Chapter 4: Arden

The house looked exactly the same as the day I left three years ago. Freshly painted white picket fence, blooming tulips, and well-trimmed brushes all in front of a picturesque red brick rambler. The front yard was empty, so the party must be taking place in the back. I followed the stone trail leading towards the gate to the backyard, but my feet hesitated.

"What are you afraid of?" A voice asked, and I thought it was my mind until I remembered Leon, who stood beside me. I only asked to be dropped off her for a few minutes, but he seemed interested in following me. What a weird creature.

"I haven't seen my parents in a while." I responded. "But it's my sister's birthday, so I figured I should come."

His lips pulled into a thin line, and he looked ahead at the outskirts of the party where stray balloons sat silently. "I don't have any siblings, but I did have a friend that I would turn back time to see one more time."

I did not expect him to say anything nearly as depressing as that, and responded with stunned silence. "Well, now I have no choice, do I?"

My sarcasm was my shield, but Leon seemed to know that, his lips curling up as he walked ahead of me.

"Wait-!" I called out, but he was already waiting with his hand at the gate. My heartrate quickened, but I decided to ignore it, pushing forward and past the gate.

It was a purple and pink extravaganza with balloons and confetti scattered everywhere. About a dozen elementary-aged children played games and chased each other around the freshly mowed lawn. I quickly spotted the birthday princess eating cake with her friends at a nearby table.

Upon noticing me, she leapt from her seat and ran past her friends, jumping into my arms. I patted her dark locks that were twisted into braids.

"You came!" She exclaimed, beaming up at me with the widest smile. I returned her smile.

"Of course!" I lied, but her smile made my heart break at my thought of even considering missing this. I was such a bad person.

"Arden," Mia's voice lowered as she pointed behind me. "Who is he?"

"Oh!" I turned around, and Leon waved from his short distance behind me. "This is my friend, Leon."

"Happy birthday, Mia." Leon's deep voice entered the conversation, and Mia hid her face shyly behind my arm.

"T-Thank you." She said quietly. "Are you my sister's boyfriend?"

I felt my face flush immediately, but before I could interrupt, Leon replied first, "No, we're just friends."

I sighed a breath of relief, until he finished with a wink. "For now."

Mia seemed to blush for me, and I shoved Leon's arm as he laughed, a deep baritone sound. Quite the comedian.

"Arden?" The voice made my blood freeze, and I turned towards the table where my mother stood. She was wearing a purple midi-dress, on trend with the rest of the party theme, and had her dark hair tied back in a low bun. I mustered up the courage to speak, but it was after a long awkward silence.

"Hi," I cleared my throat, which had gone bone dry. "I just wanted to stop by for Mia."

Why was I already defending myself? I felt my hands clutch Mia closer, who was silent as she watched us.

Mom nodded her head slowly, gesturing to the display of food and cake on the table. "Please have some food. You and your friend are welcome to stay."

I felt a sting grow behind my eyes, and I shook my head slightly. "That's alright. We were just about to leave."

I lowered until I was eye-level with Mia, whose expression had grown sad as she had seen this routine before. I offered my best smile before hugging her. "I'll take you out shopping soon, okay?"

"Promise?" Her voice was fragile, and I hugged her tighter.

"I promise." I pulled back and wiped the stray tear from her rosy cheek. "Cheer up, and have fun with your friends today, okay?"

She nodded her head, but her face was still darkened. I patted her head and rose up, meeting my mother's unreadable eyes one last time before turning around to leave. Leon followed suit without a word, even as we got into his car. He didn't pry, which I appreciated. It was not the worst encounter, overall. Then again, I didn't run into my father, which likely would have added another layer of trauma. I felt like counting my blessings.

"Any more pit stops?"

I kept my gaze outside of the window. "No, I'm ready."