Waking up the next day came with a rude interruption — Clara's loud banging on the door.
"Alex! Wake up! You have to be at the hair salon by ten, remember?"
A groggy groan came from the other side of the door.
"Uhhhhh," Alex muttered, rolling lazily across the bed, her blanket clinging to her legs.
Clara was having none of it.
"If you don't wake up right now, young lady, I won't be giving you food today!"
That did it.
"I'm up! I'm up!" Alex exclaimed, springing from bed at the mention of food.
The door creaked open, and there stood Clara, holding a feather duster like a weapon. Before Alex could react, her sister playfully swatted her arm with it.
"Ouch! Clara!" Alex squealed, darting down the hallway as Clara chased after her.
Laughter echoed through the house as the sisters ran in circles, their morning turning into a playful battle. Eventually, both collapsed on the couch, breathless and laughing.
"You're impossible," Clara said, grinning.
"And you love me for it," Alex replied, sticking out her tongue.
After their little game, both headed off to get ready. Soon, they were on their way to the salon.
The place was bustling with end-of-year energy — dryers humming, stylists chatting, and the faint scent of hair products filling the air. It took hours before it was finally their turn. By the time they stepped out, the sun was beginning its descent, painting the streets in golden light.
The rest of the day passed quickly as the sisters packed and prepared for their trip home — to the city where they had grown up, IBAN. That evening, the house smelled of sugar and butter as Clara and Alex baked cookies and pastries to eat on the road.
Tom, sitting at the dining table, watched them fondly as flour dusted their cheeks. When Clara noticed his amused expression, she grinned mischievously and smudged a handful of flour across his face.
"Now you're part of the fun!" she laughed, as Alex giggled beside her.
Meanwhile, across town, Muiz was at the bar, lost in the rhythm of his turntables. The crowd moved to the beat, their energy feeding his own. After an hour, he took a short break, wiping sweat from his brow. He pulled out his phone and typed a message.
Muiz: Sleep well, dearie, and have a safe journey tomorrow.
A few moments later, her reply came through.
Alex: Thanks, dearie. Take care of yourself too.
He smiled at the screen before replying, Sure, I will.
Just then, a young man approached to tell him his break was over. Muiz tucked his phone away, walked back to the podium, and within moments, the sound system roared to life again. The music pulsed through the bar, and the crowd erupted into wild, rhythmic dancing.
Back in her room, Alex stepped out of the shower, her skin still damp and warm. She glanced at her phone, smiled at Muiz's text, and replied quickly before tossing the phone beside her pillow.
Within minutes, her breathing evened out as sleep claimed her — unaware that another message from Muiz arrived moments later, unread.
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window, spilling across her face. Alex stirred, then sat up, remembering instantly — today was the day they were traveling.
She jumped out of bed, took a hot shower since she has a long day ahead, and hurried out to help Clara, who was already in the kitchen frying eggs.
After breakfast, they loaded their bags into the car. The excitement of going home filled the air as Tom started the engine.
As the car rolled out of the driveway, Alex pulled out her phone and noticed Muiz's message from the night before.
Muiz: sure, I will
Smiling faintly, she typed back.
Alex: Sorry, I slept off. We're on our way now.
His reply came almost immediately.
Muiz: No worries, baby. I'm just getting back from the bar. Trust me, I'm really tired — need some sleep and bye.
Alex grinned and put her phone aside, turning her gaze to the window.
The journey from Alagna — the central city of Alaschal — was a breathtaking one. As the car drove through the heart of the city, Alex watched the shimmering skyline stretch endlessly. The city was alive — from the bustling markets filled with colorful fabrics and the aroma of roasted street food, to the majestic ocean that extended beyond sight. Standing at its edge, one could see nothing but the glistening blue merging with the horizon.
As they left the city limits which showed a sign GOOD BYE , Alex began to count.
One bridge… two… three… by the seventh bridge, a large sign came into view:
WELCOME TO IBAN
The landscape began to change, hills rising majestically in the distance, the air cooler and fresher. Towering trees lined the road, and houses were built on slopes overlooking valleys blanketed in mist.
After several hours, they arrived at the University of Iban, where their parents lived in the staff quarters. The drive from the university gate to the housing area took nearly an hour, winding through the hilly campus roads.
As soon as Tom parked the car, a young man came running toward them.
"Big Sis! Alex! You're finally here!" Antony shouted, his face breaking into a wide grin as he hugged them both tightly.
"Trust me, Alex, I missed you so much!" he added, taking some of their bags from the trunk.
Their mother's friend, a cheerful middle-aged woman from next door, waved from across the compound.
"Clara! Alex! Welcome home!" she called.
The air was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of fried chicken. Antony chuckled.
"Mum just butchered a cock to make soup," he explained proudly.
The sisters smiled knowingly as they made their way to the backyard shed, where their mother stood by a large pot, stirring the simmering broth.
"You're finally home," their mother said warmly, glancing over her shoulder. "Go take a sit don't bother to help me. Rest a little. The food will soon be ready."
*********
P. S. Please add to your library.