Lizzie's pov
Philip burst into my bedroom, not bothering to knock.
"Lizzie, wake up! Mom says dinner is ready!"
He flipped on the light switch, and I groggily opened my eyes, squinting at the sudden brightness.
I was lying on my stomach, my hair tangled and my pillow creased from a long afternoon nap. Philip strode over to my bed and poked my shoulder.
"Come on, sleepyhead! You've been sleeping for hours!"
I mumbled, "Five minutes more..."
But Philip insisted, "No way, you're going to miss your last dinner here." He paused, smirking. "Or do you prefer I bring the rats back into your room?"
My eyes widened, and I sat up, glaring at him. He chuckled.
"By the way, where's my hoodie?"
Rubbing my eyes, I replied, "What hoodie?"
Philip's expression turned stern. "Don't play dumb, Lizzie. My favorite black hoodie. I know you took it."
My face broke into a sly grin. "Oh, that hoodie... I might have borrowed it."
Philip's eyes widened in disbelief. "You're wearing it now, aren't you?"
I nodded, a mischievous glint in my eyes. "Maybe..."
The hoodie was a bit too big for me, but I pulled up the hood and snuggled up in it, looking cozy and comfortable.
Philip's face turned red in annoyance. "Lizzie, give it back! That's my favorite hoodie."
I just laughed. "Finders keepers, loser!"
I pulled the hood tighter around my face, taunting him with a playful smile.
"It's my favorite hoodie, Lizzie! Why do you always take my stuff?"
I shrugged. "I was cold, and it was handy. Besides, you have five other hoodies just like it."
"That's not the point! You always take my stuff without asking."
I sighed. "I said I'd return it, geez."
As we headed downstairs, the argument only intensified.
"You always take my stuff without asking! It's so frustrating!" Philip complained.
I shot back, "You're always so possessive! Can't I just borrow something for once?"
Our voices grew louder, and Mom and Dad looked up from their seats in the dining room, exchanging a knowing glance.
"What's going on now?" Mom asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.
Philip exclaimed, "She took my favorite hoodie again!"
I retorted, "I was cold and it was right there! Besides, how many favorite hoodies do you have?!"
Dad chuckled. "Ah, the great hoodie debate continues..."
Mom added, "Let's focus on dinner, shall we?"
As I sat at the dinner table, my eyes widened with delight.
"Mom, you made my favorite! Lasagna and garlic bread too!"
Mom smiled at me. "Of course, sweetie. I wanted to make your last dinner at home special."
My face lit up. "Thanks, Mom, you're the best!"
Then Dad faked a cough. "I also helped with the cooking," he boasted.
Mom shot him a glare. "Yes, by burning half of the food."
I chuckled.
Philip teased, "Yeah, Mom and Dad always favor you..."
I playfully rolled my eyes. "Shut up, Philip. You're just mad I'm wearing your precious hoodie."
Mom and Dad chuckled, and Dad said, "Well, let's enjoy this lovely dinner together. We'll miss you, princess, when you're away."
I nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and nostalgia.
I took a bite of the lasagna, savoring the flavors and the warmth of the moment with my family.
---
After dinner, Philip and I retreated to the living room to play video games.
Just as we were getting into it, Mom announced they were heading out for a walk, holding hands and gazing into each other's eyes.
"Be good, kids!" Mom called out, blowing us a kiss.
I rolled my eyes good-naturedly. "Gross. Mom and Dad are at it again."
Philip chuckled. "Yeah, they're still totally in love. It's so cheesy."
But deep down, we were happy to see our parents so happy and affectionate.
As we played, Philip suddenly paused the game and turned to me with a serious expression.
"Hey Lizzie, can we talk for a minute?"
I looked up at him curiously. "What's up?"
He hesitated. "I overheard some students at the bakery a few days ago. They were saying some pretty hurtful things about you."
My face fell.
Our parents owned a bakery just a few blocks away, and Philip and I helped out when we could. Philip's a photographer. He has a passion for capturing moments and events. After studying photography, he opened his own studio last year—Philip's Lens. It quickly gained recognition in town for its breathtaking images of nature and wildlife.
I looked away, my expression swelling with tears. Philip's expression turned stern, and he shook his head.
"I didn't believe a word they said, Lizzie. I always knew there was something off about that girl, Luna. But you were blinded by friendship to even notice."
He wiped my tears with his sleeve. "I confronted them, Lizzie. I told them to leave you alone and made sure they knew it wasn't okay to treat you like that."
I looked up at Philip, my eyes shining with gratitude.
"Thanks, Philip. That means a lot to me."
He put a comforting arm around my shoulders.
"Hey, it's okay. I'm here for you. You're not alone."
I finally opened up about the bullying I endured. Philip listened attentively, offering words of support.
"We'll report it to the school. They'll take care of it. You shouldn't have kept this from me, Lizzie. I'm here for you always."
I sniffled and wiped my tears. "Thanks, Philip. But it's too late to report it to the school. I've already graduated."
Philip's face fell, realizing the bullying had gone unaddressed for so long.
"Oh, Lizzie, I'm so sorry. I wish I had known sooner. We could've done something—"
I shook my head. "It's not your fault, Philip. I didn't want to bother you or Mom and Dad. I thought I could handle it myself."
Philip hugged me tightly
"You don't have to handle things alone, Lizzie. We're here for you. And we'll support you through this—even if it's just being here to listen."
"Lizzie, we should tell Mom and Dad about this," Philip said, brow furrowed with concern.
I shook my head, my eyes wide with a pleading expression. "No, Philip, please don't. They'll just worry and try to fix everything. I can handle it. I promise."
Philip hesitated, then nodded. "Okay, but if anything else happens, you have to promise me you'll tell me—at least me, if not Mom and Dad."
I smiled weakly. "I promise, Philip. Thanks for understanding."
Philip smiled back and picked up his controller. "Now let's get back to the game. We've got a level to beat!"
We spent the next few hours playing video games, laughing and joking like we used to.
Our parents came back and were in their room. When it was time for bed, we said our goodnights and hugged each other.
"Good night, Lizzie," Philip said
"Good night, Philip. Thanks again."
"Sure, sis." He kissed my forehead and went into his room.
I entered mine and lay on my bed, staring up at the ceiling. My thoughts swirled. I gazed up at the familiar white ceiling of my bedroom.
Whatever college threw my way, I was ready to face it head-on.
---
A/N: Guys, please comment and vote for me! I need your encouragement. I'm starting to think the story isn't that good.