Chapter Ninety One - Homecoming

Harper lay curled on the sofa, the soft hum of the ceiling chandelier above blending with the quiet stillness of the Baldwin living room. Her chest rose and fell in slow, even breaths, a peacefulness that had been elusive for months finally settling over her. The late afternoon sun filtered through the curtains, casting long, warm stripes across her face.

Aura padded down the stairs, cautious, the creak of the wooden steps barely breaking the silence. She stopped just inside the living room doorway and stared down at her sister, the rise and fall of Harper's chest a fragile promise of healing.

Aura reached out, gently brushing a stray lock of hair from Harper's forehead. 

"Harper?" she whispered softly.

Before her fingers could touch Harper's cheek, Camila appeared behind her, placing a firm hand on Aura's shoulder.

"Don't wake her, hon." Camila said quietly, eyes gentle but resolute. 

"She had a rough night sleeping last night. The nightmares... they're still there, but the new medication helps. It knocks her out most of the time."

Aura's brow furrowed. "How long is she going to be home for?"

Camila sighed, exchanging a look with Thomas who had just entered carrying a small basket of folded laundry.

Thomas stepped forward, settling into the armchair near Harper's feet. 

"The medication she's on now—" He began carefully. "—it's a lot stronger but it's working. It helps with the nightmares and her PTSD, but it makes her really tired. Sleeping this deeply is actually a good thing for her right now. It's the first time she's been able to rest properly in a long time."

Camila nodded. "She's still in monitored therapy with Aunt Julia. We are all keeping a close eye on her."

Aura's eyes softened as she looked back at Harper. "I just want her to be okay."

"She will be," Camila assured her, brushing a hand over Aura's. "It's a process, but she's making progress. Which is good, yeah?"

Aura gave a small nod and then looked towards the staircase. "I'm going over to Leah's for dinner tonight."

Camila's voice was warm but careful. "Okay, just make sure you call us if you need anything."

Thomas added, "Be back before it gets too late, alright?"

"I will." Aura promised.

The door clicked softly behind her as she stepped into the cool evening air. The street was quiet, the sun dipping low behind the trees lining their suburban neighborhood. Across the street, Leah's house was bright and inviting, a soft glow spilling from the windows.

Aura crossed the road and knocked lightly on the door. Leah swung it open almost instantly, her face breaking into a bright smile.

"Hey! You're right on time!" Leah greeted, stepping aside to let Aura in.

"Hey." Aura replied, shrugging off her jacket. "How are you?"

Leah leaned casually against the doorframe, her easy confidence filling the room. "Better now you're here. You think you're ready for Friday? Playing has sucked without you there. There is only so much I can do when I play with my siblings.. I miss you."

Aura laughed softly. "You know I'm always ready. Someone's got to keep you in line, at least."

Leah's grin widened. "Yeah?"

Aura felt a warm flicker inside, comforted by Leah's words and presence. "Oh yeah."

Leah's expression softened. "Come in! Dinners almost ready. So, how are things at home? I heard Harper's back from Warren, how is she holding up?"

Aura's smile wavered. "It's complicated. She's on new medication that knocks her out a lot. Mom says she had a rough night last night. But she's home, and that's what matters. I'm really happy she's home, I haven't seen her in months.."

Leah stepped forward and squeezed Aura's shoulder gently. "I'm really glad she's with family. And you too — it must be hard for you."

Aura nodded slowly. "It is. But having the this helps. I don't know what I'd do without football and you guys."

Leah laughed, the sound bright and reassuring. "We're all in this together. And if you ever need to blow off steam or just get away, you know where to find me."

Aura smiled genuinely. "Thanks, Leah. That means a lot."

As they settled down to eat, the easy rhythm of their friendship wrapped around Aura like a protective shield — a reminder that no matter how difficult things were at home, she had people who cared, who understood, and who would always be there.

The kitchen was chaotic, the remnants of dinner pushed to the side of the table, soft clinks of silverware settling into stillness as the flock of Pickett's siblings gathered around the dining table. The evening light filtered through the window, casting warm amber hues across the worn wooden surface. Aura and Leah sat next to each other, the somewhat space between them alive with an easy familiarity that only years of friendship could build.

Leah leaned back in her chair, her fingers idly tracing the rim of her empty glass, a cheeky but gentle smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Her eyes, bright and attentive, settled on Aura with a teasing spark.

"So.." Leah began, voice light but curious, "Tell me — any sparks flying in your world lately? Anyone making you smile or laugh a little more than usual? Surely there is someone.."

Aura shifted in her seat, the warmth rising in her cheeks betraying her otherwise composed expression. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, glancing down at the table for a moment before meeting Leah's gaze.

"Ah, not really.." she replied softly, a faint sigh escaping her lips. "It's been... hard to focus on that kind of thing. With everything going on — Harper's health, Jackson going to rehab, school, the new routines — it's like my mind's always elsewhere."

Leah's smile softened, her eyes reflecting genuine understanding. She reached out and gave Aura's wrist a reassuring squeeze. 

"Yeah, I get it. When life piles up like that, the idea of 'normal' feels so far away. But you deserve a little happiness too, even if it's just a tiny spark."

Aura returned the squeeze, grateful for the steady presence of her friend. "Thanks... It's just... I don't know where to start, or if I even want to."

Leah chuckled softly, leaning forward, elbows resting on the table. "Well, you know I have a girlfriend and stuff.."

Aura raised an eyebrow, the corner of her mouth twitching in amusement. "Yeah, you mentioned her but you don't talk about her often."

Leah's grin grew, cheeks colouring slightly. "She's a cheerleader, but from Westerleigh Prep."

Aura's lips parted in surprise, then she laughed softly. "From our rival school? That must make game days interesting."

Leah rolled her eyes, amusement twinkling in her gaze. "You have no idea. It's like a constant game of one-upmanship, but somehow we manage to keep it fun — and totally worth it."

Aura leaned forward, elbows on the table now, fully engaged. "So, how long have you two been... together?"

Leah glanced down, brushing a hand through her hair as she thought back. "Almost two years now. It started out as just friendship, you know? Hanging out after games, texting a lot, those late-night talks. Then one night after a big match, we stayed behind to help clean up, and something just... changed. It felt right."

Aura's smile softened, warmth flooding her chest. "That sounds really wonderful. I'm so happy for you, Leah."

Leah shrugged modestly, eyes sparkling. "Thanks. It's been nice having someone who understands the pressure — all the practices, the competitions, the balancing act with school. she's been really supportive, and honestly, that's made all the difference."

Aura nodded slowly, her mind swirling with quiet hope. "I hope I find someone like that someday. Someone who gets me. I know my family is a lot but.. I hope I find someone who looks past all that."

Leah's hand reached across the table again, this time resting gently over Aura's. "You will, Aura. You're one of the kindest, strongest people I know. When you're ready, it'll happen."

They sat in companionable silence for a moment, the weight of unspoken words hanging lightly between them. Outside, the evening deepened, stars beginning to pepper the darkening sky.

For Aura, the conversation felt like a small light in the gathering shadows — a reminder that even amidst uncertainty, connection and love were still possible.