Chapter 28: It's Just As It Was

They had a blast throughout their vacation, making memories that would last. As the time to leave approached, the kids couldn't help but ask Joseph and Agnes about their past. "So, what happened between you two?" they inquired, eager to learn the details. However, Joseph and Agnes merely shared that they were on good terms now and left it at that. The kids pressed them further, but since they weren't willing to open up, the conversation was gently brushed off. As long as they were happy now, that was enough. Everyone continued to enjoy the remainder of the vacation without further questions. Soon, the vacation was over, and the kids had to head back to school while the parents returned to work. "Haaa, I can't believe we're leaving already," Dorah sighed, her heart heavy as her mother packed their bags. "You better believe it now, you can't stay here forever," Agnes replied, pulling clothes from the closet. "I'll miss this place. Mum, we should come back sometime," Dorah said, brightening. "If I have the time. Now, stop daydreaming and help me with the packing," Agnes responded, her tone a mix of amusement and firmness. "Okay, Mum," Dorah replied, walking over to assist. Minutes later, they were finished. "Let's go. Joseph and Jace must be waiting for us in the lobby," Agnes said, setting the bags down. "What if they're not there yet?" Dorah whined. "Trust me, they're already there. Let's just go," Agnes said. "Okay," Dorah said, nodding as she grabbed her bag. They arrived at the lobby in no time, where they found Joseph and Jace waiting. "I told you they'd be here," Agnes said to Dorah with a knowing smile as she walked toward the concierge to return the key. "Good morning, sir," Dorah greeted the concierge before turning to the guys. "Morning. How was your night?" Joseph asked with a smile. "It was fine, sir," Dorah replied, grinning. "Babe," Jace called, spreading his arms wide. Dorah smiled and walked into his embrace. "You sleep well?" he asked as he wrapped her in his arms. "Yeah. You?" she asked, nodding positively. "I slept like a baby," Jace said, chuckling. Dorah chuckled too, and they broke apart just as Agnes finished checking out. "Let's go," Agnes said, walking over to join them. After exchanging greetings, they set off for their next destination. Back at home, Dorah came downstairs, hoping to find her mum in the living room. "Mum!" she called out as she descended the stairs. "I'm in the kitchen!" Agnes shouted back. "Where are you going all dressed up?" Agnes asked, noticing her daughter's outfit. "I'm going out with the guys," Dorah said, sitting on the breakfast bar. "The guys?" Agnes asked, stopping what she was doing. "Yes, Mum. Jace, Ronald, Max, and Jason. We're meeting up since it's been a while since we saw each other," Dorah explained. "Oh, so, it's not the girls anymore, huh?" Agnes teased, resuming her cooking. "Yes, Mum. Besides, I talked to the girls, and only Prudence is around," Dorah said. "Okay, whatever," Agnes replied with a smirk. "What's cooking?" Dorah asked, hopping off the bar and walking over to her mother's cooking station. "Not for you, it's for grandma," Agnes said, just as the doorbell rang. "I'll get it," Dorah said, standing up quickly. She opened the door, smiling at Jace. "Oh, you're here," she greeted him as he entered. Dorah closed the door behind him. "Wasn't expecting that reaction," Jace said with a grin. "What were you expecting?" Dorah asked, raising an eyebrow. "A kiss," Jace said, smiling widely. Dorah kicked his leg playfully. "In your dreams, dude." "Mum, who's that?" Agnes called from the kitchen. "Oh, Jace, it's you," Agnes said, seeing him with Dorah. "Good morning, Aunt," Jace greeted, flashing a smile. "Are you here to pick Dorah up?" Agnes asked, eyeing them both. "Yes, Ma," Jace answered. "Let me grab my bag," Dorah said, running upstairs. "What about your dad? Is he still home?" Agnes asked, concerned. "No, he left already," Jace replied, jingling the keys in his hand. "Okay," Agnes said, walking back to the kitchen. Minutes later, Dorah came back downstairs. "See you later, Mum," she called out to Agnes as she reached Jace. "Okay, baby. Don't stay out too late. Jace, make sure you bring her back early," Agnes called from the kitchen. "Okay, Aunt," Jace said with a grin. "Let's go," he said, opening the car door for Dorah. "Thank you," Dorah said as she got into the car. Jace closed the door and went to his side. "You're looking beautiful, by the way," he said as he started the engine. "Thanks, babe," Dorah replied with a smile. "Baby!" Jason shouted excitedly when he saw Dorah get out of the car with Jace. Dorah walked quickly toward him, laughing as he picked her up and spun her around. "I missed you," Jason said, placing her back on her feet. "I missed your cute face," Dorah teased, checking him out. A cough interrupted them. "Max," Dorah called out, noticing the others. Max spread his arms wide and smiled. Dorah walked into his arms for a hug. "How was your journey?" Max asked. "It was fine," she replied with a smile. "Ronald!" Dorah called, disengaging from Max and walking toward him. "Come here, girl," Ronald said, pulling her into a hug. "I missed you," he said, caressing her hair. Dorah pulled away and playfully pushed his forehead. "You should've called me if you missed me," she teased. "Well..." Dorah said, reaching into her bag and pulling out three leather bracelets. "I got you guys something. Couldn't help but think of you." She handed one to each of them. "Jace, what did you get us?" Max asked, frowning. "Well, you know... I actually don't know she'd be getting you guys," Jace said, taking a few steps back. "Where are you going?" Ronald asked, raising an eyebrow as they started to approach him. "Stay right there," Max said with a smirk, leading the charge toward Jace. Dorah couldn't help but laugh as Jace sprinted off, trying to outrun them. The chase was on, and everyone was clearly in high spirits, enjoying the time spent together.