Chapter 33.5 – How We Got Together (Part 13)

(Dual Narration / Flashback Sequence)

Present-Day Alex (Narrating)

This was the moment where…
Everything changed.
Not just how we saw each other…
…but how we trusted each other.

Present-Day Natalie (Narrating)

This was the moment when…
My heart stopped thinking.
And just followed him.
Not because I had no choice…
But because he was the only one I could see in the dark.

Present-Day Alex & Natalie (Narrating Together)

Our bonds linked—
In fear.
In silence.
In that cold, broken place…
Where only the sound of our breathing echoed through ancient stone.

Flashback – Natalie’s POV

“Ugh…”
My eyes flutter open.

My head’s spinning. My body aches.
And my hand’s resting against something… soft.

Something solid. Warm. Steady.

…Alex?

I jolt up in panic—
Only to see him just inches from me. His breathing shallow. Eyes half-lidded but focused.

He winces slightly as he sits up, rubbing the back of his neck. Dust and dirt cling to his jacket. He looks like he got hit by a truck… and then punched the truck back.

“Alex…!” I gasp.

He gives me a tired smirk. “Yeah… I’m good.”

I can see the bruises. Scratches. That tiny cut near his temple.

He looks at me again—this time softer.

“You okay?” he asks.

I nod, unable to speak.
Why do you always ask that when you’re the one bleeding?

He glances around, eyes narrowing.
His instincts are kicking in.

We’re inside… something.
Stone walls. No light. Just the scent of earth and time.

Then he mutters under his breath—

“…We’re not out of danger. Ground might still be unstable. Don’t shout.”

Even his voice is calm. Commanding.

He reaches out—not hesitating—
And pulls me gently by the wrist.

There’s no embarrassment. No blush. No teasing.
Just… trust.

Right now… he’s all I have.

If he’s not here—
How would I even survive this?

Then he spots something in the corner.

“Hey… there’s a pathway.”
His voice is sharper now, like he’s tracking something.

He crouches and picks up a small rock, tapping it against the wall in a rhythmic pattern—
Knock. Knock. Knock—knock knock.

Morse code?

A few seconds later…
Another knock responds. From above.

He exhales a breath of relief. “Good. They heard us. But we’ll need to move.”

I can’t take my eyes off him.

That look in his eyes… it’s the same from back then—
When he save Ms. Jackie when she had a mild heart attack …
Or when he stood between me and Wan’s goons, fists clenched like he’d tear them apart if they laid a hand on me.

He's always been like this.
And yet, somehow, I’m just now realizing it.

He cracks a green glow stick. Snap—fsssh.

A soft green light fills the chamber, revealing more of the ancient stone… and the worry in his eyes.

He hands the glow stick to me and says, “Can you walk?”

I nod again. “Y-Yeah.”

“Good.”
Then he kneels and pulls out a climbing rope from his emergency kit.

Without warning, he loops it gently around my waist—then his. Knotting us together with a practiced tug.

“W-What are you doing?” I stammer.

He finishes the knot and stands. “This way, we won’t get separated. Not in the dark. Not in here.”

I blink.

My heart skips.

Tied together.
Literally.

“Let’s move,” he says, eyes ahead. “Stay close.”

“…Idiot,” I whisper softly behind him, my cheeks burning in the glow.

We venture deeper into the tunnel—
A narrow path swallowed by darkness, with only the dim green glow of the stick lighting the way.

The air grows cooler. Heavier.
Cobwebs stretch across the corners of ancient stone.
Dust swirls with every step we take.

“This must be a hidden passage…” I mutter to myself, narrowing my eyes at the etched walls. “The ancients probably used it to reach the altar—away from open sight.”

Present-Day Natalie (Narrating)

This is one of Alex’s rare talents.
Something… uniquely him.

No fear of the dark.
No panic in isolation.
Just focus. Survival.
His instincts are terrifyingly sharp—like he’s meant to walk paths no one else dares touch.

That’s what makes him…

Alex.

Natalie’s POV (Flashback)

I walk slowly behind him, my breathing shallow.

Somewhere in my head, I swear I hear the theme music from Indiana Jones. The way the walls curve, the air thick with ancient silence—it’s like we’re in a movie.

Alex doesn’t flinch. Doesn’t hesitate.

He walks as if he knows this place.

Each step he takes is careful, deliberate.

“This is exactly what Mom warned me about…” he mutters without turning around. “Trap mechanisms. Pressure plates. Collapsing floors. Never trust an old ruin, especially one buried for centuries.”

