Season 6 Chapter 4

By the time we gathered near Julie's house, it was already late evening. The weather had turned chilly as the evening progressed, with a gentle breeze rustling through the trees, carrying with it the scent of spring blossoms. The sky was painted with hues of pink and orange as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the neighborhood. We waited for everyone to show up, Bella joined us after returning from the hospital, she looked much better than morning, Victoria was late as usual. Hope and Irina showed up with their respective boyfriends and made us feel like we were third wheeling. We stood there pondering over who should ring the doorbell as we hesitated and felt embarrassed while staring at each other's faces.

Jules: Anne, you go ahead. (She said pushing me forward)

Me: Why should I? (I raised my brow)

Choon Hee: Because you are the star of the show. (She winks)

Maria: Because you are the youngest in our group. (She sticks out her tongue mockingly)

Me: That doesn't even make any sense. (I frowned) Moreover, Lotte is the youngest one here.

Maria: I meant, by maturity level. Hehe. (She giggles).

Me: Tsk. (I cracked my knuckles)

Irina: Because Julie loves you. (She blurted out of nowhere)

Ratree: She is also lesbian? (She asks out of curiosity)

Bruce: Hey! (He fumes while pouting out of jealousy) It's nothing like that, Julie isn't lesbian. (He folds his arms together)

Christina: Who knows? (She says with a mischievous grin) Let her explore.

Bruce: S-Shut your m-mouth. (He stammers)

Me: She is cute though. (I smiled) Totally my type. (I said while staring at Bruce and hoping to get him agitated so that he rings the bell instead of me. Bruce fumes with anger as his face turns red, he stomps his feet and walks towards me.)

Victoria: What is going on here? (She frowns while getting down from her car) Why are you all acting like hooligans in front of Julie's house? (She asks before closing the car door behind her as the driver drove away)

Bella: We were deciding, who would ring the bell first. (Everyone nodded in agreement)

Victoria: (she rubs her forehead getting annoyed) Seriously? (Then walks past us, and rang the bell as we clapped in admiration) tsk, I am stuck with idiots. (We nodded in agreement.)

As the doorbell rang, heavy, hurried footsteps echoed through the house. As Julie's father swung open the door while gasping for breathe and covered in sweat, he was wearing an apron and seemed occupied. As soon as he notices us, there was a wide grin over his face.

Hans: welcome! (He says) Come inside! (He steps aside making way for us) Darling! The kids are here! (He calls Julie's mother who comes rushing towards the door)

Clara: (she was wearing apron as well, and was excited to see us) Please come in.

As we stepped into Julie's house, we were greeted with warmth and the comforting aroma of home-cooked food. The living room was adorned with colorful decorations, and the table was set with an array of delicious dishes. Julie's parents welcomed us with open arms, expressing their joy at having us over for the celebration. Everyone felt a bit shy and stood together like small children in a new environment.

Clara: (she kisses Hans' cheek) Darling, where is our child?

Hans: (he blushes hard while stammering) S-She is w-watching football match in her room.

Clara: Can you please go and call her? (squeezes his hand softly while smiling)

Hans: (nods as he feels shy) Y-Yes. (He smiles brightly before going upstairs to call Julie)

Me: How have you been Mrs. Clara? (I asked)

Clara: Wonderful. (She smiled warmly) What about you? Its been a long time, since I last saw you. (She strokes my head)

Me: Yeah, it's been hectic weeks. But worth the pain. (I smiled)

Clara: Life offers us lessons and opportunities for growth at every turn. And I am glad that you were able to grab those opportunity and turn more mature since the last time, I saw you. (She smiled warmly)

Me: Thank you ma'am. (I felt shy and my cheeks were slightly red. It feels nice when someone actually notices the changes within you, which even your own parents sometimes fail to notice, I wish my parents praised my growth or even notice my emotions. If only I had parents like Clara and Hans, this makes me feel envious, but it doesn't matter anymore. There is no point in crying over spoilt milk and grabbing on to people who shows emotional negligence.)

Clara: (she looks at everyone) Please get yourself comfortable while I bring some refreshments. (She says before leaving towards the kitchen)

I felt like curious eyes gathered around me, as there was visible questions on their faces.

Me: What? (I raised my brow)

Jules: Wait…..you knew Julie's mother? (She looked surprised)

Me: Ofcourse I do, what's wrong with that? (I asked)

Choon Hee: Dang bro, you are really cool! (She slaps my back with a wide grin)

Christina: Don't tell me…..does she knows about me? (She gets anxious)

Me: (shrugs) dunno, if Julie has told her regarding your golden history or not. (I said sarcastically)

Christina: (she hides behind the sofa) Don't tell anyone that I am here.

Bella: Don't you think, that it's already too late? (She blinks)

Lotte: (she points towards the sofa and shouts) Christina is hiding here!

