__ The Airport __
Lucy and her mother arrived at the airport and waited at the arrivals area where a lot of people were standing and some were even holding banners with name tags on them while waiting for their families and friend's arrivals.
"Mummy. . . I want to use the restroom. . . .I'll be back in a jiffy, " Lucy said and was about to run off when her mother caught her hand.
"No, your cousin will arrive soon. . . and you may get lost in this crowded place. so hold it till we reach home.!" she glared at the girl who was obviously trying to run away.
Lucy fidgeted with the hem of her dress and mumbled, "But_"
"When your cousin arrives, be nice to her. . . okay? do you want your big brother to be mad when he sees you disrespecting his future wife?". Her mother gazed at her softly and Lucy slowly shook her head. She wants her big brother to be happy.
" Good." she heard her mother said, and helplessly sighed inside.
Shortly after, they heard a shrill voice coming from afar and both looked up instantly. Lucy's expression turned sour and her mother's eyes brightened.
"Auntie!" Vivian walked toward them with elegant strides while dragging maroon luggage behind. she was wearing an ocean blue off-the-shoulder top paired with red pants that hugged her perfectly and long heels that made her tall figure more outstanding. Her lips which were painted red was a great contrast to the oversized sunglasses which accentuated her oval face.
Lucy watched the striking lady walking toward them with eyes and mouth agape. Her appearance had really changed!.
Vivian gave her aunty a peck on both cheeks and sweetly smiled at her. " I missed you sooo much auntie."
" You look more beautiful than the last time I saw you dear. . . how's big brother?". Lucy's mother held her hand and asked with a happy smile.
" Father is doing great. . . he said he'll visit you soon, " Vivian said and then turned to Lucy who was still staring at her in disbelief. " Wow, my baby has grown up. little sis is now a pretty lady." she pinched Lucy's cheeks which broke her out of her reverie and she flinched back.
" Lucy, say hi to your cousin. " her mother said and gave her a pointed look.
" Sis Viv. . . " Lucy greeted softly and looked down with pouted lips.
Vivian hooked her hand in her aunt's arm and excitedly said, " Is big brother home,? how's he doing?"
The woman chuckled lightly and shook her head. " Let's go home, I'm sure your uncle would have already informed him of your arrival."
Vivian giggled and unhooked her hands then turned to Lucy. " Little sis, did you miss me?. . ."
The middle-aged woman smiled at the two girls then started walking toward the entrance where the driver was waiting for them in the car.
After the woman left, Vivian's expression changed and she stared at Lucy sharply. "Tell me everything your brother have been doing, when we reach home. . . okay,?! " she whispered and shoved the luggage in the girl's hands then stride forward in her aunt's direction with a smile.
Lucy gulped nervously and sighed. 'she is still the same' she thought wearily then slowly dragged the heavy luggage and followed behind her.
********
__ Cha Mansion __
Vivian rushed out of the car immediately the driver stopped and ran inside the enormous building with a big smile. She stood inside the living room while admiring the spacious furniture and decorations and a small smile appeared on her lips.
" Uncle." she spotted the middle-aged man descending the stairs and ran toward him with a smile.
" Good child. . ." the man chuckled and patted her back then gave her a hug. " I heard your father is back, " he said while walking toward the large sofa.
" Yeah, he returned two weeks ago. . . and he said he'll visit soon. " Vivian replied with a sweet smile.
" Mm. . . how was your studies,? " he asked and sat down on the sofa. then Lucy walked inside with her mother.
" Sorry dear, we couldn't make it to your graduation ceremony. " Lucy's mother sat beside her husband on the sofa and said with a guilty smile.
" Oh it's nothing auntie, " she smiled at them sweetly and also sat on the opposite sofa. "I'm glad to be finally back. . . studying in a foreign country was very hectic."
Lucy was standing at the door, totally ignored by the three people that were happily conversing. She stared down at the floor then headed toward Vivian's room with the heavy luggage in her hand. She obviously had a great time abroad, why was she lying to her parents. She sighed and imagined the tough days she was going to have with Vivian around.
" Auntie, where is big brother. . ." Vivian looked around the huge room in confusion. She wondered if Carl had not arrived.
The woman gave her husband a confused look and he chuckled then said, " He is upstairs. "
Vivian's expression brightened and she stood up with a jerk then ran upstairs.
The couple stared at her back in amazement seeing how excited she was after hearing about Carl.
" Hmmm, I wish the boy will not disappoint me this time." The middle-aged man sighed.
" Take it easy Henry,. . . Vivian is a sweet girl, I'm sure our son will fall for her in no time." the woman replied and sighed contentedly with a smile while watching the girl's back.
_____
Vivian stood in front of the door with a huge smile. Ever since she was little, her only wish was to be with Carl every day and she had even lived here just to be with him but then her father said she had to study abroad which she found absurd but didn't question him. Her heart swelled with happiness and she took a deep breath then slowly knocked at the door. she can't wait to see him.