Chapter Five.
Xena sat on the plush couch in Elena’s living room, her phone propped up as her brother Diego’s cheerful face filled the screen.
His messy brown hair and wide grin instantly brought a sense of comfort to her, though her heart ached at being away from him.
“So, how’s New York City? And how’s Sister Elena?” Diego asked, his youthful voice filled with curiosity.
Xena smiled, brushing a strand of her dark hair behind her ear.
“New York is great, Diego, but I miss you already. Don’t worry, I’ll be home next week, okay?” She leaned closer to the phone, her tone turning playfully stern.
“And you better not be causing trouble. Don’t stress Nana out.”
Diego giggled, his laughter infectious. “I’m being good! Promise.”
Just then, Nana’s warm face appeared on the screen, her glasses slightly askew as she leaned closer.
“Oh, look at my princess! How are you, Xena? Are you enjoying the place? Do you love it?”
Xena’s expression softened.
“Hey, Nana! It’s alright here, but I miss you guys and home already. Nothing feels as cozy as being with you and Diego.”
Before Nana could reply, Elena’s voice chimed in from the hallway.
“Well, that’s a shame because you’ve only just gotten here!” Elena entered the living room, her lips pursed in a dramatic pout as she flopped onto the couch beside Xena.
Xena laughed and shifted the phone so Elena could join the call.
“Hey, Nana. Oh, and Diego!” Elena waved enthusiastically at the screen.
“Sister Elena!” Diego’s face lit up with excitement.
Elena grinned. “If it isn’t my little prince charming! How’s my favorite boy in the whole wide world?”
Diego giggled again, clearly delighted by the attention.
“You girls have fun and be careful, okay?” Nana’s gentle voice carried a hint of worry, though it was masked by her smile.
Xena nodded, her heart swelling with affection. “We will, Nana. Don’t worry.”
After a few more goodbyes and waves, the call ended. Xena placed the phone on the table, letting out a small sigh.
“Your Nana is the absolute sweetest.” Elena said, leaning back against the couch. A dreamy look crossed her face.
“Remember back in school? After class, we’d head to her restaurant, and she’d spoil us with food and desserts. I think I gained five pounds every time I visited her!”
Xena laughed, her eyes sparkling at the memory.
“Oh, I remember. And I also remember how much of a foodie you were. You could never say no to a second helping.” She smirked teasingly.
Elena scoffed, rolling her eyes. “Whatever. I just have a deep appreciation for good food.”
Xena leaned back, her laughter still lingering in the air. “Speaking of food, do you want me to make breakfast?”
Elena’s eyes widened with excitement as she sprang up from the couch.
“Oh my God, yes! I miss your cooking so much!” She paused, then added dramatically, “It’s been ages since I’ve had anything that tastes like home.”
Xena turned to look at her, raising an eyebrow. “Elena, you act like you’ve been starving.”
Elena placed a hand over her heart, feigning hurt.
“I’m serious! Your cooking is magic. I don’t know why you don’t want to be a chef for real. You’d make millions!”
Shaking her head, Xena stood and made her way to the kitchen, grabbing an apron. “No thanks, Elena. I’m not that good.”
“Girl, I would kill to have your cooking skills.” Elena followed her, perching on one of the stools by the kitchen island.
“Honestly, I think the universe made a mistake. You’re a walking Michelin star and you don’t even know it.”
Xena laughed, tying the apron around her waist.
“You’re so dramatic.”
Elena rested her chin on her hands, her gaze following Xena as she moved effortlessly around the kitchen.
“Finally, I’m going to smell homemade food again. It’s been way too long.”
Xena rolled her eyes with a smile and started gathering ingredients from the fridge and pantry.
The sizzle of butter hitting the pan soon filled the air, and the aroma of fresh herbs and spices began to waft through the room.
Elena’s eyes fluttered shut as she inhaled deeply. “Oh, this is heaven. Pure heaven.”
“You’re drooling.” Xena teased, glancing at her over her shoulder.
“Can you blame me?” Elena shot back, grinning. “This is the highlight of my week already.”
As Xena worked on breakfast, Elena kept up a steady stream of chatter, recounting funny stories from her modeling gigs and gossip about people they used to know.
Xena listened with a smile, occasionally interjecting with her own comments or laughter.
When the food was finally ready, Xena plated two portions and set them on the island.
“Bon appétit.” she said with a flourish.
Elena didn’t waste a second, digging in with enthusiasm. Her eyes widened as she took the first bite.
“Oh my God, Xena. I could marry you for this.”
Xena burst out laughing, shaking her head. “You’re ridiculous.”
“Ridiculously lucky to have you as a best friend.” Elena said between bites, her tone sincere despite the playful words. “This trip is going to be amazing, I can feel it.”
Xena smiled softly, her heart warming at Elena’s enthusiasm. Despite the unfamiliarity of New York, she felt a sense of ease in her friend’s company—a promise of good times ahead.