THE next day, Mal ran downstairs to get breakfast. She was fully dressed and enthusiastic about visiting her boyfriend and their friends in their new house.

"Good morning mum and mommy!"

"Good morning, sweetheart!" the two women replied excitedly in the same voice. They glanced at each other and giggled, then leaned in to give each other a small kiss on the lips.

"Your outfit looks great. Where are you going?" her mother asked, admiring the black turtleneck long-sleeved t-shirt that her daughter decided to wear, along with a pair of black leggings and black wedge sneakers.

"I'm going to go to the gang's new house, and I'll be back at two. I think."

The mothers looked at each other. "Sure thing. Are you going to take your car?"

"Yeah, I think so. It's pretty far away," she replied as she sat down on the table, staring at her plate that had two cheddar cheese sandwiches.

"Okay, but be careful. Call us if you need anything."

"I will, thank you."

They all nodded and went back to eating. Soon enough, Mal was done with her food. She made sure to set the empty plate in the sink before she went out, heading towards the 6-car garage to take her car.

It was a black Mercedes SUV, which her mothers bought for her sweet sixteen about six months before. She smiled at the satisfying sight before she pressed the button on the keychain, making the car light up and unlock the door.

She entered and turned on the engine.

☭

"You have finally reached your destination."

The robot-like monotone voice spoke loudly, which made her smirk. She took a look at the sight in front of her and tried to memorize its features.

It was a medium-sized country house surrounded by green trees and small bushes. The house was painted grey and yellow, while the windows were painted white on the outside, giving it a natural, elegant look.

She got out of her car and began walking towards the door, her wedge heels making a soft shuffling sound on the mowed grass.

She rang the doorbell as she reached the house, then waited.

A moment of silence was then interrupted by the sight of the door opening, revealing the familiar face she missed so much.

"Hey, Alyvia!"

"Mal!"

The two best friends tackled each other in a tight hug.

"I missed you so much."

"I missed you more, trust me." they both giggled.

"I'm so glad you stopped by," Alyvia spoke as she led her inside, which allowed Mal to take a glance at her features.

Alyvia was only a year younger than Mal. They met when Mal first started going out with Teo and soon enough became friends. The girl had wavy blonde hair, piercing brown eyes, and was wearing a pair of white sneakers to match with a short, black-and-yellow sundress.

"Thanks! So anyways," Mal began, "how's Teo? He called me yesterday but he seemed kinda strange."

"He's doing alright, but I know he misses you. A lot."

That made her feel guilty for some reason.

"I think he wants you to stay with us, and honestly, I'm fine by the idea."

Mal sent her a soft smile.

"Thanks, Alyvia." she paused and thought for a moment, "Do you think I can see him? I miss him a lot too."

"Yeah, of course. He's upstairs in his room, which is next to the bathroom."

Mal muttered a small reply and made her way towards the stairs.

Soon enough, she found the room Alyvia was talking about. Its door was closed, but she could see sunlight seeping from under it.

She almost couldn't wait to open that door.

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