[02]: the gift

________________________ 02 the gift "Tell me your thoughts, and let me know how you feel, because through my words, you will know more than you think." ________________________ “Aurora, dear.” The girl in question looked at her mother with a questioning stare. However, when she realized that Carol’s gaze was not fixated on her whatsoever, a small smile appeared on her lips as she thought about how that kind of thing is a very typical thing for her mother to do. “Are your things already packed for your departure?” Aurora let out a sigh as she rounded the table and sat on the couch opposite of where her mother is, whose eyes are still trained on the show playing on the television. She held her gaze on the current show for a short while, before finally saying, “Yeah. The packing process was not done wholeheartedly though.” Hearing that, Carol just had to let out a laugh. She finally removed her gaze from the screen and fixated it on her pouting daughter. Despite her actually being an adult now, it still amazes Carol how Aurora still manages to act all petulant when she wants to--not that it came as a real surprise to her since her daughter has always been great at getting what she wants through her often underhanded means. “I wasn’t expecting it to be done wholeheartedly anyway.” Mirth glimmered in Carol’s eyes. “But just to be on the safe side, shouldn’t you check your things before you go?” “Mom, this is me we’re talking about. I was still going to do that even without you telling me.” Aurora replied, smirking slightly when she saw the look on her mother’s face. “I like to be very thorough with my things.” “Okay, good because I was thinking maybe you could bring this over to your father too?” Carol moved slightly to her side and brought out a paper bag. Aurora raised an eyebrow at the thing held in between her mother’s fingertips. “What’s that?” Carol looked at it for a while, before she presented it to her daughter (who accepted it rather reluctantly) with a smile on her face. Just as Aurora peeked inside the bag, Carol said, “A wedding gift. I figure that’s already way overdue.” In that instant, Aurora’s whole face morphed into undisguised displeasure, her eyebrows furrowed together as a slight snarl etched on her lips. “Why would you give them that? I think you not giving them any present is the most understandable situation there is.” “It’s been a long time, darling.” Carol replied as she clasped her hands together, adamantly refusing to take back the bag that her daughter is currently reaching out for her to get. Despite the unadulterated irritation passing through Aurora’s face, Carol still refused to budge. “Whether any of us likes it or not, they will always be part of our lives--in yours, especially.” “Should I take that as some kind of honor or something?” Aurora shot back. “Jumping for joy at that prospect isn’t exactly in my to do list, mom.” Carol released an exasperated sigh as she looked at her daughter. Although she understands her daughter’s contempt towards the woman who broke her family apart, Carol also knows that the only way Aurora would be relieved of that burden she still carries is to try and accept that this whole thing is her reality now. Carol knows that Aurora knows that as well, but being the stubborn girl that she is, it just seems very unlikely of her to accept that. “Honey, it’s been six yea--” “Time isn’t always enough to let go of everything.” came Aurora’s immediate retort. She looked at her mother with a leveled stare, slowly preparing herself for the onslaught of words that she’s bound to receive from her not a moment too soon from now. “You could try.” Carol told her, ignoring the cautious look that she was able to pick up from her daughter. “Besides, you really have to this time since you’ll be looking after her bakery.” Aurora let out a huff as she crossed her arms against her chest, a slight pout present on her lips. She knows that she’s acting like a child, but she honestly couldn’t care less--well, right now that is. “Well I’m not doing that for her. If Theo wasn’t there, I wouldn’t even bother.” Despite all the protests she makes about how she’s only doing those things because of her brother, Aurora knows that deep down, she just doesn’t want to deal with the guilt that would eat her up later if she decides to refuse her father--even though she could very well do something about it. Aurora knows that her mother knows that as well, but merely decided not to say anything about it. She’s really glad that her mother is really a kind and considerate woman. However, the teasing smirk that appeared on Carol’s lips made Aurora internally retract her statement. “Are you sure?” Aurora shot her mother an annoyed look before saying, “Yes, I’m sure. Theo is the only reason I agreed and nothing else.” “If you say so.” Carol said in a sing-song voice. Not too long after, she pointed at the bag again, which is currently resting on the floor, completely disregarded by Aurora. “Don’t forget to bring that, alright? And tell