The morning sun spilled gently through the curtains, warming Serena's face before she opened her eyes. She stretched lazily, only to hear soft laughter drifting from the kitchen. For a moment, she thought it was just her friends, but then she heard the familiar hum of a voice she hadn't woken up to in years—her mother's.
"Serena, breakfast is ready!" her mom called warmly.
Her friends—Maya, Tasha, and Chloe—were already gathered around the table, pretending to help but mostly giggling at Serena's mother's playful scolding. Serena padded into the kitchen, her heart swelling with both surprise and relief. It felt… safe, like she was finally home in more ways than one.
"Your friends are sweet girls," her mom said, setting down a plate of pancakes. "But they eat like little soldiers."
Everyone laughed, but Serena caught the way her mom's eyes softened when they landed on her. It was the kind of look only a mother could give—the one that saw through her smiles, through her distractions, straight into the hidden questions in her heart.
Later, when her friends went out for groceries, Serena found herself alone with her mom. The silence was thick, but not uncomfortable.
"So," her mother said gently, "are you going to tell me who he is?"
Serena froze. "Who?"
Her mom smiled knowingly, sipping her tea. "The boy who put that glow on your face. The one who makes you stare out the window at night as if the stars carry his name."
Serena's cheeks flushed. She hadn't told her mother anything about him—not even about that first unexpected meeting. And yet, her mother had noticed.
Before she could reply, her phone buzzed on the table. The screen lit up with one name.
Ethan.
Her breath hitched. Her mom's eyes flickered to the phone, then back to Serena with a knowing smile.
"Aha," her mom teased softly, "so that's him."
Serena fumbled to pick it up, her cheeks burning. She pressed the phone to her ear, half turning away, though she could feel her mother's amused gaze on her back.
"Hey, beautiful," Ethan's voice came through, warm and steady. "I was just thinking about you."
Serena's lips curved into a smile despite herself. "You always call at the most unexpected times."
"That's because I can't stand missing you," he said. His voice softened. "Can I see you today?"
Serena's chest tightened. She wanted nothing more than to say yes, but her mom was right there, listening. Before she could reply, her mother reached over and gently plucked the phone from her hands.
"Hello, Ethan," her mom said smoothly.
Serena's eyes widened in horror. "Mom!"
But Ethan only laughed lightly on the other end. "You must be Mrs. Vale. It's so nice to finally hear your voice."
Her mom froze for the briefest moment. Her fingers tightened around the phone, and her eyes flickered—soft, distant, carrying the shadow of someone she once loved. It was the first time in weeks anyone had called her Mrs. Vale out loud. The name still carried weight, still echoed with the memory of her late husband.
But she quickly masked the ache with a gentle smile and replied, "I've heard enough to know you've stolen my daughter's attention. I only hope you deserve it."
Serena covered her face with both hands, wishing the ground would swallow her whole. Ethan, ever calm, answered with confidence:
"I don't just want her attention, ma'am. I want her heart. And I promise you—I'll take care of it."
The silence in the kitchen was thick. Serena's mom studied her daughter's blushing face before finally handing the phone back.
"You'd better not keep him waiting," she said softly.
Serena pressed the phone to her ear again, whispering, "Ethan, I—"
"Meet me," he cut in gently. "At our spot. I'll be there."
Her heart pounded. She could already imagine the look her friends would give her once they found out she going out to meet him.
But she knew one thing: this was the moment everything was about to change.