Chapter 4: Birthday Truths and Sisterly Bonds

That day was Julian’s grandma’s birthday, and I was invited for dinner.

I spent the afternoon picking out a dress and rehearsing polite greetings in my head. Meeting the family was a big deal.

Since Julian was busy helping, I offered to go by myself and have him pick me up outside.

He texted me updates every few minutes, making sure I wasn’t lost or nervous. It was sweet.

I was about to buy a gift, but before I reached the mall, I saw a crowd gathered, pointing and talking.

People were murmuring, craning their necks to see what was going on. I edged closer, curiosity getting the better of me.

“You gold-digging woman! I spent all my savings on you, and you took the money and ran—even left the kid! Now that I’ve found you, come home with me!”

A man was dragging a woman, with a middle-aged woman beside him.

They looked angry, shouting accusations. The woman being dragged looked terrified.

“I’m not, I didn’t, you’ve got the wrong person!” The woman struggled, but was too weak and was being pulled away.

She tried to twist free, but the man’s grip was too strong. My fists clenched at my sides.

The crowd gossiped, but no one stepped in.

People just watched, some filming on their phones. I couldn’t believe no one was helping.

“You heartless woman! That was all our savings, and you left our little boy who cries for you every day—how could you!”

The woman tried to slap the girl, but I caught her wrist.

My reflexes kicked in. I stepped between them, holding the woman’s arm firmly.

“Who are you?” she snapped. “Are you with her? Are you a scammer too?”

She glared at me, but I didn’t flinch. I glanced at the girl and recognized her immediately.

I glanced at the panicked girl—sure enough, it was Chloe. This girl really had some bad luck.

I sighed inwardly. Chloe was a magnet for trouble, apparently.

I pulled the man off and threw him to the ground, then pinned the woman on top of him and put my foot on her back.

It was over in seconds. The crowd gasped, some people cheering quietly.

Ignoring the crowd, I pulled out my phone and called the police.

I kept my voice calm, giving them the details. I could feel everyone’s eyes on me.

“Hi, I need to report an assault by Maplewood Mall. Please send someone.”

I made sure to speak loudly, so everyone knew help was on the way.

Hearing me, the crowd stopped moving.

People started whispering, unsure what to do next.

I raised my voice. “Everyone here’s a witness. No one leaves until the police get here.”

I gave them my best coach’s stare, daring anyone to argue.

“There are cameras everywhere. Anyone who leaves now looks suspicious.”

I pointed to the security cameras overhead, making my point crystal clear.

After that, no one left. We waited until the police arrived—the same officer as before.

He recognized me, giving me a tired smile. “You again?” I just shrugged.

After giving statements, it was already afternoon. I packed up and hurried to Julian’s house.

I checked my phone—dozens of texts from Julian, making sure I was okay.

“Sis, are you going to Julian’s house?” Chloe caught up to me.

She jogged over, out of breath but smiling.

“Yeah.”

I tried to sound casual, but I was still a little shaken from earlier.

“Were you going to buy a gift? Sorry for delaying you because of me. I just bought something—you can use it.”

She handed me a gift box. I glanced—it was a box of vitamins for seniors.

I tried not to laugh. It was practical, at least.

“No, no,” I quickly waved her off.

I didn’t want to take her gift, but she insisted, pressing it into my hands.

“Take it,” she insisted, shoving it into my hands before hopping in a car and leaving.

She waved as the car pulled away, leaving me standing there, gift in hand.

I scratched my head. Oh well, it’ll do for now—I’ll return it next time.

I tucked it into my bag, making a mental note to buy something more personal next time.

By the time I arrived at Julian’s house, I was over two hours late.

His mom met me at the door, waving off my apologies. “Family first, honey. Come on in.”

But I’d called him on the way, and his family was very welcoming.

They ushered me inside, making sure I had a plate of food and a seat at the table.

An hour later, the doorbell rang and Chloe came in.

She looked a little nervous, but Grandma Carter greeted her warmly.

“Chloe, you’re here.” Grandma Carter held my hand and greeted her. “Come, let me introduce you—this is Julian’s girlfriend, Savannah.”

She squeezed my hand, her eyes twinkling with approval. I felt my nerves settle a bit.

“Grandma Carter, happy birthday.” Chloe handed over her gift—a scarf, the classic present.

It was beautifully wrapped, and Grandma Carter beamed as she opened it.

“Thank you, Chloe. Have some fruit,” Grandma Carter said, inviting her to sit.

She patted the seat beside her, making room for both of us.

“Sis, thank you for earlier,” Chloe said to me.

She leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. I nodded, smiling.

