008

The day at work had been long. By the time I got home, I was exhausted, but I still had things to do. I dropped my bag on the couch and let out a tired sigh. My feet ached, and my body wanted rest, but my mind was restless. I had been overthinking all day. Work had been hectic, and on top of that, Nick had been on my mind more than I wanted him to be. It was frustrating.

I rubbed my temples, trying to shake off the thoughts. Instead of sitting down, I reached for my phone. I needed something to distract me, and calling my mom always helped.

I tapped her contact and waited as the phone rang. It took a few seconds before she answered.

“Tracy, sweetheart! Finally, you remember your mother exists! I was beginning to think you had a new family over there.”

I chuckled, already feeling better just hearing her voice. “Mom, I called you a few days ago. Remember!?”

“A few days? You call that staying in touch? Oh, my dear child, one day when you have kids of your own, you’ll understand the pain of a mother who waits endlessly for her daughter’s call.”

I sighed but smiled. “Mom, you know I’ve been busy. Work has been crazy lately, and when I get home, I just want to sleep. But I swear, you are always on my mind. Every single day.”

“Oh, so I live rent-free in your thoughts? That’s sweet, but I’d rather hear your voice. A mother’s heart needs that reassurance, Tracy.”

I rolled my eyes playfully. “Alright, alright, I’ll try to call more often. Happy now?”

She hummed in satisfaction. “Much better. Now tell me, how are you? Have you been eating properly? You sound tired, and I know you, Tracy. You probably had coffee for breakfast and skipped lunch again.”

I hesitated for a second. ”…I had a snack.”

She gasped. “A snack?! Tracy, that is not a meal! No wonder you sound exhausted. You can’t live off snacks and caffeine. You are an adult now, a working woman. You need real food! I raised you better than this.”

I rubbed my forehead. “Mom, I know. I just get caught up in work, and sometimes I forget to eat. But I promise, I’ll eat a proper dinner tonight.”

“You better! And don’t lie to me. I know when you’re just saying things to make me stop talking.”

I laughed. “I swear, I’m going to cook after this call.”

She sighed. “Good. Now, have you spoken to your sisters? Those two keep asking about you.”

I let out a groan. “Oh, come on. I’m not that bad! But I was actually planning to call them next. I miss them.”

Mom’s voice softened. “They miss you too, Tracy. They look up to you, you know? They’re growing up so fast, and with college coming up, they’re a little nervous. I think they just want to feel close to you.”

I felt a pang of guilt. “I get it. That’s actually what I wanted to talk to them about. I was thinking… maybe they could move in with me when they start college. It’d be easier for them, and I’d feel better knowing they’re not alone.”

There was a pause, then a small laugh. “You really are a big sister through and through. That’s a wonderful idea. But you do know what you’re getting yourself into, right? Those two are trouble in human form. They will turn your peaceful home into a circus.”

I chuckled. “I know, but I want them close. It’s better than them struggling in dorms.”

Mom sighed but sounded happy. “Then I support it. I’ll talk to them, but I have no doubt they’ll be over the moon about it.”

We chatted for a few more minutes before saying our goodbyes. As soon as I ended the call, I dialed Emma and Ella. The phone barely rang before they picked up.

“Oh, look who finally remembers she has sisters!” Emma’s voice rang through the speaker.

Ella laughed. “I was starting to think Tracy moved to another country and forgot about us completely!”

I rolled my eyes but smiled. “You two are so dramatic. I’ve been busy!”

Emma scoffed. “Busy doing what? Ignoring your favorite siblings? What a shame.”

“You two are ridiculous,” I said, shaking my head. “But guess what? I actually have something important to tell you.”

Ella gasped. “You’re getting married!”

Emma joined in. “Oh my God, you’re pregnant!”

I almost choked. “What?! No! Why would you even think that?”

They both burst into laughter. “We’re just joking with you, Tracy. Now, tell us the good news.”

I took a deep breath. “Okay, so, I was thinking… when you start college, you could move in with me instead of staying in the dorms. You’ll have your own rooms, no weird roommates, and I’ll be there to help if you need anything.”

There was silence for a few seconds before they both screamed so loudly I had to pull the phone away from my ear.

“Are you serious?! Like, for real, for real?” Emma yelled.

“Oh my God, this is the best news ever!” Ella added. “We get to live with you in the city?! This is a dream come true!”

I couldn’t help but laugh at their excitement. “So, I take that as a yes?”

Emma huffed. “A yes?! It’s a million times yes! I was so worried about having to share a room with strangers. This is perfect!”

Ella was practically bouncing. “We can decorate our rooms however we want, right? And we can go out together, and have sister nights, and—oh! Can we have a pet?”

I hesitated. “Um… let’s start with you two moving in first. We’ll talk about pets later.”

They groaned but didn’t seem too disappointed.

Emma sighed happily. “You’re the best, Tracy. Seriously. This means a lot to us.”

Ella agreed. “Yeah. It makes me feel less nervous about college, knowing we’ll be with you.”

Hearing that made me feel warm inside. “I’m glad. You two are my little sisters, and I’ll always look out for you.”

We talked for a while longer, making plans and laughing about random things before saying goodnight.

I put my phone down and went to the kitchen to make dinner. I didn’t feel like cooking anything fancy, but I had to keep my promise to Mom, so I made a simple pasta dish. While the noodles boiled, I leaned against the counter and let my mind wander.

Nick.

I had been trying not to think about him, but it was impossible. He hadn’t been at work today, and I couldn’t stop wondering why. Was he avoiding me? Or was he just busy?

I shook my head. Stop thinking about him, Tracy.

I finished cooking, sat at the table, and ate slowly. The food tasted good, but my mind was elsewhere.

After dinner, I cleaned up, took a shower, and changed into my pajamas. I climbed into bed, but sleep didn’t come right away.

Nick.

Why did he have to be so confusing? One moment he was charming, and the next, he was distant. I hated how much space he took up in my mind.

I sighed and pulled the blanket up to my chin.

“One day at a time,” I whispered to myself.

With that thought, I finally closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep.