Chapter 2
Aya
My bag thumped against the wooden floor of the beach house as I carried it inside. The faint scent of saltwater and coconut oil drifted in through the sliding doors, mixing with the warm aroma of breakfast remnants still lingering in the air. I paused, letting the sound of gentle waves outside and the quiet rustle of palm fronds settle my mind. No siblings arguing, no Alexa's tiny laughter bouncing off the walls—just me and the soft hum of anticipation.
"Finally," I murmured, dropping my bag by the sofa. "Peace… for a few hours, at least."
My phone buzzed. Samantha.
Are you here already? Mom's fussing over the last-minute packing.
I grinned, typing back: Yup. Settled in. Send Alexa my love.
I leaned against the doorframe, listening. A distant laugh, the scrape of chairs, the faint clatter of luggage—sounds that told me they'd just arrived. I could picture it all: Mark carrying a tired but smiling Alexa, Andre keeping Kai from running into the sand, Atasha making sure Matt hadn't left anything behind.
Nathan's voice carried faintly through the open windows. "Yuri, Yasmin, don't throw sand inside!"
I smiled, hearing the exasperation mixed with amusement in his tone. The twins' giggles followed, and I imagined Selena rolling her eyes while gently corralling them.
Andre's laughter echoed next, deep and unrestrained, and it always reminded me of his late wife. "Kai! Step away from the water! You'll fall!" I heard the boy's playful defiance and pictured him splashing in shallow waves, sand clinging to his sun-kissed legs.
Atasha's voice floated from the balcony as she nudged Matt. "Matt, I swear, if you leave your sunscreen behind again, I'm leaving it on your side of the bed forever." I smiled at the thought of them bickering lovingly.
My mom appeared in the kitchen doorway, arms crossed. "Aya, you came alone?"
"I did," I said, tilting my head, forcing a smile. "Traffic's lighter, and I wanted a bit of quiet before everyone descended."
Her eyes narrowed slightly, not in anger, but concern. "You always have to do things your way."
I laughed softly. "And you always want me to do things your way."
She sighed, walking closer, fingers brushing the countertop. "I just… I want what's best for you. You have so much going for you, and I worry that you might… shut yourself off from people."
I felt my chest tighten, a familiar knot coiling. "Mom, I'm not closed off. I just… have to figure out my own path, in my own time."
She studied me for a long moment. "I hope you don't let fear—or pride—stop you from letting someone in. You're smart, capable… and beautiful. I don't want you to settle for less than you deserve."
"I'm not settling," I said softly, the words heavier than I expected. "I just… need to live my life on my terms."
She moved closer to the sliding doors, glancing at the bustling yard below. Nathan lifting Yasmin so she could reach the swing, Yuri kicking sand at a reluctant Kai, Alexa tugging at Samantha's sleeve, Atasha laughing as Matt chased the twins across the lawn. The sight pressed something heavy into my chest—a mixture of longing and isolation.
"You know," Mom began, voice gentle, "sometimes I watch you… you've always been the youngest, the favorite. Your father fusses, your siblings tease, and you navigate it all perfectly. But even the strongest hearts need… someone."
I bit the inside of my cheek, eyes following my siblings as they ran along the deck. "I'm not lonely, Mom," I murmured, though I could feel the weight of the words. "I like my independence. I like knowing I can handle everything on my own."
Her eyes softened, a quiet plea shining through. "I know. I just… I want you to remember that life isn't only about handling things. Sometimes it's about sharing them. Sharing your joy, your pain… your dreams. You're strong, Aya. But even strong people—"
"I know, Mom," I interrupted gently. "I hear you. I'm… thinking about it."
She smiled faintly, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "Good. Just… don't close the door before you even realize what's waiting outside. You deserve it."
I exhaled slowly, letting the tension slide from my shoulders as the hum of family life reached my ears again. I turned toward the sliding doors, gazing at the waves breaking gently against the shore. Nathan was balancing both Yasmin and Yuri on his hip now, while Andre ruffled Kai's hair as the boy shrieked in laughter. Atasha's fingers were entwined with Matt's as they watched the chaos with amusement. Even Samantha knelt beside Alexa, tying the girl's shoelaces with a patience I'd always admired.