Christina: (she grabs Lotte and covers her mouth while panicking) You little rat. (We laughed softly while Victoria shook her head)

Victoria: Control guys. Don't make a scene here. (She sighed while rubbing her forehead)

Hope: (she pulls Victoria's cheeks while grinning) Come on, relax. I am sure they won't mind.

Victoria: Still….(She sighed then looks at me) On a serious note. Anne, you surely know all of our parents huh.

Me: Not all. Just Maria's parents, Julie's mother, Victoria's family, Lotte's family, Hope's father, Jules ' mother and cousin brother, that's it. (I shrugged)

Christina: My father wanted to meet you. I forgot to inform you. (She says)

Me: Ah, then I will place him in my list. (I said thinking it through)

Victoria: Look at this little...she knows all of our family members and yet she haven't introduced her family to any of us. (She pouts)

Jules: Not fair! (She protested)

Me: Tsk, nothing special about my family. (I folded my arms)

Victoria: Still…. Doesn't seem fair, does it? (She raises her brow)

Maria: Uhm….(She smiles) I know her family.

Choon Hee: Really? (She gets excited)

Irina: Tell us about them. (She was curious)

Maria: Well. (She grins) They are a bunch of lunatics.

Me: (I smacked Maria) Don't insult my family. (I sighed before looking at them) And stop whining, you people already know my brothers.

Maria: Ouch….(She sticks out her tongue mockingly)

Choon Hee: Well, that's true. We do know her brothers. (She says)

Bella: Mhm.

Victoria: Fine….I forgive you for this time. (She says looking away)

Thomas: I am hungry….(He whimpers, as his stomach growls)

Paul: Have some self control dude. (He facepalms)

Bruce: Can't blame him, after all the conversation is pretty boring. (He scoffs)

Thomas: N-No….I didn't meant that…..I was just hungry…..(he looks down while sulking)

Irina: Aw….my poor Tommy. (She says while hugging him) Don't be sad.

Thomas: I am sorry….(He says while looking at Irina with puppy eyes)

Bruce: Cringe. (He shivers watching them)

Me: Bruce baby, nobody invited you here, you are free to leave. (I said while showing him middle finger and sticking out my tongue).

Bruce: Hey! Tsk….(He pouts) I am here to meet Julie. (He blushes)

Paul: Look at this love sick boy (he laughs)

Hans: Who is love sick? (He asks while standing behind Paul)

Paul: (his face turns pale as he jumps out of the way and stammers looking at him) B-Bruce.

Hans: Hm? (He tilts his head and stares at Bruce)

Bruce: H-Hello M-Mr. H-Hans. (He gulps his spit)

Me: Mr. Hans, where is Julie? (I asked while changing the topic)

Julie: I am here. (She announces cheerfully while climbing down the stairs. She was dressed up in a princess gown) Sorry, I got late, daddy wanted me to dress up pretty. (She grins)

Hans: My princess. (He tears up as he pats Julie's head) You look gorgeous.

Julie: Thank you daddy! (She smiles warmly)

So...father and daughter relationship can be so healthy huh?….My heart ached knowing that it was something that I could only fantasize and never become my reality. Seeing them reminds me of how Dad treats Angela, now I understand why Julie is so pure and innocent, her parents have always been there for her, and raised her with every drop of love and affection they had. I was jealous, but I knew that my situation was still better than many people in this room. I could see the hint of envy and admiration on many faces. Lotte bit her lower lip and looked down, as I wrapped my arms around her pulling her closer, she hid her face against my jacket while hugging me tightly.

Jules: Heh….so there are fathers who actually care for their children. (She murmurs with a hint of sadness)

Victoria: (she holds Jules' hand and smiles while murmuring back) We cannot paint everyone with the same colour as our life, can we?

Jules: (she shook her head) No…..I am glad that Julie was raised in such a loving environment.

Victoria: (nods) Yes….no child deserves bad parents and abusive household.

Christina: (as they were busy discussing regarding family dynamics, Christina tip-toed towards Julie and whispered in her ear) Wanna exchange mothers? I will send my mother to you and your give me Mrs. Clara. (She says as her eyes sparkles)

Julie: No. (She pouts)

Ratree: Hey Mr. Hans. (She says while standing in front of him)

Hans: Yes? (He smiles while tilting his head slightly)

Ratree: Have space for another child? (She asks)

Hans: Huh? (He blinks)

Irina: Aren't you already adopted? (She raises her brow)

Ratree: Tsk. (She pouts)

As the conversation continued, Mrs. Clara reappears from the kitchen, she seemed joyful, as she looks at us.

Clara: Kids, dinner is ready. (She tells us, before her eyes fell on Julie) Aw, my baby is looking so cute. (She cups Julie's cheeks)

Julie: Thank you mommy. (She smiles)

As we gathered around the dinner table, the atmosphere was filled with laughter and chatter. Julie's parents doted on us, ensuring everyone had their favorite dishes and felt at home. The warmth of their hospitality made us forget about the chilly evening outside. As we savored the delicious food, we shared the glorious memories of the morning match, as Julie's parents listened to our stories with eager eyes. Hans kept on glancing at Bruce throughout our conversation as if keeping an eye on him, which was noticed by Clara as she tapped on Hans' shoulder with a warm smile over her face and clears her throat.

