As I headed towards the stairs to go to my room, I stopped when Mom said, "Go down in 15 minutes. We're having dinner."
I glanced back at her, half-smiled, and nodded as a sign that I agreed.
I jumped on my bed. I'm so happy! Seriously. I lay face down and screamed into my pillow while smiling. I felt so good. They didn't catch me, and I got to experience going to a mall.
I stood up and grabbed my phone. I was about to call Max, but maybe later—she might be busy. I'm excited to tell her everything that happened. I'm sure she'll be thrilled!
Hmm. I decided to take a shower. I was smiling the entire time I was bathing. I saw a dress with a strawberry pattern. It reminded me of Angelo. I wonder where he is. I want to find him. I want to thank him for helping me. Because of him, my experience in the city was fun.
Sigh. I suddenly felt sad. I realized I might never see him again.
I decided to wear the pastel pink dress with strawberry prints. I looked at myself in the mirror. It was cute—its length reached just above my knees. I fixed myself up and got ready to go down for dinner.
Ugh. Andreis took my spot again.
"Let's eat, Mia dear," Dad said, smiling at me.
Marco turned to look at me—his brows still furrowed. Why is he mad at me today? Maybe he knows something. Maybe he just hasn't told Dad.
Andreis looked at me too—eyeing me from head to toe with a grin that stretched from ear to ear.
That look—he reminded me of Angelo. Could they be related?
Wait. I should take this opportunity to interrogate Andreis.
I walked over to the seat beside Mom.
"Strawberry, huh?" Andreis said with a laugh.
Marco glanced between him and me, still frowning. I rolled my eyes. What? My outfit is cute!
Mashed potatoes and T-bone steak were on the table. Mmm. Delicious. Dad's favorite.
I put a small amount of mashed potatoes on my plate while Mom was still slicing my steak into strips to make it easier for me to eat. They really treat me like a baby—even though I'm already 24. Sigh. What would I do without Mom?
I played around with the mashed potatoes on my plate while waiting for my steak.
"Andreis. Do you have a brother?" I asked, watching him slice his steak.
He suddenly looked into my eyes. Our eyes met. Wow, he really looked like Angelo—same eyes, same gaze. Like his stare could melt you.
"Only child. Why?" he answered, then popped a piece of steak into his mouth.
Marco suddenly stopped eating.
"Why are you asking?" he asked, suspiciously.
"Nothing. Just curious. I was going to ask if he had a brother like you, Marco," I replied with a soft laugh.
Mom placed the steak on my plate.
"Oh, shut up," Marco said while pointing his fork at me.
Marco and Andreis looked at each other and burst into laughter.
What was so funny?
I was full after the delicious dinner. We had all finished eating.
Marco, Dad, and Andreis started talking about the basketball game they watched earlier. I just listened—I don't know anything about basketball.
Mom quietly ate. She's always been like that. Even when we were kids.
As I sat there, all I could think about was Angelo.
I kept wondering who he was. Why did it feel like he knew me so well? I might not be able to sleep thinking about it.
Dad and Mom stood up, so I followed. When I glanced back, Marco and Andreis were getting up too.
I went out to the garden and sat on the hanging chair.
I closed my eyes and savored the air here on the farm.
It's true—the air feels different here than in the city.
Even though I was only there briefly, I could really feel the difference.
There were so many stars tonight. I looked up and stared at them.
"Mia."
I was startled by Marco's voice.
"Don't f*cking do that again. I am warning you," he said before I could even respond.
Should I pretend I don't know what he's talking about?
Pretend I'm clueless?
"Hh-uh?"
He rolled his eyes at me and went back inside.