As Lucretia chatted and giggled with her parents, she suddenly heard her name called from behind. She turned quickly, her face lighting up at the sight of two familiar figures.
“Linsey! Anita!” she cried, rushing toward them. She threw her arms around them, laughing as she pulled them into a tight hug.
“I’ve missed you girls so much!” Lucretia said, stepping back to look at them.
“Same here, Lucretia!” Linsey replied with a huge grin.
Anita looked her friend over with a playful smirk. “Wow, Lucretia, you’ve grown! You always looked so small on video calls, but in person, you’re taller and... more grown-up.”
“Look who’s talking! You both look amazing,” Lucretia said, hugging them again.
They continued to laugh and chatter when Mr. and Mrs. Woods joined them.
“How was your flight, girls?” Mrs. Angelica asked warmly.
“It was great, Auntie,” Linsey said, smiling. “The view as we landed was stunning!”
“Yes, it was amazing, Auntie,” added Anita, nodding.
Mr. Gilbert smiled approvingly. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. Let’s get you girls home so you can settle in and rest. You must be tired.”
“Thank you, Uncle,” they both said in unison.
“Yes, girls,” Lucretia chimed in, “we can explore and catch up properly later.”
“Sounds perfect,” Anita replied with a grin.
Mrs. Angelica gestured toward the exit. “This way, everyone.”
They all followed her lead, chatting happily as they made their way to the car. Mr. Gilbert unlocked it, and Linsey, Lucretia, and Anita piled into the back seat while Mrs. Angelica took her place in the front passenger seat. As soon as they were settled, they began the drive home, the girls animatedly catching up.
“So, how are your parents?” Mrs. Angelica asked, glancing back with a warm smile.
“They’re doing well, Auntie,” Anita replied. “They send their regards to you and Uncle.”
“That’s lovely to hear. And how’s school been?” Mrs. Angelica asked.
“It’s been a good semester so far. Nothing too eventful,” Anita replied.
“And what about your younger siblings? They’re doing well, I hope?”
Lucretia waited patiently, glancing at her friends as her mother continued her questions, one after another. Finally, she couldn’t hold back a sigh.
“Mum,” Lucretia said with a laugh, “that’s enough questions for now! I need some time with my friends too!”
Mrs. Angelica chuckled. “Alright, dear. I get it.”
Once her mother turned back around, Linsey grinned at Lucretia. “So, Luc… we were expecting to meet your friend Philip. Why didn’t he come with you?”
“Oh, Philip? Yeah, about that…” Lucretia hesitated. “We haven’t been on the best of terms lately.”
“What happened?” Linsey asked, her brow furrowing.
“Let’s talk about it once we’re home,” Lucretia suggested, managing a smile. “For now, let’s just focus on us!”
“Fair enough,” Anita agreed, nudging her playfully. And with that, they continued to laugh and chat for the rest of the journey.
---
After about an hour’s drive, Mr. Gilbert pulled up in front of their house.
“Here we are, girls!” he announced.
Linsey and Anita’s eyes widened as they took in the sight of the beautiful home before them.
“Wow…” they murmured in unison, stepping out of the car with Lucretia and her parents.
“This is incredible, Lucretia!” Linsey said, her gaze still fixed on the house.
Lucretia beamed, pride shining in her eyes. “Isn’t it? The company gave it to us. Come on, let’s go inside.” She grabbed some of their luggage and led them toward the entrance.
Mr. and Mrs. Woods watched the girls chatting and laughing as they went inside.
“I hope this visit helps her feel better,” Mrs. Angelica said softly to her husband. “She’s seemed stressed and distracted lately.”
Mr. Gilbert patted her hand reassuringly. “Don’t worry, dear. With her friends here, she’ll be fine. Let’s head in.”
Once inside, Lucretia turned to her mother. “Mum, we’ll be in my room. Just call if you need me.”
“All right, dear,” Mrs. Angelica replied, watching them head upstairs.
Lucretia led her friends to her room, opened the door, and gestured for them to enter.
“Come on in!” she said, stepping aside.
Linsey and Anita followed, their eyes widening as they looked around.
“Your room is beautiful, Lucretia,” Anita said, setting down her bags.
“Thanks,” Lucretia replied, flopping down on her bed with a contented sigh.
Linsey sat beside her. “Now, tell us. What’s going on with you and Philip?”
Anita joined them, nodding. “Yeah, Luc. Spill.”
Lucretia took a deep breath, sitting up and tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Well…” She began to explain the recent tensions between her and Philip, the misunderstandings, and the role Daisy seemed to be playing in all of it.
“I just don’t know,” Lucretia finished, her shoulders slumping. “I don’t think he’ll ever talk to me again.”
Linsey wrapped an arm around her. “Don’t think like that, Luc. He’s your friend. He’ll come around.”
Anita frowned, crossing her arms. “I don’t know who this Daisy girl thinks she is, but I already don’t like her.”
“Don’t worry, Lucretia,” Linsey said, her tone determined. “We’ll help you figure this out.”
Lucretia looked at them, a mix of hope and doubt in her eyes. “And just how do you plan on doing that?”
Anita grinned. “Relax, girl. We’ve got you covered.”
Linsey leaned in, her expression sly. “Let’s come up with a plan together. We’re here now, and there’s no way we’re letting anyone mess with our girl.”