A small smile tugged at my lips. They were messy, loud, sometimes exhausting—but real. Alive. Full.
I leaned against the doorframe, letting the sun warm my face. "Maybe," I whispered to myself, "I don't need to figure everything out all at once. Maybe it's okay to just… be here. To watch. To listen. To… feel."
The distant echo of laughter and splashing waves mingled with my own quiet heartbeat. And for a moment, I let myself be part of it—all of it—without needing to lead, control, or explain.
The family chaos rolled in soon after. Nathan and Selena called out to Yasmin and Yuri, and the twins dashed through the open sliding doors, sand sticking to their tiny feet. I watched Mark carry a cooler while Samantha adjusted Alexa's sunhat. Andre was lugging Kai toward the small hammock near the porch, careful not to let him topple over. Atasha and Matt were busy setting up chairs and umbrella shades for the beach view. I leaned against the doorframe, letting the warm breeze tease my hair and listening to the soft crash of waves nearby.
Then Alexa spotted me. Her arms flailed as she charged forward. "Auntie Aya!" she squealed, hugging my legs. "I'm going to build the biggest sandcastle ever! Come see!"
I bent down, smoothing her wind-tangled hair. "Only if you promise not to dump the water bucket on me this time."
She giggled, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "No promises!"
Yasmin and Yuri noticed the commotion and ran over, their tiny shouts and laughter mixing with the sound of the waves. "Auntie Aya! Help us make the moat deeper!" Yasmin called, brandishing a small plastic shovel.
I laughed, crouching to help them. "Alright, alright. But someone's in charge of the water!"
Yuri immediately pointed at Alexa. "She's too wild! She'll flood everything!"
Alexa pretended to pout. "Hey! I'm careful… sometimes."
Nathan came over, smiling. "Aya, thanks for being here. The kids love having you around."
"You know it's mutual," I said, ruffling Alexa's hair gently.
Samantha walked up, carrying a small tote with sunscreen, towels, and snacks. She caught my eye and gave me a small smile. "Glad you made it safe. Alexa's been talking about you all week."
I nodded, glancing at her. "Looks like she's keeping you on your toes."
Samantha laughed, a soft, melodic sound. "You have no idea. I wasn't prepared for all her energy, especially with the sand and water. She's unstoppable."
I smirked. "That's our little hurricane."
Andre came over, adjusting Kai in the hammock. "Aya, you might want to keep an eye on them," he said, nodding toward the three kids now digging a trench near the water's edge. "They're planning something… messy."
"I've got this," I said, scanning our mini construction site. "Nothing escapes my radar."
Atasha and Matt finally settled into their chairs, and Matt handed me a sunhat. "Morning chaos, checked off," Atasha said, grinning. "Though I think the kids might win the day."
I chuckled. "They're definitely giving it their all. This is what a proper beach day looks like."
The smell of sunscreen, saltwater, and toasted coconut from a nearby stall mingled in the air, carrying a sense of ease I hadn't realized I craved. For a moment, I just watched—my siblings laughing, the kids squealing, the waves rolling lazily against the shore. It was chaotic, yes—but alive, grounding, and completely unlike the quiet solitude I usually sought.
By mid-afternoon, the beach house had turned into organized chaos. I wandered down to the edge of the beach, letting the sand sink between my toes, the sound of waves and seagulls filling my ears. The breeze was warm but fresh, carrying the faint scent of coconut from the drinks Nathan had brought.
I spotted Samantha and Atasha approaching, giggling over some inside joke.
"There you are," Samantha said, settling beside me on a driftwood log. "I thought you'd hide forever."
"I needed a moment," I admitted, brushing sand from my hands. "Just… breathing. Watching the waves."
Atasha perched nearby, dipping her toes into the shallow water. "It's peaceful here. Makes everything else—stress, work, expectations—seem smaller."
Samantha nudged me gently. "Not that you ever let stress show, Miss Perfect Career Girl."
I smiled faintly. "I do. I just… hide it well."
"Reflection is healthy," Atasha said, leaning back on her hands. "But don't overthink. You deserve to enjoy this weekend too."
