Galaxia's POV 

After our little reunion, we headed over to the dining room with profound happiness and extreme hunger. It was already 8:17p.m. My mom and I headed into the kitchen to bring out the dishes. lαncαshírє hσtspσt, tσαd-ín-thє-hσlє, crσquєttє, lαsαgnα and many more. Immediately my brothers and my dad spotted the food, they started licking their lips and rubbing their palms together.

They were about to start eating without waiting for my mom and I to sit first, then mom hit my dad's outstretched arm and I hit my brothers'. They started rubbing their arm while my mom and I glared at them.

"I can't believe you guys can't wait for us to be seated first. And Kingston, I'm disappointed in you. I mean you're supposed to be a good role model to them. We haven't even said prayers first" She scolded them.

"I'm sorry, honey. But you know how irresistible your cooking is. We just couldn't wait much longer," my dad said and winked at my mom.

"Awwn really? Thanks sweetheart" she said and moved to sit on my dad's lap. My brothers and I just watched this scene unfold before us, each of us looking from mom to dad and then back again.

They were about to kiss when my brothers and I shouted,

"Ewww!, gross."

"Mom, dad, stop that, it's disgusting," I said while covering my eyes.

"I think I'm gonna vomit," Adrien said, making a sick face and holding his stomach.

"Well, thanks guys. I just lost my appetite," Noah said, glaring at them.

"I guess I'd be leaving then," Kyle said, pretending to get up.

"No! Don't go. You promised to stay, remember?" My mom said, quickly getting off my dad's lap.

"And kids, I think it's unfair. I mean teenagers that are dating get to show love to one another in different ways, even in public. When you guys find the right one for you, I'm sure you'll also publicly display your affection for each other, so I see no reason why your dad and I can't show our feelings for one another."

"Mom, first of all, you guys aren't teenagers. Secondly, we aren't against you showing your love towards one another, we're just saying please don't do that in front of us and there are other ways of showing love, like getting gifts for each other, hugs and stuff but not flirting or kissing one another in our presence. Please!"

I said and my brothers nodded their heads in agreement. My parents just rolled their eyes in reply.

"And how are you guys going to feel when we find our destined partners and we go all PDA in your faces? Uhhn?" Adrien asked.

"We'll be happy because our babies have found their one and only and aren't ashamed to show to the world how much they truly love each other," my mom replied.

"I'm not up for this 'One and only' and 'Love' thing, you know. And PDA just freaking disgusts me," I said honestly and they all turned to look at me.

"What do you mean you're 'Not up for one and only and Love thing'? Don't you want to get married?" My mom asked.

"I don't believe in that trash, mom. I mean what good has it done to anyone? Yes, you and dad found love and all but it's not some trait you can just inherit. Love is not meant for everybody and I don't give a damn about it," I said truthfully.

My parents and brothers just gaped and stared at me with wide eyes.

"But Laxy—"

"Mom, I'm hungry and the food's getting cold. This topic is not worth discussing, so please let's eat," I interrupted what she was about to say.

I was becoming uncomfortable with this topic and I was not ready to listen to what anyone had to say about it. My mind was already made up. Love might be the best thing that has ever happened to some people, but to me, love was cruel and not worth a millisecond of my time.

I absolutely didn't believe in it. Of course, I loved my family and friends. I had nothing against filial and platonic love but the one that existed between opposite sex was nothing to me.

They hesitated for a few minutes before my mom spoke up.

"Ok then. Let's say our prayers," and she went ahead to pray, thanking God for everything, asking for forgiveness of sins and finally blessing our meal.

My parents had always taught us, ever since we were young, that it was always good to appreciate God because He was the one that provided everything for us and also protected our lives.

We are our meal and made small talks every now and then. It was time for dessert and my mom said, while wiggling her eyebrows.

"Kids, how about you go take a shower, change into your PJs and come down for dessert. You're all probably filled up, so I want you to burn some fat and make space for my fantastic dessert."

My brothers groaned and Adrien said,

"But mom, the shower's sooo far away from here. We can just change here," He said and Noah and Kyle nodded their heads.

My mom and I grimaced in disgust.

"Will you get your stinky bottoms off my chair and head upstairs," my mom commanded while crossing her arms.

They all stood up and trudged up the stairs. My mom then turned to me, raising an eyebrow, she asked,

"What are you still doing here?"

"I'm helping with the dishes and there's nothing you can say to discourage me," I said quickly and ran into the kitchen.

I helped my mom in clearing the dishes while my dad took my brothers to go get some clothes since we didn't come prepared.

I went upstairs to shower and my mom called after me "Laxy honey, I put some PJs on your bed. They're mine. I know you're taller than I am so, you have to manage them, ok?"

"Yes, mom. Thank you."

I entered my old bedroom and looked around. Nothing seemed to have been removed or added. It was exactly the same. I had so many memories of this single room, both good and bad ones.

I grabbed my mom's PJs and stepped into the shower. While showering, something suddenly came to my mind.

"Damn, I forgot! I totally forgot! What am I going to do? How could I forget?"

I forgot about my nightmare. My parents, brothers and friends did not know I still had nightmares. At home, I had the whole house to myself, so even though I screamed or cried, no one could hear me. But here, everyone would surely know.

I got out of the shower and put on my mom's night wear. Removing my shower cap, I tied my hair into a messy bun away from my face.

I stepped out of my room and descended down the stairs, all the while thinking of what to do. Leaving was not an option, the only solution was not to sleep at all.

That would be quite hard to do. I'm here with neither my laptop nor my sketchpad. How could I forget something as important as this. How stupid of me. No matter what, no one can find out. I won't allow it.

"Laxy, Laxy, are you okay?" My dad asked, bringing me out of my trance.