“Hm?” Grandma Carter looked at her, then at me, confused. “You two know each other?”

She raised an eyebrow, clearly curious.

“I was in trouble earlier, and Savannah helped me. That’s why she was late.”

Chloe spoke up, her tone earnest. I could see Grandma Carter’s eyes widen in surprise.

“Oh?” Grandma Carter’s eyes lit up, and she smiled, patting my hand. “Savannah is amazing.”

She squeezed my hand again, pride shining in her eyes. I felt a rush of warmth.

After dinner, I saw Chloe alone in the yard. I was about to thank her for the gift when I saw Julian walk over.

He looked serious, his hands shoved in his pockets. I hung back, curious about what would happen.

I leaned against the porch railing, pretending to check my phone.

“Chloe, I remember making it clear—I don’t like you. Please stop pestering me,” Julian said first.

His voice was gentle but firm. I could tell he hated confrontation, but he was determined to be honest.

Chloe replied slowly, without turning around, “I don’t like you anymore, and I’m not pestering you.”

She sounded tired, like she’d rehearsed this line a hundred times.

“Then why did you come to my house today?”

He sounded genuinely confused, not angry.

“Savannah was late. I had to explain, or the elders might misunderstand her.”

She spoke quietly, her voice steady. I felt a pang of gratitude.

“You’re that kind-hearted?” Julian sounded skeptical.

He raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced.

Chloe turned, looked him up and down. “To be honest, I think you’re pretty ordinary now. I don’t like you at all.”

She grinned, a little mischievous. I had to hide a smile.

She lowered her eyes and chuckled. “But Savannah is very interesting.”

She glanced at me, her eyes sparkling with something like admiration.

“You...” Julian started, but Chloe cut him off.

She waved him off, turning her back on him.

“Sis.” She ran over and took my arm.

She linked her arm through mine, pulling me away from Julian.

“Sis, don’t worry. I don’t like Julian, and I won’t bother him.”

She said it with a little pout, but I could tell she meant it.

“Mm.” I nodded, not sure what else to say.

I patted her hand, feeling a little awkward but grateful.

“Sis, I promised to treat you to barbecue. Let’s go tomorrow,” Chloe said sweetly, making me want to pinch her cheeks.

She looked up at me, eyes wide and hopeful. I couldn’t say no.

“Okay.” I nodded. She’d lent me a gift, so I couldn’t refuse a meal.

I smiled, already thinking about what to order.

“Julian, girls’ gatherings shouldn’t include you, right? Even if we’re dating, girls need their own space,” Chloe said, turning to Julian.

She stuck her tongue out at him, making me laugh.

Wait, I’m not that close with her—eating alone would be awkward.

I bit my lip, wondering if this was a setup.

Julian closed his eyes, pursed his lips, glanced at Chloe, and said softly, “Of course. Have fun.”

He gave me a reassuring smile, as if to say he trusted me.

So when I went out with Chloe the next day, I was still a bit confused.

I fiddled with my napkin, trying to think of conversation starters.

I didn’t know much, and we weren’t close.

I wondered if we’d have anything to talk about besides Julian.

“Sis, how did you and Julian meet?” Chloe asked, seeing I was uneasy.

She leaned forward, genuinely curious. I relaxed a little, happy to tell the story.

That, I knew. So I chatted away, telling her how I met Julian.

I got animated, gesturing with my hands as I described our first meeting at the gym.

Chloe narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. “Is that so?”

She tapped her chin, looking like she was plotting something.

“Hm?” I looked at her, puzzled.

I tilted my head, waiting for her to explain.

“Sis, so you’re a great martial arts coach!” Her eyes sparkled with admiration.

She looked genuinely impressed. I felt my cheeks heat up.

Embarrassed, I scratched my head. “Ah, just average.”

I waved her off, trying to downplay it.

“Sis, I want to learn martial arts from you!” She grabbed my hand.

Her grip was surprisingly strong. I blinked, surprised by her enthusiasm.

“Uh... that might not be the best idea.” She looked so delicate.

I glanced at her sundress, imagining her trying to spar. It was a funny picture.

“Sis, look at me—I’m so unlucky. If I can’t defend myself, what if I get in trouble again?”

She gave me puppy eyes, and I felt my resolve crumble.

She shivered, eyes brimming with tears.

She really knew how to play the sympathy card.

“Sure, sure, you can learn!” I nodded, patting her shoulder.

I gave in, unable to resist her pleading.

“Sis, you’re so nice,” Chloe said, leaning her head on my shoulder.

She snuggled up, and I patted her awkwardly. This was definitely new territory for me.

Uh... this felt a little weird.

I glanced around, hoping no one was watching us.