Chapter 2 – What It Feels Like to Love Someone
As Sani rode her bicycle home, her heart thumped louder than the spinning wheels.
He talked to me… she kept thinking, the memory of Sean's smile replaying in her mind like a favorite song.
"He's so handsome… and so cute," she whispered to herself, cheeks heating up. She couldn't stop the grin spreading across her face. Her hands gripped the handlebars tightly, and she almost wobbled a little from the excitement.
She was blushing—while riding her bike! The evening breeze brushed her face, cooling her skin, but inside she was glowing. Every time she blinked, she saw Sean's face again. His voice, his smile… it felt like she was carrying a secret treasure in her heart.
When she finally reached home, she parked her bicycle quickly and ran inside.
"Hi, Mom!" she called out in a rush, not even waiting for a reply.
She dashed straight into her room, threw her schoolbag onto the floor, and jumped onto her bed.
"Haaah!" she squealed into her pillow, hugging it as tightly as if it were a giant stuffed animal.
Her face was buried in the pillow, but her thoughts were loud and clear.
He said my name.
He smiled at me.
He's even cuter up close…
Sani rolled onto her back, holding the pillow to her chest, still blushing. Her heart felt warm, as if it were floating.
So this is what it feels like… when you love someone.
It was strange, exciting, and a little scary—but it made her smile so hard that her cheeks hurt. She felt like a flower blooming, like the world around her had turned brighter and softer all at once.
She rolled around on the bed, kicking her feet under the blanket like a little kid. A few minutes later, her mother's voice called from the kitchen.
"Sani! Come out of your room. Let's eat dinner."
"Yes, Mom! I'm coming!" Sani answered quickly, though her face was still glowing.
"Call your dad before you sit down," her mom added. "We should eat all together."
"Okay, Mom." Sani rushed out, shouting toward the front yard, "Dad! Where are you? Mom says let's eat dinner together!"
"I'm here!" her father's voice came as he stepped in, brushing dust from his hands. "Alright, alright, I'm coming."
He kissed his wife's cheek before sitting down. "Smells wonderful in here."
Sani clapped her hands dramatically after tasting the food. "Wooow! Mom, this is so good!"
Her father joined in, clapping like a child. "It really is, honey. Delicious."
Her mom blushed, waving them off. "Oh, stop it, you two. It's nothing special." But she couldn't help smiling at their playful praise.
Sani leaned her chin on her hand, watching them. "What a lovey-dovey couple," she teased, rolling her eyes but secretly feeling warm inside.
Her mom chuckled softly. "You know, Sani, when you love someone, even simple things become special."
Those words made Sani's cheeks burn again, and she quickly looked down at her plate. Her spoon clinked against the bowl, but her heart was racing. When you love someone…
After dinner, she helped her mom clear the table while her dad washed the dishes. Once the kitchen was clean, she stretched her arms and yawned.
"Good night, Mom. Good night, Dad. I'm going to sleep now."
"Good night, sweetheart," they replied in unison.
Back in her room, Sani spread out her homework on the table. She scribbled quickly, finishing her assignments while humming to herself. At last, she slipped under the blanket, hugging her pillow again.
Sean's smile appeared in her mind as clearly as if he were standing beside her. She blushed, hid her face under the pillow, and whispered, "Good night, Sean…"
Sleep soon carried her aways.
The next morning, sunlight peeked through her curtains. Sani groaned, stretched, and slowly got out of bed.
"Sani!" her mother called from the kitchen. "Are you up? Come drink your milk!"
"Yes, Mom!" she shouted back, fixing her hair quickly.
Her mom handed her a glass of milk. "Take some for your dad too."
"Okay, Mom." She balanced both glasses carefully and turned toward the living room.
But suddenly—
"BOO!"
"AHHH!" Sani almost dropped both glasses, her heart leaping into her throat.
Her best friend, Jason, popped out from behind the door, laughing. "Hahaha! You should've seen your face!"
"JASON!" she shouted, stomping her foot. "Youuuuu! Today's the day you die!"
Jason darted away instantly. "Auntieee! Help me! Sani's going to eat me alive!"
"Come back here, you idiot!" Sani placed the milk aside quickly and bolted after him.
The two tore through the living room, one chasing, one screaming.
Her mom's eyes widened. "Yah! You two—stop running inside the house! You'll fall!"
Jason ducked behind her, pointing dramatically. "See, Auntie? She's dangerous! Save me!"
Sani lunged forward. "Get back here!"
Her mom sighed, rubbing her forehead. "These two… they'll never change."
"Mom, why are you taking his side?!" Sani complained.
"I'm not on anyone's side," her mom said calmly. "I'm just keeping peace."
Sani gasped dramatically. "Moooom!"
Jason grinned, sticking out his tongue. "Na-na-na-na-na! Auntie's the best!"
"Jason!" Sani's face turned red. "You idiot, I'll kill you!"
The chase started again, but her mom clapped her hands. "Enough! Sani, give your father the milk!"
"Ohhh, right! Sorry, Mom!" Sani hurriedly grabbed the glass again. She turned back to Jason. "You wait. I'll deal with you later."
Jason smirked. "I'm coming too."
"No, you're not! Don't follow me, idiot!"
But Jason tagged along anyway, laughing.
Together they went to her dad, who was in the yard. Jason grinned. "Hello, Uncle! How are you today?"
Her dad smiled warmly. "Ah, Jason! I'm fine. And you?"
Jason puffed out his chest. "Perfect, Uncle. We even brought you milk!"
"Good, good," her dad chuckled, taking the glass. Then he noticed Sani's sulky face. "What's wrong, Sani? Why are you frowning?"
Jason answered before she could. "She's always like that, Uncle!"
"Am not!" Sani snapped.
Her dad laughed heartily. "Ah, I see… You two are fighting again, aren't you? Some things never change." He shook his head with a smile. "Good, good. Keep laughing. That's how life should be."
Sani groaned, turning away while Jason and her father laughed together.
"Haaahhh… so annoying…" she muttered under her breath, but a tiny smile tugged at her lips.