What happened?"
"He had a heart attack. The doctor said it was his diabetes getting to him. So he's gotta reduce some food intake and just change his whole diet."
She sighed as she took the words in. The last thing she expected was a call from her cousin telling her Uncle almost died. Just that made her mind go to different places at the same time, different scenarios.
"Luckily, I was back to see them before leaving for Enna and I's house when I saw everything happen. It was really scary, not gonna lie."
She took in deep breaths. "What about Diane and Lawrence?"
"They're home. I told them not to worry."
"Auntie?"
"She's fine. With him. They're still at the hospital doing more checks, because she's too worried about this happening again."
"Wow," she let out. "I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything," he responded. "I just wanted to tell you, so you'd be aware of what's happening in the family. In a way, you're my sister and their daughter. I remembered that we'd talked last time, so I thought it'd be a good move to let you know... Especially since Dad asked for you."
Her eyes widened as she sat up. "Really?"
"He did," he confirmed. "I think he really thought he was dying so he wanted to see you for the last time."
She felt her heart break at this. Everything he was telling her was so unexpected and it made her want to reach out to them the more. What was stopping her from seeing them? She'd talked to Trevor nothing bad happened. Plus, Andrew said nobody was mad at her, that it was all in her head. And if there's anyone she believed, it was him.
"Do you...think I should see them?"
"I do."
Looking up in the sky, she said, "Okay. I will."
"Whenever you're ready. I'm sure they'll be excited to see you when you do. Everyone's missed you." Then he added, "Not me though, I've seen enough of you."
She let out a laugh at that. "Oh, please. I know you missed me."
"Maybe. I know Enna did though. You only sent her a simple text. She's sad."
Tina sighed. That woman really wanted to be friends, huh. It wouldn't be such a bad idea to have a female friend, especially someone so nice like her. It's just that she's so bad at being with people she didn't want to ruin anything.
"I'm sorry."
"It's fine. However, you should know that she's an extrovert and will not give up until you like her. That's just how she is."
"Yeah." Lamont was like that too.
"Alright. I think I need to go back inside and talk to the doctor."
"Okay. Bye."
"Bye."
She stood, still outside the past minutes she spent talking to her cousin. It was a good thing, staying outside and taking in the fresh air cleared her head. To an extent. Being with Trevor these past days made her forget everything, every problem, everything she was meant to be doing. It was nice while it lasted though. Now, she had to go to her family.
Her real family.
Taking in one last breath of fresh air, she strolled inside her door.
She should probably pack.
***
Trevor paused what he was doing when his friend walked in. He'd called him, so it's not like his presence was unexpected.
"You've been busy," Mike simply said. "With Tina."
"And you've been busy telling my family."
"Your parents, actually," he corrected, while proceeding to sit in the chair in front of him, placing his legs on the desk with a smile on his face. "It's not my fault. They called and asked and I just had to tell them that you're getting together with her."
"Right." He couldn't bring himself to be mad at his friend because they'd been close for so long, it'd be weird if he didn't tell his parents. If he'd wanted it to be a secret though, Mike was sure to keep it. But this wasn't that. It was something he was happy about.
"So when are you going to come back home with her, during Christmas? Because I'm assuming you're coming, since everything's going well with you two."
He smiled, leaning on his chair. "Yeah. Maybe. I'll ask her."
"Now?"
"Of course not. I don't want to rush anything for her. I'm trying to take things slow. So if you meet her accidentally, try not to make her uncomfortable with your weird questions."
Mike gasped. "I don't ask weird questions."
"You used to when we were together. She was always uncomfortable with you for that reason."
Mike didn't argue that, knowing that he's right. "I'm just not that good at being friendly with women, you know. Except my lady Suzie."
"But you talk to my sisters and mother."
"Barely." Then he added, "Maybe it's just you two together that makes me feel awkward. You've never been comfortable with my girlfriends too. So we're the same!"
Trevor simply shook his head at his friend's ridiculousness. "Anyway, as long as you don't offend her in any way, we're cool. I know you didn't like her at a point, but it's different now."
"It's not like I can go against your wishes anyway," Mike said, removing his legs from the table. "And since we know she's not that terrible of a person, it'll be fine."
"Yeah."
"By the way, since you haven't come back for Christmas all these while, do you know Tina hasn't either?"
Trevor was surprised. "Are you serious?"
He nodded. "She never came back. Not for birthdays, her cousin's graduations... nothing. She never even called. It's interesting, really. You two are alike. Except that at least you called. I'm sure her uncle and aunt especially were sad. I wonder why she left them like that."
Trevor hummed. He wondered too. Ever since he'd known Tina, she'd always been about her family and her ambition. She was so grateful to her family and loved them all, a feeling which was heavily reciprocated by them. Did they have a fallout? Was it because she left? He could ask her later, but he felt it was none of his business. Whenever she wanted to talk about it, she would. He was satisfied with them being together now.
That was all he ever really wanted.