I nod silently. Too nervous to speak.
All I can do now… is follow his footsteps.

Then—

Without realizing it, I reach out and grab his arm.

He tenses slightly, surprised.
But he doesn’t look back. Doesn’t pull away.

I’m trembling.

I hate it.
But I’m afraid.
For the first time in a long while… I’m truly scared.

Alex is calm.
Eerily calm.

“Just focus,” he says softly. “We’ll get out of this.”

Alex’s Side -

After what feels like half an hour of crawling through history, I glance around and chuckle.

“…This is funny,” I say, voice low. “This whole place reminds me of Mom’s storage room back home.”

“Huh?” Natalie asks, blinking.

“I mean it. Weird shapes, shadowy corners, endless stacks of ancient junk… praying none of it’s cursed.”

She finally laughs, just a little.

It’s soft. But real.

“Jeez… your mom’s house sounds like a museum owned by a witch.”

“Yeah. Accurate.”
I grin. “But hey… helps build character.”

We keep moving, side by side. The glow stick flickers against ancient rock until we reach—

A staircase.

Stone.
Carved directly into the passage itself.

We descend slowly, every step echoing. Until…

Dead end.

Natalie tenses. “Wait… that’s it?”

I stare at the wall, thinking.

Then quietly untie the rope between us.

Her eyes go wide. “H-Hey! What are you doing?!”

“Hang on,” I say, placing a hand on the wall.
“There’s something weird here…”

I press lightly—

RUMBLE.

The wall moves.

A stone slab shifts inward, revealing a faint glow from the other side.

“A-Are you Superman or something!?” Natalie stammers, half-impressed, half-horrified.

“There’s a mechanism. A trapdoor,” I say, brushing dust from my hands. “Stone pressure release. Like in old cliff dwellings. Ingenious stuff.”

Light floods through the gap.

Then—
“HEY! You two alright?!”

Mr. Hawk’s voice echoes down from above.

Natalie gasps. “Dad!!”

I reach out, pull the panel open further and push her forward into the light.

She’s safe.

Outside – Reunion

Mr. Hawk pulls Natalie into a tight embrace.

“Dad!!” she says, voice cracking. “I’m okay—I’m okay…”

“I knew you’d make it, sweetheart,” he says, holding her tight.

Meanwhile, Mom rushes over and yanks me by the sleeve.

“Hey, good job with that rock signal,” she says proudly. “Smart thinking.”

“Yeah…” I scratch the back of my neck. “Just lucky we saw the hallway… and that pressure ridge near the edge.”

“You think that was an elevator system?” I add, pointing toward the passage.

Professor Hawk straightens up, visibly thrilled. “Absolutely! Based on the formation, it’s likely the ancient Navajo utilized a stone pulley system for ceremonial travel. This is a major find!”

But before I can even finish my sentence—

WHUMP.

Natalie crashes into me.

Her arms wrap tightly around my back. Her face buried in my chest.

“I was scared,” she mumbles. “I didn’t want to say it… but I was.”

I freeze.

My arms hover.

But eventually… I place them around her.

“Hey… it’s nothing,” I whisper. “We’re fine now.”

She tightens the hug.

“Shut up, dummy,” she whispers. “You always say that like it’s no big deal.”

The sun’s already begun to dip low behind the canyon ridges.

Amber light paints long shadows across the earth, and a cool breeze brushes over the worn stone ground.

We step out from the hidden passage—blinking under the sudden brightness—into the wide open, free air.

Mr. Hawk’s already several steps away, speaking urgently on the satellite phone. His tone is official—calm but sharp—as he informs the local authorities and tribal elders about the ancient altar and the hidden elevator path.

Mom wipes dust from her cheek and turns to me with a warm smirk.

“You three hang around here for a bit. You need rest—especially you two.”

I nod, exhaling long. “Yeah…”

I drop down onto a rock bench nearby, legs weak from adrenaline and silent relief.

Natalie sits beside me—still holding onto my arm.

She doesn’t say anything.
Her grip’s not tight… but it’s firm.

As if she’s afraid I’ll disappear the moment she lets go.

I glance at her.

“What?” I ask.

Her cheeks flush slightly.
She looks away. “Nothing.”

“You’re all safe and sound now, you know.”

“I know…” she murmurs.

Then, a beat later—

“Thanks. Again.”

I blink. Her voice trembles just slightly.

“…You’re welcome.”

For a moment, everything’s quiet.
Just the wind.
And the sound of distant hawks in the sky.

