Chapter 3 3.

Saturday, 20th July 2013.

The McCullen family embarked on a journey to the airport, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their guests from Sydney. The terminal was bustling with people as the announcement of the safe landing echoed through the air.

Anne and her son, Tobias, were spotted by Grace, who quickly alerted the rest of her family. "Over there they are!"

"Oh my God, they're really here!" Grace's mother, Maria, couldn't contain her excitement and rushed forward.

With Grace and her younger sister, Ayla, in tow, they joined their mom, leaving Mr. McCullen and Grace's fourteen-year-old brother, Dorian, engrossed in his phone.

Anne was elated to reunite with her brother's family after so many years. "Look at you kids!" She exclaimed as she hugged Grace and Ayla. "You've all grown so much..." She showered each of them with kisses.

Tobias, too, sported a wide grin, genuinely happy to reconnect with his childhood best friend and cousin, even though the distance had diminished their relationship.

"Anne, did you know people might mistake Tobias for your husband?" Maria's playful comment evoked laughter as she leaned toward Anne, continuing in a hushed tone, "Boys these days. They're outgrowing their fathers!"

Anne chuckled. "Same goes for Dorian. And Grace, too. She's become such a young lady." Anne's eyes were filled with fondness as she gazed at Grace, who smiled back. Holding little Ayla's hand, they all headed to the car.

Back at the house, Audrey extended a warm welcome, the aroma of a special meal wafting from the kitchen. With Dorian's help, Audrey served lunch to the guests, while Grace took charge of refreshments.

"Tobias, do you even remember me?" Audrey asked, her gaze fixed on Tobias, who responded with a grin.

"Of course I do, Aunt Audrey. Our last meeting involved you leaving me alone at the hospital to babysit that chubby one..." He gestured toward Grace, whose face displayed a mixture of mortification and offense, inciting laughter from the group.

"Chubby!" Young Ayla echoed, drawing out the word in an endearing manner, her playful giggles filling the air. Grace couldn't help but find the child's innocence mildly exasperating, but she brushed it off.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, tranquility settled over the house. Grace made her way back upstairs to her room, only to find Tobias and Ayla sprawled comfortably on her bed. Tobias was patiently teaching Ayla the basics of drawing.

Grace's shoulders slumped in defeat. She realized there was no escaping Tobias's presence anywhere in the house. She had to wait nearly an hour for Audrey to put Ayla to bed before she finally had some semblance of privacy.

That night, as she lay in bed, her thoughts turned to Mr. Bradley, who had remained silent after the incident. She suspected he was upset with her; it was only natural for anyone to be furious.

~•~

Monday, 22nd July 2013.

With the intent to lend a hand in the kitchen, Grace rose exceptionally early, planning to assist Audrey in preparing breakfast for the family. Cooking wasn't Grace's forte, and her parents were especially cautious about her engaging in any strenuous activities due to her health. They treated her with extreme fragility, as though she were on the brink of breaking at any moment. However, with Audrey, Grace relished the freedom to feel like a regular teenager, unburdened by constant worry.

Her surprise was palpable when she walked into the kitchen to find Tobias, who claimed to be conjuring the most delectable pancakes the world had ever tasted. The kitchen was in disarray, strewn with flour and eggshells, cabinets ajar, the refrigerator door gaping open, and even a shattered piece of ceramic on the floor.

Tobias had always been a source of trouble, and despite Grace's hopes that he might have matured over the years, the chaotic kitchen scene before her confirmed her doubts.

Tobias, almost as tall as Mr. Bradley Archer now, sported blonde hair akin to Grace's caramel strands. Hers was a blend of blonde hues, resembling butter and honey, a distinction she prided herself on.

"I'll share my secret pancake recipe if you promise to be nice to me, Grace," Tobias quipped, a wink accompanying his words.

"Thanks, but no thanks," Grace retorted. "I'll pass on being nice to you."

"Why?" Concern laced Tobias's voice.

Grace offered an exasperated eye roll. "Over the years, I've learned to keep my distance from boys. It's for the best."

"But we're best friends, right?"

"We were. Not anymore."

Tobias's expression shifted to one of confusion. "I sense that you're upset with me. Did I unintentionally offend you? Is it about what I called you yesterday?"

"Not at all, Tobias. I'm not angry with you. It's just that..." Grace wished she could confide in her cousin about her fear of forming new attachments. The fewer people she let into her life, the safer she felt. She was terrified for Nova, her best friend. What if something happened to Grace? What would Nova do?

Yet, Nova wasn't one to back down. Her actions showed that she valued their friendship more than anything else, disregarding any future consequences.

Of all the potential best friends at school, Nova chose me. I don't need another best friend, Grace silently reasoned before telling Tobias, "It's nothing." She quickly left the kitchen.

Before 7:00 am, breakfast was ready, and the kids were already seated at the table. Grace observed her siblings forgoing Audrey's sandwiches in favor of multiple rounds of Tobias's pancakes. She yearned to indulge in the delectable-looking pancakes, but her pride wouldn't allow her to ask.

Tobias, in response to her snub, refused to share his pancakes with Grace. He was resolute in reciprocating her coldness, intending to pay her back for refusing kindness. He wouldn't relent until she revealed her reasons for her behavior.