Best Friends & Broken Frames
Alice's POV
I got home from school and the smell of mum’s cooking hit me the moment I opened the door. I smiled—it always felt good to be home.
Baby Kei was sitting on the living room floor, surrounded by his toys. As soon as he saw me, he jumped up and ran toward me.
“Ally!” he squealed, and I bent down to scoop him up into a hug.
“Hey, sweetie,” I whispered as I kissed his cheek. His tiny arms clung to me tightly.
Mum peeked out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. “Hey, sweetheart. How was school?”
“It was okay... except I got into another fight,” I said, avoiding her gaze while running my fingers through Kei’s hair.
Mum stepped into the room, frowning. “Another fight, Alice? Really?”
I rolled my eyes—very subtly. “Mum, he started it! Elam took my Math book and hid it until the lesson was over. Then he said he liked seeing me suffer. What was I supposed to do? Smile?”
“Elam again?” she asked, her tone sharper now.
I nodded slowly.
She let out a sigh. “Young lady, the next time you get into a fight, you're grounded for two weeks. I mean it. And if your dad finds out—”
“Please don’t tell Dad,” I cut in quickly, my eyes wide. “If he hears, he’ll cancel my birthday party, and I’ve already invited people!”
She paused, her stern expression softening a little. “Fine. But only if you promise—no more fights. Promise me, Ally.”
“I promise,” I mumbled, even though deep down I wasn’t so sure Elam would let me keep it.
After cuddling Kei for a bit, I headed to my room… and froze.
Clothes were scattered everywhere. My closet door was wide open, and books were thrown onto the floor. Then I saw it—my photo frame from Grandpa, shattered near the nightstand.
My chest tightened.
“No, no, no…” I whispered, kneeling to pick it up.
The glass had cracked across the middle, and the corner was chipped. It had been the last gift Grandpa gave me before he passed away. I’d promised to take care of it.
I stormed out, heart pounding. “Mum! Why did you let Kei into my room?”
She turned from the stove, confused. “What?”
“He broke my photo frame! The one Grandpa gave me. I promised to take care of it…”
Her expression changed instantly. She walked over and pulled me into a hug. “Oh sweetie, I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize he’d gone in. I’ll get you another frame, I promise.”
“I broke my promise to Grandpa…” I whispered, blinking back tears—but they still fell.
Just then, Sam walked in, dropping his bag on the chair. “Hey people, I’m home!” he called, as usual, loud enough to shake the walls.
He paused when he saw me crying. “What happened?”
Mum filled him in. Sam came over, gently ruffling my hair.
“Kei’s just a baby, Ally. He didn’t mean to hurt you. I’ll help Mum get you a new frame, okay?”
I nodded, wiping my face.
Later, I was lying on my bed when my phone buzzed. The screen lit up: Vee.
“Hello Ally, I’ve missed you so much!” her voice chirped through the phone.
“Hey Vee, I missed you too. When are you coming back?”
“That’s why I called! I’m already back. Want to come over for a sleepover?”
“Seriously?” I sat up, a smile forming. “Let me ask Mum. I’ll be there soon!”
Fifteen minutes later, Sam was driving me to her place. Kei cried as I left, so we took him along.
Vee’s mum, Maggie, welcomed me with a warm smile. “You’re just in time! We’ve got snacks and movies waiting.”
After catching up with Maggie for a bit, I headed into Vee’s room where she was waiting, two pillows and a bowl of popcorn ready for battle.
This was the break I needed.
Tomorrow would be another day. But tonight, I was going to laugh, eat popcorn, and forget everything—even if just for a while.
YOU ARE READING
I Came Back For You
Romansa"Did you ever think of us and what we used to be?" "There's not a single day passed that I failed to think of you. It killed me not knowing where to find you.Am glad I have you back"
