Finding Lily

Chapter Seven

Days had passed, and silence had settled over our little town. I had neither seen nor heard from Oliver or Jeremiah and this time, it wasn't because of anything I had done. The absence was a result of Ashley Adams, a name that had become both a curiosity and a source of frustration for me.

Ashley was undeniably beautiful. Her hair, much like that day at the beach, shone as though she carried the sun itself in her locks, casting a radiant halo around her. She had a way of dressing that oozed elegance and grace, leaving an impression wherever she went. And, if I hadn't mentioned it already, she was pretty - incredibly so.

Jeremiah, who had been avoiding me ever since Ashley's arrival in town, had taken on extra shifts from anywhere other than the inn. Oliver, on the other hand, had chosen complete isolation. Their sudden absence left me feeling a mixture of hurt and annoyance, and I couldn't help but wonder why I was being left behind without any explanation.

I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions-confusion, frustration, and a growing sense of isolation-as I tried to make sense of the changes that had swept through our group. I'd rather have them bickering all the time not seeing them at all. I couldn't even say it out loud but I felt hurt, especially with Oliver, who had expressed his interest in me.

"He had a girlfriend?" I muttered in annoyance, my frustration growing. "He did not even bother mentioning that before causing all these..."I trailed off, my hand resting on my chest as if the pain were physically there.

The fact that Oliver, who had expressed his interest in me, had kept this important detail hidden stung more than I cared to admit. The emotions inside me threatened to erupt at the thought of it all and I couldn't shake the feeling that there were still many unanswered questions hovering in the background, waiting to be addressed.

Just then, Mama came inside my bedroom, her presence instantly shifting my thoughts. She had news to share, and it brightened my mood considerably. She announced, "Rose will be coming home today."

A rush of excitement coursed through me at the mention of my big sister. Rose is a law student at Yale, and her accomplishments have made our parents even prouder. In our Asain household, where words flowed abundantly, her achievements were celebrated rather frequently.

Nonetheless, I couldn't wait to see her and catch up on everything that had been happening in her life. The prospect of her return filled the air with a sense of anticipation, momentarily diverting my attention to my family.

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Rose's arrival at the inn was greeted with much excitement and celebration. For her return home our parents spared no effort in giving her a grand welcome. There were hugs, kisses, and enthusiastic greetings as she stepped through the door.

"Rose, my dear, you look stunning as always!" Mama exclaimed, embracing her with warmth.

Dad chimed in, his eyes filled with pride. "Our little Yale scholar has graced us with her presence once more."

Rose blushed at the attention but took it all in stride. "It's good to be home, Mama, Dad," she replied, her smile radiant.

Amid the joyful chaos, Rose turned her attention to me, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. "And what about you, Lily? Any exciting summer romances to share?"

I couldn't help but roll my eyes playfully. "Rose, you know me. I'm always too busy with work and reading to think about romance."

Rose chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. She knew me inside out, especially when it came to my not-so-secret crush on Jeremiah. It seemed like ever since Jeremiah hit puberty, Rose had taken it upon herself to play matchmaker, always teasing and prodding about us, unaware that Jeremiah had a crush on her since we were kids.