PART FOUR
~4
SONIA
There's a special kind of peace that comes from being in harmony with your own mind and soul.
And somehow… being around Tracy makes that peace come easier.
She has this calming presence that settles me, makes me feel relaxed, complete—even happy in ways I didn't expect. Maybe she's the sister I never had. Whatever it is, I'm grateful. Truly grateful that God allowed our paths to cross.
I silently promised myself to always value what we share.
After we finished breakfast, we cleared the table together and washed the dishes side by side, laughing over nothing in particular. When we were done, I turned to her with a playful smile.
"C'mon, girl. Let's go to my room and gist properly."
Before she could protest, I caught her hand and gently dragged her upstairs.
Now, if there's one thing about me, it's this—I love my space spotless. Not just clean… pristine. I'm the kind of girl who notices the smallest speck out of place, and honestly, I only feel comfortable inviting extremely neat and organized people into my personal space.
My bedroom? That's my sanctuary. My favorite chill zone. The place I retreat to after a long day to dream, breathe, and just be.
So letting Tracy into it for the first time…
Yeah.
That meant something.
And the surprising part?
I felt completely at ease.
The moment Tracy stepped into my room, she went still, her eyes drifting straight toward the large framed rural landscape mounted on the wall. I folded my arms lightly, already smiling to myself.
I love it when people notice the details. I put serious effort into customizing this room.
"Amazing… I've never seen a photo like this before," Tracy said softly, pointing at the frame.
I snapped my fingers lightly with a grin. "Beautiful, isn't it?"
"What a magnificent view," she added, slowly walking toward the veranda doors, her eyes wide with admiration. "I love it."
I chuckled under my breath.
"What is it again, girl?" I asked, shaking my head fondly. "What have I gotten myself into this sweet day?"
She stepped onto the veranda and leaned slightly against the rail, taking in the scenery like she was memorizing every detail.
Then she spoke again, her voice soft but thoughtful.
"Your veranda is the lifeboat of this home… the kind of place where we could sit for hours, talking and watching the world go by. Sharing wisdom… strengthening bonds."
My heart did a small, unexpected flip.
"Ohhh, Tracy," I said warmly. "That's exactly why I've been begging you to move in with me. This view could be yours too, you know. You'd transform your space into something just as beautiful."
I tilted my head. "So… what do you think?"
She turned slowly, a small smile playing on her lips.
"I won't lie—it's a beautiful idea. And I'm already loving it here," she admitted. "But I still need to think it through. No rush."
I raised a brow but nodded.
Fair enough.
She stepped fully onto the veranda, and I followed, pulling out a chair.
"Sit joor. Let's have our proper chitchat here. The fresh air from these trees is doing something to me—don't you feel it?"
She laughed softly as she sat.
"I do, stubborn head. Convincing you of anything is always hard work."
I rolled my eyes dramatically and settled into the chair opposite her, taking a moment to really look at her.
Then she caught me off guard.
"You're beautiful," Tracy said, smiling gently.
I blinked once, then quickly recovered my composure.
"So are you," I replied coolly, though the corners of my lips betrayed me.
Hmm.
Madam is trying to soften my heart after stressing me with this moving-in matter. I see you, Tracy. But I wasn't about to push her. Some decisions people have to reach on their own.
I leaned back casually.
"By the way… what would you like to drink while we gist?" I asked sweetly.
She didn't hesitate.
"I'd love some Carlo Rossi red wine. Do you have it?"
I burst into a playful laugh.
"Ah-ah! So you want to enter your feelings today, abi? Naughty girl. You never told me you were this spoiled."
She covered her face briefly, laughing.
"Oh my gosh, Sonia, stop it. I've always been a bad girl—you're just starting to find out."
I leaned forward slightly, eyes sparkling.
"Oh really? I can't wait to see more of that side, honey. It's already sounding exciting."
Still giggling, I stood up and headed inside to my wine bar. Moments later, I returned with the bottle and two elegant stem glasses.
I handed one to her.
She grinned mischievously.
"Pop it, baby!"
I lifted the bottle high with a dramatic flourish and popped the cork. The sharp celebratory sound echoed lightly across the veranda.
We both laughed.
I poured the wine carefully into our glasses and raised mine.
"To more happiness… fruitfulness… and success."
She clinked her glass gently against mine.
"To us," Tracy added softly.
We both took a slow sip.
The breeze moved gently between us.
And just like that…
The real conversation was about to begin.