After the Cleanup

By now, the site’s marked off with temporary warning signs. Bright orange rope cordons off the collapsed area. Mr. Hawk finishes his call and returns, brushing his hands off.

“Authorities are on their way. I’ll stay behind to meet the tribal elders when they arrive.”

He turns to Natalie. “Time for you to head home, sweetheart.”

But before she can move, she’s already standing close—right next to me.

“Okay, Dad…” she replies quietly.

Then Mr. Hawk turns to me with a knowing grin.

“Alex, mind looking after her again?”

“Eh? W-Why me again?”

Natalie gives me a small smile.

“Because I’m going with you.”

“Huh—what?”

She turns—approaching my mom like she’s asking permission to join an expedition.

“Um… is it okay if I… come with you? Just for a bit?”

Mom blinks once—then smiles with that all-too-familiar mischievous glint in her eye.

“Sure. I don’t mind. What about you, Mr. Hawk?”

He chuckles and shrugs. “Yeah, it’s fine. I’ve got work to do here anyway.”

Natalie waves goodbye, and her dad waves back—just once—but he’s smiling softly. A quiet, trusting kind of goodbye.

And then…

She stands closer to me.
Really close.

Mom notices it.
Grins harder.

I pretend not to see.

Car Ride – Peaceful Moments

Back in the car, the desert heat has faded into a soft evening chill.

Hana’s in the backseat—sound asleep in her carrier, a little drool trailing down her cheek.

And Natalie…

She’s curled beside me, head resting gently on my shoulder.
Fast asleep.

I stay still.

Not because I’m uncomfortable—
But because I don’t want to move.
Because she looks peaceful.
Like the weight of today finally let go.

Mom drives silently for a while, letting the road hum lull us.

Then she glances at me from the rear-view mirror.

“She had an adventure today.”

I smile faintly. “Yeah… that was a close one, Mom. But honestly… it was fun.”

She hums. “Are you happy?”

I blink.
“…Huh?”

And then—
I feel it.

Tears.

Sliding down my cheeks without warning.

“…What the…”

Mom doesn’t stop smiling.

“Must be your wish, right?”

My throat tightens.

“…Yeah. Must be.”

My eyes glance down at Natalie—her fingers loosely curled, her breath soft, her hair slightly tousled from the wind and ruins.

If she were Frederica…

If she were the one from back then, the girl I couldn’t protect…

“I’d definitely…”

Mom whispers quietly.
“But this is Nat.”

“And you saved her.”

I nod slowly, voice barely a whisper.

“…Yeah.”

Present-Day Alex (Narrating)

That moment…
With Natalie beside me… I didn’t understand it fully back then.

But now?

I know why I reached out.
Why I jumped for her.
Why I held on, even when the world crumbled beneath us.

Was it to save Frederica?

Maybe…
But more than that—
I think I just didn’t want to lose her.

Because Natalie…
Was the only light I had left.

Alex’s Side -

The car hums softly as we drive through the winding canyon roads. The sun’s low, painting everything gold and sleepy.

I’m in the front seat, buckled in. Arms folded. Staring out the window.

My legs still ache from the climb. My face feels like it was hit with a sandstorm. I think there’s a dead leaf stuck in my hoodie.

Behind me…

Hana is knocked out cold, her pacifier barely hanging on, her head lolling against Natalie’s arm.

And Natalie?

She hasn’t said much since we left the site. She’s been unusually quiet—just gently cradling Hana like she’s done it a hundred times. I catch glimpses of her reflection in the side mirror—her eyes soft, her cheek resting against the baby’s head.

It’s… weird.
Natalie. Quiet. Soft. Not arguing. Not complaining.
Just… peaceful.

Mom glances at me with a smirk. She’s been humming some old folk song since we got on the road.

Then, out of nowhere—

“Is it okay if I stay with you guys this weekend?”

My head whips around.

I stare straight back at Natalie through the rear-view mirror.

“…Huh?”

She looks away quickly, suddenly busy adjusting Hana’s blanket.

“I mean… it’s just… I don’t wanna go home yet.”

Mom’s ears perk up.

“Oh?” she says in her suspiciously sweet tone. “Well, I don’t see why not.”

I immediately squint at her. “Wait—what?”

“But,” Mom continues, tapping the steering wheel, “we do need to stop by your place first, Nat. Gotta let your mom know where you’re disappearing to.”

Natalie nods. “Okay.”

I turn back forward slowly.
Brain completely blank.

Did she just say she wants to stay?
With us?
With… me?

