Chapter 8: House Rules and Heartbeats

Finally, summer break. I just got home and my parents told me they're going to Seattle with my godmother's family for half a month.

Their suitcases were by the door, the house smelling faintly of lavender and travel stress. I was still yawning when Mom dropped the news.

And, they were already packed, only telling me as they were leaving.

Dad handed me a souvenir mug from last year, as if it would soften the blow. Mom fussed with her phone, double-checking hotel reservations.

Me: ?

I gaped at the doorway. Was I being pranked? No welcome home party, just a cold shoulder.

Am I really their daughter?

Maybe I was adopted. I should check for hidden cameras.

They hadn't seen their precious daughter for months, but as soon as I came home, they left for a trip?

It stung a little. I was hoping for homemade lasagna and a movie night, but nope.

That's not right!

A text thread lit up my screen: Mom’s heart emojis, a plane selfie, and “Be good! ✈️😎.” I scowled.

I looked down at my suitcase, thinking, how could they go without me? So I sulked, "Mom, take me too? Look, I'm packed."

My suitcase sat open, neatly folded clothes and a travel pillow peeking out. I even threw in my favorite snacks as bait.

But my mom was merciless. "You're twenty now, it's time for me and your dad to have fun together. You stay home."

She kissed my forehead, smiling like she’d just won the lottery.

Tragic.

I clutched my tote, dramatic as ever.

Too tragic.

I collapsed on the sofa, moaning for effect. Dad just laughed, tossing me a granola bar.

My heartless mom ignored my pleas. "Be good, we'll bring you Seattle specialties when we're back. You stay home."

She handed me a list of chores, as if it made up for the abandonment.

Before leaving, she said, "Afraid you'll be bored alone, I got someone to come keep you company. They'll be here soon."

I pictured a dog walker or a distant cousin, not exactly thrilled.

Feeling even more miserable, after unpacking I grabbed two bags of Doritos and a Coke, lying on the sofa watching 'The Crown.'

At least Netflix didn’t judge me. I made a fort out of snacks and waited for my mystery guest.

But the only good thing was, with no mom around, I was in charge.

Freedom! I turned up the volume, draped a blanket over my head, and pretended I was royalty.

Just as the drama hit a climax, the doorbell rang. Reluctantly, I paused, opened the door, wondering who it was—and it turned out to be Julian.

I almost dropped my Coke. There he was, suitcase in hand, looking way too smug.

I froze, seeing his suitcase, confused. "Why are you here?"

My mind raced. Was this some kind of cosmic joke?

"Godmother asked me to come." Julian said, and before I could object, he walked into the living room. "Hmm... I should stay in this room."

He scoped out the space, making himself at home. I was still rooted to the spot.

He went straight to the guest room.

His bag thumped onto the bed, as if he’d lived here forever—fresh sheets already on, spare towels folded, and a new toothbrush in the cup like Mom had planned it.

Totally acting like he belonged.

I blinked, mouth open. Was this really happening?

Sensing trouble, I quickly ran to block him at the guest room door. "What do you mean?"

He raised his phone, showing me a text thread from my mom. I scanned it, jaw dropping.

Julian showed me my mom's message: "Julian, Auntie needs a favor. Autumn is timid, afraid of living alone since childhood, so Auntie wants you to move in for half a month to keep her company. That way, if anything happens, you can look out for each other."

My mom’s words made me sound like a toddler. Julian just winked.

Below, Julian replied, "Okay."

Of course he agreed. Why wouldn’t he? Mom had clearly sent him the gate code too.

I couldn't help but twitch my mouth.

I gave him my best glare, but he just smiled back.

I'm timid? How come I never knew?

If anything, Julian was the one who freaked out during thunderstorms.

"No need to trouble you, I'm fine alone." I forced a smile, hoping he'd leave soon. If he stayed for half a month, I'd probably die of rage.

I tried to channel my inner ice queen, but Julian was immune.

Julian replied with a smile, and seeing that, I knew nothing good would come.

He had that look—the one he wore before pulling some epic prank.

Sure enough, he refused. "No way, I've already promised godmother. A promise is a promise."

His voice was final, and I gave up arguing.

I rolled my eyes, knowing I couldn't get rid of him, so I saved my energy.

I grabbed my Coke, settling in for the battle of wills.

