Chapter: 5
The soft creak of the front door echoed through the quiet house as Millie stepped inside, her shoes clicking lightly against the floor. The day had been long, but not in a tiring way—more like emotionally stretched. In her hand, she held a new phone she had bought earlier that day, something she'd been looking forward to for a while now. Having real friends and going to school made it feel necessary, like a little badge of normalcy.
Her dad looked up from the kitchen counter as she walked in, a curious smile tugging at his face.
"You're late today," he said. "What's that in your hand?"
Millie blinked, still a bit spaced out. Her mind, after all, had been preoccupied with the image of Ted and Rachel laughing together at the convenience store.
"Oh—this?" she replied quickly. "It's a phone. I bought it today."
Her dad stepped closer. "You bought a phone?"
She nodded. "Yeah. Since I've started school, it just felt right. I mean, I have actual friends now."
A small, proud smile crept onto his face. "Right… I completely forgot to get you one myself."
"It's okay, Dad. See? I can take care of myself now."
He chuckled softly. "You're definitely growing up. My little girl."
Millie hesitated for a second. "So… can I go to the mall with Liz tomorrow?"
"Of course," he said without hesitation. "Just remember to take your medicine before going, and wear a hat. And now that you've got that phone, keep the sound on so you don't miss my calls."
"Dad!" she said, flustered, her cheeks turning pink. "I'll be fine. We're going to a mall—it's indoors."
She hurried upstairs before he could say anything else, muttering something about being careful under her breath.
Not long after, Rachel came home, holding a plastic bag in one hand filled with snacks from her quick trip out. She knocked once and stepped into Millie's room, her voice light.
"Hey! You're finally back. What took you so long?"
Millie, who was sitting on the edge of her bed, staring at the floor, glanced up briefly. "I bought a phone."
Rachel grinned. "Whoa, look at you—Miss Independent. That's awesome." She held up the bag. "And I got your favourite. Strawberry yogurt."
Millie took the yogurt without much emotion. "Sure… thanks."
Rachel blinked. "That's it? I thought you'd be a lot more excited."
"I'm just tired," Millie said quietly. "Can you put it in the fridge for me? I'm heading to bed."
Before Rachel could respond, Millie had already stood up and gently nudged her toward the door. "Good night," she added softly, closing the door behind her.
Rachel lingered outside the room for a moment, puzzled by the distance in Millie's tone. "Weird… maybe she really is tired today," she murmured before heading to her own room.
Once there, Rachel dropped onto her bed with a dreamy sigh, her thoughts floating toward Ted. She thought of his casual teasing, the way he talked like he didn't care, but always somehow made her laugh. A small giggle slipped from her lips as she hugged a pillow, smiling at the memory. "He's like a little boy trying to show off," she thought.
The Next Morning
The morning sun filtered through the windows, painting golden stripes across the floor. In the hallway, Ted adjusted his bag, ready to head out.
"I'm going to the library, what are you doing today?" he announced as he passed the living room.
Alex, slouched on the couch with earphones in, gave a dry glance. "Do I have to report everything I do to you, too?"
Ted smirked. "Just wondering where my precious little brother is going today. Maybe… keeping an eye on Millie? I heard she's going to the mall."
Alex's eyes narrowed. "What nonsense are you even talking about?"
Ted just laughed, brushing past him. Alex rolled his eyes and shoved his earbuds back in.
Meanwhile, from her bedroom window, Millie had caught sight of Ted walking outside. Her heart jumped unexpectedly. She wasn't even sure why. Maybe she just needed to see him. Acting on impulse, she grabbed her bag, left a note on the kitchen counter with her phone number and what time she'd be back, and hurried outside.
"Ted!" she called.
He turned at the sound of her voice, a hint of surprise crossing his face. No more 'Teddy'? Hmm… that's different.
"Hey, Missy," he said casually. "What's up?"
"I'm good. What about you?"
"Heading to the library," he replied.
She raised a brow. "Library? Since when did you turn into a study nerd?"
"I know you think I'm just naturally brilliant, but believe it or not, I actually study."
She grinned. "I don't just think it—I know you're smart."
Ted blinked, caught off guard by the genuine compliment. Before he could reply, Millie stepped closer and looked up at him.
"Bend down for a second."
He tilted his head in confusion but did as she asked, lowering himself to her height.
Then, with a shy but sincere smile, she gently patted his hair, her fingers brushing lightly across it.
"I know you can do it."
And just like that, she turned and walked away, the wind catching her hair as she left him standing there, stunned into silence.
Ted didn't move for a while. Something in her voice, in that small gesture—it lingered, echoing louder than any words.