them I’m sending my regards.” That earned Carol an eye roll from her daughter. “You could always call them. I mean, you are civil, aren’t you?” Recognizing the taunt that came with Aurora’s words, Carol looked at her with a frown. “I know what you’re doing and I’m not falling for it.” Before Aurora could even say her reply, Graham’s sudden arrival stopped her from whatever retort she was about to throw at her mother. The guy in question looked at both mother and daughter with a raised eyebrow, obviously not missing the slight contempt that he could feel rolling out of his stepdaughter. However, Aurora merely gave him a smile as she stood up in her place and gave her stepfather a hug. “Hi, Graham.” Graham stared at his wife, silently questioning her what’s gotten into Aurora, but the latter only gave off a chuckle as she leaned back on her seat, amusement clearly palpable on her face. “Hey, Aur.” He replied as he returned the hug in a rather awkward manner. When his stepdaughter finally pulled away from him, the smile on her face was still intact. “Can you please talk to mom about not giving that gift to that woman?” “Gift?” Graham looked at her with a confused expression on his face. Aurora pointed at the bag visible on the floor as she said, “That gift.” Having seen that already as well being the one who helped Carol choose that gift, understanding instantly dawned on Graham when he saw what caused his stepdaughter to act in such a way. “Ah, that.” A sheepish laugh escaped his lips. That sound was more than enough to convey the message that he had something to do with it, just as much as Carol had. “Why would you not want that to be given to Sally and your father? That’s a great gift.” She let out a sigh. “Of course you would say that.” She mumbled, before shooting her mother another irritated look. The woman merely ignored her daughter as she continued looking at her in amusement. “I think the real question here is: why would the both of you even want to give them a present?” “Because it’s only proper to do so.” Graham told his stepdaughter, sighing when her irritated stare transferred to him. “Don’t give me that look. You know I’m right.” Despite knowing that her stepfather’s words held some certain degree of truthfulness to it, she still tried her best to ignore that and said instead, “But was it proper for her to break another fami--” “Aurora!” This time, the amusement that has been consistently plastered on Carol’s face disappeared. As soon as that expression of hers registered in Aurora’s mind, she knew then and there that she really pushed it way too far this time around. “I told you time and time again not to keep bringing that up.” “Why not? It’s true, isn’t it?” “Yes, but I still prefer the peace I’ve had for years now rather than the hurt I’ve felt in the past.” Carol replied. “Is that what you want, Aurora? To be stuck in the past and never be able to move forward?” Aurora knows that what her mother is saying is right. After all, those are the exact words she keeps throwing at her whenever they have this certain conversation. However, try as she might, the prospect of finally accepting Sally as part of the family just didn’t sit right with her, nor does she think it will ever. For her, it’s just too much. Still, she knows as well that arguing with her mother at this point would prove to be a futile attempt. Aurora and her has had this argument countless of times that the former basically already knew by heart the words that are carefully worded just for her. So instead of saying the rebuttal that she had ready at the tip of her tongue, she merely bit it back and said, “I’m sorry.” “Are you?” Carol raised an eyebrow at her daughter, not failing to notice the dryness that came with her obvious unremorseful apology. “Yes.” Aurora replied through gritted teeth. At that exact moment, Aurora felt a hand on her shoulder. Dragging her gaze away from her mother, she came face to face with Graham, who was looking at her with a small smile. “Why don’t you go and cool off for a bit? By how things are going, I say you need it badly.” “I’m not that upset.” She replied, refusing to look at him any further, lest he sees the fury still burning in her eyes--which she’s sure he’s probably already seen. Graham let out a chuckle as he ruffled her hair and said, “Just go and take some time, kiddo. Besides, I’m pretty sure you’ve been wanting to double check your things for probably a while now.” Pink instantly colored Aurora’s cheeks when she heard the words that came out of her stepfather’s mouth. She fixed her gaze on the painting that is directly in her line of sight as she responded to him, “Not really, but fine--if you insist.” With those words, Aurora moved away from Graham and walked back to where she previously sat. She purposely avoided her mother’s still heated gaze as she grabbed the bag with a slight snarl etched on her lips before trudging up to her room. However, the moment she was finally out of their line of sight, she heard her mother say, “You handle her better