Chapter 2

**Araya**

It was a cold winter, much like today, in Bainbridge. I can still remember our happy chitchats—Ash, Mum, Dad, and me. Our joyous moments together felt like a warm blanket against the chill of the world. Ash and I sat in the backseat of our red Toyota Camry while Mum and Dad occupied the front. Dad was driving, his hands steady on the wheel. Suddenly, Ash snatched my phone from my hand.

**Flashback**

“Mum, tell Ash to give me back my phone!” I whined, stretching out my right hand in a desperate attempt to retrieve it from Ashley's tight grip. My voice was a mix of annoyance and playful frustration, my brows furrowing as I leaned forward, my heart racing with the thrill of our sibling rivalry.

Ash was an annoying kid, yet she was my best friend. We were returning from a sleepover party at Jasmine's—my childhood friend who was throwing a goodbye party before her family relocated to California.

“Ashley dear, give Ara her phone,” Mum said gently, her voice soothing like a balm.

“No, Mum. I just want to check the pictures I took while she was asleep,” Ash replied, pouting, her golden eyes wide and innocent, yet mischievous. I groaned in frustration, rolling my eyes dramatically.

“Dad!” I called out, my voice rising in urgency.

Dad, focused on the road, glanced at us briefly through the rearview mirror. “You girls should solve your problems yourselves, Ari dear. I'm driving. Besides, this isn't my area of expertise. Your mum can help you with that.” His tone was light, but I could see the slight crinkle of concern in his brow.

“Ashley, please…” Mum chimed in, her voice laced with gentle authority, making Ash frown.

“Can you ask your sister nicely, Ashley? She might reconsider,” Dad added, and I smiled at the suggestion, my heart swelling with hope.

I winked at Ash, waiting for her to say the magic word: please. But I knew it wasn't coming. Ash was too prideful, cocky, and stubborn for that.

“No, I won't!” she screamed, crossing her arms defiantly and pouting angrily, her cheeks flushed with indignation.

“Why don't I have my own phone?” she asked, frustration bubbling in her voice, her brows knitted together.

Dad chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement as he watched her through the rearview mirror. “Because, baby, you're too young to have a phone. Now, can you please give Ara back her phone so I can concentrate on driving?”

“Okay, Dad,” she said reluctantly, dragging out her words as if they were a chore. With a dramatic sigh, she handed the phone back to me, and I muttered a teasing “Thank you” while sticking my tongue out mockingly, a playful grin on my face.

That was the last happy memory I had before the accident—the screeching of the tires, the violent crash, and then the hospital. The worst thing that could ever happen to you is witnessing your parents' death and being forced to watch their cremation at the young age of sixteen.

Remembering them always brings back these painful memories. I collapsed onto the cold floor, my body shaking with sobs as I cried my eyes out—something that has become a part of me, a heavy weight I carried alone.

**30 Minutes Later**

I quickly composed myself, wiping the tears from my cheeks, and headed back home. Ash was already awake and preparing for school.

“Good morning, my sweetest in the whole wide world!” she greeted, her voice bright and cheerful as she grabbed her lunch, her golden eyes sparkling with excitement.

“How are you, Ash?” I asked, planting a soft kiss on her cheek, feeling the warmth of her skin against my lips.

“I'm all good and fresh, sister. I already prepared breakfast, but I'm running late for school, so you can eat after your bath.” She grabbed her backpack and iPhone, her movements quick and purposeful.

“Muah! I love you, sister. Bye!” she called out, her voice trailing behind her as she dashed out the door.

She left, and I stood there, smiling in awe of my bossy little queen, my heart swelling with pride and love for her.

**Araya's House, 8:30 PM**

I slipped into a black strapless knee-length gown, the fabric hugging my curves perfectly. I paired it with black heels and carried a red handbag that added a pop of color to my outfit. I tied my hair in a sleek ponytail, the smooth strands glistening under the light, and applied light makeup that accentuated my features.

As I prepared, I couldn’t help but think about how Emma, Ash’s best friend, had insisted that Ash, my bff alex, and I attend her 16th birthday party. I could still hear Emma’s enthusiastic voice ringing in my ears, filled with excitement and a hint of desperation.

“Araya, you have to come! It won’t be the same without you three!” she had pleaded, her big brown eyes wide with anticipation. I could see the way her hands gestured animatedly, her excitement infectious. “It’s a milestone birthday! I want my best friend,her sister and bff there to celebrate with me!”

Ash had been hesitant at first, her brows furrowing in uncertainty. But Emma’s enthusiasm was hard to resist. “Please, Ash! You know I can’t imagine this party without you! You’re my bff, my sister, and I want you to be part of this special day!” Emma’s voice had softened, her sincerity shining through, and I could see Ash’s resolve melting away.

I felt a swell of warmth in my chest as I remembered how Emma had turned to me, her expression earnest. “And Araya, you have to come too! You’re like my big sister! I need you to help me with everything!” Her plea had been so genuine, filled with a mix of excitement and vulnerability that tugged at my heartstrings.

In that moment, I knew we couldn’t let her down. The thought of celebrating Emma’s special day together, surrounded by laughter and joy, filled me with a sense of purpose. I smiled at the memory, feeling grateful for the bond we all shared.

Alex stood beside me, a vision of elegance. She was a stunning black girl with wavy black hair that cascaded down her back like a waterfall, each wave catching the light and framing her face beautifully. Her big, beautiful grey eyes sparkled with life and warmth, drawing you in with their depth and expressiveness. They were the kind of eyes that could convey a thousand emotions with just a glance. Her slender body was the epitome of grace, with long legs that seemed to go on forever and a posture that exuded confidence. She wore a white thigh-length dress that flowed gracefully around her, accentuating her figure without overshadowing her natural beauty. The silver chains she wore glimmered against her skin, and her matching silver bag and black heels completed the look, making her appear effortlessly chic.