Miss nobody strikes back

New Jersey

Chapter Six

Sunday.

Today was the day Aunt Susan sent someone to pick me up. My bags were packed, and I waited outside for Jenny to come say goodbye. I had told her about the incident, and she was sad. A while later, Jenny arrived.

"Aww, bestie, I can't believe you're leaving me for three months! Ahhh!" Jenny wailed, her arms dramatically outstretched.

"I'm so sorry, Jen. I tried to convince my parents, but you know how they are. I'm really going to miss you," I said, already feeling a lump forming in my throat. How was I supposed to live without Jenny by my side? I had gotten so used to her being there.

"I'm going to miss you too! But, hey, don’t be sad. We’ll talk on the phone every day!" Jenny replied, trying to cheer me up. Her smile faltered as she wrapped me in a tight hug.

"Ew! I knew I smelled something foul on my front porch! You two should get a room," a snarky voice interrupted. I didn’t even need to turn around to know who it was. Claire, my sister. She had a talent for ruining moments.

Before I could respond, Mum called from inside, "Hanna, the driver’s here!" I sighed. Jenny helped me load my bag into the trunk of the car. I turned to her and hugged her one last time, savoring the moment.

"Don’t forget to call me as soon as you get there, okay? And walk me through your every day with pictures!" Jenny demanded, typical Jenny. Always asking for photo updates.

"Of course, I will. Talk soon," I said, offering a small smile before getting into the car. The driver hit the accelerator, and soon, we were on our way.

I was a mix of emotions. Super excited but also super nervous. It had been so long since I last saw Aunt Susan. From what I remembered, she was the sweetest person. Claire didn’t like her because Aunt Susan frowned upon Claire's spoiled attitude.

The drive was long, so long that I ended up dozing off for most of it. When the car finally stopped, I was still yawning when the driver opened the door for me. I stepped out and gasped. Aunt Susan’s house was even bigger than I remembered. It was magnificent, almost intimidating.

Dragging my luggage behind me, I entered the house. The interior was warm and cozy, much like I remembered. Just as I was taking it all in, Aunt Susan appeared at the top of the stairs. People always said I looked like her. We both had red hair, though hers was short and straight, while mine was long and thick. She looked just as pretty as I remembered.

"Oh my goodness! If it isn’t my favorite twin redhead!" Aunt Susan teased, winking at me as she rushed down the stairs to hug me.

"Hi, Aunt Susan. It’s been a while," I replied, smiling as she pulled away.

"A while? Darling, it's been ages! You've grown so much, and your hair—wow! It’s thicker and longer than ever!" she exclaimed, marveling at my hair as usual.

"Thanks," I said shyly.

"You must be tired after that long journey. Come on, let me show you to your room," she said, grabbing one of my bags to help me. She led me to the guest room, which was way bigger than my room at home and incredibly cozy.

After taking a warm shower, I changed into a comfortable baggy shirt and trousers, feeling refreshed. I made my way to the living room, where Aunt Susan had already set the dinner table.

"Come on, let’s eat, and you can tell me all about life back home," Aunt Susan said, smiling warmly. I sat down beside her, taking a bite of the food. I gasped in delight. If I hadn't mentioned it before, Aunt Susan was an amazing cook.

"How is it?" she asked, watching me eagerly.

"It’s amazing!" I said, happily digging into my plate.

"So, how’s life back there?" she asked, her tone casual but curious. At the question, my mind flashed to the breakup, the betrayal, my parents. I must have looked upset because Aunt Susan quickly placed her hand on mine.

"It’s okay. You don’t have to tell me everything right away. You’re here for three months. We’ve got time," she said gently.

"Yeah," I mumbled, grateful for her understanding. I decided to change the subject. "Where’s Uncle Jack?" I asked, noticing his absence.

"Oh, he’s on a business trip, but he should’ve been home by now. Maybe he's stuck in traffic," Aunt Susan said. Just as she spoke, Uncle Jack walked through the door.

Aunt Susan's face lit up as she rushed to hug him. "Honey, hi! Did you miss me?" Uncle Jack asked, kissing her forehead.

"Of course I missed you! It’s been years," she joked, laughing in that playful, childlike voice of hers.

They were so adorable together. It was sad that they didn’t have kids. They would’ve made amazing parents. Aunt Susan turned to me. "Hanna’s here to spend the summer with us!"

"Hi, Uncle Jack," I greeted him, and he smiled warmly.

"Wow, Hanna, you've grown so much. I can’t believe it’s been fifteen years since I last saw you!" he said, shaking his head in disbelief.

"I know, right?" Aunt Susan chimed in. "We’re so happy to have you here. This is your second home, so make yourself comfortable."

"Thank you, Uncle Jack. I’m really excited to be here," I said, feeling genuinely happy.

"Why don’t you go take a nice, hot shower, and then we can all have dinner together," Aunt Susan suggested to him, and he nodded, heading off to clean up.

Later that night, I headed to bed, feeling exhausted despite sleeping through most of the drive. I hadn't called Jenny yet, so I grabbed my phone and sent her a few texts.

*Hi, Jen! I’m home, just getting ready for bed.*

*Really? How was the journey? Hope it wasn’t too stressful?* - Jenny

*Not really. I slept the entire time. Typical me, right?* - Hanna

*Typical Hanna! 😄 I’m missing you already!* - Jenny

*I’m missing you too. I’ll tell you all about Aunt Susan and Uncle Jack tomorrow.* - Hanna

*With pics, of course!* - Jenny

*Yeah, with pics. 😅* - Hanna

*Goodnight, love you!* - Jenny

*Night, love you too* - Hanna

After chatting with Jenny, I felt lighter and more at peace, though I was already missing her. Dropping my phone on the dresser, I sighed. My parents hadn’t even called to check if I had arrived safely. It hurt, but I brushed it off. This summer was about me—no drama, no stress, just a new beginning. It was time for the "new Hanna."