I chuckled, letting myself relax a little. "I know. But sometimes… even surrounded by everyone, I feel like I'm on the outside looking in. Like I have to measure up—perfect niece, perfect sister, perfect aunt, perfect daughter…"
Samantha reached out, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Aya, no one expects you to be perfect. Not your siblings, not Alexa, not me. We just want you… you. All of you."
I let out a small breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding. "Thanks… I needed that."
The next morning, breakfast was alive with chatter. I moved around smoothly, passing plates, helping Alexa with her napkin while Nathan helped Yasmin pour cereal, Mark lectured Alexa about spilling juice, Andre wrestled with Kai's oatmeal mishap, and Atasha fussed with Matt's sunhat.
My mom appeared in the doorway, hands on her hips, eyes bright. "Aya… I ran into an old friend yesterday. His son is a nice young man. Thought maybe you two might…"
I looked up sharply and shook my head. "Mom, I'm not interested. Not now. Not like that."
Her shoulders slumped slightly, but she recovered. "I just… I want you to be happy. I only suggest because I think he could be…"
"I know," I said, voice firm but gentle. "I'll find my own way. My own pace."
She studied me silently for a moment, her eyes softening. "I know. I just worry sometimes."
I smiled faintly, taking a deep breath. "I get that, Mom. But this is my life. I have to walk it myself."
By late morning, the family was packing up, ready to return home. I stood near the driveway, sand sticking to my flip-flops, the salty breeze tangling my hair. Nathan called instructions to Yasmin and Yuri, Mark joked with Samantha while wrangling Alexa, Andre carried Kai, and Atasha and Matt checked the last items in the car.
My dad approached quietly, resting a hand on my shoulder.
"You're leaving first again," he said, soft but knowing.
I shrugged, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "I like the drive alone, Dad. Time to think."
He smiled faintly, eyes scanning the horizon, then back at me. "Aya… you've grown into someone incredible. I'm proud of you. But… I worry sometimes that in chasing your goals, you might forget to let someone in, or to let yourself feel things fully."
My chest tightened. I looked down at my fingers curling around my bag strap, a swirl of thoughts rushing through me—the weekend, the laughter of the kids, the warmth of my family… and that quiet ache of longing I rarely admitted.
"I know, Dad," I murmured, voice soft. "I… I just want to make sure I do things right. For me."
He nodded, resting his hand lightly on mine. "I understand. You've always had a mind of your own, and I love that about you. Just… promise me you won't close yourself off. Life isn't only about achieving—it's about feeling, Aya. You have so much to give, in every way."
I glanced toward the golden sunlight dancing on the waves, then back at him. A lump formed in my throat, words caught between fear and hope. I took a slow breath. "Am I going to disappoint you if I choose my own path, Dad?"
He shook his head, voice steady but tender. "No, Aya. Never that. I'll miss seeing you let yourself lean on someone. But I trust you. Always."
A quiet smile touched my lips, a mixture of relief and courage. "I'm not settling," I whispered to myself. "I have what I need… and maybe it's time I start chasing what I actually want."
His smile broke across his face, warm and proud. "That's my girl. Drive safely, and remember… don't let the road make you overthink. Just… feel it."
I climbed into my car, lingering a moment to watch the family bustle—Yasmin and Yuri tumbling near the sand, Alexa waving wildly, Kai tugging at Andre's hand. The weekend house glimmered behind us, the waves reflecting sunlight like scattered diamonds.
I gripped the wheel, heart fluttering with the quiet tension of possibility. A low frustration twisted in my chest, mingling with anticipation. Why is everyone so obsessed with me settling down? I'm not old. I'm not done living. Why can't I just… be me?
"Maybe it's time," I whispered to myself, voice stronger now. "Time to take a chance… to really live… and on my own terms."
The engine hummed to life, carrying me down the winding coastal road, the beach house shrinking in the rearview mirror, and with it, the safe cocoon of family warmth. Ahead lay the unknown, full of challenges and possibilities—and for the first time in a long while, I felt that spark—an electric certainty that my life was mine to shape, no matter what anyone else expected.