori said nodding in understanding.
"Don't you have plans with your parents today?" I asked.
She looked at me for a second then back at what she's doing.
"They're not around. Our trip got cancelled." she replied.
I felt bad for her but I couldn't just face her without being awkward.
I just stay my focus on slicing the ingredients.
After awhile, Tori began talking about some random things. Until Sarah spoke again.
"You didn't tell me how you guys met." Sarah said while looking at me.
Tori answered her. She made up some stories about her work application in LA and us bumping into each other in one occasion which is a total coincidence as she convincingly pointed out.
"I think we should heat the turkey in the oven now." I said trying to changed the topic.
"That we should.." Tori replied smiling.
I put it inside and we all went to the living room.
Tori spotted our Karaoke player.
"Oh my God! We should use that! Let's sing.." she said while shaking me.
"Good luck with that.." I heard Sarah mumble under her breath.
Well I never like using that since I don't sing that often.
"C'mon Sarah, help me set it up." Tori said while asking Sarah for help.
"That's not even working.." I lied.
"You sure?" They both eyed me suspiciously.
"Maybe we should ask aunt Liza about this." Tori suggested to Sarah.
They're ignoring me now.
My mom went back to the living room and join us. She also took out some wine for us to drink.
"Oh that's great! We can all sing!" She said while walking closer.
I facepalm myself.
She set it up quickly.
I fake a yawn..
"I'm just gonna rest for a while I got tired cooking." I said trying to excuse myself.
"Oh no you don't!" Tori was quick to stop me.
She grab my arm and sat me down.
My mom just chuckled knowing that I was just trying to escape from them.
The three of them kept on singing until Tori grab the mic and handed it over to me.
"Please just one song.. sing for us." She pleaded.
I shook my head.
"Oh let's see if she can make her.." My mom said to Sarah while pointing at me.
"I'm terrible singer.." I said
"She's really not though." Sarah said while looking at Tori.
"You owe me remember?"
Here she goes again.. everytime she wants me to do something. She always use that card.
"Fine..fine, I'll sing just once." I said.
And so I did.
I suddenly smell something burning.
Oh crap!
"The turkey.." I said while I run back to the kitchen dropping the mic down in the middle of singing a song.
I forgot to used the oven mitts due to panic.
I struggle to put it back to our kitchen table.
"Ow! Owwww! So hot! Hotttt!" I yelp in pain.
Tori and Sarah rushed by my side.
Tori immediately held my hand and check the burn.
"Are you okay? Is your hand okay?" She asked in a panic concern.
My eyes landed on Sarah for a second.
She look super worried for me.
Tori gently blow the pain away.
My mom rushed to get the burn ointment.
I glance at Sarah again but she turned around this time.
"Here.. use this." My mom said while handing it to me and Tori.
"Don't be so careless sweety.." she tried to lectured me in a motherly concern.
I just closed my eyes while Tori apply the burnt ointment in my hand.
"Stay still will you.. If we don't take care of that.. it might get worse." She said while applying it to me gently.
I peek my one eye open.
"Thank you Tori" I said softly.
"You're welcome." She said while smiling sweetly at me.
We all went back to the living room.
Sarah was singing again with a glass of wine in her hand.
I didn't drink any wine tonight.
We ended up eating the burnt turkey.
My mom and Tori made a lot of terrible jokes for my first failed attempt to cook.
"You did blow my mind away.. just not in the way that I'll expect." My mom joked.
I just felt so embarrass for myself.
I glance at Sarah again but she was busy drinking her wine while she was on her phone..
Probably texting Oli..
"So anyway.. I got you all a present." My mom said.
We just took it politely.
I also got her a present.
I took the cooking appliance when Tori wasn't looking.
After a few hours,
My mom was cleaning our mess.
I wanted to help wash the dishes but my hands are burn.
Tori instruct me to just wait in the living room with Sarah.
They just let her rest. I think she's already drunk.
Her head was resting on the pillow while her eyes look a little heavy.
I just sat there silently while she close her eyes.
A few more minutes passed and Tori said she needed to go now.
I walked her to her car.
"You sure you don't want to stay over?" I asked Tori.
"It's okay.. I can still drive. I'm not drunk. I'm worried about Sarah though." She replied softly.
"She lives next door. Don't worry." I replied.
"Oh okay.. thanks for having me here. I would like to visit you again some other time. I had a great time with all of you. Specially your mom." She said sweetly.
I open the door for her.
She hug me tight then got inside her car and wave at me as she drove off.
I sighed again.
Now it's just me, my mom and Sarah..
I walked inside.
My mom looks really tired.
"Hey.. I think Sarah drunk too much wine tonight. Just let her sleep in your room. You can manage it from here right? I want to rest now." My mom said casually.
Oh crap!
What do I do now?
I poke her at least twice.
I think she's sleeping already.
"Hey Sar? Want to go home and rest?" I said gently.
She peek her eye open and shook her head.
She's a bit stubborn right now.
"Your mom said I can stay here tonight.." she replied firmly.
So she's listening to us?
"I think you can sleep better in your room." I suggested.
She just stood up. She struggle to walk.
Oh geez, she's really drunk.
I held her arm.
I let her arm rest on my shoulder as I help her go upstairs to my room.
She was shoving my hand away and pushing me off.
"Sar.. stop moving so much." I said to her.
