Lucretia looked at Linsey with a hint of confusion, still processing her friend's sudden excitement.
"A plan? What plan?" she asked, brow furrowing slightly.
Linsey grinned, glancing at Anita before turning back to Lucretia. "It’s simple. Philip may not want to talk to you, but what if he’s in a setting where he has to? Like a party!"
Lucretia blinked, caught off guard. "A party? You mean… you want me to throw a party just to get him to talk to me?"
"Exactly!" Linsey exclaimed, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "All you have to do is ask Auntie and Uncle to host a welcome party for us, and then invite Philip."
"But he won’t come if I invite him,” Lucretia argued, getting up from the bed, a frown settling on her face. "He’s barely speaking to me. This could just end in embarrassment."
Anita quickly approached, resting a calming hand on her shoulder. "Take it easy, Luc. You don’t have to invite him personally. Just get your parents to send an invite to his family. Then, he might feel obligated to show up."
"And if he brings Daisy?" Lucretia muttered, crossing her arms with a skeptical look.
Linsey smirked, exchanging a knowing glance with Anita. "Leave Daisy to us. We know how to handle her."
Lucretia hesitated, but finally, a small smile broke through. "Alright, fine. Let’s give it a try."
At that moment, a knock on the door made all three girls turn toward it. Mrs. Angelica stepped in, smiling at the lively chatter.
"You girls still catching up?” she asked warmly.
"Yes, Mum," Lucretia replied, grinning. "You know I missed them."
Mrs. Angelica chuckled. "I know, dear. Just make sure you give your parents a call soon, girls," she reminded Linsey and Anita. "You can do that after dinner, though. Uncle Gilbert already informed them of your safe arrival."
"So, Luc... can you handle the plan? I mean, convincing your parents to host the party?" Linsey asked, her voice tinged with both curiosity and anticipation. She and Anita exchanged expectant glances before looking back at Lucretia.
Lucretia let out a soft sigh, nodding. "Yes, girls, I think I can manage that. But for now..." She glanced at the clock, then smirked. "We should head downstairs before Mom starts one of her famous lectures about timing and manners."
Anita chuckled. "Good point. We don’t want to face that."
"Okay, okay..." Linsey said with a grin, springing up from the bed. "Lead the way, Luc."
Lucretia laughed lightly, pulling open the door. The three of them descended the stairs together, their chatter and laughter filling the quiet house.

At The Ice Cream Shop
Ice Cream Shop
At 7 p.m., Philip and Daisy sat at a small table in the far corner of the ice cream shop. The soft hum of chatter and clinking spoons surrounded them, but Philip was in his own world. He stared down at the swirl of melted ice cream in his bowl, idly stirring it as his mind wandered. Images of Lucretia—her laughter, her teasing smile—played in his thoughts like an old movie he couldn’t turn off.
“Philip… Philip!” Daisy’s voice cut through the haze, but he didn’t respond.
Frustrated, she leaned forward and tapped his hand lightly. “Philip?”
“Huh?” He finally looked up, his eyes meeting hers, though his expression was distant. For a fleeting moment, he seemed to see someone else entirely.
“Luc…?” he mumbled, his voice soft and uncertain.
Daisy froze, her lips parting in shock before irritation took over. “Hey, Phil. It’s me, Daisy,” she snapped, waving her hand in front of his face.
“Oh… Daisy,” Philip muttered, blinking rapidly as reality crashed back in. His forehead creased as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Sorry."
“What’s wrong with you?” Daisy asked, her tone a mix of concern and frustration. “You’ve been acting weird all evening. Are you okay?”
“I…” Philip hesitated, fumbling for words. He couldn’t admit the truth, not even to himself.
“You know what?” Daisy interrupted, pushing back her chair with a loud scrape. “Just forget it. I’m going home.”
“Daisy, wait!” Philip called, standing as she stormed toward the door.
Before he could catch up, Daisy slid into her car and slammed the door. “Daisy! Daisy, open the door!” he shouted, tapping on the window. But she didn’t even glance his way as the engine roared to life. A moment later, the car sped off, leaving him standing alone under the streetlights.
“Shit…” Philip muttered, running a hand through his hair. “What’s wrong with me?” he murmured to himself, pulling out his phone. He dialed Daisy’s number, tapping his foot anxiously as the call rang on.
“Come on, Daisy… pick up,” he whispered, but the call went to voicemail. He sighed heavily, ending the call and shoving the phone back into his pocket.
Defeated, he made his way to the bus stop. Just as he arrived, the bus pulled up with a hiss. Philip climbed aboard, slumping into a seat near the window. His thoughts spiraled as the city lights blurred past, Lucretia’s face flashing in his mind with every turn.

---
By the time Philip got home, it was already 9 p.m. He paused at the gate, his gaze instinctively drifting upward to Lucretia’s window. The soft glow of her lamp filtered through the curtains, casting shadows that hinted she was still awake. He stood there for a moment, his chest tightening with emotions he couldn’t name.
With a sigh, he tore his eyes away and walked inside, the weight of the evening pressing heavily on his shoulders.



*****

The morning sun bathed the room in a soft, golden glow as Mr. and Mrs. Woods sat in their bedroom, enjoying a moment of quiet conversation. A knock on the door interrupted their peace.
"Mum... Dad... can I come in?" Lucretia's voice called from the other side.
"Yes, dear, the door’s not locked," Mrs. Angelica replied warmly.
The door creaked open slightly, revealing Lucretia’s beaming face. She grinned as she peeked through the gap.
"Come in," Mr. Gilbert encouraged, gesturing for her to join them.
With a smile, Lucretia stepped inside, carefully closing the door behind her. She walked over to the bed and took a seat next to her father, her expression carrying a mix of excitement and nervousness. Mrs. Angelica joined them, sitting on Lucretia’s other side.
"What’s on your mind, dear?" Mrs. Angelica asked, noting her daughter’s hesitancy.
"Um... Mum, Dad...?" Lucretia began, fidgeting slightly.
"Yes?" they replied in unison, their curiosity piqued.
"Speak, sweetheart," Mrs. Angelica prompted gently.
"Well..." Lucretia took a deep breath, gathering her courage. "Can we have a welcome party for Linsey and Anita?" she asked, her voice tinged with hope.
Mr. Gilbert rubbed his chin thoughtfully, considering her request. "Well..." he murmured, dragging out the suspense. A grin slowly spread across his face. "Why not?"
Lucretia let out an excited squeal, jumping up from the bed. "Thank you, Dad! Thank you, Mum!" she exclaimed before rushing out of the room, her happiness radiating like the morning light.