AS THE FRONT DOOR swung open, my mother cried, "Kids, we're home!" My mum was followed into the house by Uncle Gary.
Gianna and I were snuggled on the couch, watching All of Us Are Dead on Netflix. It was a natural gesture for us. There was no malice in sight. I also like to cuddle Gianna. Her comforting embrace envelops me. There will be no school or practice for the time being because it is the weekend.
"Mom! Uncle!" I exclaimed as I ran up to them, kissing them on the cheeks one by one. Gianna trailed behind me, making the same motion to our parents as I did to them.
One of the things I like about staying at home is that I can be myself. I'm a whiny, needy kid. Gianna, on the other hand, was a shy and reserved young lady.
Despite this, they adore me for it. But let's not get into how much of a two-faced b*tch I am at school.
Mom hugged Gianna and me and said, "I missed you, kids," adding, "Don't grow up too soon, please."
My uncle said, "Allow me to join." And all three of us felt his bone-crushing grasp.
Uncle Gary, on the other hand, is a large and muscular man. He seems younger than he is. The same may be said for Mom. Why do they look to be younger as they become older? Life is incredibly unfair.
Uncle Gary replied as he hauled their bags upstairs, "All right, let me just get our stuff upstairs, and then we'll go wherever you want to go."
As we got back to the couch, Mom asked, "Do you want to go somewhere?" We had plenty of time to catch up because it was just ten o'clock in the morning.
Gianna and I exchange enthusiastic looks. We have a destination in mind and are waiting for the appropriate opportunity to tell them about it.
Gianna and I both exclaimed at the same time, "We want to go to the newly opened Water Park!"
"All right, kids," Mom said, "Mom and Dad will make it up to you, so get your lazy asses upstairs and we'll leave at eleven o'clock."
That was our signal. I dashed upstairs with Gianna. My mother told us to be cautious, but we were so delighted that we simply hurried to our rooms to get ready.
This family is extremely punctual. So, whether you're ready or not, if someone sets the time, you must adhere to it. If you do not cooperate, they will leave you. This is something I've personally experienced.
I changed into my clothes after a quick shower. I am using what Uncle Gary gifted me. It's a pale pink sundress and white Adidas sleek shoes. When I was satisfied with myself, I put on light makeup and lip tint and went outside my room. I decided to go looking for Gianna fifteen minutes before 11:00 a.m.
I went straight to her room, expecting her to be there, but she wasn't. Gianna, on the other hand, simply wears what she feels comfortable with. I hurried downstairs to find Gianna in the living room, playing her Nintendo Switch.
She was so preoccupied with playing that she didn't even notice I was there. Her bangs were nicely arranged and her hair was down to her shoulders this time. She's wearing her favorite yellow hoodie and black shorts. She's also sporting her stylish Adidas sneakers. I smiled warmly. At the very least, we wore similar shoes today.
"Are you ready, ladies?" Mom inquired, jolting me awake. I was unknowingly dozing out while staring at Gianna. She becomes cuter every day.
I said, "Of course, Mom!"
Gianna continued playing. She was so engrossed with her task that she didn't see my mother or me standing nearby.
I think I've figured out who's at fault.
I delicately tap her on the shoulder to make her aware of my presence. She turned to face me when that piqued her attention. She looked like a lost puppy with that perplexed expression on her face. What is it about her that makes everything she does so adorable?
"Let's go," I replied, fighting the urge to squeeze her cheeks.
"Oh, okay," Gianna said nicely as she took her AirPods out of her ear.
And I was right; she had been wearing her air-pods before, which was why she hadn't noticed us.
Before I could react, the geek added, "Let's go, Belle." She took my hand in hers and walked out the front door. I merely rolled my eyes and smiled. Gianna is a typical person.
~*~
WE DECIDED TO STOP AT A FAST-FOOD DRIVE-THRU AND EAT IN THE CAR BECAUSE THE RIDE WAS LONG.
Uncle Gary drove the automobile. We both learned to drive because we took driving lessons from both of our parents whenever they were available. We have a student license, however, we are only permitted to drive in the immediate vicinity.
In about an hour and a half, we arrive at our location and queue for tickets.
Gianna had worn her yellow mask. She isn't sick. Gianna used it to protect me. She's the one who makes the necessary adjustments whenever we're outside together so that no one notices us. I'm sorry, but Gianna agreed to do it for me.
