Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Mia did a double take when she saw Anya. "Anya, how did you get here?" she asked, surprised. It was odd for Anya to be here at this time-she wasn't studying or looking for Leo. She had come to Mia's house instead, hadn't even seen her beloved son, and yet she was

patiently

waiting.

"Um... Chad gave me a ride," Anya replied.

Then Anya asked, "Aunt Mia, when will Uncle Andre be home from work?"

Mia quickly sent a message to her husband: "Come home early, Anya's here. Seems like she wants to see you."

Around seven o'clock, Andre came home, carrying their child in one arm.

As soon as he stepped inside, he saw his niece sitting on the couch. Andre switched his shoes in the foyer, and little Henry bent down, curiously watching his dad change into slippers. Henry then lifted his own tiny feet, wanting his dad to take off his shoes too, babbling, "Dada."

Andre, still holding his son in one arm, untied Henry's shoelaces with the other hand and placed the small shoes on the top shelf of the shoe rack. He then walked to the living room couch and handed Henry over to his wife, whom the boy hadn't seen all day. Henry, ever the forgiving child, had already forgotten yesterday's scolding. He got excited the moment he saw his mom, waving his little arms energetically.

Andre sat down next to his wife. "How did Anya get here?"

"Chad brought me over," Anya replied.

Andre nodded in acknowledgment.

Mia stood up. "Alright, since you guys are back, let's go have dinner together."

The family of three, along with Anya, headed to the dining room. Anya wanted to sit next to Henry, having missed feeding him his baby cereal for days. Tonight, she insisted on doing it herself. "Uncle, thank you," she said.

The man at the head of the table, wearing a dark purple shirt, paused mid-bite at his niece's gratitude. "Thank what?"

Anya, holding Henry's spoon, looked at Andre and said, "It's not really me who should be thanking."

Andre paused, seemingly understanding something but chose not to comment.

Anya, too, remained silent, following Chad's instructions.

Mia's eyes darted between her husband and niece. She then moved closer to her husband, teasing, "Honey."

Andre, focused on his meal, offered Mia a bite. "Eat up."

Henry, wanting to join the adults at the main table, pushed away the food Anya was feeding him and cried out for his parents' dishes.

After dinner, the weather was pleasantly mild. Anya spent some time playing with Henry at home.

When it was time for Mia to go to bed, Anya got ready to leave. "Aunt Mia, I'm heading out. I'll come by again after I've done some more studying."

Andre came downstairs. "It's late, why don't you just stay here tonight? Tomorrow, you can study with your aunt. It's just the two of you college students in the house now."

Molly and Leo had finished their studies early and started working when Mia gave birth. Only these two students were left to take care of, along with the ever-hungry Henry.

Anya looked conflicted. Mia noticed and gently pulled her husband aside. "If you really want to leave, we won't stop you. Just let us know when you get home."

Anya nodded, threw on her backpack, and ran off.

Not far from the house, she saw car lights turn on and happily ran towards them.

"Chad, mission accomplished!" she exclaimed.

Leo looked at his excited girlfriend and smiled. "You look so happy. Want a reward?"

"What kind of reward?" Anya asked, curious.

Leo thought for a moment. "How about a meal?"

Anya pouted. "I'm already stuffed. Eating more means I'll have to go on a diet again."

Leo laughed and started the car, his laughter echoing down the road. "Alright then, how about a kiss?"

"Sure, sure," Anya said enthusiastically.

Leo glanced at her, eyes full of mirth. "Anya, I've realized you're not as innocent as you look. If you want a kiss, I'll pull over."

Anya playfully growled, "Chad, don't ruin the mood!"

Later, a black sedan was seen parked by the roadside for about five minutes. As it drove off, Leo's teasing voice could still be heard. "Every time, it's you who wants a kiss. And every time, you get shy afterward. You always get your way." Anya's ears turned red. "Chad, I'm breaking up with you. You're not romantic."

Leo chuckled. "Too late. Now, come help me wash the car. It's covered in dust waiting for you."

Leo drove to a nearby car wash. Afterward, he took his shy girlfriend for a walk through the bustling night market, finally stopping at a barbecue stall. "I've been waiting for you all this time; I haven't eaten yet. Join me for some food?" Anya sat down, looking around at the chaotic crowd. "Chad, if I'd known you hadn't eaten, I would've come out sooner."

The barbecue stall was buzzing with activity. Kids ran around the tables and chairs, and the tables were cluttered with fruit beer and drinks. Despite the seemingly unhygienic setting, well-dressed people were everywhere, enjoying their meals. Leo ordered a lot from the menu and handed it over to the waiter. "So, what did your uncle say after you thanked him?"

Anya looked around, then back at Leo. "Uncle didn't say much, but he's smart. He must've guessed. Aunt Mia kept glancing at him tonight. I'm sure she figured it out too."

"No need to guess. They're sharper than foxes. Your visit was obviously on behalf of your boyfriend."

Hearing the word "boyfriend," Anya blushed again.

Leo said, "Exams are almost over. I'll take you back to the Calder family and meet your parents. If you want to hang out with your friends during the summer break, let's go on a trip. I'll pick you up before school starts." Anya: "I'm not leaving."

"What are you going to do here?" Leo opened a bottle of Sprite and handed it to Anya.

"Take care of Chad," Anya said.

Leo sighed. "Everyone says they want to take care of me, but when I'm home, no one actually does. Listen, go home. You've got nothing to do here, and I don't have the money or time to take you out." Anya stubbornly refused, "I won't leave."

Soon, the barbecue arrived.

Leo handed a few skewers to the waiter. "Pack these up."

Anya, cradling her Sprite, looked puzzled. "Chad, why?"

"It's for your grandpa. He loves this stuff."

Ever since Leo and Anya started dating, their conversations were filled with references to "your uncle," "your aunt," "your grandma," "your grandpa"... It was as if Anya was part of the Cedillo family. Had their relationship been more formal, Leo might have even referred to his own parents as "your dad" and "your mom" when talking to Anya.