CELESTRIA POV
As the car pulled up to my grandma's house, I couldn't help but feel a surge of annoyance. I had been dragged away from my friends and my plans for the summer, and I wasn't happy about it. With a huff, I stepped out of the car and slammed the door behind me.
"Great," I muttered under my breath, dragging my suitcase along the gravel driveway.
My parents exchanged worried glances, but I paid no attention. I was determined to make it clear that I did not want to be here. The front door creaked open, and there stood my sweet grandma, a warm smile on her face.
"Welcome, my dear," she said, her voice filled with love and kindness.
I rolled my eyes and muttered a half-hearted greeting. I could tell my grandma was taken aback by my attitude, but she remained patient. She gently took my hand and led me inside, ignoring my grumbles.
I plastered a fake smile on my face and trudged up the steps. "Hi, Grandma," I muttered, barely acknowledging her enthusiasm.
She didn't seem to notice my lack of enthusiasm as she enveloped me in a tight hug. "I'm so glad you're here, sweetheart. Come inside, I'll show you around."
I followed her reluctantly into the house, rolling my eyes at the outdated decor and rustic charm. Grandma chatted excitedly as she led me through the living room, pointing out family photos and knick-knacks collected over the years.
"And here's your room," she said, opening the door to a cozy little space at the end of the hall.
I peeked inside, unimpressed by the floral wallpaper and lacy curtains. "It's... Beautiful," I remarked, trying to mask my disappointment.
Grandma chuckled, oblivious to my disdain. "I'm glad you like it, dear. Make yourself at home. Dinner will be ready soon."
Alone in my room, I collapsed onto the creaky bed, feeling utterly out of place. My fingers tapping impatiently on the phone screen as I dialed up my best friend, Maya, the silence of the countryside was suffocating, a stark contrast to the constant hum of the city.
"Maya, you won't believe the disaster that is this weekend at Grandma's," I exclaimed into the phone, my voice a mix of irritation and exhaustion.
Maya's voice crackled through the phone, "Spill the tea. What's going on? Did Grandma force you into some ancient rituals or something?"
Rolling my eyes, I began my rant, "First of all, Not rituals, this place is like a time capsule. Everything is so old-fashioned, and Grandma acts like it's the golden age or something."
Maya chuckled, "Old-fashioned in what way? Do they still use rotary phones?"
"Not that ancient, but close," I replied with a sigh.
Maya chuckled, "Well, that's a sight I'd pay to see. But seriously, why are you so bothered? It's just summer,"
I leaned back, frustration evident in my tone, "Oh, it's more than that. She gave me the grand tour, pointing out every piece of furniture like it's a national treasure. I can't escape the stories behind every lamp and chair. It's like living in a museum."
Maya teased, "Sounds like Grandma's trying to pass on some family history. Maybe it's not all bad."
I scoffed, "You don't understand. No Wi-Fi, no data signal – I'm practically off the grid. It's like I've time-traveled to a pre-internet era."
Maya teased, "Maybe it's a good thing. A break from the digital chaos might do you some good."
I groaned, "Easy for you to say. I feel like a fish out of water here. I can't wait for this weekend to be over so I can get back to my normal life."
Maya soothing voice replied, "Just try to make the most of it. Maybe there's something valuable in Grandma's world that you're overlooking."
I sighed, feeling a hint of guilt for unleashing my frustrations on Maya. "Yeah, yeah, I'll try. But if she suggests we knit or churn butter tomorrow, I might lose it."
Maya laughed, "I'll be here, ready to hear all the juicy details. In the meantime, try to enjoy the rustic charm and maybe learn a thing or two. It might not be as bad as you think." With a sigh, I agreed to give it a shot.
We shared a laugh, and as the call ended, I stared at the vintage wallpaper of the guest room, wondering if there was any truth to Maya advice.
Lost in my own thoughts, I was flipping through my phone when Grandma's warm voice echoed through the house, calling me to the dining table. "Lunch is ready, dear!"
I sighed, feeling a sense of reluctance to leave. But as I made my way to the cozy dining room, the aroma of home-cooked food filled the air, bringing a sudden wave of nostalgia.
As I sat at the kitchen table, my grandma placed a steaming bowl of her famous chicken noodle soup in front of me. The delicious aroma filled through the air, making my mouth water. Despite my reluctance, I couldn't deny the comforting allure of her home-cooked meals.
I picked up the spoon and took a hesitant bite. The warm broth filled my mouth, the taste brought a smile to my face, softening my stubborn resistance.
My grandma sat across from me, her eyes twinkling with anticipation. "How is it, dear?" she asked, her voice filled with hope.
"It was surprisingly good. Your cooking skills are still on point, Grandma." I couldn't help but let out a contented sigh.
After the hearty lunch, Grandma's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "How about a stroll through the village, dear? There are some charming spots I'd love to show you."
The very idea of wandering through a seemingly sleepy village felt like a departure from my usual urban adventures. I hesitated, my reluctance apparent in my response, "Do we really have to? I'm not much of a small-town enthusiast, Grandma."
"Oh, come on, it'll be a lovely way to spend the afternoon. You might find the simplicity quite refreshing." Grandma chuckled
We stepped out into the warm afternoon sun, the village bustling with activity. My grandma led the way, pointing out the cozy houses and charming shops that lined the streets.
As we strolled through the village, I couldn't help but notice the genuine warmth and sense of community that radiated from its residents. Neighbors greeted each other with smiles and kind words, and the air was filled with laughter and conversation. Slowly, my reluctance began to fade, replaced by a growing curiosity.
My grandma took me to the local bakery, where the aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air. We sampled pastries and chatted with the friendly baker, who shared stories of the village's traditions and celebrations.
"Grandma, can I just stay here for a while?" I said to my grandma with a pretty smile, but truthfully, I'm just tired of exploring this shabby village.
"Go on, I will just buy some ingredients for our dinner," my grandma replied without looking at me, waving her hand.
I smiled and continued exploring the village's park when I accidentally bumped into a girl around my age. Startled, we both stumbled back, our eyes locking with a mix of surprise and annoyance.
"What's your problem? Watch where you're going!" I snapped, my temper flaring.
 "Excuse me? Maybe you should watch where you're going! It takes two to bump into someone, you know." She snapped, her eyes flashing with irritation.
I crossed my arms confidently, my pride refusing to back down. "Well, maybe if you weren't so careless, this wouldn't have happened."
The girl's face flushed with anger, her voice rising. "Careless? Who are you to judge? You're the one who wasn't paying attention!"
The heated exchange drew the attention of the villagers around us, who watched with curiosity and concern. The air grew heavy with tension as our argument escalated, each word fueling the flames of our anger.
Insults were thrown back and forth, harsh words that cut deep and stung with every syllable. Neither of us was willing to back down or admit fault. The fight became a battle of egos, each of us determined to prove ourselves right.
Just as the tension reached its peak, a tall guy with a stern expression stepped in. "ENOUGH!" He shouted, his presence commanding attention. "What's going on here?".