"You don't want me here!" She said a little louder.
"What?" I said whispering. I don't want my mom to hear us fight.
She turn around.
She's trying to balance herself. She was using the wall to keep herself balance.
I went immediately to her side.
"That's not the right way to my room." I said.
"You don't even want me. I'll just go back to my house." She said whispering.
It was enough for me to hear her though.
I shook my head lightly.
"I didn't say that. Just come here." I said.
She was about to lose balance again but I caught her.
I decided to carry her to my room.
She was struggling to get away from my grip but I held her firmly.
"I'm already tired too.. Stop moving." I said seriously.
"Yeah.. yeah.. you barely talk to me tonight. Now I'm staying? You're only force to do this because of your mom." She argued.
I didn't say a word.
I just place her down on my bed gently.
"Tori is your new bestfriend now? Is that it?" She asked irritably.
I sighed heavily..
I already heard this before.
When Sarah wasn't happy about me and Tyler being friends. She's acting the same way right now.
"Just sleep." I said as I walked away.
She immediately got out of bed.
She wrap her arms around me from behind.
"Where are you going?" She asked irritably.
I tried to gently get away from her touch but she held me tighter.
She's not making it easy at all.
I can feel my heartbeat getting faster.
My phone suddenly ring.
"I need to get my phone. Sarah you're just drunk. Go to sleep." I said gently.
"Don't go.." she whispered.
"I'm not going anywhere.. I just need to answer my phone." I said while holding her hand which is wrap around me.
"Don't answer it.. Stay with me." She said a little pushy.
Why is she acting like this?
I turn around to face her.
She is still hugging me tight.
"I'm sorry.." I said apologetically.
"I still hate you.." she said in a low voice.
She close her eyes and rest her head on my chest.
"I know.." I replied softly.
"Just let go of me. You need to rest. You drunk too much tonight." I said softly.
She shook her head a couple of times while still resting her head on me.
"I'm not keeping you out of my sight. What if you disappear again." She replied.
I kiss her head gently.
"I won't.." I replied softly.
We stayed like that for a couple of minutes.
Not moving.
We are just standing while she was hugging me close.
"I miss you so much.." she said softly.
I feel so guilty for shutting her out of my life.
I suddenly felt something wet on my shirt.
I think she's crying.
There was a soft sob escaping the room.
"What's wrong?" I asked while I gently push her to face me.
I held her chin up so I can meet her eyes.
"I do-don't know..." she struggle to speak.
I gently caress her back reassuringly.
"Whatever it is you can tell me." I replied softly.
She held me tighter as she covered her face on my chest.
I hope she doesn't notice how fast my heart is beating right now.
It's the only thing I can hear.
"It hurts.." she mumbled.
I couldn't really hear her well.
I was too focus at the loud beat of my heart.
"What did you say?" I asked for her to repeat what she said.
"Nothing.." she said a little louder.
"Let's go to sleep.. We can talk about it tomorrow." I said while giving her another peck on the cheeks.
She hesitantly let go of me but I held her hand and caress it gently to make her stop worrying.
She smiled weakly at me.
She reach out to kiss my cheeks one last time so I bend my head lower.
She suddenly squeeze our hands together.
I flinch as she did that..
"Oh sorry.. your hand! Sorry.. How is it? Did I hurt you?" She said in her panic voice.
I smiled reassuringly.
"No.. no, it's fine. I'm fine." I said while hiding my burnt hand.
"No let me see.." she said firmly while trying to snatch my hand.
I stop hiding it and showed it to her.
"Tori shouldn't have force you to cook." She said calmly as she examined my hands.
"Don't blame her. It's my fault. I forgot to turn off the oven." I replied defending Tori.
She glare at me for a second.
Then she looked down at my hands and blew it gently.
I can feel my face heating up.
I had to look away.
"Where does it hurt?" She asked softly.
My chest?
I can't breathe...
She notice my silence.
She look up to face me.
I slowly turn my head to look back at her.
She smiled warmly at me then she showered my hands with soft peck of kisses.
"Feeling better now?" She asked again.
"I think something else hurts.. maybe you should kiss that part too?" I said in a low voice.
"Huh?" She asked suspiciously.
"I'm just messing with you. Let's sleep." I said joking.
She let go of my hand then she walked fast to her bag which was lying on the floor.
She took something out.
"I got present for you." She said smiling warmly as she brought it to me.
I feel extra guilty.
I didn't get her one.
"Open it." She said gleefully.
"I'm sorry.. I didn't get you a present." I said sadly.
She just pinch my cheeks.
"You can get me one tomorrow. You being here is enough of a gift to me." She said softly.
Stop being so sweet. I said mentally.
"Okay, then I will open this tomorrow after I get you one. Can we sleep now?" I replied asking.
She lay on the bed next to me.
"Merry Christmas O.." she said while staring at me.
"Merry Christmas too." I replied smiling back to her.
She wrap her arm around my shoulder tenderly.
I peek my one eye open..
"Did you know I was going home?" I asked curiously.
She shook her head a little.
"I mean.. how come you still got me a present?" I asked again clearer.
She smiled.
"Just a feeling.." she said.
Her eyes are still closed.
"I hope you like my gift." She whispered.
"I'm sure I'll like it." I replied casually.
She held me tighter.
"Let's sleep. I'm super tired.." she said in her sleepy voice.