Michelle's Perspective
I was shocked to see him here. How did he get into my dream? Carl sobbed softly when he saw me.
"Sis?"
I wiped his tears and sat beside him, hugging him tightly. It hurt so much to see him cry so painful as his sister... as his older sister LOL.
"Michelle!"
I turned to the right, startled by that voice. Wait, I forgot. I thought he wouldn't come back. I kissed Carl on the forehead and excused myself for a moment to greet Christian, but then I was shocked to see him disappear beside the tree.
"Carl? Where are you? Come out, let's go inside,"
Christian asked, puzzled by my actions. He didn't know Carl yet I forgot to introduce my family to him.
"Let's go. That kid might wake up he will disappear suddenly, just like you!"
I headed straight to my room, holding Chris's hand tightly. It's hard not to hold him because he might vanish again.
"You could just let go, I'm not going anywhere, Michelle."
I caught him smiling. Argh, why does he look so handsome when he does that? I couldn't help but smile back.
"Did you miss me?"
He hugged me from behind and buried his face in my neck. The feeling was so comforting I wish it could be like this all the time.
"I miss you here. There's no one else with me, so I keep looking for you!"
He tickled my side and grinned. Ugh, he's so annoying!
"Oh, come on, have you eaten? You're always causing trouble!" His expression suddenly turned serious as he stared deeply into my eyes for a moment.
"I'm not leaving, Michelle. I'm always here to keep you company," He smiled and took a bite of his food. I just watched him, happy to have him with me again. Even if we only met briefly, being with him made me feel lighthearted.
After he finished eating, he helped me clean the dishes and the living room. I was surprised when he suddenly splashed water on me, making me angry so I quickly got my revenge!
"You're so annoying! That suits you!"
I splashed him with bubbly water and ran outside. I ran fast and hid behind the tree we often visited the tree in the middle of my dream, where it all began.
Suddenly, I realized the noises and footsteps stopped. Where was he? Did he leave me again? So annoying! I stormed out of the tree when suddenly he hugged me. I was surprised but smiled.
"What's up, stubborn one? Why didn't I see you earlier?" He kissed my neck again and whispered, "I'm begging you, please don't wake up."
At that moment, tears fell from my eyes for reasons I couldn't explain.
"I could stay asleep just to be with you, Chris. I love you, Chris. I missed you so bad." He smiled.
"Is there no 'I love you too' from you?"
So annoying!
I forcefully pulled away from his embrace and went inside my mansion. He ran after me.
He's so annoying didn't even say 'I love you too.' I felt like he'd hug me again, but I turned away. Then I was shocked to find Chris wasn't there. Where did he go again? Why does he always leave me just like that?
"I love you too, my lady." That was the first time a man handed me a rose. It felt amazing. This is what it feels like to be loved.
"I need to wake up, Chris! Until next time! I love you so much." I hugged him tightly and left him with a sweet kiss. I left the mansion happily not like before.
Like always, the sun greeted me. I got up quickly and happily went to the kitchen. I saw my brother sitting there, still quiet. Mom seemed to be hiding something in her arms.
I ate while watching them. Their behavior was strange today, but maybe they were just tired or spaced out.
I saw Dad leave the room and smile at me. I smiled back.
"Have you eaten, Dad? Come eat with me. Mom doesn't want to,"
"Okay, daughter. I'll take a bath first. Wait for me here,"Dad smiled again. His smiles are so kind you'd never imagine he had a mistress because he is always so good to us. He never raised a hand on me.
"Alright! At least Dad will eat with me, unlike someone who doesn't even drop hints, it seems," I wondered, catching a strong smell. It was so pungent it hurt my nose. I realized it came from Carl, so I glared at him again.
"What's with you, Carl? Did you even shower last night? You smell so bad. Don't you shower?"
I was shocked when Mom's tears fell, along with a noise from the bathroom.
"Dad!? Please give Carl a bath later! He smells terrible and is too lazy to shower!"
I shouted from the kitchen. Dad used to bathe Carl when he was little. I miss that.
"Yeah, daughter, I already told Carl to shower, but he refuses," I looked at Carl's skin. But my eyes were blurry, maybe that's why his skin looked different—it seemed... I don't know
"What kind of skin is that? Did you really shower? Haha!" I stared at Carl's eyes because he wasn't blinking. Maybe I need to wear my glasses. I got dizzy staring at him.
So I stood up to clean my things and told Dad I was done eating.
"Dad, I finished eating. Let's have dinner together later!" I ran to my room and took a bath. Luckily, the room had its own bathroom, or else I'd be late again.
After getting dressed, I said goodbye to go to school. I noticed my little brother wasn't in uniform he probably wouldn't go again. It's rare for him to refuse. He might miss classes, then not show up. Weird. He was just sitting on the sofa.
"Bye, Mom! Bye, Dad!"
I kissed their cheeks and left for school.
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"How was your speech contest yesterday, Michelle?"
The school guard greeted me. Thankfully, someone noticed me.
"I won, Eddie! Champion of 'The Late Bloomer'!" I smiled and entered the classroom. Nothing new just listening to the teacher.
---
After class, I went straight home, eager to see Chris. I didn't eat; I even forgot the promise I made to Dad about eating together. Whatever.
I kept wondering why Dad came home today. It was so unusual. Was he trying to change? Or was there something he wanted to say? I wished things could just go back to how they used to be simple, happy, and without secrets.
I threw myself on the bed and stared at the ceiling before finally drifting off to sleep…