In the next life, maybe ?

Chapter 10 : Family day

After the intense emotions on set and the deep talks at home, the first weekend back felt like a much-needed break. I spent Friday relaxing in my old room, which hadn't changed much. Posters of my favorite bands and movies still decorated the walls, reminding me of who I was before Hollywood. It felt great to unwind for the first time in ages.

Jenna and I had been chatting constantly, and I loved every moment of it. I knew I was supposed to distance myself during the vacation, but it seemed like every time I tried to pull away, she came closer—like magnets. I tried to make the most of my time off, sleeping, cooking for my mom and sister, and spending time outside or with Julien.

Saturday morning arrived with sunshine, signaling our family trip to the amusement park—a tradition we always kept. My little sister Claire was buzzing with excitement as we got ready.

"Hurry up, slowpoke!" Claire called, her ponytail swinging as she bounced around in her bright pink T-shirt.

"We'll get there, don't worry," I laughed, putting on my sneakers.

Mom chimed in, "The sooner we go, the more rides we can enjoy before it gets crowded."

"Alright, let's go have some fun!" I said, grabbing my bag.

During the drive, Claire chattered about all the rides she wanted to try. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and I looked forward to the day as well. It was a welcome break from work and the complicated feelings I was dealing with.

When we arrived, the park was buzzing with activity. The smell of cotton candy and popcorn mixed with the sounds of laughter and roller coaster screams. Claire dragged me straight to her favorite ride.

"Let's start with the Ferris wheel!" she exclaimed.

"The Ferris wheel? That's pretty tame for you, Claire," I teased. "What happened to loving the big coasters?"

"We'll get to those, but the Ferris wheel is tradition!" she insisted.

"Alright, you're the boss," I said, ruffling her hair as we headed to the ride.

The Ferris wheel gave us a stunning view of the park. Claire pointed out all the attractions she wanted to try next, her excitement contagious.

"Look at that roller coaster!" she said, pointing. "We're definitely going on that one!"

"You sure you're tall enough for it?" I teased, getting a playful shove from her.

"Hey, I've grown, okay?" she laughed. "But seriously, you're coming with me on that one, right?"

"Wouldn't miss it for the world," I said, smiling as the Ferris wheel reached its peak, the whole park spread out beneath us like a colorful map.

After the Ferris wheel, we spent the day hopping from one ride to another. Claire was fearless, pulling me along to every ride she could find. Mom happily watched from a distance, smiling as we whirled by. Seeing her so relaxed reminded me of how much I missed these simple moments.

By afternoon, we took a break for food, finding a shady spot in the park's central plaza. Claire devoured a funnel cake, her face dusted with powdered sugar as she grinned at me.

"This is the best day ever!" she said.

"It really is," I agreed, feeling content.

Mom watched us, smiling. "I'm so glad we could do this together. It's been a long time."

"It has," I said, realizing how much I'd missed them.

"We've missed you too," Mom said, squeezing my hand. "But we're proud of you."

"Thanks, Mom," I replied, feeling the warmth of her words. "It's been a wild ride, but it's nice to come home and just be me."

"You're always welcome here," she said.

Claire, oblivious to our deeper conversation, asked, "So, what's it like working with famous people? Are they nice?"

"Most of them are," I said. "It's kind of like working with anyone, just with more cameras around."

"And your co-stars?" she pressed.

"Yes, they're nice, but most of them are busy with work."

"Speaking of co-stars..." Mom said, her tone light but curious. "You mentioned a girl the other day with Julien—Jenna, was it?"

I was surprised she remembered the name. "Yeah, Jenna. She's one of the leads."

"And?" Mom asked with a knowing smile. "Is she someone special?"

I blushed, unsure how to explain my feelings. "She's... amazing. But it's complicated."

"Complicated how?" Claire asked, her curiosity simple and direct.

"She's got a boyfriend," I explained.

"Maybe things will change," Claire said optimistically. "You never know."

"Maybe," I smiled, though it still hurt a little.

Mom reassured me, "Just take it one day at a time, and things will work out."

The rest of the day was filled with fun and laughter. We rode more rides, ate too much junk food, and enjoyed being together. As the sun set, we ended the day with a ride on the carousel, our tradition.

As we circled slowly, I thought about how much had changed since our last visit. Despite the craziness of my life, moments like this reminded me of what truly mattered—family, friends, and simple joys.

When we got home, Claire fell asleep immediately, and I wasn't far behind. I quickly sent a message to Jenna, asking how she was and how her day went, while explaining mine and how tired I was. I mentioned I'd probably be asleep by the time she saw it.

As I lay in bed, thoughts of Jenna crept in, but the happiness from the day helped push them aside. Today reminded me that even with life's complications, there are still things that bring me joy. Maybe, if I focus on those, everything else will fall into place.

With that thought, I finally drifted off to sleep, the sound of the carousel's music still in my mind.