I feel a weird flutter in my stomach. Like butterflies. Or bees. Or maybe both having a boxing match.

Behind me, I hear Natalie giggle as Hana kicks in her sleep.

Mom side-eyes me from the driver’s seat.

“You look red.”

“I’m not!”

“You are.”

“Mom!”

She just laughs. “Aiyaaa~ ten years old and already acting like your dad...”

Arrival – Natalie’s House

We pull up to Natalie’s place just as the sky starts to turn purple.

And of course—
Standing outside on the porch like final bosses—

Natalie’s mom and older sister.

Both with that same wide grin.
Both waving like they knew this would happen.

Mom turns off the car and immediately steps out like she’s going to a tea party.

I stay in the front seat.

Frozen.

Natalie unbuckles, leans forward, and says softly, “Wait here, okay? I’ll grab my stuff and I’ll be quick.”

I nod… very slowly.

She steps out with Hana still half-asleep in her arms.

And I’m just sitting there.

My ten-year-old instincts kick in.

Something’s not right.
This feels like… a setup.
Like two moms just brokered a secret alliance.

I glance at the rear-view mirror.

Natalie’s sister is whispering something.
Natalie’s face is turning red.

My eyes narrow.

“I gotta get outta here…”

I can’t sit still anymore.

Waiting inside the car feels like sitting in a trap with emotional landmines ticking all around me. Mom’s already outside, chatting with Natalie’s mom like they’re planning a joint family merger.

I take a breath, grab the door handle, and quietly step out.

Just introduce yourself. Just be polite. Smile. Don’t die.

That’s what I tell myself.

My feet shuffle awkwardly up to the porch, where Natalie’s mom—with curly, shoulder-length dirty blonde hair and a welcoming smile—immediately notices me.

She turns, her gaze locking onto mine.

“Well then,” she says warmly, voice calm but piercing, “at least Nat has someone I can trust.”

…Trust?

Wait a second.
Did she just say “trust”?

Lady, I’m ten.
I just stopped mixing up my left shoe with my right like three months ago!

Before I can mentally protest, another voice chimes in from the side.

“Told you, Mom. He’s interesting.”

Standing with her arms crossed and a smirk like she’s been watching this play out for years—Phylis, Natalie’s older sister.

“Last time we met,” she continues, “was when Nat dragged us to her best friend’s food truck. You remember, right? That whole disaster with the spilled boba tea? Yeah, that kid? That was him.”

She points at me.

Me.

Interesting.
Why does that word sound more dangerous coming from her?

My mom starts explaining the whole situation—about the ancient ruins, the underground passage, how Natalie fell and I went after her, all of it. And as usual, she makes it sound like I’m some kind of action movie hero instead of a panicked kid yelling “DON’T DIE!” the whole way down.

Natalie’s mom listens quietly—then suddenly steps forward.

And hugs me.

“Thank you, son…” she says, her voice trembling a little. “If it weren’t for you… God knows what would’ve happened to Nat…”

I freeze like a statue.

Hug.
What do I do in a hug again?
Do I breathe? Do I tap her back twice? Do I cry?

“Uh… no need to mention it, seriously…” I mumble. “I just did… what I had to do…”

Before I can recover, Phylis reaches out and rubs my head, tousling my already messy hair.

“Attaboy,” she says with a grin.

Present-Day Alex (Narrating)

Funny, looking back on it now…

At that time, she towered over me. Now I’m twice her height.

And yeah—life’s even weirder now, because Phylis teaches at our school.

That same smug older-sister energy?

Still terrifying.

Back to Alex –

“Yeah… all good,” I say, standing there like a lost delivery boy.

Phylis places a hand on my shoulder.

“Thanks, Alex. For looking after my little sister. I know she can be a total pain in the butt—but she’s still my little Nat.”

I rub the back of my neck awkwardly.

“Uh… yeah. I mean… I kinda enjoy it. I mean—not the pain part. Just… her hobby.”

“Hobby?” they both ask at once—her mom and Phylis now fully locked in “curious big sister” mode.

“Oh… uh—yeah,” I say, trying to find the words. “She got scouted at that design event. Wants to be part of this fashion exhibition. She's really serious about it.”

Their eyes widen.

“That’s what this is all about?” Phylis murmurs.

“She didn’t tell us it was that big,” Natalie’s mom adds, clearly surprised.

“Yeah… she was really into it,” I say. “You should’ve seen her. I think she even made someone cry with her design critique. And I ended up carrying like ten bags of fabric…”

Both women pause. Then—

Phylis grins.

