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TAEGAN

"Joy's at home studying for a test," I lied, taking a sip of the latte in front of me.

My mom, Elaine, raised an eyebrow. "Joy? Studying? C'mon, baby, you're going to have to come up with a better excuse than that. She would never choose to study over seeing me." Elaine chuckled, crossing her arms and sitting back.

My mom was in town to do a dress fitting for a bride and decided to come see me, too. The business was getting more and more popular these days, and it's because of that business that I'm able to be at Swan Academy. My mom worked her ass off to pay for my dream school and I'm more than grateful for this woman.

"Can we not talk about Joy and me right now? I came to see you to get away from that." I smiled sarcastically.

"Why are you two fighting?" Elaine asked in a high-pitched tone, leaning forward on her arms.

"We're not, mom. It's just a busy week for her."

"I heard the rats were in town. Does that have to do with anything?"

"Oh-ho, yeah. It's terrifying that the stunt her parents pulled is normal. Taehyung was an angel as always."

"Oh, I miss that gentleman. Tell Joy to tell him to come by the shop sometime and keep me company." Elaine swat her hand.

"He would be there regardless. It's not like she needs me to tell her."

"Oh really now? Tia, what really happened?"

I sighed. I was stubborn as my mother was persistent. "You're not going to let go of this until I tell you, are you?"

Elaine shrugged. "My two daughters need to have a mediator."

I gave in. "Do you remember why Joy and I chose Swan Academy?"

"To write. According to both of your protests, the writing program there is one of the best."

"Exactly. And do you remember what we agreed on doing?"

Elaine nodded. "Since you two met you immediately began planning your future careers in writing. I've never seen the both of you so happy talking about working together so I don't understand—"

"Right, you've never seen the both of us so happy, right? So why the hell would she ever switch up on me?"

Elaine made a face of disbelief. "What do you mean?"

I huffed and sat up straight. "Joy entered a fine arts showcase and won a scholarship to the Paradise School of Fine Arts. She's leaving me, mom. After we've spoken about this for years!" I threw my hands up.

This entire thing has me itching my skin and retracing my steps as to where this idea popped up in her head. The more thought I put into it, the more upset I got. None of what she is doing makes sense.

My mom took my hand and looked me in the eye. "Remember those games you would play as a little kid? One second you would be an astronaut and the next you're a world class chef?"

I frowned. "What does that have to do with this?"

My mom placed both hands on mine. "Your mind is going to change, and everyone else's will, too. It feels like you're being backstabbed I know, but maybe Joy is being called towards something else."

"Mom, she's not supposed to be called towards something else. She's supposed to be with me."

"And she will continue to be with you. But maybe she doesn't want to be an astronaut."

I grimaced. "Definitely not."

"Just think about it. Lives are only lived once, people need to pursue what they truly want to pursue."

"And she truly wanted to pursue writing. That's all we ever talked about!"

My mom let my hands go and sat back. "Did she want to pursue it? Or did you?"

//

PENELOPE

"What?! I'm not even dressed properly. I told you I just finished shooting that pirate scene for class."

"Then get changed Penny. We're T-minus four minutes away."

"W-Wait—You're on your way here?!" I stumbled over the giant boots on my feet. "What happened to shooting me a text and telling me before hand?"

"Where's the fun in that? Being spontaneous is my thing, you know this."

"I know it all too well." I sighed happily and forcefully pull these trousers off and try to not pull my hair off when I take off the wig.

"Damn right you do. We're walking up stairs now. Byeeeeeee!"

"WAIT TIA—Slow down or something. Try stalling cause I don't think—" Beep beep.

I groaned, throwing my phone down on my bed before running to the bathroom. Well it was more of a skip because I didn't have time to take off the other boot.

I grabbed a handful of makeup wipes and tried to get the seaweed smell off me. I ruffled my hair, at least making the messy look seem somewhat presentable and pulled on a pair of sweats from the hamper (hopefully it was clean).

Normally I wouldn't be rushing this quickly for anything, not even my friends, but my person deserves only the best.

Ever since we cleared things up, we've been making an effort into things. Baby steps. We're avoiding all the sexual stuff, which is harder than I thought, and focus more on how to love each other. It is the bare minimum but sometimes that's all what couples need from each other.

Although today was just extremely random, we've been planning to take the extra step, and if today is the chance to meet the birth giver of the most breathtaking person in my life, then I'm willing to take that chance.

While rushing to find a decent shirt I stumbled across a lone earring by my closet. It was Ezra's. I picked it up and quickly tossed it on my nightstand.

I haven't seen or heard from Ezra since she last spoke to Jungkook. I've only ever seen her that depressed if it involved her parents but this was serious. Ezra never goes off for this long, at least coming back to get her things, which made me realize this is more than a boy.

It's as cruel as a broken heart.

I've called, texted and my nerves are itching me to send out an Amber Alert. It may be much but my best friend, and someone I once had feelings for, is gone and I'm not sure if they're coming back.

"PENELOPE!"

"I'm coming!"

I shook the nervous thoughts out of my head and ran over to the door. I took a deep breath in before turning the knob and smiling.

"Hey Tia—Oh. I didn't think you were bringing your sister."

Taegan rolled her eyes while her mom smiled widely; one that was oddly similar to hers.

"Don't be a leech and suck up to her."

"Oh hush." Her mom slapped her. "I'm Elaine. It's nice to meet you." She stretched her hand towards me. I carefully took her hand and shook it lightly, "Wow, a beautiful name for a gorgeous face. I'm Penelope. I'm sure Taegan doesn't mention me that much but she's sort of crazy about me."

I can see Taegan smiling and cringing from every second that goes by while I enjoy it.

"Oh trust me. She's most definitely past crazy."

My heart skipped a beat at the thought of Taegan talking about me to her mom. The small bit of guilt that Tia probably mentioned the bad parts was there but the good parts were more important.

"Well where are my manners. Why don't you two come in."

"I'm sure Tia knows more about this place than I do." Her mom said as she stepped in.

"OH MY- Mom!"

Once she settled in it was like something magical happened. I found myself laughing and smiling more than usual. For once, things just felt right. I wasn't confused or overthinking if this was what I wanted.

This was something that I needed.

"Omg your butt looks so cute in that one." I squealed as I looked at Elaine's phone. (Yes, we were already on first name basis!)

She laughed, and Taegan begged her mom to put the phone away, to which Elaine complied with a cheerful laugh and eye roll.

"Well it's probably time for us to head out." Elaine stood up, clasping her hands.

I handed Taegan her jacket. "I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Probably," she said, smiling softly before kissing my cheek. These small things still made my emotions dance.

I gave Elaine a hug before walking them out the door.

Once I closed it, my heart sank a bit, but I would look forward to more opportunities like this. Because there would be many more.

Taegan and I would keep working towards the relationship we both want. Now that meeting the parent is checked off the list, we were just one step closer to that.

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#LowkeySlackingOffWithTheseUpdates

sorry school is eating us up