“Well, hon, I know it still hurts even after all these years, but it might not be as bad as you’re thinking.”
I give her a flat stare. She rubs a hand over my arms, almost caressing them, and I revel in the gesture. My heart cracks with the truth seeping through.
“I think this whole time I’ve had hope that when we finally rekindled, it would go well, but it didn’t, and shoving us in more situations won’t make it better.” I gently slap my hands over my face, peeking through my fingers at my traitorous romance books with the friends-to-lovers trope.
Liars.
“Bianca, I know you’re scared, but if love is involved ...” She stops as she sighs and closes her eyes. “You run the risk of experiencing every other emotion too.” She places a kiss on the topof my head. I inhale shakily at that, and she raises my face to look at her. “It’ll be okay, Bianca, I promise. Besides, we still need to attend to support Josh. Poor thing has been stressed out of his mind since all the attorneys from Philly will be coming too.” I roll my eyes. No wonder she’s pushing so hard. Josh wants to look like a devout boyfriend in front of everyone.
Ever the performer.
Though, as always, mother dearest is oblivious. I open the curtain slightly and see Ana walking in front of our house, and then she jogs to the front door. Her shriek of laughter is upon us, and a blissful memory comes over me.
“Honey, can you see who’s at the door?”
I nodded and kissed her arm, as that’s all I could reach. I skipped to the door and threw it open to find a short woman holding a basket, wearing a light, flowy blouse, black leggings, and black flats. But what mostly caught my attention was the boy standing next to her.
He wore a baseball cap backward on his head, a slightly faded Transformers shirt along with black shorts that went down to his knees, and new-looking white Vans. He looked to be a couple years older than me, but what most captivated me were his eyes.
They were the greenest eyes I’d ever seen. I could make out the different shades as they swirled around in his irises. Sage, spring, forest, and everything spanning the entire color spectrum of green.
“Hi, little one, is your mom or dad around?” There was an accent slipping past her lips and I broke out of my bubble as I looked at the woman who was now squatting in front of me.
“Bianca, who’s—oh, hi there,” Mom said as she came up behind me, and the woman rose to her full height.
“Hi! I’m Ana Parker, and this is my son, Liam. My husband isn’t able to be here, but he sends his regards. We’re your next-door neighbors,” she said, and I looked at Liam, but he had yet to say anything. Granted, neither had I. “Liam, say hi,” Ana urged him, but he stared, still not saying anything.“I’m sorry, he’s usually not this shy.” Ana looked between us, a small smile on her face, and Mom chuckled.
“It’s okay. I’m Kate Harrison, and this is Bianca,” Mom said, and stuck out her hand. Liam’s face softened as he glanced back at me, but then I saw Ana’s face morph into shock.
“Wait, Kate? Kate Thompson?” Ana asked with a smile, and Mom dropped her hand from my back.
“Ana Garcia?” Mom retorted, and Ana nodded quickly. They both scooted away from us slightly, hugging each other.
I looked at them, confused, but then they revealed they had been acquaintances back in high school.I looked back at Liam, who blushed slightly.
“I, um—I’m Liam,” he said, and then facepalmed.“But I-I mean you already knew t-that, since you know, my mom, s-she...” he stuttered out, and I giggled at him as his face flushed bright red.
“It’s okay, I’m Bianca,” I said, repeating my name so that he didn’t feel bad, and he looked at my outstretched hand before shaking it.
“Nice to meet you, Bianca.” My stomach filled with this weird fluttering feeling, and I smiled at how he said my name.
“Nice to meet you too, Liam,” I replied.“Do you wanna come in?” He sheepishly showed me his bright smile while nodding.He stepped in with me, and Mom realized I wanted to close the door. She stopped her conversation, closed the door, and sat beside me as Liam sat next to Ana.
“Just you wait. These two are gonna be great friends,” Ana said, and I smiled at her, liking her already.
I blink, coming back to reality when Ana’s rambunctious laughter fills the house, and most importantly, fills me with a happiness that her laughter used to always bring.
It’s been a bit since Mom told me to get ready for the event later tonight, and all I’ve been doing is trying so hard not to throw up or fall into a panic attack. I shimmied into a cute, pastel-blue romper and opted for some white kitten heels. I twist my hands in my hair, making some new curls. I stand in front of the mirror, taking shallow breaths, my nerves getting the better of me. My hands smooth down the soft, buttery material, and I takeone long, deep breath.
A gorgeous person stares back and I smile at her. She can do this; I know she can. I reach over to grab my gold clutch and walk out of the bedroom. As I enter the living room, Josh is admiring Mom while Olivia fixes her hair in the mirror.
“Oh my gosh, Bianca, you look amazing,” Mom says, and Josh looks at me, almost analyzing the outfit; Olivia does the same. Her black hair is tied back in a loose bun with strands falling out. Her flawless eyeshadow gives her eyes a more doe-like shape. She wears a silver dress with earrings to match.
“Thanks,” I reply.
“Alright, are we ready to go?” Josh asks as he puts his arm around Mom’s waist, his Rolex shining slightly, and I roll my eyes at his vanity. Nodding at that, he guides Mom to the door, and we follow behind them as I try to calm down.
Keyword:try.
