It's been 2 days since Angelo's little offer...okay his huge offer. being able to intern at Mystic would be a huge deal for my future career. On one hand, I really wanted to get an opportunity like this. On the other, working with Angelo sounded like a major headache. I was in my room sitting at my desk reading.
I closed my book with a sigh, my mind still torn over whether I should accept Angelo's offer. Internship at Mystic was a massive opportunity, sure, but working with him sounded like a nightmare. I leaned back in my chair and ran my hands through my hair, feeling frustrated with myself. Why was it so hard to say yes?
I stood up from my desk and started pacing back and forth, trying to work through my thoughts. The opportunity was too good to pass up, but why did it have to be Angelo offering it? I felt torn, conflicted, and unsure what to do. Suddenly, there was a knock at my door, snapping me out of my thoughts. "Aaliyah did you clean the bathroom like I asked." My mother said with her thick accent. I let out a groan, frustrated at being interrupted at the moment. "Not yet, Mama,” I called out, my annoyance seeping into my voice.
I heard my mother's footsteps approaching my door and braced myself for the lecture that was surely coming. As she entered, I could see the disappointment written all over her face. "Aaliyah, what did I say about attitude?" she scolded, crossing her arms in front of her chest. “Sorry Mommy I just overwhelmed,” My mother's expression softened slightly at my apologetic tone. She walked over to me, resting her hand on my shoulder. "I understand you're stressed, but that is no excuse for speaking to me that way," she chided gently. "Now, please go finish cleaning the bathroom. It needs to be spotless before I start dinner.”
I nodded obediently, feeling somewhat guilty for my earlier attitude. "Yes, Mama," I replied, heading towards the bathroom to carry out my chore. As I cleaned, I couldn't help but think about the situation with Angelo once again.
As I scrubbed the bathroom floor, I couldn't help but question my situation yet again. Why was I the one who had to help Angelo? There were plenty of other girls he could ask, girls who would gladly do his bidding and bask in his attention.But then again, maybe that's why he chose me. Maybe he thought I would be more challenging, harder to win over. Maybe he thought my reluctance would make the reward sweeter. Just thinking about it made me want to scrub the toilet with extra force. “Aye aye calm down the toilet is clean Lyiah.” my cousin Nico said.
turned to find my cousin Nico standing in the doorway, smirking at me. "Hey, cuz," he greeted me with a nod, leaning against the frame. I rolled my eyes, playfully swatting at him with my cleaning rag. “when did you get back.” I gasp getting up to hug him. Nico had been in the military. I’m so happy to see him.
"Hey, woah woah, slow down," Nico chuckled, returning the hug tightly. "I just got back today. Thought I'd surprise you.” I squealed then realization hit me, "no wonder I'd been forced to clean the entire house.” Nico laughed. "Yeah, Auntie wanted everything spotless for my arrival," he said, giving me a knowing grin. "She's probably got some kind of feast planned for dinner tonight.”
"Now that's the kind of homecoming meal I can get behind," I said, my mouth already watering at the thought. "Man, it's been too long since I've had a proper Haitian meal." I wash my hands and Nico helps me put the cleaning supplies away. We start heading to the living room. “Did she make Kermas?”I rolled my eyes, shaking my head in mock exasperation. "You know she makes it when she makes oxtails. And if you're extra lucky, there might be macaroni pie too.”
Nico's eyes widened in excitement. "Macaroni pie?" he repeated, practically salivating at the thought. "Damn, if I knew she was going all out like this, I would've come back sooner.” I chuckled at his enthusiasm. "Just wait until you taste the jerk chicken. You might never want to leave again.” We both burst out laughing at the joke, the nostalgia hitting us hard. After a minute, we managed to compose ourselves. Nico glanced around the room, taking in the familiar surroundings. "I missed it here, you know?" he said, his voice softening. "Missed my favorite cousin, too.”
I smile a bit, "Ya know it hasn't been the same with you gone.” My voice was quiet. "I've missed having you around.” He smiled, "I had no one to do watch South Park with or play Mortal Kombat with.” He chuckled, "Ah, the good old days of South Park marathons,” I grinned at the memory. "Yeah, we spent hours playing that game," I said, my voice full of nostalgia. "I can still hear you screaming at the screen 'Finish him' over and over again.”
"Hey, if you hadn't kept cheap-shotting me with Kitana every time, maybe I wouldn't have had to scream so much," Nico retorted, feigning indignation. Kitana is the best female character hands down. Weak ass? Johnny Cage? I'll have you know he's the coolest character in the entire game!" Nico protested, clearly offended by my words. "And for your information, I only lost because you kept spamming the same combo over and over again with Kitana.”I scoffed, "Firstly Raiden and Liu kang are the best and secondly I did what I had to do to win.”
he rolled his eyes "Oh please, Raiden and Liu Kang are overrated," I argued back, getting just as riled up as Nico was. "And as for your win-by-any-means tactics, that's what separates the winners from the losers. You just can't handle my superior skills.” I laugh, “I would not be Able to do this with Amara.” I laugh, “I would not be Able to do this with Amara.” Nico laughed, "Speaking of Where is your demon of an older sister?”
"Well, you know Amara," I replied, rolling my eyes. "She's probably off terrorizing some unsuspecting soul somewhere.” Typical Amara behavior. "Actually you bald head scaly wag I'm working.” I nearly choked on my laughter as my sister Amara strutted into the room. “I’m doing my sales work from home today.” We turned to see Amaraneya standing in the doorway, looking unimpressed. She was dressed in a stylish black outfit that hugged her figure perfectly, and her hair was styled into a sleek bun. I could tell from the look on her face that she was feeling particularly bitchy today, which wasn’t exactly rare for her. "Well, aren't we being productive," I said, unable to resist teasing her a little.
"wearing black to hide the fact you're pregnant?" Nico teased. Amara rolled her eyes, clearly annoyed at both of our teasing. "Shut up, you two. I'm here working, unlike you two useless trolls.”"I was fighting for our country." Nico replied."Oh, pardon me for not being impressed by your little military stint," Amara shot back, her tone laced with sarcasm. "It's not like you were off fighting aliens on an intergalactic battlefield.”
I snorted at Amara's comment, unable to contain my laughter. "Oh, yeah? Well, I bet fighting aliens would be easier than dealing with your grumpy ass on a daily basis," I replied, still chuckling. Amara narrowed her eyes. “I hope Angelo puts glue in your hair gel.” I burst out laughing, unable to contain my amusement at the mental image Amara's comment had conjured. "I mean, who knows? Maybe a little glue could help tame that rat's nest you call hair.”
"Oh, please. You're one to talk. You have a better chance of taming your frizzy mess than taming my glorious fro," Amara replied, turning to give us a haughty look before disappearing down the hallway. "She's definitely pregnant." Nico joked "Yeah, no argument there," I agreed. "I'm calling it now, she's going to burst into tears and start craving weird food combinations any minute now. Pregnancy hormones are no joke.”
"I don't know how anyone could deal with Amara during this time. She was bad enough before, now she's going to be ten times worse.”