"Uhhn?" I replied absentmindedly.

"Are you okay? Is everything alright?"

"Yes dad, everything's fine. I was just thinking. Nothing serious."

"Ok sweetie. Just remember, we're here for you if you need anything, ok?"

I looked up and smiled at my dad

"Yes dad, I know. Thank you very much."

He smiled in return and hugged me, saying

"I love you very much, sweetie."

"I love you too, dad. Very much," he pulled away after a few minutes.

"Ok sweetie, let's head into the dining room before your mom explodes."

"I know, right? She's like a ticking time bomb," my dad and I laughed together.

"Yep, my very own time bomb,” he smiled proudly. My parents really loved each other. It was a pity I didn't believe in such. I don't need it, I have everything I need. I have more riches than most people in love could ever dream of.

We headed into the dining room and my brothers were already there, waiting.

"Alright everyone, here comes dessert. Laxy, this was made specially for you, honey.” my mom announced from the kitchen.

"Mom, do you need any help with that?" I said, getting up to help her.

"No! I've got it. Just sit there and don't move an inch."

"Ooook..." I looked around at everyone, seeing them mirroring my confused expression. I raised my eyebrows in question and my brothers shrugged in reply.

"And here we are," my mom said, stressing each word as she came out of the kitchen with her amazing, ambrosial, mouth watering signature cσσkíєs 'n' crєαm pαrfαíts.

My favourite thing ever! With amazing layers of tasty goodness, a burst of different shades of brown. The whipped cream interwoven lusciously with the cookies and delightfully looking chocolate chips spread as toppings.

My face lit up in joy. I looked up and saw everyone watching me in amusement. My mom carried a glass and handed it to me.

"Honey, how about doing the honours of tasting it first."

I took a spoonful and shoved it in my mouth. My taste buds instantly welcomed the burst of amazing flavours. I took another spoonful and shoved it in. I bet I looked like a kid that finally got what she had always wanted for Christmas. I couldn't help it, I loved cookies 'n' cream so much. I loved exactly how my mom made it. It was neither cloying nor sickly sugary. It was the right dose of a salivating, mouth-watering delectation.

"So how is it?" My mom asked.

"It's soooo good, mom. I love it. Thank you very much!" I replied hurriedly and continued stuffing my mouth.

Everyone started eating while I was done with mine. I licked my lips and looked greedily at the others. My mom smiled and went to the kitchen. She came out with two more cups and placed both before me.

"Here you go, honey. This is what is left, so you have to eat them gently, ok?" She said slowly, as if talking to a kindergartener.

"Mom, just because I love it a lot and I'm happily eating it like a kid, doesn't mean you should treat me like one."

"Sorry honey, you just remind me of your younger self. So carefree, happy and expressive. I miss that a lot, you know. Thank you for showing us your loving side, honey."

"Mom, I'm only going to be like this with you guys. No one deserves to see this side of me, only you guys," They all smiled in return.

We all continued eating and I was on my fifth glass. My dad and Noah sacrificed their dessert for me, saying it was too sweet. Adrien and Kyle were too selfish to give theirs up.

Mid-conversation, my mom spoke up,

"Guys, we were invited to dinner in New York."

"What dinner?" Noah asked while I was busy with my creamy goodness. I was barely listening to their conversation.

"It's like a get-together dinner," she replied.

"With whom are we getting together with?" Kyle asked

"The Crownes."

"Mom, explain in details. Dinner? Get-together? New York? The Crownes? Who are they?" Adrien asked in confusion.

"Fine, I'll explain. Our old time family friends, Kate and Ron Crowne invited our family over for dinner. Kate and Ron have been friends with your father and I since our high school days. After college, we kind of just went our separate ways. Of course, we stayed in touch with each other, Ron and Kate were invited to our wedding and we also attended theirs. Since then, we've not seen each other and our whole family was invited over to New York to meet their family."

"But mom, why are you telling us this? I mean it's supposed to be a reunion for old time friends not the whole family," Adrien said.

"Our whole family was invited and I'm telling you guys in advance to prepare for it and clear your schedule because I will not accept any excuse whatsoever. Whether it be fashion shows, or business meetings, I want it all done before or after the dinner. We can't make a bad impression as a family, that's why we all have to be there. Now, do you understand me?"

"But—" Adrien started.

"Do you understand me?" Mom interrupted.

"Yes we do, mom," my brothers sighed and mumbled simultaneously.

"I already planned on going to New York," I said.

"What? Really? How come?" My mom asked.

"Since I'm done with all I have to do here, I've decided to go to HQ and keep an eye on the doings there. It's been a while since I went there."

"How long have you been thinking of this?"

"Since last week."

"How long will you be staying there for?"

"I don't know. But I do plan to release my next fashion line there, so say probably a year? It's still undecided, but as time goes."

"When are you leaving?"

"Tuesday."

"What?! And you're just telling us this now?!"

"Mom, I wasn't really sure, but since you said we'd be attending dinner over there, I made my decision and decided to just go ahead. That's why this is coming out late."

"I can't believe you're just telling us. You're leaving London and you're just telling us."

"I'm sorry, mom. But I promise to always visit. I'll never miss our monthly family dinner. I promise," I persuaded her and finally she gave in.

"When is this get-together anyway?" Noah asked.

"In two weeks. Saturday to be exact," my mom replied.

"Ok, we'll be there."

"Better," we talked for a while and everyone was getting tired, so we decided to call it a day. We headed upstairs and said our good nights.

I walked into my room and settled on the bed.

"Well, let's see how this weekend goes," I sighed tiredly.

I was damn anxious about tomorrow, not only tomorrow but the entire weekend...