“Well… if that’s the case,” she says, giving my shoulder a light squeeze, “I’m just glad it’s you who’s with her. Honestly, what your mom told us about you… made me feel relieved.”

“H-Huh?” I stammer. “Relieved?”

“She said you’re the kind of boy who always stands in front when it counts. Quiet, sharp, and calm—even when everything’s falling apart.”

“I think she overhyped me…” I mutter. “I’m pretty sure I just panicked with style.”

Natalie’s mom laughs.

Phylis shakes her head.

“Nah,” she says, ruffling my hair one more time.

“With that kind of attitude… Nat’s in safe hands.”

The sky’s getting darker now—dipped in soft amber and faded blue.

While I’m still standing near the car, the rumble of an engine pulls my attention to the road.

A familiar heavy truck rolls up, tires crunching gently on gravel, before it slows and parks neatly along the sidewalk.

The driver steps out—boots first, then denim jeans, a faded vest with tribal stitching.

Mr. Hawk.

Natalie’s dad.

He closes the truck door with one hand and nods toward us.

“Looks like everyone’s here…”

His voice is calm—deep, warm, like he’s never once been surprised by the world.

I straighten my posture quickly, step forward, and bow.

“Sorry for all the trouble, sir…”

But before I can pull away—

He places a firm hand on my shoulder.
Then crouches down, his eyes now almost level with mine.

The wind plays with the ends of his tied-back hair.

“Son… with the way you acted earlier,” he says, voice low and sincere, “you made sure Nat came home safe. That’s more than most men can say.”

I open my mouth. But nothing comes out.

My heart's thumping.
Not from pride.
But from the pressure of something breaking inside.

Suddenly—

Something warm rolls down my cheek.

My left eye.

I quickly turn around, rubbing it with my sleeve.

“Ah—sorry… I’m okay. I’m good… I’m cool,” I mutter. “Don’t worry about it. Since Nat’s my friend, I just did what anyone would’ve done.”

Mr. Hawk doesn’t say anything for a moment.

I hear voices nearby. Mom’s already walking with Natalie’s mom—Ms. Claire—toward the parked car, both giggling like old schoolgirls.

“Hey, Claire… there’s something I wanna talk to you about.”

“Oh no… not another gossip session,” Ms. Claire laughs.

I pretend not to notice.
But part of me sighs in relief.

Moms. Doing mom things.

The Bench Beside the Truck

Mr. Hawk gestures to the bench beneath the tree just outside Natalie’s yard.

We both sit.

Quiet at first.

Nearby, Phylis is helping with Hana, while my mom, Ms. Claire, and their shared laughter drift lazily on the evening wind.

Then—

Mr. Hawk speaks softly, “I heard from your mom. About your past… son.”

My fingers curl on my lap.

That’s something I never wanted to hear out loud. Not from anyone else. Not from an adult.

It’s like my entire body stiffens.

My thoughts blur.

My chest feels tight.

I don’t say anything. I just stare at the dirt under my shoes.

That feeling again.

My mind locking the doors.

My body refusing to listen.

A defense mechanism.

Keeping me from…
accepting…
the truth.

She’s still alive…

But if that’s true—then why does it still feel like I lost everything?

Mr. Hawk looks out toward the horizon.

Then he begins, voice quiet, almost like he’s telling a sacred story to the wind.

“You know… in Navajo culture, there's a story.
The story of Changing Woman.
She was born from the Holy People, and she brings balance, renewal, and life.
She’s the mother of the Hero Twins—warriors who fought monsters, cleansed the world, and restored harmony.”

He pauses, then turns to me.

“Their journey wasn’t about revenge.
It was about understanding themselves.
Facing darkness inside and out.
And becoming the bridge between what was broken… and what could heal again.”

I stay quiet.

But my eyes sting again.

Not from sadness.

But from something else.
Something like… understanding.

Mr. Hawk doesn’t push.

He just leans back slightly and closes his eyes.

“That story… it’s part of a ceremony called the Blessingway.
It’s not about punishment. It’s not about loss.
It’s about helping someone find harmony again.”

I look down at my feet.

My hand grips the edge of the bench tightly.

Because for the first time in a long while…

Someone’s not trying to fix me.
He’s just… letting me sit with the weight I carry.

And quietly showing me…

That I don’t have to carry it alone.

“I’m fine,” I say, forcing a grin. “See? Totally fine. Mom’s just being… overdramatic.”

I point at myself with both thumbs, smiling too wide.

