𝐀𝐩𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐞

1-13

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As we reach the mid-season mark, I'd like to dedicate this chapter to two special readers. Thank you @brwnsugababe and @CheyWritesss for your comments on almost every chapter. I notice them and I appreciate them!!
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November 27, 2019

AREUM

"Gigi!" I shouted as I walked inside her apartment. Receiving no response, I huffed and trudged through the earth-toned living room, picking up stray clothes as I moved. I shook my head as I entered the disorganized bedroom. Her pink socks were on the floor, her clothes strewn all over the bed, an open half-filled suitcase taking most of the space.

"GI PARKER, IF YOU DON'T COME CLEAN THIS ROOM UP!" I yelled, hands shuffling in an attempt to clean up. "Stop yelling Areum," Gi mumbled as she walked out the bathroom, a green towel enveloping her slender body.

"Why is it so messy?" I questioned. "Because I'm trying to pack. Selecting clothes is a hard process sis," Gi calmly explained. I rolled my eyes at the excuse, "Anyway, we have to leave in two hours so, hurry up."

Gi's eyes widened, "TWOOOO HOURSSS??? Wasn't it just 8 in the morning?"

Nodding solemnly, I said, "Yes. And now it's 10, so put some pep in your step, young lady." Gi sighed and quickly slipped on some clothing. "Help me out?" she sheepishly asked. Nodding once more, I walked to the bed. The two of us worked quickly, Gi packing her suitcase as I fixed her room.

The blaring of my phone shocked us out of our focus. "Mommy," I greeted, stepping out of the bedroom. I walked inside the kitchen, huffing at the dirty dishes. Placing my mother on speaker, I grabbed some gloves and gathered the necessary supplies, beginning to clean.

"Good morning, Malishka," she replied. "What are you doing?" she inquired, hearing my continuous shuffling. "I'm washing the dishes for Gigi," I answered simply. "Oh."

I sighed, discontent with my mother's hostility towards my innocent younger sister. I didn't call her out, though, choosing to leave that conversation for another day.

"You're really not spending Thanksgiving with us?"

Though my mother was a proud Russian, she had grown fond of the English holidays, having lived in England for decades. As a result, she adopted key holidays such as Christmas and Thanksgiving, celebrating them with her family every year.

"No mama. Eva has been asking for a while, so I finally agreed. Besides, this will be my first thanksgiving with Gi. I don't think your side of your family would be too happy with her presence," I explained as I rinsed my final plate, removing my gloves, and cleaning the counter.

"Can you blame them?" my mother asked indignantly. "Yes, mama, I most certainly can," I said curtly, snatching the phone. Walking to the supply closet, I quickly grabbed a broom and dustpan.

"We got thirty minutes sis," Gi yelled. "Girl, we could've been at the airport by now if you had packed and cleaned on time!" I quickly responded, sweeping at a fast pace. "Shushhh, let's not talk about the past darling," Gi cooed in that way of hers that reminded me of my beloved Eva.

"Well, it seems you're busy. Text me when you're boarding. Stay safe Malishka, Ya lyublyu tebya," my mother said.
{Stay safe baby, I love you}.

"Ya tozhe tebya lyublyu," I responded before flinging the phone on the couch. 15 minutes later, I successfully cleaned both the kitchen and living room. As I fluffed the pillows on the couch, Gi walked out while rolling her suitcase behind her. "I'm readyyy," she sang, causing me to roll my eyes. {I love you too}.