Chapter 2：Hello, again. (1/2)

After a long and grueling 16 hour flight, I've finally arrived at my hometown - Uiso. I flew in a few weeks ago to get everything sorted in advance with the help of some relatives.

The rest of my immediate family and I immigrated to Laratié 13 years ago. After a decade, though, everyone, with me as an exception, moved back to Uiso.

I decided to stay behind as I wanted to continue working and living there. I loved my job.

With a lot of luck, I was also managing appreciative, talented individuals and had great co-workers. I've worked too hard to get to my position within the company to let it go just like that.

My past self back then would have never believed if someone told me that I'd be moving back to Uiso in the not too distant future.

Truthfully, if I didn't enjoy working at Intoxis Entertainment so much, along with the fact that where I'm relocating to is my hometown - I may have tried to find another company and continued to stay at Laratié.

Ah, well, I think it's not too bad a time to come back anyway. It'd be good to work here until retirement and be around family.

Oh, and speaking about family. My parents and my two siblings are coming to pick me up from the airport.

After getting my luggage, I start to walk towards the waiting area that's right outside the arrivals exit.

My sister, Ilana Raley, waves at me semi-frantically while calling out my name. ”SISI!!! SISI!!! OVER HERE!” I look to Ilana's right, I smile at mom and say my greetings. On her left, I see dad shooting Ilana a disapproving gaze from all her shouting. He is the type that cares quite a bit about appearances.

I'm sure my sister could already tell what our dad's thinking without even sparing a glance, so she grabs our brother, Ethran Raley, to meet me halfway.

Without being prompted, Ethran offers to take my suitcase. He is the second oldest, while Ilana's the youngest. And if it weren't obvious already, that would make me the oldest among the 3 of us.

As soon as Ethran takes my luggage, my sister hugs me and rubs her face on mine.

”Woah, Lana... I was here just a few weeks ago, you know!” I chuckle and hug her back. ”It's a nice feeling to be welcomed like this, though, hehe.”

Ilana puffs her cheeks out and is probably hoping I spoil her a little. I sigh, give in, and rub the top of her head as I give her a light kiss on the cheek.

She smiles in delight and grins while saying, ”That's more like it! A sweet gesture needs to be returned with the same! Glad you haven't forgotten, my dear sweet sister Sisi.”

I, Therysia Raley, am now thoroughly cringing and lightly shuddering from the words my younger sister uttered right through the core of my very bones.

No, scratch that. To the depths of my soul.

In retaliation, Ilana playfully punches my shoulder. Not wanting to leave myself defenseless, I immediately cross my arms to protect my sensitive sides from the onslaughts of weak hits as I taunt her.

Ethran, no longer being able to deal with this, mumbles out, ”God, just stop already. I don't know for how much longer my throat's going to hold back the vomit. This is NOT what I had in mind when we agreed to pick up Therysia.”

Dad clears his throat and silently agrees. Mom laughs in amusement but still tells everyone to quiet down.

”Hmph! Just shut up, Ethy. You're just jealous!” Ilana mocks him, not willing to be outdone.

Ethran gives her an empty stare and walks even faster, lugging my suitcase behind him. She scoffs out an 'I knew it.' and leaves it at that.

Ah, I feel loved by my two siblings; I am so happy. I smile to myself as I make my way towards the car. The drive home's quite a pleasant and noisy ride.

We arrive at my apartment. After I step out of the car and shut the door behind me, my sister asks me one more time, ”Sisi! Are you sure you can't have dinner with us tonight?!?! You sure are quite eager to ditch us already! I miss you, you know! Aside from seeing you three weeks ago, we haven't seen each other much at all within the last three years!” Ilana continues to whine.

I do my best to coax her, ”Sorry, Lana. I got work. I'll see everyone tomorrow for dinner.”

”Oh, fine! You better not cancel, okay?!” With one last huff, the windows slide up, and Ilana drives the car away.

After waving at the car, I then look towards my apartment. I need to freshen up before I drop in at work and meet the CEO as well as the manager I'll be mentoring.

* * * * *

[2 HOURS LATER]

I arrive at the headquarters of Intoxis Entertainment.

A secretary guides me to the CEO's office.