La Familià (Lim X Vergara Family) Au

XXXV

Feeling a mix of disappointment and loneliness, Selah decided that if her parents couldn’t go out with her, she’d make plans with her friends. She needed a break, some time away from the house and the constant reminder of how things had changed since Silas was born. She picked up her phone and quickly texted her two closest friends, Crielle and Aviona. Both of them were known for their fun-loving, carefree attitudes, and Selah knew they’d understand how she was feeling.

Selah: Hey, guys! Are you free today? I need to get out of the house. How about we hit the mall or grab some food?

It didn’t take long for her phone to light up with replies.

Crielle: Omg yes! I’ve been dying to do something. I’ll meet you anywhere.*

Aviona: Same! I’ve been so bored. Let’s do it. What time?

Selah smiled for the first time that day. She could always count on Crielle and Aviona to lift her spirits. They had a similar energy, a bit rebellious, and they always knew how to have a good time. It was exactly what she needed to forget about her family situation for a while.

Selah: How about in an hour? I need to clear my head.

Crielle: Perfect! See you soon.

Aviona: On my way!

Selah felt a sense of relief as she got ready, swapping out her casual home clothes for something more stylish. She knew her friends would instantly make her forget the heaviness she had been feeling, at least for a few hours. As she looked at herself in the mirror, she reminded herself that it was okay to want time for herself, even with everything going on at home.

Within an hour, she was out the door and on her way to the mall. As she walked down the busy streets, the sun warming her face, she began to feel lighter. It wasn’t her parents' fault that things had changed, but she needed to find her own space in this new reality. And right now, that meant a fun day with her friends.

When she arrived at the mall, Crielle and Aviona were already waiting by their usual meet-up spot near the entrance. Both of them waved excitedly when they saw her.

“Finally!” Crielle grinned, pulling Selah into a quick hug. “We’ve been dying to hang out. You’ve been so MIA lately!”

Aviona smirked, crossing her arms. “I was starting to think you’d forgotten about us.”

Selah smiled, grateful to see them. “I know, I’m sorry. It’s just been crazy at home with Silas and everything.” She sighed. “I needed this.”

“Girl, say no more. Today’s about us,” Crielle said, looping her arm through Selah’s. “We’re going to have fun, and forget about all that drama at home.”

Aviona nodded, her mischievous grin widening. “Exactly. Let’s hit the stores first, and then grab something to eat. I’m starving.”

As they walked into the mall together, Selah felt the tension in her chest start to ease. Being with Crielle and Aviona was just what she needed a reminder that she wasn’t alone, and that there were people in her life who could always make her laugh, even when things felt overwhelming.

For the first time in a while, Selah was ready to enjoy herself without worrying about what was happening at home.