The Meaning of Love

Chapter 2

"I'm home!" I yell as soon as I enter the house.

"No one gives a fuck!" A voice yells back. I remove my hair from its ponytail, allowing my dark brown curls to rest on my shoulder. I head straight to the kitchen, knowing that's the only place the culprit will be.

"No one likes your face Ingrid," I retort lamely to my sister who has Nutella all over her mouth. I stare at her in disgust. "and I mean it literally."

My sister is perched on an island stool, four empty jars of Nutella litter the island. A half empty jar rests in her hand.

"Well excuse me for being hungry," she gestures to her swollen belly. "as you can see I'm kinda busy eating for two." A loud burp breaks through the atmosphere.

"Ewww did you mix Nutella and lasagna?" I wrinkle my nose. Ingrid merely nods happily, taking another spoonful of Nutella.

Ingrid is my older sister by six years. She got pregnant five months ago, but her husband Tom is busy with numerous business trips in Australia. My mom thought it would be best to have her move back home, so that she could keep an eye on her. Apparently, that's what the Ghanaian tradition is all about. So that's how we got stuck with her.

Ever since she moved back in, my life has been resembling the devil's liar. All she does is eat, sleep, watch TV and repeat. And she developed an annoying habit of bossing me around whenever she's feeling lazy. Once she sent on a midnight errand to get her ice cream... on a school night.

I can't sneak out like I used to, because Ingrid is always breathing down my neck like a hawk. She's even worse than mom. I think she just does that because she wants company.

I can't wait for this baby to pop out, then I can get my freedom back. A smile graces my lips at that thought.

Ingrid goes back to eating. Her chocolate brown hair is in a messy bun at the top of her head, tiny curls framing her face. Her elbows rest on the counter as she eats.

I take out my phone and call Sarah. I tried to wait for her after school, but she had detention. I still can't guess what's wrong with her. Hungover Sarah is a bitch, but today she was bitchier than usual, meaning something happened.

Straight to voicemail.

I hang up and call two more times, both going to voicemail. That's weird. Detention ended ten minutes ago. Never mind, I'll just have to corner her tomorrow.

"Ellleeee," Ingrid drawls out my name. "we're out of Nutella." She holds up the jar which is almost empty.

"So?"

"So I want more."

"So get yourself more."

She crosses her arms, due to her pregnancy, her arms sort of rest on her belly. She stretches her lips into a calculating smile.

Uh oh, I know that smile, it can only mean one thing.

"Alright. And on my way I'll call dad and let him know that you forged a doctor's note using his signature because you overslept."

My heart starts beating rapidly. If my dad finds out I did this again, he'll surely take away my credit card.

"I don't know what you're talking about." I say with what I hope is confidence, but instead my voice comes out croaky. Ingrid raises one eyebrow expertly asking silently 'Is that so?'

"And while I'm at it, how about I mention how you snuck out to go to a party last night."

My breath hitched in my throat. I thought she was asleep.

Okay. I'm positively screwed now.

It's time to move to South Korea and change my name to Jang Di. That's not a bad idea, I'll get unlimited Korean dramas.

I groan in defeat and she grins, handing me some cash. I stomp out of the kitchen, but not before yelling.

"This baby better be cuter than Dave Franco in a tux!" And with that I slammed the door.

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I pull the car into the driveway and get out. Being the lazy genius I am, I decide to devise a plan to bring all five grocery bags with me. Two of which are filled to the brim with Nutella.

Yes, my lovely sister made me buy fifteen jars of Nutella, in addition to countless brands of junk food. Pregnancy is a bitch.

As I struggle to carry the bags from the trunk, I contemplate asking the maids to come get the bags, before I remember that Mondays are their days off. I hear a voice from behind me.

"Need some help with that?"

I am preoccupied with keeping the bags from falling, that I don't spare a glance at the person.

"Ummm, yeah." 'Obviously' I add in my head. The person takes the bags filled with Nutella from my hands.

"Than—" my gratitude is cut short when I catch a proper glimpse of my savior. I freeze instantly.

Ever experience the moment where you cross paths with someone from your past. Someone you never thought you'd see ever again. Someone who once held a special place in your heart and didn't even know it?

That paralyzing sensation is what I feel now. Even as his lips move, none of the words register in my dazed mind.

"Ellie!"

I snap out of my reverie and shake my head. He notes my confused expression and laughs awkwardly

"I said are you okay?"

"Ummm y-yeah." I breathe out. He smiles showing perfect, white teeth.

Standing in front of me is Alessandro Lewis, my old neighbor who is two years older than me. He used to be really good friends with my older brother Justin, till he moved to Europe four years ago.

I used to have the biggest crush on him. I remember always trying to find an excuse to see him and be around him, even if it annoyed my brother. He said he was never coming back so I got over the crush I had for him, even though it took two long years. But now he's here.

A much hotter version of him.

He now towers over me by at least nine inches. His brown hair is still the same length, but he looks paler. Also there's evidence of lots of gym time, by the muscles bulging from under his shirt.

"Wow Ellie, you've grown so much." he says as we head to my front door "How have you been?"

I note that he has a slight British accent.

You're over him Elle, remember that. I remind myself before answering him.

"I've been good, how about you?"

"Great actually, England's amazing."

"Wanna come in?"

"No, I have to help my sister finish unpacking, but it was nice seeing you." he quickly hands me the grocery bags and opens the door for me seeing as my hands are full.

He leaves but turns again "Hey Ellie," he scratches the back of his neck "if you're not busy tomorrow after school, maybe we could go out for some ice cream. So that we can catch up?"

I smile gently, trying to mask my surprise "I'd like that."

"Great, see you tomorrow then."

I enter my house and lean against the door.

Well shit.

A/N

Okay that's chapter 2 for you. I really hope you guys enjoyed reading it

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Till next time xx