Julian asked if I was hungry. I sat on the sofa eating chips, saying I wasn't.

He eyed my snack pile, eyebrows raised.

The next second, he took the Doritos from my arms. "Don't eat these, they're not nutritious."

He swapped my chips for a bowl of grapes, giving me a look only a mom could master.

I glared at him.

He was relentless, but I respected his commitment to healthy living.

He's even more nagging than my mom.

I considered changing my emergency contact to Julian—he was practically family.

He put the chips aside. "Autumn Lane, come buy groceries with me."

He grabbed his keys, waiting by the door. I slumped further into the couch.

"No, go yourself." I sat cross-legged, puffing my cheeks, watching TV, not even looking at him.

I buried myself in the throw blanket, daring him to make me move.

"No." Julian said. "You have to come."

He crossed his arms, stubborn as ever. I groaned, but didn’t budge.

I snorted, thinking, if I don't go, what can you do? But the next second, he picked me up, startling me, and I instinctively clung to his neck.

He swung me over his shoulder, bridal-style. I squealed, kicking my feet.

He walked out step by step, really about to carry me out. If the neighborhood ladies saw, I'd be their new gossip topic.

Mrs. Harmon would definitely tell my mom. I braced for impact.

"Fine, fine." I surrendered. "I'll go with you."

I untangled myself, smoothing my hair. Julian grinned, triumphant.

I didn't even know the point of going. I wasn't paying, nor carrying groceries.

I shuffled behind him, protesting all the way. He just laughed, picking out produce like a chef.

Since Julian took care of everything, I didn't argue—just waited for him to finish cooking so I could eat.

I scrolled through TikTok while he diced vegetables, humming to himself.

While he was washing the pan, I eyed the delicious food on the table, grabbed a piece of BBQ pork and stuffed it in my mouth.

It sizzled when it hit the plate, brown sugar caramelizing on the edges, a smoke alarm threat hovering until he cracked a window and the fridge blasted me with cool air when I snuck seconds.

Oh my god.

Food heaven. Julian was wasted as a scientist—he could open a restaurant.

So tasty!

I made heart eyes at the plate, stuffing my face.

Didn't expect Julian could cook like this.

He’d always been a ramen-and-cereal guy in college. This was a whole new level.

I grabbed two more pieces, suddenly thinking maybe having him move in wasn't so bad; at least I'd eat well for half a month.

If this was the price for company, I’d take it.

"Tasty?"

Julian appeared at the kitchen door, watching me, looking proud.

He leaned against the frame, arms crossed, a Planet Fitness key tag flashing from his pocket.

Afraid he'd get cocky, I only praised him a little. "It's okay."

I tried to look unimpressed, but the empty plate said otherwise.

I stuffed in some mashed potatoes, complimented, "Your future girlfriend will be lucky."

He grinned wider, fingers tightening on the spatula.

Julian smiled. "Autumn, how about you consider me?"

He said it casually, Adam’s apple bobbing as his eyes flicked to my mouth.

I didn't react. "Consider what?"

My fork hovered in midair, brain short-circuiting.

"Be my girlfriend." He took off his apron and set it aside.

His voice was steady, but my heart went wild. I swallowed hard, cheeks burning.

I froze.

The kitchen felt ten degrees warmer. I stared, searching for a punchline.

Staring at him, not blinking.

Time stretched, and I wondered if I was still dreaming.

My heart suddenly raced.

Did Julian really say that…

My pulse hammered. I clutched the edge of the counter, unsure if I could trust my ears.

"What's wrong?" Julian laughed, shoulders shaking. "So dumb."

He tried to break the tension, but I was too stunned to respond.

"Don't joke with me." I finally thought he was playing me, glared at him. "Don't make that kind of joke. I'll really get mad."

My voice cracked. He put his hands up, backing off.

Seeing my strong reaction, Julian didn't say more.

He disappeared into his room, leaving me to stare at my empty plate.

Even I didn't know why I suddenly got so mad.

Maybe I was scared. Maybe I didn’t know what to do with the truth.

At night, I couldn't sleep again, my mind full of Julian's "Autumn, how about you consider me?"

I lay in the dark counting ceiling cracks while the same song looped on my Spotify playlist. His words drowned out everything.

So annoying!