“Not a scratch on me. Perfect condition. Healthy kid. Ten out of ten.”

My voice cracks slightly.
Totally not helping.

Mr. Hawk looks at me, that calm fatherly smile on his face.

Then he says something… unfamiliar but melodic—

"Diné doo índa nizhónígo hashk'ánígi át'éego, shaa nízaadgóó ák'idi'nitinígi shił hózhó."

“…Huh?” I blink.

He chuckles softly and rests a hand on my shoulder again.

“It means: ‘Even in hardship, if you walk with beauty in your heart, then harmony walks beside you.’”

I stare up at him, speechless.

Then he adds gently—

“You’re something, son. Whatever happens from now on… just remember, you’re part of this family too. Okay?”

Something tightens in my chest.
But it’s not heavy.

It’s warm.
A little awkward.
And a lot confusing.

I look down. “Yeah…”

And just like that—

CRASH!

A mini landslide of bags, boxes, and one very pink portable sewing machine tumbles down the stairs.

I look up.

Natalie, holding a tower of stuff nearly twice her size, is standing at the doorway like she’s packing for an intercontinental expedition.

My face goes flat. 😑

“…Umm. Are you going somewhere?”

She blinks, surprised. “Huh? Yeah! I need all the essentials!”

Essentials?
We’re going to my house, not another country!

Mr. Hawk covers his mouth, trying not to laugh.

Then I shout—

“MY HOUSE IS JUST A FEW BLOCKS AWAY, NOT A THOUSAND MILES!!!”

Natalie huffs.

“HEY!! I need all of this! You don’t understand the needs of a creative mind!”

I watch as she struggles to balance a tote bag filled with fabrics, scissors, zippers, and what looks like a full mannequin head sticking out.

I groan and rub my temple.

“Y’know… there’s a thing called common sense... Maybe look it up sometime.”

Then I bend down and lift the heaviest bag. It’s half-bursting with fabric rolls and clattering spools of thread.

“…Why the heck did you bring a sewing machine?”

Natalie looks at me, all sparkles in her eyes.

“Inspiration doesn’t wait for distance, Alex.”

Mr. Hawk bursts into laughter.

I sigh.

So this… is what I’m bringing home.

A fashion-obsessed hurricane…
With a sewing machine in tow.

Just when I think the chaos is over…

I hear the sound of muffled laughter behind me.

I turn slightly—

Phylis and Ms. Claire—Natalie’s mom—are watching us from the porch with matching expressions of pure 😅🤦🏻 disbelief.

Ms. Claire covers her mouth politely.
Phylis crosses her arms, grinning wide.

“Sorry about this, Puan Mas…” Ms. Claire says with a helpless chuckle.

But Mom?

Mom is glowing.

“Huh!? What do you mean ‘sorry’!? I like her already!!”

She shouts it loud and proud, hands on her hips like she’s found the perfect daughter-in-law or adopted sidekick or both.

My brain short-circuits.

😳🤯 “ARE YOU STUPID OR SOMETHING, MOM!?!?!?!”

The volume of my voice shakes a nearby bird out of a tree.

Suddenly—

STOMP!

Pain explodes in my foot.

“GAAHHH!!!”

I hop on one leg like a broken wind-up toy.

“WHY THE HECK DID YOU DO THAT FOR!?!?”

Natalie, standing beside her ridiculous stack of designer chaos, crosses her arms and pouts.

“That’s your mom you’re yelling at, you know!!”

“YEAH, BUT—! Wait, you’re defending her now?!”

“One of us has to have manners!”

I groan in agony while Phylis laughs so hard she nearly drops her phone.

Narration – Alex (Present Day)

And just like that…

My house—once quiet, once normal, once clean—is now under the tyranny of two powerful forces.

Mom.
And now—
Natalie.

A second mom…
With more attitude. More drama. More glitter.

Alex’s Side -

It’s official.

She’s not just a guest anymore.

She’s like a mirror version of my mom.

Same bossy tone.
Same way of making decisions without asking.
Same tendency to leave fabric trails in every room.

The more mess she makes—
The more I have to clean!!

There’s thread stuck to the ceiling fan.
Hana’s diaper bag somehow ended up with pink ribbons tied around the handles.
Mom’s trying on random outfits Natalie brought over “for research.”

I sit on the floor and sigh.

"So this… is my life now."

But even I have to admit—

The house isn’t quiet anymore.

It’s noisy.
Unpredictable.
Completely insane.

And for the first time in a long while…

It’s not boring.

To be continued