Haven (gxg)

Chapter 1: Monday

"This sucks." 

"This. Really. Sucks."

I remained silent as I listen to what's happening in front of my screen, a typical day seeing the two of my friends groaning and complaining about the one-week lockdown.

"Oh come on, be thankful that it is only for a week." I sighed and stretched my back from sitting for almost an hour listening to them.

"Thankful?? Jesus, your love for staying at home is getting out of hand, Lane." Mavy rolled her eyes as I tried to contain my laugh at how her face looked. 

"Maybe I should be like Lane. What do you think, Mavy? Not going out all the time and just at home...chilling." 

"Shut up, Diane." 

"You two look adorable. Tell me again, why aren't you two a thing?" I teased and now they are the silent ones.

"You shut up too, Lane." Mavy huffed but remained silent afterward. I suspiciously looked between the two but suddenly they got things to do.

"Oh, would you look at that? I have to help cook dinner. See you!" Diane said and abruptly left the room, leaving me with a flustered Mavy.

"Mavy...Is there something you two are not telling me?"

"U-Uhm, I think I'll just go too-" And just like that, she left the room too. 

I smiled and felt like I have done my goal for the day. Yep, I've been rooting for those two since day one. It was just me and Mavy that time in high school until Diane became our friend when our paths crossed in a school concert. 

To simply put it, Mavy spilled her drink on a sweaty Diane. That's the day one I was talking about. I don't know, but since Diana joined our group, Mavy spends a lot more time with her than me. Not that I am jealous or something, but I was hoping that someday they'll be together. The chemistry of those two is above the level I've seen in movies, I'm telling you that. 

They are not ready for that. Maybe because Diana is still with her, no offense, toxic girlfriend, and Mavy is very focused on her studies and the cafe her parents owned where she is currently working partly.

"Lane! Dinner's ready!"

I heard Mom shout that I think the neighbors heard, every day. I didn't reply and just went downstairs. I was greeted by my little brother, who is hugging my legs tightly. I love this kid.

"Gabby. Go on your chair now." Mom said, making Gab pout and defeatedly, but cutely, climb his chair.

"Where's Dad?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

"Oh, he will be staying in Singapore for another two weeks." She smiled and served the dinner like Dad being not present for two weeks is just normal. Well, he normally just stay in a country for 3-4 days.

"That's a long time." 

"I know, sweetie." 

I kept glancing at Gab as we ate our dinner in silence. We have been through a lot when Mom also needs to go on business trips, it's often that it is just me and Gab alone here at home. This is why Mavy and Diane come over sometimes but due to the one-week lockdown, they can't come over yet.

"Take your brother upstairs. I'll go wash the dishes, okay?"

"Okay, Mom." I timidly smiled and lift my little brother from his chair. I carried him to his room and placed him on his bed.

"You want to play?" 

He repeatedly nodded which I find so adorable. I gave him some of the toys on the shelves and placed them beside him.

"Play with me?"

I sighed and sat beside him. "Sorry, baby. Sister got to do some school things." I smiled and ruffled his hair and was about to stand up when his little hands grabbed my arm.

"Please." He showed a cute look on his face that he knows I can't resist. I sat beside him and he squealed as he grabbed a firetruck toy.

"I wanna be a firefighter someday." He muttered as he kept on making splashing sounds and raising the toy truck in the air.

"Can I ask why, Gabby?"

"Because Daddy is one."

Was, one.

He left because of the last emergency, he never told us why. Now he is a businessman, going on frequent business trips.

"That's a good one, buddy." 

"What about you, what do you want to be?" 

I thought about his question for a second and smiled widely as I thought of one.

"To be free."

He didn't say anything and kept on playing. As he started to slowly lean his back on the bed, I tucked him in and placed the toys back on his shelf. I opened the door and gave him a bright smile before I left.

"He's asleep?"

"Yep."

I went to my room without turning back, until I remembered the thing I'd said to Gab moments ago.

"Mom?"

"What is it, sweetie?" 

"I have something to tell you."

She nodded and we both went downstairs to seat in the chairs. 

"Something bothering you at school?" She stopped folding the clothing she is holding and looked at me expectedly.

"It's n-not about school." I let out a deep breath to ease my nerves. I need to say this.

"Then what is it about?" She softly asked and took my hands with her.

"Mom, I am not sure if you noticed, but did you know that I haven't had a boyfriend?"

"I am very aware, honey. What about it?" She lightly laughed and pats my hand.

Ok, enough the non-sense.

"Mom, I like girls- well, woman, to be precise."

I kept my eyes on the ground, scared that this will be the last time I'll set foot in this house. Finally, after a few quiet moments, I slowly lifted my head to see a shocked look on my Mom's face.

"Oh my god." She gasped, removing my hands from her soft grip.

I knew it.

"It's okay, Mom. I understand." I quivered and weakly stood up but I stopped when I heard her laugh.

I confusedly turned around and she was already wiping invisible tears on her eyes.

"Mom?"

"I am very aware, sweetie. What about it?"