Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)

Fidelia suddenly halted, lifting her head to look at me. In the next second, her face broke into a joyous smile, and she sprinted toward me, "Auntie Aaliyah!" "Fidelia!" I extended my arms, and she darted into them, hugging me tightly.

We embraced for a good ten seconds before she looked up at me, "Auntie Aaliyah, what brings you here?"

I raised an eyebrow, a playful smile on my lips, but chose to fib, "Just wondering how you've been since you got back, and I thought I'd drop by."

Her eyes immediately reddened, "Auntie Aaliyah, you're so kind."

She buried her face in my chest, a wave of unspoken melancholy washing over her.

"Come on, and let's go grab some grub," I patted her back, "What are you in the mood for?"

Her face lit up with a brilliant smile, the gloom that had cloaked her moments ago vanished as if chased away by the sun.

"Really?"

"Absolutely!" I shrugged, "Why else would I be here?"

"Auntie Aaliyah, I thought you didn't want to see me anymore." A guilty expression crossed her face.

"Don't be silly, kiddo." I laughed, playfully pinching her cheek, "Give your mom a call, and let her know you'll be home late, okay?"

She grabbed my hand urgently, "Please, don't..."

I paused, scrutinizing her as she looked back at me with reluctance but determination.

"Is it okay if we don't tell her?"

"It's okay. Really, it is." She nodded earnestly, "It'll save us a whole lot of questions if she doesn't find out."

I was genuinely surprised, but she quickly added, "She is not home."

"Not at home?" I was incredulous, "Where is she then?"

"She's on a business trip." After Fidelia spoke, she avoided my gaze and tugged at my hand, "It's fine. Don't worry, Auntie Aaliyah, and I'll handle it." Something stirred inside me. There was clearly more to the story between Fidelia and Camilla.

Camilla on a business trip? As a pharmacy delivery person, that didn't add up.

I hurried her into my car and we settled into the back seats.

Once Fidelia got in, Hannah greeted her, "Hey there, cutie pie."

Fidelia chirped back with equal cheerfulness, a side of her I hadn't seen before.

"Hannah!" Fidelia leaned over the front seat, beaming at Hannah as they shared a happy exchange.

"So, what'll it be?" Hannah inquired.

Fidelia glanced at me, hesitantly suggesting, "Can we go to KFC?"

"That's perfect. Let's hit the road. Buckle up." Hannah fired up the engine and we headed straight for KFC.

I ordered her a feast her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"You don't have to get so much, Auntie Aaliyah, just a burger for me is fine," she said, her modesty tugging at my heartstrings.

"Allie's treat, eat up. Anything you haven't tried now's your chance," Hannah chimed in, making Fidelia giggle.

Watching the two of them, I felt a sense of contentment and added a round of large sodas to our order.

Fidelia eyed the spread like a kitten eyeing cream, muttering, "My mom never lets me have this stuff, always calling it junk food. But she doesn't complain when it's instant noodles I'm sick of." We all laughed, and Hannah joined in the fun, "Your mom's just making excuses not to buy it. Junk food? Who's trash smells this good? It's not like you eat it every day."

That comment clearly delighted Fidelia, "Exactly. She's all high and mighty. You're different, no tyranny with you."

"Should I take that as a compliment?" I teased back, enjoying the great vibe.

"Where did your mom go on her business trip?" I asked casually as I squeezed some ketchup onto Fidelia's plate.

She paused, clearly staggered for a moment.

I looked at her, and she quickly responded, "I don't know."

"Isn't your mom a delivery person for a pharmacy? Why would she need to go on a business trip?" I pressed on, sensing a lie between Fidelia and Camilla. Seeing her hesitate, I didn't want to ruin her appetite and quickly said, "If you don't want to talk about it, that's okay. Let's eat. Don't let it spoil the mood." Fidelia picked up a drumstick and took another bite, though her mind seemed preoccupied.

"What's up?" I asked, "Eat up, and we can talk later. I won't ask anymore."

She looked at me, as if making up her mind, took another bite, and then said, "Auntie Aaliyah, my mom lied. She's not just a delivery person."