Blue Ribbon

Chapter 22 - Fictional pregnancy hormones

"I wish I can taste you again, like a secret or a sin."

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Two weeks later...

Lilly's POV

I have been waiting for this day since I was a small little girl.

Every time I saw dad get ready for work, every time I dropped by the company and saw how comfortable he looked in his element, doing his job, all professional and smooth, at how greatly he excelled at it, I knew I was destined to do the same.

I wanted to follow in his steps, and I knew, I am capable of doing this. I have the energy for it, I have the skills, and well, I like it, so I won't mind giving it as much time as needed.

I ran my fingers into the ends of my hair, untangling the little waves I made, and gave it a more natural look before I fixed it over my shoulders. Yesterday, I had a whole new haircut, made it a bit shorter than before, and added some tune to it with balayage highlights, ones that are only a tone lighter than mine, so it still looked natural, but shinier.

A bit of a new look, fitting my new fresh start.

A satisfied smile curved my lips as I took a look at myself in the mirror. With the pencil cream-beige skirt and the blazer that matched it in color, I looked so ready for my first day. I fixed the white shirt I wore underneath and made the last touches with my nude lipstick before I slipped into my heels, grabbed my purse, and left the room.

On low footsteps, I peeked a look into Max's room, checking and he was fast asleep. My eyes took him in and my chest tightened. Since the day everything unraveled, he hasn't been the same. He is quieter, more serious, less talkative and he lost that energy he always had around him. Guilt pressed over my shoulders, never once leaving me and it had me stepping away, bringing my mood down. I should be able to fix this, I need to bring my little brother back.

I pulled into a deep breath and once I reached downstairs, my gaze drifted around searching for dad. I paused by the kitchen, my eyes falling on him and mom. They were standing by the counter, my dad's back to me as she pushed the buttered toast into his mouth, she smiled and wiped the side of his mouth with her finger before she leaned in and pecked his lips.

Dad said something, sneaking an arm around her waist, pulling her closer and she chuckled, her eyes happy as she gazed at him and my heart calmed down a bit. Their constant PDA used to make say ew, it still does, but it's a whole different story now, especially after I came to know about everything. I found myself smiling as I gazed at them. At least, they had each other, they stayed together after all of that heartbreak.

It had me wondering only; Will I ever have that?

Before I could dwell further on that thought, mom's eyes flickered to me and her smile widened, "Morning baby," She said, circling her way around the counter and coming near me. Her eyes shone in affection as she looked at me and my whole attire, "You look so beautiful," She said.

"Of course she does," Dad said with a duh tone, "Did you forget that my genes made this,"  He added while pointing at me from head to toe.

I chuckled at his words and he threw me a wink. Mom shook her head, "Nope, I made this," She added proudly, wrapping her arm around my waist and pulled me closer, "She is a mini-me."

Dad gave her a knowing look, "Why do you think I picked you and made you my wife, huh?" He questioned, "I knew your genes plus mine would make wonders."

Mom rolled her eyes at him, "Picked me?" She called him out on his choice of words, "Did you forget for how long you followed me till I finally accepted you?"