than I do.” “Not really.” She heard Graham reply. “Throughout the years, I just learned that the best way to appease her is to not fight fire with fire.” Carol let out a scoff. “No, you just like to take her side with everything.” “I’m confirming nothing.” “Well your reply is already confirmation enough.” Aurora couldn’t help but let out a smirk at what she heard. If there’s one thing that Aurora would always be grateful for, it’s the fact that she knows that her stepfather always has her back no matter what--provided, however, that what she’s doing is within reasonable means. Beyond that, and she would get double the scolding she gets from her mother. That’s definitely not something she wants to experience again. With her mind now slowly coming at peace, she continued her slow ascent to her room, still dreading the day that she has to give the gift that her mother prepared for Sally and her father; the bag that is getting heavier in her hold with every step she takes. Yeah, this is definitely not working out how she thought it would. — • — • — By six in the evening, Aurora sat on the other end of their couch, smiling when she read the reply Kent sent in their group chat, finally laughing when Dexter changed their group name to BROKE(N) HEARTS. BROKE(N) HEARTS Dexter changed the group name to BROKE(N) HEARTS. Dexter: There Now our group name describes all of our situations perfectly Alicia: I thought we taught you better than to come up with such a lame group name like that one Kent: That's because Dex is just lame Period Aurora: I don't even understand how that name would fit us perfectly Dexter: It doesn't It just felt like it would be a cool name for our group, ya know? Alicia: Dex, as always, your taste is as questionable as ever Kent: Please stop I am literally shaking my head right now because of how much of a disappointment you are Dexter: The both of you are such jerks Why did I even bother becoming friends with you? Kent: Because you like us anyway Dexter: I'm going to ignore you and pretend you didn't say anything Aurora: I was gone for five seconds, and this is what I see Dexter: They started it Hey, Aur Do you know what would fit perfectly? Aurora: This better not be some scary ass s**t because I will strangle you if it is Dexter: It's not I promise Alicia: It's a trap Abort I repeat, abort Dexter: Shut up stupid Aurora: Fine I'll take your word for it What would fit perfectly? Kent: This better be impressive, Sholp Dexter: You & me Alicia: Oh God What kind of pick up line is that? That is so overrated Kent: That was totally not impressive Shame on you Dex Aurora: Except I don't need to be with you to be perfect Alicia: Oh daaaaang Kent: Holy s**t What a f*****g comeback Dexter: I still think my line was able Aurora: No boy Your line is still handicapped Kent: HAHAHAHAHA DAMN GIRL YOU ARE ON FIRE AURORA YOU ARE MY HERO Alicia: Oh my f*****g gosh HAHAHAHAHA Dex get yourself to straighten up You're losing the girl you're wooing with your horrible pick up lines Alexander: Hey The moment the four friends saw Alexander's reply, their eyes widened simultaneously, all of them clearly stupefied of what they just saw. When Alicia finished making a new group chat for the four of them in haste, Aurora wasted no time in saying her thoughts. Aurora: WHAT THE f*****g HELL JUST HAPPENED Kent: ALICIA YOU DUMB IDIOT WHAT DID YOU DO Alicia: STUPID ASSHOLE WHY ARE YOU BLAMING ME? I WASN'T THE ONE HITTING ON AURORA IT WAS DEXTER Dexter: BUT YOU ENCOURAGED ME Aurora: WHAT THE HELL IS THAT GUY'S PROBLEM????? AFTER SO LONG, HE DECIDES TO GRACE US WITH HIS PRESENCE NOW? DUMB FUCK Dexter: Sorry Aur I completely forgot he was included in that group chat Alicia: Wait Aurora: What Alicia: Does Alex know that Dex is trying to get you? Aurora: I don't know Kent: But I told Dex to talk with him though Dex? Dexter: Well He does now Alicia: WHAT????? WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL HIM? Dexter: I GOT NERVOUS, OKAY? I TRIED BUT WHEN I HEARD HIS VOICE AGAIN I ENDED UP FEELING EXTREMELY GUILTY SO I ENDED THE CALL Kent: And this is why I told you to leave it alone Now look what happened Dexter: We both know that I tried Besides I'm not exactly trying to get Aur I'm just letting her know how I feel SHE DOESN'T EVEN LIKE ME BACK Aurora: Well I think both you and Alex are morons Him for being the dumbass that he is and you for being so persistent Kent: Persistent is good Alicia: Seriously? Whose side are you on? Kent: Persistent is good sometimes Back on their main group chat, Alexander sent a message once again, asking if the four of them are still there. As the four friends decided to wrap up their talk on their other group chat, Aurora still feels strangely confused about the whole thing. Alexander's sudden interaction with them left her to ask many kinds of questions—why he's only communicating now being one of those. Alexander rarely ever opened their group chat, much more sending a message—he's just aloof like that. With a sigh, Aurora opened the group chat once