Our beloved youth

19: Sweet lies

Elina smiled awkwardly as she saw her mother standing in front of her with an angry look. "Hi," she waved nervously.

"Quickly come inside!!" her mother commanded, to which Elina nodded, scratching the back of her neck as her mother closed the door behind her. She looked up, meeting Sia's teasing gaze, who mockingly threw an air punch at her.

"What do you think of yourself?!" her mother shouted. Elina stopped, glancing at Sia who smirked, putting a finger to her lips. Elina gulped, slowly turning towards her mother. "Um, mom, I was just—" She couldn't finish as her mother cut her off sharply.

"Do you realize how dangerous it could have been?!" Her mother's eyes widened with worry. Elina tried to calm her, "But I'm fine, mom. Really." Her mother turned away, tears welling up as she continued, "Do you think just because I'm not your real mother, I won't worry about you?"

Elina shook her head, moving closer to her mother. Sensing her mother's emotions, Sia stopped teasing, understanding the seriousness. Elina spoke softly, "No, I never think like that." She hugged her mother gently, who began to cry.

"Believe it or not, Elina, from the very start, I always thought if I had another daughter, she'd be just like you," her mother confessed tearfully. Elina comforted her, "I know, Mom. I know. That's why I never felt lacking in love or care. You've given me everything, and I'm so thankful." Her mother looked at her, then gestured for Sia to join them in a hug. Sia smiled and joined in.

________________________

Later, after freshening up, Elina flopped onto her bed. Downstairs, Sia was with their mother. Elina picked up her phone and opened her messages.

Did he reach home? 

Should I ask him?

Elina wondered but shook her head, about to exit the chat when her phone slipped and hit her face.

"Ouch!" she exclaimed, rubbing her forehead. "Why does this always happen to me?" she sighed, then heard another voice.

"Elina?"

Confused, she looked around her room but found no one. 

"What the hell am I hallucinating now?" she shook her head as she picked up her phone again, only to widen her eyes in disbelief.

"Bloody hell!!!" she exclaimed, seeing Kevin on the screen.

"Why did y—" he started, but Elina hastily ended the call, tossing her phone on the bed and covering her face with her hands, kicking her legs in the air.

"Ugh, why am I so clumsy!" she groaned, then picked up her phone and checked her notifications.

[Kevin: I didn't see or hear anything.]

Elina read the message and fake cried for a moment before hearing Sia call her downstairs.

"Elina, come down quickly!"

"Coming!" she replied, sighing and leaving her phone in her room as she headed downstairs.

While Kevin's point of view

I am afraid to admit it, but I don't want to lose her to anyone.... 

I too don't know why, but it is just how it is.

Entering the house lost in my thoughts, I was surprised by Elina's video call. Confused, I answered, seeing only darkness on the other end.

"Elina?" I called out, trying to get her attention, but heard her voice speaking to herself instead.