Amelia froze and slowly turned back. "Emily?"
Emily marched toward them and flicked Amelia hard on the forehead.
"Ouch!" Amelia rubbed the spot. "What was that for?"
"Why were you taking her to my room?" Emily demanded, hands planted on her waist.
Before Amelia could answer, Irelia stepped forward timidly. "Mom… I want to stay with you."
Emily's mouth dropped. "Mom?"
Amelia shot her a glare. "Don't start."
Emily blinked, confused, as if she'd somehow offended someone without knowing how.
Amelia gently guided Irelia down the hallway. "Come on. I'll show you my room."
They stepped inside. Amelia pointed around. "You can put your bag there. Bathroom's over there."
Irelia nodded, but her eyes drifted nervously toward the door. "I don't want to go to the living room. I'm… scared of Emily."
Amelia laughed softly. "Emily doesn't bite. She just hates people touching her things."
"Oh." Irelia visibly relaxed.
She hesitated. "Is Emily your sister?"
Amelia smiled. "No. My best friend."
Irelia's face brightened. "Then… can I be your best friend too?"
Amelia chuckled. "That's up to Emily and Caleb."
Irelia tilted her head. "Caleb?"
"My other best friend" Amelia said. "He's not in town right now."
"Oh… okay."
Amelia raised a brow. "More questions?"
Irelia shook her head quickly. "No."
"Good." Amelia stepped into the bathroom and a moment later, the shower came on.
Several minutes passed before Amelia walked out, completely naked.
Irelia blinked, then screamed and slapped her hands over her eyes.
Amelia jumped. "What?! What happened?!"
The door flew open. Emily burst in. "What happened?!"
Irelia stuttered, face red. "Sh-she—my mom—came out naked!"
Emily stared at her. Then at Amelia. Then back at Irelia.
"Mom? Did you just call her mom?"
Her eyes narrowed as she looked between them. "Wait… why do you two look alike? Same eyes, same hair, same everything!"
She pointed dramatically at both of them. "How didn't I notice this before?!"
Amelia sighed. "So that's why you screamed?"
Irelia nodded shyly.
Emily laughed, relaxing. "Irelia, please. Girls see each other naked all the time. It's normal."
Amelia's expression softened. "Irelia… don't you have any friends?"
Irelia lowered her head. "No. I don't."
Emily's posture changed instantly. She sat beside Irelia on the bed. "Then… I'll be your friend."
Irelia's eyes widened. "Really?"
Emily smiled. "Really."
Amelia finished dressing and grabbed a comb. "Alright, let's go wait. Irelia, did you bring any casual clothes?"
"Yes" Irelia said, opening her suitcase.
Emily stared at the designer outfits inside. "These are your casual clothes?"
Amelia facepalmed. "That's it. We're going to the mall."
"YAAAH!" Emily pumped her fist, leaning toward Irelia. "Girls' outing."
Amelia informed Zoe, and within minutes, they were headed out.
At the Mall
Irelia froze at the entrance, eyes wide. "This place is… huge."
Emily giggled. "You've never been to a mall before?"
"No…" Irelia whispered, completely mesmerized.
They led her through the racks, choosing soft dresses, simple tops, and comfortable shorts.
Irelia tried each outfit with shy excitement, and Amelia paid for everything.
By the time they stepped out, Irelia was glowing in her new clothes.
At the Shop
When they arrived at the shop, Emily grabbed a broom immediately.
"Come. I'll teach you" she told Irelia.
Irelia watched closely, then began sweeping, quick and precise.
Emily nodded approvingly.
Meanwhile, Zoe and Amelia worked in the kitchen, cooking noodles.
Soon, customers began streaming in, greeting the familiar trio warmly.
Their eyes kept drifting toward Irelia.
"She's so pretty…" "Is she Amelia's cousin?" "They really look alike…"
Irelia blushed and stared at the floor.
The bell over the door chimed.
Emily's face lit up. "LEO!"
She ran to him and hugged him tight.
Zoe rushed over, laughing. "My boy, you're back!"
Irelia watched him quietly, her breath catching.
He's… really handsome…
She found herself staring, smiling without realizing it, caught by the warmth in his voice as he greeted everyone.