Who am I to criticize when she insists on protecting me?
On the other hand, Uncle Gary and Mom were used to seeing Gianna in this manner. They merely believed Gianna dislikes being watched by others. They were relieved that I could encourage Gianna to go out on occasion, as the nerd is a true introvert.
Our parents were completely unaware of the difficulties the nerd and I were facing at school. We were able to remain undetected. Gianna had been bullied in the past, but the nerd was so adept at reasoning that our parents believed all she claimed. Even if I was occasionally involved in the injuries and bullying, she was always able to redirect attention away from the actual incident. Gianna is always there to protect me, as I previously indicated.
I am perfectly aware that I am an egotistical person. But, well, who are you to make such a call?
At the Water Park, we had a terrific time. It was great, and we had a fantastic time. We made every effort to see as many sights as possible. We get to ride on their rides. We watched the Penguin, Bird, and Sea Lion shows. We bought a lot of souvenirs and took a lot of photos and selfies.
I had a fantastic experience. I was relieved that no one from our school was present today, or that I had not yet seen anyone from school.
I lose sight of time and cling to Gianna like a koala on occasion. As I do in our house, I naturally grasp her hands and drag her anywhere I want to go. You won't hear any complaints from her because she'll just grin at me.
Gianna appeals to me because, despite her lack of sociability, she is stylish. So, every time I need to buy something, I'll consult her first. So far, Gianna's choices have not disappointed me.
Uncle Gary and Mom came to meet us before heading off on their own. We just agreed that adults should enjoy themselves, right?
Time passed, and I was enjoying the views at the Oceanarium, our final visit before returning home when I heard my name called.
"Isabella? Oh yes, it was you; I thought I was mistaken." When my name was mentioned and someone spoke to me, I stood completely frozen.
"H-hi, captain," I mumbled.
She hugged me and said, "Hey, wonderful to see you here." While smiling, I tried not to appear awkward. As she took a step back, she said, "Just call me Willow outside the school."
I was apprehensive. When Willow approached me, Gianna was just two meters away. She was tying her shoelace. The geek shifted smoothly to the other side when she discovered someone was chatting to me and recognized who it was.
Gianna could easily blend in with the crowd because there were so many people around at the time. A sigh of relief escaped my lips.
When I saw Gianna a little further away from us, I remarked, "Nice to see you here, too."
Willow taunted, "Who's with you? Are you on a date?"
"Oh no, cap—-Willow, I'm here with my par—-Mom," I say, my tongue stuttering. I can't even communicate properly anymore.
"Oh, I see," Willow remarked as she waved farewell. "Well, enjoy yourself, and I'll see you at school."
I waved back as well. I breathed a sigh of relief as Willow left. I was afraid I was going to have a heart attack. I had not anticipated being caught here. Next time, we should be more cautious.
I proceeded to where Gianna was when I was relieved and confident that no one inside the Oceanarium was from school, or so I thought.
A pretty young lady was speaking with Gianna, much to my astonishment. She wasn't quite petite. We're probably the same age and height. I simply referred to the girl as "small" because Gianna was taller than her.
The attractive lady's characteristics were familiar: brownish long wavy hair, adorable eyes, and attractive lips. I swear I recognized her from somewhere. I'm not sure who she is, but she appears to be someone familiar to me.
I was only watching them from a distance. The girl was enthusiastically conversing with Gianna. I can't see Gianna's reaction because she has her back on me. Gianna, on the other hand, had removed her mask. Is she special enough for Gianna to remove her mask?
Ouch. Why does my heart hurt?
They talked for a few minutes, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't understand what they were saying. I was frightened of being seen with Gianna if I went too close.
However, I am not fond of the girl who is currently talking with Gianna. While speaking with the nerd, she appears pleased and smiles frequently. Gianna seemed enthralled as well. Thank God they'd finished talking for what seemed like a lifetime when the girl picked up the phone and feigned to need to leave.
She even hugged Gianna tightly! I even read from her lips the final words she spoke before she walked away. "I really missed you," that's what she said.
Ouch. What is wrong with my heart? What is causing this discomfort?
I clutched my chest when I heard my phone vibrate and ring. I gave each member of the family their ringtone so I'd know who was calling right away.
Gianna may have heard my ringtone and turned around to see me. She placed her phone back into her pocket after turning it off, then smiled and moved toward me.
My heart skipped a beat because of that smile.