The Fallen Angel

33.Boyfriend?

"Are you just gonna brush off both of them?" Aria quizzed as we strolled towards the supermarket. I gave a nonchalant nod, and she pressed on, "So, what's the deal with Adrian's big confession? What's your game plan?" I threw up my hands in a classic 'I don't know' gesture. "I mean, I totally adored the guy, but why didn't I get that fireworks feeling when he spilled his heart out? Aren't we supposed to be doing the whole 'couple' thing by now? But seriously, why does it feel like this whole situation's a sign from the universe to hit the brakes?" I rambled on, injecting a bit of humor and confusion, 'cause that's just how life goes, right?

She pressed her lips together and quipped, "Yeah, that's all fine and dandy, but what's the next move in this romantic comedy of errors? Are you planning to stay hidden under Harry Potter's cloak forever?" We both chuckled at the absurdity of the situation, because let's face it, life's just one big sitcom episode waiting to happen.

I chuckled and said, "Well, I guess it's time to face the Voldemort moment, but until then, I'm putting myself on a social lockdown. No romantic rendezvous for me!" We shared a laugh because, hey, who needs dating drama when you've got a magical quest to embark on, right?.

"We've arrived! Time to hit the aisles," I exclaimed, pulling Aria into the supermarket with me. We began filling our cart with essentials, and I plopped down in the child's seat while Aria took the reins. "Over there, driver," she joked, directing me to a different aisle before playfully pushing the cart. "Whoa, slow down! You're going too fast!" I laughed, enjoying the ride as we navigated through the store.

Aria halted the cart as we spotted Hazel standing nearby. "Behave, girls," she said with a hint of annoyance in her voice. In response, we shot back with playful banter and teasing. "Oh, Hazel, don't worry, we're always on our best behavior," we said with exaggerated innocence, exchanging mischievous glances. Hazel rolled her eyes at our antics.

Aria flashed a mischievous grin and chimed in, "Yeah, Hazel, we promise to behave... within reason, of course. Can't make any guarantees when these two troublemakers are around," she said, nudging me playfully as we exchanged knowing glances. Hazel sighed, realizing she was in for quite the shopping trip with us. After all, where's the fun in behaving all the time?

"I shouldn't have spilled the beans to you," she groaned, pressing her lips together and placing a hand on her forehead in mock despair. I couldn't help but flash my trademark gummy smile. "Very true," I quipped, as we walked past her. Suddenly, she stopped us in our tracks. "Hey, would you two like to come over to my place tomorrow? My dad's having a business ceremony." Aria's eyes lit up with excitement, and she immediately chimed in, "Count me in!" They both turned to me, awaiting my response. "Well, I'd rather..." I paused for dramatic effect, then broke into a grin, "...eat a bowl of cereal in my pajamas. But hey, sounds like a blast, I'm in too!".

As she sauntered off, she shot us a grin and chirped, "Catch you tomorrow, ladies!" Aria shot me a puzzled look. "Hold up, weren't you boycotting tomorrow's shindig? What gives?" I couldn't help but emit an over-the-top groan. "Ugh, seems like Dad's decided I'm joining the party whether I like it or not. Something about 'family bonding' and 'making appearances'-you know the drill." We exchanged eye rolls, because apparently, in my family, "bonding" translates to enduring awkward small talk with distant relatives while trying not to spill appetizers on your fancy outfit.

"Apparently, my uncle's part of the business," I grumbled, "so Dad basically strong-armed me into attending the shindig and playing babysitter for Uncle 'I-Can't-Hold-A-Grown-Up-Conversation'." I let out a dramatic groan, rolling my eyes for added effect. "I swear, every time we step foot in that haunted house of a mansion, it's like diving headfirst into a cheesy horror movie." I shuddered at the thought of another evening spent navigating the labyrinth of awkward family dynamics and dusty old heirlooms.

"I totally get it. Maybe we should just hide under Harry's cloak and make a run for it," she giggled, as we continued our shopping escapade. We chuckled at the idea of escaping the awkwardness of family gatherings with a bit of magical intervention. After all, who wouldn't want to borrow a page from the wizarding world to avoid uncomfortable situations?

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Hazel's father raised his glass in a toast, shouting, "Thank you so much, thank you!" The whole house erupted in cheers, with businessmen and clients scattered everywhere. The place was packed with suits and ties, and everyone looked like they just stepped out of a GQ magazine. The ladies were decked out in designer gowns dripping with diamonds and sporting heels that probably cost more than my entire wardrobe. It was like stepping into a scene from a high-budget Hollywood movie, where even the air smelled expensive. Talk about living the lavish life!

"Isabelle!" my uncle boomed as he emerged with a glass in hand, arms open wide for a bear hug. "My favorite niece!" he exclaimed, enveloping me in his embrace before planting kisses on my cheeks. "Hello, uncle," I replied with a mixture of affection and amusement, because even though he was a bit over-the-top, you couldn't help but love the guy.

"I missed you, my child," he said, his arms draped over my shoulder like a clingy scarf."I missed you too, Uncle Tight-Grip," I quipped, trying to subtly wriggle free from his embrace. Ah, the joys of family reunions, where even the most heartfelt sentiments come with an awkwardly firm hug.

He winked playfully. "I heard you've got a boyfriend, but I'm disappointed you never spilled the beans to me," he teased, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. I couldn't hide my surprise. "Me? What? I have a boyfriend?" I questioned incredulously, adding a touch of mock disbelief. It was like stepping into a soap opera plot, and I was definitely not ready for my starring role in the drama.

"Boyfriend?" I chuckled, trying to contain my laughter. "Uncle, let's be real here. The only relationship I have is with my Netflix account and a tub of ice cream," I joked, adding a playful wink. "I mean, who needs a boyfriend when you've got unlimited streaming and dessert on demand, am I right?" We shared a laugh at the absurdity of the idea.

"Liar!" my uncle chuckled, shaking his head in mock disappointment. "I'm very disappointed," he teased, his arms wide open in anticipation. "I'm glad to meet your boyfriend. Come on over here, your girl's terrible at fibbing," he announced with a playful grin as a guy approached. "Wait, he's my boyfriend?" I asked, feigning confusion.

"He can never be my boyfriend," I mumbled, adding with a smirk, "I mean, I have standards, Uncle." Because let's be real, his matchmaking skills were about as reliable as a broken compass in a funhouse maze.

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