"𝐭𝐨𝐦, 𝐢 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮."

Noticeable change.

3:15 PM, 23.12.2008

Thousands of thoughts ran through my mind at that moment. The main one being: What were they doing here?

"Uhm, hi." I mumble quietly before slapping a fake smile across my face.

"Oh hey Chloe! You look so beautiful now. Do you remember me, Lilian?" Lilian asked with a small laugh.

"Oh uh, of course Mrs. Lilian, how could I forget?" I chuckle softly before giving her a small hug.

I greet Bill and Tom was still on his phone. Bill noticed and gently nudged his shoulder, causing him to look around and land his eyes on me, by his reaction, I think he was suprised.

"Oh wow, um...hi Chloe." Tom greeted me awkwardly.

"...hi." I give him an awkward smile and look away.
"So, Chloe, I talked with Lilian for a bit and we decided that we should spend Christmas together, you know, like the old times when you and your sister did with Bill and Tom."

My mom said with a small smile. I froze at that moment and Tom was also a bit suprised.

"What?" Me and Tom's voice synced together.

"Isnt that good news? You three could catch up on things." Lilian said with a chuckle.

"Mom I have a party to attend at Christmas, come on. I cant be here." Tom said with an annoyed expression.

"Tom, I told you a million times you cant go to that party, dont be rude infront of Mr. and Mrs. Muller."

Lilian and Tom were arguing about the party he wanted to go to and Tom stormed off somewhere in the house.

"Dont worry about him, he's just...low-tempered nowadays, all because of that girl Alina that drags him into some parties, he even smokes now sometimes because of her." She said with disappointment in her voice.

3:45 PM, 23.12.2008
We continued talking for about half of an hour and Tom still didnt come. I excused myself to go to the bathroom and as I was walking down the hallway I saw Tom outside, in my backyard. I decided I would go up to him, so I slid open the door and stood beside him, while he was looking up at the orangy-yellow sunset sky.

"What are you doing here?" I ask curiously while crossing my arms.

Tom noticed me and looked down for a second at me before looking away again, shrugging his shoulders.
Kind of rude but okay.

"I wanted to cool down, shes so fucking annoying." He replied firmly, continuing to stare at the sky.
I hesitate to speak for a minute.

"Dont say that, shes your mom, she just cares about you." I speak softly while looking up at the sky.

"Shes just so controlling..ugh." he sighs frustratedly and looks down at the ground.

I stay silent and cross my arms, the silence filling the air between us, before he bombs me with a question minutes later.

"So...when did you come back here?" He asks curiously.
"About 2 days ago or so, I dont know." I shrug my shoulders.
"Oh, hm." He looks down at me, almost like he was judging me. I really wanted to hear his thoughts at that moment.
"Can I ask you something?"

I look up at him, signaling for him to continue what he has to say.
"Why do you hang out with that douchebag, Leo?"

"Oh, whats up with him? Hes not a douchebag."

"Yes he is, he ruins everyone who hangs out with him. Plus hes a big player."

"Hes been nothing but nice to me these two days."

"Thats because hes trying to get in your pants Chloe. Cmon, nobody actually hangs out with Leo Manolski."

I roll my eyes at his comment.

"Nobody actually hangs out with Alina."

I reply coldly and I could tell Tom was somewhat...mad. Quietly mad. Even though I didnt know Alina, she...looked intimidating and annoying. After a minute of processing what I said, I went back into the house and didnt really speak to Tom after that.

5:30 PM, 23.12.2008
"It was nice seeing you Chloe, I knew you were gonna grow up pretty with a beautiful soul." Lilian complimented as she put her shoes on.

"Ah, thank you Ms. Lilian." I say with a small smile as I lean against the wall while my mom was talking to Bill and Tom.

"By the way Chloe, do you want to perhaps hang out after school tommorow?" Bill asked with a smile.

I quickly look up at him. "Oh uh, sure. Of course."
I give him a thumbs up, reassuring him.

We talked a bit and I sensed Tom being more quiet than usual once he heard about the hangout.
Me and my mom sended them off and waved a small goodbye before they went out of the house.

"Chloe?"

"Hm?"

"Can you do the dishes please? Im gonna go to sleep earlier."

I sighed and didnt want to refuse.
"Okay, ill be on it in a minute." I mumble and go upstairs to my room.

I plopped down on my bed and stared blankly at the ceiling, thinking.
After 20 minutes I got up and closing my blinds, I saw Tom's windows open, his room being visual since it was brightened up by his lamp.
Not gonna lie, even his room changed.
Grey, boring walls that only some blank posters complimented. Last time I was in his room which was 7 years ago, I remember his room was with bright colours with bright posters with his favorite bands, especially Sammy Deluxe.

Damn, I guess growing up isnt so fun.

I was done with the dishes and chilled on the couch while talking a bit with Bill on the phone, even though he did make me laugh sometimes, I still felt emptiness in my heart. That emptiness holded onto me ever since my sister died. I wonder if that will ever change.

I went upstairs to my bed and dozed off slowly, falling asleep.

(hey guys, sorry for not publishing another part, I was very busy with school and exams, I will try my best to release new parts soon. Love you all. 🫶🏼)