Chapter 38

They had gathered in the back garden, where a hot spring pool gleamed in the soft evening light. Most of the group sat around the round table, laughing and enjoying the night. Near the pool, Riley and her sisters were sipping drinks, while Sienna and Mia sat by the pool's edge, their feet gently swaying in the water as they held their cocktails.

"So," Mia nudged Sienna playfully, glancing at Riley before turning back to her, "how's Riley as your girlfriend?"

Sienna looked over at Riley, whose hair was being messed up by Nyx. She smiled softly. "You know, I'm not sure how to explain it in detail, but... she's amazing." She took a sip of her drink. "Actually, my mom found out about us recently. I confirmed everything—told her I'm with Riley."

Mia gasped. "What? How did Aunt Vivian react? Was she mad?"

"Of course!" Sienna chuckled, shrugging. "You know how my parents never wanted me near Riley or her family. Then she finds out that I'm dating the daughter of their 'enemy'?" Sienna shook her head, still amused by the irony.

Mia glanced between Riley and Sienna, her expression curious. She reached out and gently touched Sienna's wrist.

"But you know what's surprising?" Sienna continued. "Riley talked to my mom. And... amazingly, Mom said she'd accept our relationship. It's not a full approval, but it's something—at least a small step in the right direction." A soft smile spread across Sienna's face as she watched Riley from afar.

"Wait, Riley did that?" Mia's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wow, she really is something else!"

Sienna nodded, her heart warming. "Yeah. Sometimes, I wonder what I did to deserve someone like her. It feels like she's willing to take every risk just to be with me." Her voice faltered for a moment. "Sometimes I feel like I'm not doing enough for her, like I'm being unfair..."

Mia gave her a comforting pat on the shoulder. "What are you talking about? Relationships are about give and take, Sienna. And from what I can see, you're stepping up. Telling your mom about your relationship? That's a huge, brave step—and I'm proud of you."

Sienna smiled, feeling the weight lift from her chest as Mia hugged her from the side.

"And coming out is never easy," Mia added gently. "You're doing great, really. And I think Riley understands. She knows you so well."

Sienna leaned back on her arms, gazing up at the stars. "I've never felt like this before, Mia. It's weird, really. I want to be with Riley until we're gray and old, you know what I mean? I've never been so sure about anything in my life, but now... I don't know what Riley's doing to me. She just—she loves in this incredible way, and I don't ever want to hurt her."

Mia, quietly moved by Sienna's vulnerability, smiled as she took a sip of her drink. "Riley's really a good lover, huh? She's definitely got a different score with you," she teased lightly, though pride shone in her eyes.

"Whatever happens between you two, I'll always support you. I'm just glad to see you both so happy. Because, honestly, I remember when Riley was stressed out about you, not knowing what to do except annoy you." Mia laughed, and Sienna joined in, sharing the memory.

"I've never felt this calm before," Sienna said softly, her fingers brushing the ring on her hand. "Whenever I feel overwhelmed, like I'm drowning in my emotions, she shows up, and everything just... settles."

She paused for a moment, a smile forming on her lips. "I can't wait to graduate and marry her," Sienna added, her voice filled with quiet certainty.

Mia grinned at her friend's confession. "Wow, you're already talking about marriage. That's how you know it's real."

Sienna nodded, her heart full. "It is real, Mia. And I'm not afraid of that anymore."

Riley leaned against the porch post, quietly sipping her beer as she watched Sienna having fun with Mia, Anne, Tonnie, Nyx's wife, and her parents. She smiled when Sienna caught her gaze and waved sweetly before returning to her conversation.

"Wow, my little sister's head over heels," Harriet remarked, sitting on the last step of the porch and patting the space beside her. Riley took the hint and sat down.

"So, how's everything going?" Harriet asked, taking a sip from her whiskey glass.

Riley twirled the bottle of beer in her hands, glancing at it before chuckling. "We're doing good. Even with everything going on around us, we're managing just fine."

Harriet nodded, resting her arm on Riley's shoulder. "I'm glad to hear that. I'm really happy for you."

Riley took a deep breath, her tone more serious. "I met her mother, Harriet."

Harriet froze mid-drink, her eyes widening slightly. "And? Did they find out?"

"Sienna told her mom. And I talked to her as well," Riley admitted, her voice a mixture of relief and tension.

Harriet shifted uncomfortably, her silence heavy.

"She's still angry. It's like she blames you for Sophie's death," Riley murmured, her eyes fixed on the ground. "She said she doesn't want Sienna with someone who has a criminal for a sister."

Harriet clenched her jaw, but didn't interrupt.

"I told her that you're not to blame. That we almost lost you too. That we should stop letting the past dictate our lives because it's what tore you and Sophie apart," Riley said, her voice wavering. "And I told her... that as Sienna's mother, she should try to understand Sienna instead of condemning her for loving me."

Riley sighed, finally meeting Harriet's gaze. "She gave her approval, Harriet. Not a full approval, but it's a start. At least it's something."

A soft smile formed on Harriet's lips, but there was a deep sadness in her eyes. She sighed. "I wish I'd been as brave as you, Riley. Maybe I could've protected Sophie."

Riley turned fully toward her sister, her face filled with concern. "Harriet, don't you think it's time to let go of Sophie? We want to see you happy. You deserve to be in love again."

Harriet downed her whiskey, her laugh bitter. "I wish I could, Riley. But I can't imagine loving anyone the way I loved her. After what happened, after I lost Sophie..."

Her voice broke as her eyes filled with tears. "I feel guilty for being alive. Sometimes, I think it would've been better if I died with her."

Nyx appeared suddenly, flicking Harriet's forehead as she sat on the step above them. "Do you really think Sophie would be happy seeing you like this? It's been twelve years, Harri. You need to let go. Move forward. Not just for yourself, but for everyone who loves you, including Sophie."

Harriet rubbed her forehead, scoffing as she looked at Nyx.

"Harriet," Nyx's voice softened but remained firm. "Letting go doesn't mean forgetting Sophie. It means releasing the guilt, and the regrets. You need to move forward so you can truly live. Life's giving you another chance, and starting over isn't a betrayal of Sophie's memory. It's honoring the life you still have."

Riley nodded in agreement, her eyes filled with hope for her sister. Harriet lowered her gaze, feeling the weight of the truth in Nyx's words, but unsure if she could take that step yet.