A few minutes later, Jethro returned, this time with a shirt on, carrying a tray of drinks. He set it down on the coffee table and took a seat across from Stacey. "So, Stacey, how was New York?" He asked.
"It was incredible," Stacey replied. This time, her initial shyness was fading. "I learned a lot, both academically and personally."
Jethro nodded. "I can imagine. It's a big change from here. You must have had some amazing friends and experiences."
"I did," Stacey replied, smiling. "But I also missed home. It's good to be back."
Jethro leaned back in his chair. "You know, you have changed a lot since I last saw you. You have become even more beautiful."
Stacey's cheeks flushed a deep red. "Thank you, Jethro." Deep down, she wanted to return the comment and tell him how handsome he was looking, but she couldn't.
"It's just the truth," Jethro said casually. "Your boyfriend must be lucky."
"Yeah, but he broke up with me when I told him I would be traveling back to my country." Stacey replied.
"Why will he do that?" Jethro asked with some trace of sympathy.
"He said he can't do a long-distance relationship. That I will be cheating on him. So he decided to end things between us." Stacey explained.
"It must be a hard experience," Jethro commented.
"Yeah, it was hard, but I've overcome it. I'm no longer feeling it much." Stacey replied.
Anabel could see the chemistry between her brother and her best friend as they talked, and it made her heart swell with happiness. She decided to give them a little more time to talk. "I'm going to get more cookies." She stood up and made her way to the kitchen.
When Anabel went out of sight, Jethro leaned forward and asked, "So, Stacey, what are your plans now that you are back?"
"I'm not entirely sure yet. I want to find a job that allows me to use what I've learned, but I also want to stay close to home. Family and friends are important to me." Stacey replied.
"That's a good plan. It's important to find a balance between career and personal life. If you need any help or advice, feel free to ask."
"It's alright." Stacey replied. She was expecting him to ask her about her next move concerning the relationship, but instead, the room became silent. His eyes were glued on the television as if the program were more interesting than her. Jethro didn't just want to talk further.
Stacey wanted to ask him about his relationship, but she couldn't speak up. She couldn't summon the courage. She took a deep breath and opened her mouth to say something, but she couldn't voice it out.
A few minutes later, Anabel returned with a plate of cookies. "Here you go, fresh from the oven," she said, placing the plate on the table. "I hope you like them, Stacey."
"They smell nicer." Stacey commented, taking one and biting into it.
"Thanks. I'm glad you like them."
The three of them spent the rest of the afternoon talking and laughing, enjoying each other's company. Stacey was happy being surrounded by people who cared about her, and she couldn't have asked for a better welcome.
Later that morning, after Jethro had gone out, Stacey followed Anabel to her room. Anabel wanted to visit the company and began to prepare.
As she was checking her outfit in the mirror, she asked Stacey with a mischievous glint in her eye. "So, what do you think of my brother?"
Stacey laughed, feeling a bit embarrassed. "He's... well, he's very attractive. And he's really nice. I can see why you two are so close."
Anabel nodded. "He's a good guy. And I think he likes you."
Stacey's heart skipped a beat. "Really? You think so?"
"Definitely," Anabel said with a smile. "I saw the way he was looking at you. And the way you were looking at him."
Stacey sighed. "I don't know, Anabel. He might be saying all that casually."
"Maybe, maybe not. Let's see how things go." Anabel replied and adjusted her dress.
"So, you know. I haven't asked you. Have any guys been coming closer to you?"
"Yeah, there was this guy. His name is Sylvester. We had been talking recently." Anabel replied and wore heels perfume.
"Wow, that's nice. I hope he's a good one."
"I think. He has a nice vibe. I'm enjoying his company. He saved my company the other time."
"Wow, have you told him about your last relationship and your pregnancy?"
"Yeah, he's aware. He said he's okay with it. Though I'm yet to define the relationship. For now, we are just friends.
"You are taking your time, I guess." Stacey said.
"Yeah." Anabel replied. "I don't want to make another mistake."
"Okay."
"I will be leaving you now. I will come back early today. Feel at home." She hugged Stacey and left the room. Stacey changed into a towel and entered the bathroom to take her bath. After taking her bath, she lay on Anabel's bed and drifted off afterwards.