C85 Why Are You So Observant

After we departed, I rode my bicycle home. The cool evening breeze brushed against my face, yet my thoughts were elsewhere. Alicia's words from earlier kept replaying in my mind. "You should learn how to drive. Maybe even buy an affordable car, even if it's on credit."

At first, I had dismissed the idea. A bicycle had always been enough for me, but now things were changing. Laura and I were spending more time together, and I couldn't expect her to walk everywhere forever. Maybe owning a car wasn't such a bad idea after all.

By the time I reached home, dinner was already on the table. "I've decided," I announced as I sat down. "Alicia is coming over tomorrow. Apparently she's planning some kind of surprise." Both of my parents looked at each other. Mary smiled first. "Well," she said, "I was actually planning to surprise her. I wanted to buy her a few things, but since she's already coming, I think I'll give her your great-grandmother's earrings and bracelet instead."

Both Dad and I froze. I blinked several times before asking, "Mom... didn't you always say those family heirlooms were meant for your future daughter-in-law?" Dad quickly nodded. "I thought the same thing," Quinton agreed. "Especially since our son here already has a mysterious girlfriend he refuses to introduce to us. If you give them to Alicia, what will you give Mike's future wife?"

I quietly thought about it. At first it sounded strange, but then another thought crossed my mind. Honestly... Alicia had done so much for our family. She was always helping us, cooking for us, laughing with us, and treating us like family already. Seeing her wear those heirlooms every day didn't sound bad at all.

Mom smiled warmly. "What's wrong with giving that little girl some jewelry?" she asked. "It's not as though she lacks money. The Mooney family can buy any expensive jewelry they want. That's exactly why I want to give her something unique." She continued gently. "The earrings and bracelet will be for Alicia. The necklace and ring will still belong to Mike's future wife."

I immediately nodded. "In that case, I don't mind at all. Alicia is practically always with us anyway. It'll be nice seeing her wear them." Dad laughed. "See? Our son still hasn't chosen between the two." Mom burst into laughter as well. I could only shake my head while smiling. "You two really enjoy teasing me." The three of us laughed together before finishing dinner.

Meanwhile, over at the Chambers residence... Chris had just returned home. The moment he walked through the front door, both of his parents noticed the troubled expression on his face. Valeria frowned. "Son, you've looked distracted since this morning. Is something bothering you? Should I expect you to skip dinner again?"

David also became concerned. "What happened? You know you can tell us anything." Chris hesitated. He took a deep breath before finally speaking. "Tomorrow... I might not sleep at home." His parents stared at him. "Might not sleep at home?" Valeria repeated. "Where exactly are you going?" David suddenly grinned. "What is this? Are you spending the night with a girl?"

Valeria immediately smacked her husband on the arm. "Our son doesn't even have a girlfriend! Besides, sleeping outside is expensive and dangerous. I wouldn't allow it." Chris almost laughed. For a moment, he considered telling them he was flying to England. Then he remembered Alicia's request.

A sly smile appeared on his face. "Mom, Dad... Alicia has something important that needs to be taken care of tomorrow. She asked me to travel and help resolve it." Both parents immediately became serious. Chris continued before they could interrupt. "She also wanted to know if the two of you could help her tomorrow. She's been feeling unwell lately, and since the Police Minister is busy,

she said the only people she could rely on were Mike, me... and both of you."

He deliberately emphasized the words Police Minister. David's expression instantly changed. "Is Alicia alright?" Valeria also looked worried. "What happened? Is she sick?" Chris shrugged. "I don't know all the details. She simply asked for your help."

David stood up immediately. "Then of course we'll help." Valeria nodded firmly. "Tell us where to go." Chris secretly celebrated inside. "They'll be meeting at the Smith residence." He paused before adding, "But Mike and I won't actually be there. She said we weren't needed. That's why I'll be traveling elsewhere."

His parents exchanged glances before nodding. "If Alicia asked, then we'll go." Chris smiled in relief. Dinner suddenly tasted much better.

Later that night, after returning to his room, Chris noticed that Sarah was online. He quickly sent her a message. "Hi, Angel. What are your plans for tomorrow?" A few moments later, she replied. "Hey! Honestly, I'm not sure yet. I'll be busy in the morning, then I'll see how the day goes." Chris smiled faintly. He didn't want to spoil the surprise. "Alright. No problem. Have a good night. I'm feeling tired, so I'll sleep early." "Good night! Sleep well."

As soon as their conversation ended, Chris opened an airline booking website. "Seven o'clock departure..." He clicked a few buttons. "Arrival... eight-thirty in London." Without hesitating any longer, he booked the ticket and the hotel as well. He leaned back in his chair, staring at the confirmation screen. "I hope she likes surprises..." With that thought, he switched off the lights and went to bed.

At the Mooney residence, Alicia arrived home looking unusually thoughtful. The entire family noticed immediately. Peter smiled. "My granddaughter, is everything alright?" Georgia added worriedly, "Did someone bully you at work? Tell Grandma who it was." Mark folded his arms. "I bet it was those two boys again."

Alicia sighed dramatically. "Why do all of you always assume the worst?" She laughed before continuing. "My brothers are perfectly fine. They're just... busy with their own personal lives." Peter chuckled. "So they've stopped giving you enough attention?" Alicia rolled her eyes. "No, Grandpa." "Then why do you look so distracted?"

She hesitated for a moment. "Tomorrow... I have a lot planned. I'll probably be out the entire day." Georgia tilted her head. "My dear, you've gone out all day before. Remember the kite festival and the picnic? You were excited then." She smiled knowingly. "So why are you nervous this time?"

Alicia laughed helplessly. "Grandma... why are you always so observant?" Georgia proudly wrapped an arm around Peter. "If I weren't smart, I wouldn't have married your grandfather." Everyone laughed.

After calming down, Alicia finally explained. "Mike is going shopping with his girlfriend tomorrow." Everyone nodded. "Chris is also traveling overseas to surprise the girl he likes." Mark blinked. "So... what's the problem?" Alicia smiled awkwardly. "The problem is that Mike's parents invited me over after they tasted my cooking last week."

Peter immediately remembered. "Oh! The day you came home late." Georgia suddenly snapped her fingers. "The same day you asked me how to know when someone is falling in love." Alicia's cheeks instantly turned red. "Grandma..." The entire family laughed as she buried her face in embarrassment.

She sighed before continuing. "So now Mike and Chris both won't be around, and I have to spend time with their parents so they don't become suspicious about where those two actually are." Mark scratched his head. "So you're going there to keep them company?" Alicia nodded. "Exactly. That's what a younger sister should do." The room filled with warm laughter once again.

Georgia still looked worried. "But that can't be the reason you are so stressed right?"