"So tell me about the interview. What does Elite Academy look like? Is it worth the hype? Tell me everything." Katie rambled on with excitement in her eyes.
"It's a long story oooh, are you sure you want to hear about it.?" I teased her.
"Come on spill it all out." Katie hit me on my shoulder and I laughed.
As soon as I started narrating my experience to her. I heard a car honk and knew my parents were back. I ran and opened the main gate for them. I welcomed them warmly and hugged Mom tightly, I haven't seen her in two days.
"Did you miss me that much?" Mom asked.
"Yes, I did."
"She only misses you because of house chores." Dad joked.
I gave Dad a side eye and still clung to Mom.
"Mom, you know I also missed you," Fred added.
"I know you did." Mom patted Fred's hair and carried him, breaking the hug.
"Katie, when did you come back?" Mom asked her.
"I came back in the afternoon," Katie replied as she came out to greet them properly.
After my parents had exchanged pleasantries with Katie and asked after her parents and siblings, we all went inside, I made sure the gates were properly locked because of the little stunt Katie pulled on me.
I admire my mom's strength and resilience because I couldn't believe that after two hectic days at the hospital, she still had the strength to cook. I had to go to the kitchen and help her while trying to persuade her not to cook but she insisted saying Fred and I have not been eating wholesome meals. I was touched and let her be.
"I love you, Mom," I screamed in my head. I rallied around and made sure everything was ready.
Mom later complimented me saying that if I was always like this that she wouldn't have to complain a lot.
"Of course, I can't be like this every day. I need something to motivate and push me. After all, by nature human beings like to rest and relax." I murmured, making sure Mom didn't hear me.
************
Katie had dinner with us. Dad offered to drive her back home as it was already very late but she declined saying that she wanted to sleep over at our place.
"She says she wants to sleep over. I am calling to seek permission on her behalf." Mom said over the phone.
"I was expecting it when she ran off this evening because she knows I won't agree to it." Katie's mom replied.
"Just let them be, they haven't seen each other for a month now. I am sure they have a lot to catch up on."
"Alright, I'll agree to it. I'll let Katie bother you this night."
"It's nothing that I can't handle. She's in good hands."
"Ok, good night then"
"Good night."
"Aunt, what did she say?" Katie asked immediately after Mom ended the call.
"She said you can stay."
We both screeched in excitement.
"Take Katie to your room before you block my ears and make sure you go to bed on time."
"Yes, mom."
I took Katie to my room and after we had showered, I continued my story. We stayed up until midnight chatting and cracking jokes before we slept off. We only went to bed because Mom came to check up on us and forced us to go to bed.
******************
Katie stayed around for one more day before going home. She had three more days before going back to school. I visited her place more often to spend time with her and help her pack her stuff. We even compared the items we were asked to buy from our respective schools.
"What time will you be leaving tomorrow?" I asked Katie.
She has been moody the whole day, and no matter how hard I tried to lighten her mood it didn't work.
She was already feeling home sick and I had caught her sobbing a few times.
"I'll be leaving by noon," Katie replied after a long silence.
"I'll come to see you off then."
Katie managed to nod in response.
"I'll be on my way now. I'll see you tomorrow."
I walked to the twins' room to inform them that I was about to leave so that they would lock the door when I leave. Katie was in no mood to do anything as she just laid down on the couch staring into space.
As I walked home, I began to wonder what it will be like for me on the day I'll be leaving for school. Currently, I feel excited but I wasn't sure my feelings would stay like this, seeing how the bubbly Katie's mood changed in a second.
"You are finally back. I thought you would be sleeping over." Mom said to me as I walked into the kitchen.
"Good evening Mom."
"When did you get back?"
"I got back an hour ago."
"I wanted to sleep over but Katie's really in a bad mood. There's absolutely nothing I could have done for her."
"I'll have to brace myself then for next week, you are going to be worse than her." Mom smiled at me.
"Naah, I'm going to be different. It's not like I am leaving forever. I won't feel it."
My mom looked at me, smiled and continued with what she was doing.
"Mom, I'm serious. You are the one who is going to miss me." I stated.
"Seriously!" Mom rolled her eyes at me.
"Of course" I hugged her. "You are so attached to me."