Liana woke up when she felt someone bouncing beside her. Blinking her sleepy eyes, she smiled as Alena's laughter filled the room.
The little girl was jumping on the bed, trying to wake her up. Liana reached out, caught her mid-jump, and pulled her close. Alena giggled, snuggling into her arms before lying down peacefully on her chest.
"Angel… Angel… it's raining," she said excitedly, looking up at her.
Liana ran her fingers through the girl's messy hair, her smile soft. "Is it? So, what does my cutie want to do?"
Alena's eyes sparkled as she thought. "I want…" She pressed a finger to her chin, frowning in concentration. "I don't know."
Liana chuckled and got out of bed, still holding her. "Then go to your mumma and think about it, okay?"
Alena pouted, clearly not liking that idea. Wrapping her small arms around Liana's neck, she buried her face in her shoulder. "No… I'll stay with you."
Liana smiled sweetly and held the girl tightly, "But I need to freshen up, baby." She patted Alena's back gently.
Alena lifted her head and looked at her for a few seconds before sighing in defeat. "Okay… but I'll be with Mom, and you only get five minutes." She had that cute pout on her lips.
Liana laughed softly. "Deal." She set Alena down, and the little girl padded out of the room, calling for Ethilia.
A small chuckle escaped Liana as she walked toward the bathroom. She caught her reflection in the mirror and stared for a moment. "I'm happy," she whispered. "I really am… happier than I've been in years."
She splashed cool water on her face and smiled faintly. "I'm finally loving it again."
Meanwhile, Char and Ethilia were sitting on the balcony, sipping coffee as the rain poured outside. Alena came running and patted her mother's leg.
Ethilia sighed but couldn't help smiling as she put her cup down and lifted Alena onto her lap. The little girl immediately leaned back against her as if her mother were her favorite chair.
Char chuckled, watching them with warmth in her eyes. "Honestly, she's making our days brighter. I'm sure Liana can't imagine a single day without Alena now." She picked up her cup and took another sip of coffee.
Ethilia smiled softly, brushing her fingers through Alena's hair. "I know… but..."
Char cut her off with a knowing grin. "No buts, Ethilia. You know, your eyes say more than your words ever could."
Ethilia looked away, her lips tightening. Char reached out and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Stop lying to yourself, Ethilia. Stop worrying about what society will think."
Alena, oblivious to the weight of their words, was trying to reach for Ethilia's cup. Ethilia gently pulled it out of reach and bit her lip. "How can I not think about it? Liana's an idol now…"
Char sighed, leaning back in her chair. "Just promise me one thing," she said softly. "Don't try to decide what's best for Liana on your own. Talk to her. And maybe... just this once..... be a little selfish. Not for you… but for Alena."
Ethilia turned to Char, but before their conversation could go any further, Liana stepped in, pulling out a chair and sitting down with a bright smile. "Oh! Did someone make coffee for me?"
Both Char and Ethilia frowned as they had only made enough for themselves. But before either could respond, Liana casually reached for Ethilia's cup, which was sitting on the table, and took a sip.
She knew it was Ethilia's cup. Maybe she just wanted things to feel… normal. Even while having coffee from Ethilia's cup...
Ethilia's eyes widened, her lips parting slightly. Before she could say a word, Liana was already enjoying another sip as if nothing had happened.
Char smirked and cleared her throat dramatically. "Isn't that coffee a bit too sweet?" she teased, her tone light but pointed. Ethilia's cheeks flushed pink in an instant.
Liana poked Alena's cheek playfully, making the little girl giggle, then looked straight into Ethilia's eyes before taking another sip. "Hmm… maybe a bit too much," she replied with a faint smile.
Char leaned back in her chair, fanning herself with her one hand, "Great. I'm getting diabetes from just watching you two." She pressed a hand to her chest dramatically, "Right here... it's hitting me already."
Liana burst into laughter while Ethilia tried and failed to hide a grin. Alena looked between them, confused at first, then joined in with a cheerful laugh just because everyone else was smiling.
Liana tossed a cookie at Char. "How are you getting diabetes in your chest?"
Char caught it midair, took a bite, and raised a brow. "Hey... no throwing food!"
Liana rolled her eyes, breaking off a small piece of another cookie and feeding it to Alena. "Then don't be dramatic," she shot back.
Ethilia watched her quietly, the memory of that soft kiss on her shoulder flickering in her mind. Her smile deepened without her realizing it.
Char chewed the cookie and sighed. "I was having a heart attack from too much sweetness," she said dramatically.
Ethilia laughed and turned to Char, finally letting go of her awkwardness, "On the right side of your heart?" she teased.
Char gasped playfully and crossed her arms. "Oh great, now Ethilia's teasing me too."
Liana smirked and finished the coffee in her hand. "Okay, okay. Let's stop these small fights and do something productive."
Char and Ethilia exchanged amused looks while Alena wiggled on her mother's lap. "Yes, Angel!" the little girl exclaimed. "Let's watch cartoons or play something!"
Liana grinned and nodded, "Let's go!"
Char frowned slightly, and Ethilia raised an eyebrow. "Wait… we're watching cartoons?" she asked, gesturing between herself and Char.
Liana tilted her head innocently. "Yes. What's the problem? Besides, maybe watching cartoons will finally put some brain into your heads."
Char gasped in mock offense while Liana lifted Alena into her arms and dashed inside, laughing.
"Come on, sis," Char said, grabbing Ethilia's hand as she stood. "Looks like we have to spend our day with that little troublemaker and her big angel."
Ethilia chuckled, shaking her head as the two followed them inside, the sound of rain still pattering softly outside.