Waking up the next morning was refreshing. Since she wasn't going to the canteen that day—thanks to the pile of laundry waiting for her—Alex allowed herself to sleep in. When she finally opened her eyes, the clock on her bedside table read 11:00 a.m.
Yawning, she stretched lazily before heading straight to the kitchen. The sight of food waiting for her in the microwave instantly lifted her mood. Smiling, she pressed the button to heat it up and reached for her phone lying on the counter.
Two unread messages blinked on the screen—one from her sister, Clara, and another from her best friend, Mia.
Clara:Sleepy head, your food is in the microwave. Just heat it up when you wake. Eat before doing any chores, please—you know you have ulcer.
Alex smiled softly as she typed her reply.
Alex:Ok, sis. I've seen it already and I'm about to eat. Bye.
Then she opened Mia's message, which as usual, was teasing.
Mia:Good morning, bestie! How are you doing? Hope you slept well. And tell me—how does having a boyfriend feel? 😏
Alex laughed out loud, shaking her head before replying.
Alex:It's actually a very good morning, and I'm doing great. How about you? And yes, madam, having a boyfriend feels good 😌
Just as she hit send, another message popped up—this one from Muiz.
Muiz:Good morning, sweetheart. I hope you slept well and dreamt of me.
Alex smiled shyly as she replied.
Alex:Yeah, I slept well. And as for dreaming of you… I can't say. 😉
The microwave beeped twice, breaking her small grin. She took her plate out, dished her food neatly, and moved to the dining table. After eating, she decided to rest a little before doing the chores.
Hours later, after washing and spreading the clothes, cleaning up, and arranging the living room, she took a long hot bath. The warmth of the water relaxed her so much that when she finally lay down, she drifted into sleep without realizing it.
Meanwhile, at the shop, Clara had received Alex's earlier reply and smiled. Business was slow that afternoon, and by early evening she decided to close up. She sent Victoria to handle the last delivery and then called Alex.
"Hey, I'll be back soon. Please make dinner, okay? Something light."
Alex, who had just woken up to collect the dry clothes, quickly agreed. After hanging the last piece, she went straight to the kitchen. By the time Clara returned home, the air was rich with the aroma of fried potatoes and fish stew.
"Alex, I'm home!" Clara called as she kicked off her shoes.
"Big sis, welcome! I just finished making dinner," Alex replied with a smile.
"Well done, little sis. I'll definitely reward you for this," Clara said, disappearing into the bathroom for a shower.
When Tom returned from work, the three sat down for dinner. The conversation was light and easy, filled with laughter. Later, the sisters settled in the living room, half-watching a movie and half-discussing their plans for Christmas.
"So, big sis," Alex said, rubbing her full tummy, "when are we going to Iban for Christmas?"
"This weekend," Clara replied. "That's why I told you to wash clothes today. Start packing what you'll take, and let's even call Mum using your phone so she can save your number."
"Okay," Alex said, dialing their mother's number. The call didn't go through. "Mum's phone is switched off."
"Then call Dad," Clara suggested.
After a few rings, their father's deep voice answered, "Hello? Who's this?"
"Dad, it's me—Alex. This is my new number. Big sis got me a phone as a gift," she said proudly.
"Really? That's wonderful news. But you just decided to tell us today?" Dean's tone held mild irritation.
"I'm sorry, Dad. I forgot, honestly. You know I'd never hide things from you," Alex replied, her voice soft and coaxing.
"Hmm. You forgot, right? Give your sister the phone," he said with mock resignation.
"Yes, Dad," Clara said, taking over. "We just wanted to tell you we'll be coming home this weekend. Also, what happened to Mum's phone?"
"That's great news," Dean replied. "Her phone battery went flat. Don't worry, I'll tell her you both called—and thank you for getting Alex a phone."
"Of course, Dad. She's my sister; what else can I do?" Clara said with a small laugh.
After their goodbyes, they continued watching the movie, engrossed as the plot thickened. By the time it ended, Alex yawned and wished her sister good night before heading to her room.
Just as she was about to sleep, her phone buzzed—it was Muiz. From the background noise, she could tell he was working, probably at a party or club.
"Hey, sweetheart," his warm voice came through. "How was your day?"
"Busy," Alex replied with a small smile. "I did chores all day. You?"
"Same here, just finishing up work. I miss you already," he said, his tone low.
They talked about their day, exchanged a few teasing words, and ended the call reluctantly.
Alex thought she'd have trouble sleeping after her evening nap, but as soon as her head hit the pillow, her eyelids grew heavy. With a faint smile playing on her lips, she drifted into peaceful sleep.