Coming Home | mark lee.

18

"Tiff?" he groaned, blinking his eyes open.

"Time to wake up, dummy," she chuckled.

"Five minutes," he mumbled.

"Really?" She rolled her eyes. He smiled sleepily.

"Can I have a hug?"

"You have to get up first."

He slowly sat up and opened his arms. She laughed and leaned into him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. He hugged her back instantly.

"You're so clingy in the morning," she said.

"I know," he breathed out a soft laugh. "Are you free this morning?"

"I told you, I'm going shopping with aunty."

"For what?" he asked.

"Christmas gifts for your members." She pulled back with a grin. "Breakfast is ready, Marko."

She turned to leave, but he caught her wrist gently.

"By what time will you be back?"

"After lunch, I think."

"Okay." He smiled. "I'll change and come down."

"Waiting," she teased and left the room.

*

"Ready?" Mrs. Lee asked.

"Yes, aunty." Tiffany smiled.

She sat in the passenger seat as Mrs. Lee drove toward the city market.

"I thought handmade gifts would be nicer," Tiffany said. "If we don't find anything, we'll go to the mall."

Mrs. Lee nodded, then glanced at her with a small smile.

"So...did Mark tell you about his girlfriend?"

Tiffany snapped her head toward her.

"He has a what?"

Mrs. Lee burst out laughing.

"You should've seen your face."

"Aunty!" Tiffany groaned.

"Why did you look so scared?" Mrs. Lee teased.

"I wasn't scared. I was...surprised," Tiffany muttered. "He's my best friend. If he had a girlfriend and didn't tell me, obviously I'd be mad."

"Is that really why?" Mrs. Lee asked gently.

Tiffany opened her mouth, then closed it again and looked out the window.

"I've watched you two grow up," Mrs. Lee said softly. "Maybe not all your life, but long enough to see what's between you."

"There's nothing between us," Tiffany said quickly.

"I know," Mrs. Lee smiled. "I meant your feelings."

Tiffany swallowed.

"You know he had a crush on you, right?"

"Yeah," she nodded. "I did too. We're...over it."

Mrs. Lee chuckled.

"He told me again a few months ago, actually."

Tiffany turned toward her slowly.

"Can I tell you something?" she whispered.

"Of course."

"I think..." she hesitated, fingers tightening in her lap. "I think I still like him."