Alorah Reagen

As we're walking to my place, the whole group behind me, with Cameron chattering about what's happening on the streets, I can't help but feel restless with the sudden plan.

I felt nervous for no reason. They're just going there to help me pack some orders and then update the progress for the first day in the document. They're only there for schoolwork and nothing more.

But this is the first time I have had people over besides Amelia and Layla, who are not here with us! Why didn't I invite them over so I wouldn't be conscious of everything?

I glanced at my phone to re-read the text from my family group chat that I had a while ago before leaving the school grounds. I still couldn't believe that this was happening.

Alorah: Mom, are you at home right now?

Mom: Yup, sweetheart! I just got back from the cafe not too long ago. What's up?

Alorah: Um...I know this is sudden, which it is, but I'm bringing back a few guests with me. Will that be alright?

Dad: We're having guests over? Are they boys or girls?

Alorah: ...both?

Dad: ?!? Why are they coming over?

Mom: Honey, stop overreacting! Alorah, you can bring them over. I'll start prepping some snacks for you guys.

Dad: Honey, I was not overreacting.

Mom: Yes, you are. I'm going to prepare now. Sweetheart, be careful on the way home! I can't wait to meet them ^-^.

Alorah: Ok, Mom. ^-^

Dad: ...

I looked up from my phone and glanced at the group behind me. They were smiling as they chatted about some stuff. My attention was diverted from them when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned to face Julian, who was walking beside me with a curious look on his face.

"Why do you seem so panicky? Is everything alright?" He asked, and I noticed him glancing down at something. I followed his trail and realized he was peeking at my family's group chat.

"Yeah. I'm just..." I sighed, realizing that trying to find an excuse to hide the reason behind my emotion was stupid, "It's my first time having classmates over beside Amelia and Layla, which is why I'm kind of nervous."

"So that was why you kept asking us if we were certain that we wanted to go over to your place. I was starting to wonder if I was being a pushover for suggesting that idea," Julian confessed, which overwhelmed the guilt.

Well...I am uncomfortable with this sudden plan, but with how I bonded with the group so well, I didn't think hanging out with them was a bad idea.

Ok, now I feel like the bad guy here for not letting them into my house. They are here with good intentions, and here I am, blocking them in.

"No, you're not. You have been so respectful and kind to me ever since we first talked to each other. And also, I think bonding with you guys will be the highlight of my day," I felt happy saying that. It felt like my body was free from thousands of years of worries and negative thoughts.

"Ok, now that was a cute speech," Julian wiped his nonexistent tears away, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes at him. "Now, that is a new side I haven't seen from you."

...

Wait, what did I do a few seconds ago?

Did I roll my eyes at someone?

"Alorah? Why did you stop?" I heard Cynthia's voice close by.

"Are we here?" Cameron added.

I blinked a couple of times, mustering up a smile to hide my shock, and let out a forced chuckle to hide the awkwardness. "Yeah, I'm fine. I was thinking about something."

"My house is near. Just a couple more steps and we're there," I added and continued walking.

***

"Here we go," I thought as my hand hovered over the doorknob. I grabbed the knob and twisted it. The feeling loosened, and I pushed the door open.

The smell of baked goods hit us in the face. I took the initiative to walk inside and start laying down our guest slippers.

"This smells superb!" I glanced up to see all of them standing outside my home, shocked by the fragrance emitting in the house. I couldn't help but chuckle.

Mom did a great job shocking our guests, who hadn't even taken a step foot into the house.

"Mom! I'm home!" I yelled and signaled them to come inside.

I could hear the sound of footsteps growing closer, and the interval between each step was short. I saw Mom popping out of the dining area with a smile.

She definitely ran out of the kitchen.

"Welcome back, sweetheart! It's nice to meet all of you," Mom walked towards us and wrapped her arms around my neck from behind, leaning forward to rest her body on my back.

They greeted her, and I noticed Cynthia taking a few steps forward.

"It's nice to meet you, Auntie. We're sorry for the sudden visit. I hope there wasn't any inconvenience," Cynthia said softly, and I found that side of her adorable. It seemed like Mom also thought the same way as she let go of her grip on me and moved toward Cynthia.

"Definitely not an inconvenience at all. You guys came at the right time! Thankfully, Alorah told me in advance, or else I would be panicking in the kitchen. Come inside," Mom pats Cynthia on her shoulder before ushering them into the dining area.

I was about to join them from behind when Mom blocked my path.

"What's wrong, Mom?" I asked.

"You may want to let your father know you're home and the guests are here. He's in his study area," she said, winking at me.

"Hmm? Why is Dad home so early?"

"Someone here mentioned in our GC that they are bringing girls and BOYS over. You know how your dad is. Always the panicky type," she shrugged before pointing towards the study room upstairs.