more, reading the ongoing conversations between her friends. BROKE(N) HEARTS Kent: Yeah We're here Alicia: You called? Alexander: Yeah I did How are you guys? Alicia: We're good Kent: Just peachy Dexter: We're getting through How about you? Alexander: I'm alright I guess So Dex You and Aur, huh? Dexter: What? No! Aurora: Yes Alexander: So Which is it? Aurora: Look Even if it's Dex and I, what's it to you? Alicia: I hear the stars are lovely tonight Let's all shut down our phones and just look up the sky Kent: I agree The weather's quite nice too Perfect for stargazing Right guys? Alex? Aur? Dex? Dexter: What the hell are you talking about? It's raining outside Alicia: No it's not Stop being ridiculous Dexter: You stop The rain's pouring hard right now Are you blind? Kent: The stars still look nice Dexter: I'm looking through the window I can't see a damn thing The sky is dark and bleak You guys are bullshitting me Alicia: JUST LISTEN TO US AND SHUT THE DAMN THING OFF Alexander: Aly's right The stars do look nice It's not raining here Aurora: Good for you then Alicia: Aur, honey, shut your phone off too Before you decide to set it on fire Alexander: Hey Aur You still threaten to set your phone on fire when something pisses you off? Kent: Alex Don't start Aurora: No I just threaten to set you on fire when something pisses me off Alicia: Hey! Behave Both of you Dexter: I'm behaving Alicia: DEXTER I TOLD YOU TO SHUT YOUR PHONE OFF FUCKING DOUCHEBAG Dexter: Alright fine I get it mother Aurora: Don't listen to her I'm going to set Alex on fire if you listen to her Alexander: Ah here it is I'm going to be the human sacrifice Kent: Dude seriously Alexander: What? I'm just justifying what she said Aurora: I don't need your justification Alicia: OKAY THAT'S IT EVERYONE OFF OF THEIR PHONES NOW BEFORE I SET THIS CONVERSATION ON FIRE — • — • — When the clock struck eight, Aurora and her family were currently in the midst of playing cards when the doorbell rang. The family of three looked at each other, each wondering who it could be at this time of night. As always, Aurora was the one who offered to open the door for their guest, but was completely taken by surprise when she came face to face with Dexter. The latter sent her a sheepish smile. "Hey Aur." He greeted, the rain still pelting incessantly behind him. Aurora quickly ushered him in, helping him hang his coat on the coat rack and getting his umbrella to put it in the umbrella stand. Turning back to him, she said, "What are you doing here? It's raining so hard." "Well," Dexter chuckled nervously as he brought up the paper bags in his hand. "I knew that you were pretty pissed off about what happened earlier so I thought you would need some of your favorite comfort foods to help you calm down." Aurora sent him a soft smile. "That's really thoughtful of you, Dex." She accepted the paper bags he handed her. "Thank you for this." "It's no problem. I'll help you set it up in the kitchen." He offered, making Aurora nod her head. As they made their way towards the living room, Carol called out to her daughter, eyes and hands still on the cards in front of her as she said, "Who was at the door, honey?" "It's just Dexter." Aurora replied as she stood behind her mother. "He was just bringing me some food for what happened earlier." Carol furrowed her eyebrows before looking back at her daughter, Graham doing the same thing as his wife. "That whole Alexander thing?" Carol asked. "Yes mom, the whole Alexander thing." She answered, rolling her eyes when her mom gave off a chuckle. "Well alright. Put it in the kitchen, dear. Knowing you and knowing what Dexter would have brought for you, I'm pretty sure there's ice cream so go. Shoo." Carol told her, grinning ever so slightly. Rolling her eyes one more time, her and Dexter made their way to the kitchen, unaware of the gazes they are receiving from Carol and Graham. "I honestly don't know why she doesn't like that boy at all. Dexter is so good to her." Carol told her husband. "Except Aurora just doesn't seem to look at him other than a brother and a close friend." Graham said, laughing when he saw his wife pout. At the kitchen, Aurora just took a seat on the high chair when Dexter asked, "Do you want to talk about it?" She released a sigh. "I don't know." She looked at him. "Do you think I'm crazy if I tell you that I felt angry and broken-hearted yet happy and giddy at the same time when he communicated with us again?" Dexter looked at her for the longest time, hiding his own broken heart with a smile and a shake of his head. He knows he's just tormenting himself by offering to hear her rant about Alexander but he can't help it. So what if his heart is broken? That's just a tiny sacrifice to make Aurora feel better. But as he continued to hear her rant about everything, all he could think about was, who thought that group chat would actually pick up it's lame name and actually be the place of broken hearts and broke hearts?, unaware that the girl across him is thinking the same thing as him.