Finding Us (Interracial Romance)

Grounded By Love

Cecilia

I'm smell of lavender from taking a shower subsequent to working out with my cousins; Reagan, Misty, and Lizzy, but there's nothing like coming back to my parents' house to reset. The sound of Jake and Zayna laughing from the living room reaches me before I'm even through the door. They're like that—always full of energy, even when I'm running on fumes.

As I step inside, the smell of my mom's cooking immediately hits me—home. I inhale deeply, pausing in the hallway, taking it all in. It's crazy how, no matter how much time passes, this place never changes. And I'm thankful for that.

"Cece!" Jake's voice booms as he rushes over, pulling me into a tight hug. He's grown so much, taller than me now, and I still can't get used to it. Zayna follows right behind him, her shoulder length curls bouncing with every step, a big smile on her face.

"You're getting strong, Jake," I say, pretending to struggle against his hug and he grins proudly.

"Trying to keep up with you," he jokes, releasing me, and Zayna wraps her arms around me.

"You smell like you were picking flowers at a lavender field." Zayna says, inhaling my scent but hugging me tighter. "How was it with the cousins?"

"Same old," I laugh. "Reagan's bossy, Lizzy's full of jokes, and Misty's the life of the party. It was a good workout, though. Needed it."

I slip off my sneakers, leaving them by the door as Jake and Zayna lead me into the living room.

"After dinner, Jake and I are going to Bowl-a-Rama with Ellie and Bradley. Wanna come?" Zayna asks. 

"You know me; I'm coming over to spend quality time with y'all, eat, and go home." I reply and it's not an excuse. When Mom and Dad invite me for dinner, I usually catch up with my family members, eat some banging food, and go home because I got work in the morning. 

"Aww, man!" Jake and Zayna reply simultaneously and their shoulders drop. 

"I'm sorry, guys." I pat their shoulders, comforting both of them. "If you want, I can drive you guys to Bowl-a-Rama after dinner." 

I watch them widening their eyes as the corners of their mouths curve upwards. "Thanks, Cece!" Both Jake and Zayna give me a bone-crushing hug before they dash through the kitchen to make their plates. 

The sight of my parents relaxing on the couch makes my heart swell. They're quietly chatting with Aunt Sharon and Uncle Patrick, who must've come over while I was out.

"You look tired, mija," my mom says, her voice soft with concern. She looks at me the way she always does, like I'm still her little girl.

"Just a long day," I say, placing a gentle kiss on her cheek. Jake and Zayna sit on either side of me. "But a good one."

Sheila and Carlissa are sitting with Lucas and Eric, laughing over something on Sheila's phone in the dining room. The whole room feels warm, like a big family hug. I sneak my way behind them with a mischievous grin playing on my lips.

"Wazzup?!" I grin as I watch the scene unfold. Four of them practically leap out of their seats like someone just dropped a spider on them.

"Damn, Cece! Don't do that!" Carlissa scolds, trying to catch her breath, her hand clutching her chest like I really just gave her a heart attack.

I can't help but snicker. "Aw, c'mon, that was classic!" I give each of them a hug, one by one.

Lucas and Eric, always the instigator, guffaws and grabs a single sour cream and onion chip from the bowl, chomping down on it with dramatic flair. "That was dope, Cecilia!" He sticks out his hand, and of course, I slap him a high five.