Langford - Estate
Aira steps inside. With tray in her hand.
Mr Langford (Liam dad) when saw her smile and said "Aira! You're here, sweetheart"
He walks up to her and takes the tray from her hands like she's precious.
"You didn't need to bring anything. You being here is enough" he said sweetly like she's her own daughter.
Aira though very grateful for him because he's the only one who talk to her nice and take care her said quietly "Thank you, Uncle"
He notices her eyes-how tired they are. But he doesn't ask.
Not yet.
The Langford dining table
Everyone one is seated
Mrs Langford (Liam mom) with frosty smile said "Oh, look who came after causing chaos all"
Elena (Liam sister) said "Honestly, she's brave to show her face after that tragic little love letter"
Jayden ( Liam brother) said in cold and sharp voice "I heard people are calling her Liam's shadow now. Creepy, right"
Aira's face lowers. Her fingers tremble under the table.
Mr Langford who is listening said from tone "Enough. If you can't speak with respect, don't speak at all"
Alec (Liam 2 brother) said next "She's been through enough already. Leave her alone"
Jayden said to him mocking "What, you gonna adopt her now? Maybe make her your sister since she can't be Liam's girl?"
Alec replied to him "I'd rather call her family than half of you sitting here"
Liam stays silent, arms crossed. He doesn't even look at Aira.
Lunch Continues in tension
Aira barely touches her food. Every voice stings like a slap. Every glance from Mrs. Langford feels like poison.
Only Mr. Langford and Alec keep her afloat.
Garden Bench - After Lunch
Aira escapes into the quiet. She sits alone. The wind is gentle. But her thoughts are loud.
Mr. Langford walks over and sits beside her.
Mr Langford said to her in gentle and soft tone "You remind me of my youngest daughter who passed away long ago... Quiet. Gentle. Always trying to please everyone🙂"
Aira looks up, surprised to see Mr Langford here.
He said to her again softly "I don't know what your home feels like, Aira. But you'll always be safe here. Do you understand?"
Her eyes well up, but she nods
She said to her "Thank you... I think this is the first time someone said that to me😊"
He said to her gently "You deserve to hear it every day"
Liam's Room - At the Same Time
Liam sits with Jayden and Elena.
Jayden said first "Are we seriously still pretending she belongs here?"
Next said Elena "If Dad had his way, he'd probably give her a bedroom"
Liam annoyed said to them "She doesn't get the hint. No matter how I humiliate her, she still comes back"
Jayden laughed what Liam said and reply "Must be desperate. Or stupid"
Liam doesn't answer. But something flickers in his eyes-confusion. Maybe even guilt.
Aira Returns Home - Late Evening
Aira open the door quietly and enter inside the house.
Sana who knows she has comes didn't looked up and said "Was Liam's family nice? Or did they pity you again?"
Aira says nothing.
She walks up to her room. Not because she's defeated. But because she's learning: silence hurts less than hope.
'One house calls me family. The other owns the name. But neither... ever calls me home'