"Well, that's why I tickled her instead of hitting her," Alyson said, still huffing.
"Well, dang, I'm not a punching bag," Zoe retorted, rubbing her side.
"Whatever, I'm tired of talking about this," Alyson mumbled.
"One of y'all at least walk me home," Melody said, standing up.
"I'll do it," Zoe announced, jumping up.
"Whatever," Alyson said, grabbing a pillow and pulling it under her head. She watched them leave with a hint of jealousy hitting her chest. "Why am I like this!?" she exclaimed, throwing her head into her pillow.
"Anak ko," she heard Mammy call from the other room. She groaned but still got up, heading to her grandmother's room.
"Yes?" Alyson said outside the door.
"I came into your room this morning. Where were you?" Mammy asked suddenly, and a pang of guilt rose in her chest.
"We got up really early and played outside," Alyson said, the lie spilling out before she could stop it.
"Really? You never wake up early on the weekends," Mammy said, her voice laced with suspicion.
"Yeah, well, Melody was here, so both me and Zoe were really excited about having her over," Alyson said, hoping the excuse would work.
"I like her," Mammy said, her Filipino accent slipping out. "Bring her over again."
Alyson smiled widely. "Of course, she'll probably come over tomorrow or something."