Sun rays sipped through the curtains in fine lines, when my eyes fluttered open. By the intensity of the light, I could tell that it was pretty late for my parent's standard. I stirred my arms while a yawn made its way. My lips curved up as I recalled last night. We'd gotten home and when Chris leaned closer to kiss me good night, I placed both palms on his chest. "Wait." He stopped completely, looking bemused. "What sort of pictures are you taking? I mean, there are so many people disguised as a Jedi."

He grinned, his eyes lightning up like a kid on Christmas morning. "I'm trying to find the things that might have been Lucas' inspiration for the movies." My frown creased right before he added, "Take Yoda for example. I'm pretty sure he created it after a Chihuahua. It's small and has huge, pointy ears like that breed." Nodding, I though it through. There was a resemblance. He might be on to something. "In the aquarium, I thought the seals looked like Jabba The Hut."

My brows furrowed. "I always thought Jabba came after an ugly toad."

"Probably," he shrugged. "I work with the things I have in front of me."

I licked my lips, patting his chest. "You are not such a dummy yourself, Chris." He chuckled before flicking my nose.

I swatted him away, pulling back. Then, a thought popped into my head. A sly smile played in my lips as I paced my hands on my hips. "Good luck finding a Darth Vader, dude."

He cracked up at that. "Yeah, I clearly didn't think it through." He shook his head entertained. His eyes looked down, focusing on my lips for a moment before glancing up. My stomach flipped, excitement washing over me.

This time, I didn't let him lean on me. I stood up on the tip of my toes and kissed him. "Goodnight, geek."

He swallowed hard, his eyes roaming all over my face. "Good night Farah," his tone was soft and he stared at me having some sort of internal fight, before bobbing his head and walking away. My brows furrowed as I recalled the look on his face right before he left.

He seemed conflicted. Was it about us? A defeated sight left my lips while I closed the door behind me.

Why couldn't we be completely straightforward?

***

We played board games, I caught up on the reading list I had on my tablet and my sisters got to watch the rest of the Star Wars installment that Dad got from a rental video-store.

I didn't hear from Chris. Not a text or a call or anything. Zero. Nada.

Not having much to do, didn't help. I tried not to think about it. But at the end of the weekend, my dark mood was pretty evident. I spent most Sunday afternoon locked in my room, pretending to read and not over-think it all.

It was clear that whatever we were going through, wasn't anything official.

I didn't know how to feel about it. In a way, I knew that I was going back to California in a couple of weeks but on the other hand, I kind of wanted to see where this could go. I was sort of hoping to try out the long-distance relationship if Chris was up to it.

I just wasn't sure he'd go for it.

After dinner, we were settling to watch a movie, when my phone rang in my room. I didn't want to bring it with me everywhere, but I had set it up on the highest volume and left my door open, so I would hear it.

Mom's blue eyes turned to me. She hadn't said anything, but I knew she knew where my moodiness came from. Actually, everyone in the house knew. They'd been letting me be for the most part. Biting my lip, a ray of hope washed over me.

Maybe he was busy with work.

Sprinting, I took two-steps at a time to reach my room faster. My heart was racing when I grabbed the phone but it sank when I saw Cassie's face on the screen. Sighing, I slid my finger across it. Plopping onto my bed, I greeted her. "Hi Cass."

"Wow. I'm feeling the love Farah," she murmured, her words laced with sarcasm.

I closed my right eye while watching the ceiling on my left, a pang of guilt playing in my chest. "Sorry. How are you?"

"Better than you." I rolled my eyes. "What's up? Why are so cheery today?"

"I'm bored, that's all."

She stayed quiet for a moment. "Huh. I take it you haven't talked to Chris?"

Just the sound of his name made my stomach clench. "Nope. He must be busy, I suppose." I tried to sound nonchalant, but there was a bitter tint to my tone.

"I'm sure he is," she trailed carefully and I had a feeling she knew exactly why.

Closing my eyes to slits, I sat up. "What do you know Cassie?"

"It's not my place to tell, Farah." Her voice was soft. "All I can tell you is that he's got his hands full right now."

Clenching my jaw, I glared at the window. The curtains were swaying softly in the summer breeze. Pinching the bridge of my nose, I took a deep breath. Cassie was right. If anything was going on, Chris is the one who should let me out of the loop. My stomach churned uneasily.

Will he?

He was being shady, that much was clear.

"Farah, you have to come visit me before you go back to California. There are so many things to do in New York! We have a spare room, so we can accommodate you."

I plopped back into my bed. "I think it would have to be next weekend, because I've got Michael's exposition in two weeks. But I'll need to ask my parents about it." They would probably approve. I mean, this is Cassie, my best friend.

"Awesome! Let me know as soon as you can, so I can start planning for the weekend. And probably, getting the room ready for you," she murmured the last part uncertain.

I smiled at that. "Why? What's in the room?"

"My paintings," she added sheepishly. "It's full with them. But I'll get it sorted out for you, no worries." Cassie had a gift for painting. She was really talented and was getting ready for an exposition for her school.

"I'm glad I'll get to see them before anyone else."

"Yeah. It sucks that you won't be here in September to see them in the art gallery." My heart clenched. It was at times like this that I felt like I was missing out on my friends' important events. "But we're going to have so much fun, Farah! Go ask your parents right now!"

I chuckled at that. "Will do, Cass. I'll text you as soon as I have an answer."

"Great. Take care, okay?"

I was already stepping out of my room with a smile on my face. Talking to Cassie made me feel better and her enthusiasm was making me feel all giddy too. "Yup. Talk to you later!" We hung up while I was reaching the family room. The TV was on and Mom turned to see me as I sat beside her.

"Feeling better?" she asked in a soft tone, not trying to make much noise to disturb my sisters from their movie. Dad shifted in his seat and glanced at me. My heart warmed for them. I was lucky to have such a loving family. A knot formed down my throat. Ugh. I am going to miss them terribly, too. "Honey?" Mom placed a hand on my arm, concern flashing through her eyes.

Furrowing my brows, I nodded. "I'm just getting home sick, I guess."

"Do you miss California?" Dad asked bemused.

Riley turned our way, glaring at us for not being quiet. Mom snickered and gestured us to get up. The three of us stepped to the kitchen. Dad sat in front of the table, Mom started the kettle and I leaned on the counter, crossing my arms.

"Actually, I'm being quite pathetic right now. I'm missing you guys and I haven't left already. I blame it on girl's hormones." I shook my head, sulking already.

Dad stood up and walked to my side. He passed one arm around my shoulders. "We always miss you, kiddo."

I leaned my head on him. "Thank you," I murmured feeling all warm inside.

"Who did you talk to?" Mom placed two mugs with tea on the table and went to get the other one. Dad and I pulled away and helped her out. He took the other mug while I raided the cabinets for cookies.

"Cassie," I answered as I searched through the second cabinet without much luck. "Actually, she invited me to stay over the weekend with her."

"Didn't we just established that we all miss each other?" Dad quipped from his seat on the table.

I glanced at him, with an overly sweet smile on my face. "I also miss Cassie, Dad. She's my best friend."

Dad groaned before dipping a spoon in his tea. "I can't argue against that face, Farah. You know that." I did. I was still Daddy's little girl. This face had never failed to get me out of trouble with him. Then again, we all knew that they were letting me go to Cassie's. It was a no-brainer. I wasn't even asking for money, I'd saved from my job on the bookstore, so I got it all covered.

Mom chuckled, shaking her head. And so, it was established that I was going to New York over the weekend to visit Cassie. I loved my family to no end. 

Thank you for reading me!