The air was thick with humidity as the plane touched down at Neville airport. Outside the window, the early morning sun stretched long shadows across the tarmac, casting a golden glow upon the unfamiliar city of Neville. The airport buzzed with the movement of travellers, announcement echoing in different languages and distant sounds of luggage wheels skimming the polished floors.

Tanny pressed her forehead against the cool glass, taking in the sight.

Tanny: (She whispered to herself) We are really here.

(Beside her, Macklin stretched and yawned, then he grumbled)

Macklin: Arrghh, I can't feel my legs, twelve f**king hours flying in a tin can and all we got was soggy rice and a headache.

Tanny: (Chuckles) At least we didn't crash.

(Lucinda, turned her head sharply when she heard Macklin words)

Lucinda: ( Grabs one of Macklin's ears) Must you complain about everything? 

Macklin: (Embarrassed) Ouch! Mom! You are disgracing me in front of everyone. I was trying to express my feelings.

Lucinda: Look, I don't have time for your shenanigans right now, everyone is alighting.

(She stands up from her seat and joins the line in front of her, then Macklin and Tanny follow suit)

As they descended the stairs, the heat hit them like an open oven.

Lucinda: (Squinted) Welcome to Neville, try not to melt Mack.

(Mack ignored her and adjusted his hoodie)

Airport workers bustled, guiding passengers. A shuttle bus awaited them, inside it, hummed with weak air conditioning and the silence of tired passengers.

At the baggage claim, Lucinda kept glancing at the carousel

Tanny: (Noticed her mom's action while scanning the belt for their suitcases) Did we lose a bag ?

Lucinda: Nothing sweetie, just don't trust the airports.

(Mack chirps in)

Mack: Yeah, they tend to eat things.

Lucinda and Tanny grabbed their suitcases waiting for Mack's own, finally he grabbed his when thud he stumbled backwards, nearly knocking over a petite figure. 

Girl: Hey, watch where you're (Mack interrupts her)

Mack: I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bump into you.

(Tanny who clearly enjoyed the show in front of her)

Tanny: (Nudged his shoulder)  Wow bro, you seem to make friends easily.

Lucinda: That's true (she winked at Mack)

Mack: ( Embrassed) Mom ! Stop it, I ran into her, not adopted her.

The girl watches in amusement as they teased him

Girl: ( Laughs) Relax, no harm done, by the way welcome to Neville.

(She pulled her suitcase upright and disappeared into the crowd before Macklin could reply.)

Lucinda: (smirks) Impressive. You've been here for only five minutes and already bumping into mystery girls.

Mack: (Helpless) Can we not? Let's just get out of this place.

They exited the airport. A dark sedan had been waiting for them, the driver greeted them as he open the door. The drive was smooth and very quiet with everyone lost in their own thoughts. The car pulled up in a long, winding driveway, the gates creaked open to reveal a duplex, it was large and cream coloured. Mack and Tanny were fascinated by the stunning view of the compound, as the two tall palm trees swayed gently in the breeze.

The front door opened with a gentle creak as they stepped inside. The living room was spacious with high ceilings, soft beige walls, and polished wooden floors. Sunlight filtered in through large windows, making the space feel warm and alive.

Macklin: (Heading for the stairs) I call dibs on the room with the biggest window.

Lucinda: (Rolls her eyes) We haven't seen the kitchen yet.

They laughed, their footsteps echoing lightly in their new home.

Author's note: Two bonus chapter uploaded 😊, so who's your fave so far Tanny or Owen, comment below 👇🏽