Eliana's POV
"Please tell me that's not here." Sophia whispered hoarsely and lazily as a knock came through the door.
"It is." I mumbled, sitting up, half-buried under my blanket on the rug. "It's my parents."
"Already?" Juliette blinked sleepily.
I glanced at the clock on the wall — 7:49 a.m.
"They said they'd come early."
Sophia, who was still lying topless under a throw blanket finally yawned, waking fully up.
"Define early. Because I feel like I just closed my eyes five minutes ago." She said.
"You didn't." Juliette muttered, sitting up and stretching.
And then they knocked again.
"I'm coming!" I called, running a hand through my hair.
"Soph, shirt. Now." I commanded, watching Sophia's breast move freely from side to side as she stretched and twisted her body.
"Why? It's hot." She mumbled, looking down to admire her own breast.
"Because it's my parents, not some random food delivery guy!"
I made my way to my room and tossed one of my oversized shirts at her. She caught it, sniffed it dramatically, and wrinkled her nose.
"You couldn't pick a fresh one?"
"Put it on before my mom sees you."
I opened the door just as Mom's warm voice floated in.
"Sweetheart!"
"Hi, Mom." I said, smiling as she enveloped me in a hug that smelled like laundry detergent and home.
My dad appeared behind her, holding a familiar blue food carrier.
"Morning, kiddo." He said. "Thought we'd surprise you— but not in the bad way."
"You brought food, that's never bad." I said, stepping aside. "Come in."
They entered, and Mom's eyes immediately scanned the living room— two blankets on the rug, one half-dressed friend on the couch, and general chaos that screamed we had fun last night.
"Oh!" she said with a bright smile. "You've got company!"
"Good morning, Mrs. Castillo." Juliette said quickly, fixing her hair.
"Good morning, ma'am." Sophia chimed in, clutching the shirt to her chest like armor. "Lovely to meet you!"
"You must be Sophia." Mom's eyes sparkled. "Eliana's told me all about you— the funny one."
"Oh God, what did she say?" Sophia blinked.
"Only good things." Mom said sweetly. "Mostly."
"Mostly, huh?" Dad chuckled.
"Dad, sit down." I said, taking the food carrier. "You're making everyone nervous."
"Nervous?" He looked around with mock seriousness. "I walk into a room of three beautiful women, I think I'm the nervous one."
Juliette laughed out loud while Sophia gasped in exaggerated offense.
"Sir! I'm going to need you to stop flirting with the youth!"
Everyone burst into laughter.
Mom shook her head, smiling helplessly as she began unpacking the food.
"Your father thinks he's funny."
"I am funny." Dad said, pulling out a chair. "It's my one redeeming quality."
"Your other redeeming quality is bringing food." I said, opening the container. "Oh my God, is that fried rice?"
"With grilled chicken." Mom said proudly.
"You're officially my favorite person." Juliette's eyes widened.
"Don't say that." Sophia said, already reaching for a spoon. "She might actually adopt you, and then I'll have competition."
"You're all welcome here anytime." Mom laughed.
The table filled quickly with food and chatter. The girls ate like they hadn't eaten in a week, and my mom just watched, clearly amused.
"So," Dad said between bites, "how was your night out? No one arrested? No one crying in a bathroom?"
"Not this time." Sophia grinned.
"We were actually quite civilized." Juliette added.
"That's a first." I muttered.
"I trust you girls were careful?" Mom said, giving me that look— part curiosity, part warning.
"Always." I said, shrugging. "Just food, dancing, and bad decisions in moderation."
"Sounds like your twenties." Dad laughed.
"Still, Eliana," Mom's tone softened, "be extra careful lately. There was something on the news this morning about a shootout last night on the highway. Around 2, I think."
"A shootout?" Juliette looked at me quickly, then at Mom.
"Yes." Mom sighed. "It's awful. They said several cars were damaged. Apparently, some new gang causing trouble again."
"Well, good thing we're the boring kind of party girls." Sophia said, waving her fork. "The ones that come home to eat pizza at 3 a.m."
"That's the kind I like." Mom said with a smile.
"I told you I'm fine, Mom." I said lightly. "We got home before midnight."
"3 a.m. is not midnight, sweetheart."
"You check my timestamps now?" I asked laughing.
"Only when I worry. Just stay safe, okay?" She said, squeezing my hand gently.
"Promise." I answered.
"Well, enough scary talk." Said said, leaning back in his chair. "Let's see— oh! You remember the Dela Cruzes? Their cat finally had kittens again. Fourth batch this year. That cat's busier than your generation."
"Sir!" Sophia nearly choked on her drink and Juliette cracked up, laughing.
"Stop embarrassing our daughter." Mom swatted his arm.
"What? It's biology!" He shrugged with a smirk.
Everyone laughed again, and just like that, the tension melted into warmth.
After a while, Mom began packing up the empty containers, satisfied that we were well-fed.
"Alright, we'll leave you girls to rest. Just wanted to see your face and make sure you're still alive."
"I'm alive." I said with a small smile. "And very full."
"Good." She kissed my forehead. "We'll visit again next week."
"Bring dessert next time!" Sophia saluted.
"Noted." Mom said with a laugh.
When they left, the house felt suddenly quiet again — the leftover scent of grilled chicken filled the air.
"Your parents are adorable." Juliette flopped onto her stomach.
"I know." I said softly. "They really are."
"If my mom were that cool, I'd introduce her to everyone too." Sophia said, stretching her arms above her head.
I smiled, but my thoughts were already drifting— back to what Mom had said about the shootout, the highway and the timing. I was feeling worried about Asa.
"Earth to Eliana." Juliette said, snapping her fingers. "You zoning out again?"
"Just thinking." I said quickly, forcing a smile.
"Thinking about Asa?" Sophia smirked.
"No!" I said, throwing a pillow at her.
"Yes, you are." Juliette said teasingly.
"You both need help." I laughed despite myself.
"And you need to admit you're into him." Sophia shot back, returning the pillow I threw at her.