Clara: Hans, can you come to the kitchen with me? I need your help with the apple pie. (She says while interlocking her fingers with Hans' fingers)

Hans: (blushes) Sure darling. (He says before following her to the kitchen).

Bruce: (he finally breathes in peace as he notices Hans leaving) Phew…..I thought he will make holes on my head through his glares.

Julie: Huh? (She raises her brow getting confused)

Bruce: No…. nothing. (He sighs)

Paul: (pats Bruce) There, there. Poor guy.

Thomas: Hehehe, Bruce is in trouble. (He laughs)

Bruce: Shut up. (He glares at Thomas)

Thomas: (shivers and hugs Irina) Look, Bruce is scolding me. (He sulks)

Irina: Aw…my baby. (She hugs Thomas tightly) stop it Bruce. (She frowns)

Thomas: (hugs her tightly while blushing) Thank you, my Angel.

Bruce: Tsk, disgusting. (He cringed) Do you realize that he acts cute on purpose, right?

Irina: No, he doesn't. He is my sweet boy. (She pouts while patting Thomas's head. Thomas turns his head towards Bruce and scoffs)

Bruce: You…..tsk. (he clenched his fist, as we laughed at their conversation)

As the evening progressed, the house was filled with jolly laughter and chattering sounds, the noises of the cutleries and murmurs. Ratree took the opportunity to capture each moments in her camera, Mr. Hans and Mrs. Clara rejoined the conversation with their special apple pie. Julie helped her parents with serving and later we joined the cleaning process even after being refused numerous times. We washed the dishes and cleaned the table and expressed our gratitude towards the warm ambiance that we received after a long day. While we were about to leave, Mrs. Clara packed the remaining meals for us to take back home. And asked us to visit again whenever we get the chance. It was already late evening by the time we walked out of the warmth to the chilly breeze that brushed through our skins. We bid goodnight before parting ways. Instead of returning to the restaurant with Jules, I walked towards the busy market with my hands stuffed inside my pockets, as I looked around noticing people enjoying their nights, it was still lively and the streets lit up with lights. The stars sparkled brightly on top of our heads, the moon shone with happiness, or so I felt. My body was filled with renewed energy and new ambition. I walked towards the supermarket where Lotte's mother works as a cashier during the day, and brought some snacks and soda cans. Making payment, I started walking towards a small flower shop.

Each day, I visit this place to buy a single white rose; this shop has been a daily spot for me. Mia, the shop owner, is my friend; her shop has been here since decades. After the supermarket opened, their sales dropped significantly, but Mia never gave up. Mia continues to adorn her shelves with delicate blooms, selling anywhere from 5 to 10 bouquets each day. Yet, her joy isn't derived from monetary gain. Instead, it emanates from the simple act of spreading happiness and warmth to those who cross her threshold. With a heart as pure as the petals she tends to, Mia often extends her generosity by gifting flowers freely, igniting smiles and fostering connections within the community. Her infectious cheerfulness and selflessness are the very essence of her being, transforming her shop into a sanctuary of tranquility and compassion.

Me: Hey Mia. (I greeted her while staring at the white roses kept near the window).

Mia: Hey Anne. (She says while busy arranging a bouquet for her customer.) Take it, it's on me. (She tells me without even looking)

Me: (I walked towards the window and pulled out a single white rose while smelling it) Thank you.

Mia: You can take more, you know. (She says before giving the bouquet to the customer) After all you are my daily customer.

Me: Nah, one is fine. (I smiled)

Mia: Careful, it has thrones. Let me trim them for you. (She said while taking the rose from my hand)

Me: Just like life, filled with thrones, yet so beautiful. (I said in admiration)

Mia: (she laughs softly) As philosophical as ever.

Me: Hey Mia, I was thinking…..Uhm. (I hesitated)

Mia: Yes? (She asks while giving back the rose)

Me: Do you need any help with the shop? (I smiled)

Mia: Hmm...I do. But I don't have the resources to hire someone. (She sighed)

Me: I actually want to help you out. (I said while admiring the rose)

Mia: But Anne, unfortunately I cannot give you any money. And I don't want to make anyone work for free. (She said while fidgeting)

Me: It's fine. (I said) I just need one white rose every day, as my payment. (I grinned) As I don't have enough pocket money to buy roses each day, I would rather give my labor and earn it in return.

Mia: Are you sure? (She asked concerned) I can give you these roses for free anyway.

Me: (I shook my head) I don't need freebies. I want to earn them.

Mia: (she sighs) Fine, do whatever you want. (She said)

Me: (I nodded) Thank you. (I said before paying for the white rose and walking out of the shop).

To be continued.....