Page 18 of Five Years
“Turns out Hannah isn’t coming either,” Grace said, coyly.
“Oh, and you just happened to read that now?” Leah rolled her eyes.
“I saw a message last night that had Hannah’s name in it, but I didn’t open it,” she shrugged.
Steven reappeared with free hands. “I’ve put your things in your bedroom. Leah, you’re right next door to Grace,” he smiled.
“Thank you.”
“Dad, why isn’t Hannah coming?” Grace asked.
Steven shrugged. “Ask Ariana. You know I don’t like to get involved in your relationship drama.”
A female voice called from the doorway, followed by a half-hearted wave at Leah and Grace. The permanent scowl etched on her face was visible from four car lengths away.
“Hi, girls,” she screeched.
Kathy Harrison was equivocally unlikeable. She was manipulative, constantly belittling, and as Grace became an adult, she quickly realised Kathy’s true intentions were always hidden behind a façade of fake sweetness. She had others fooled—Steven included—and maybe even their older brother, Ryan. But there was a dark shadow whenever she was around, a toxicpresence that was difficult to put into words. Leah understood it too.
“Hi,” Grace mumbled, unenthusiastically.
“Do you think you should tell Ariana I’m here before we just bump into each other and then we have to do the whole awkward exchange of pleasantries and the ‘sorry I’m here crashing your family vacation’ speech?”
“Too late,” Grace mouthed.I’m sorry.
Ariana obliviously strolled from the rear of the property to her vehicle—the one parked directly in front of Grace and Leah. She looked up to briefly acknowledge her dad. Something on her phone caused a strain in her brow. She was so effortlessly stylish in straight-leg joggers and a matching hoodie. A grey beanie hat flattened her voluminous hair; curly strands exploded from underneath in every direction, negating the need for a scarf.
Leah’s pulse quickened. At any moment, Ariana was going to look up—
Three. Two. One.
Ariana hesitated. Her right foot kicked a raised paving slab as she looked blankly in Leah’s direction. She stood frozen. A moment of awkward silence passed as they stared at each other. The blank look swiftly turned to one of surprise. Leah reached through the open car door for her backpack—the contents had fallen across the back seat, which normally would frustrate her, but now she welcomed the distraction. The task required her to reach beneath the front seats to retrieve everything.
Get a grip of yourself,she mumbled.
She heard muffled conversation between Ariana and Grace, likely discussing Leah’s presence.
“Leah, are you okay in there?” Grace asked.
“Uh-huh,” Leah lifted her hand to flash a packet of spearmint gum. “Found my gum.”
God bless the American Indians who chewed resin made from the sap of spruce trees. Leah thought chewing gum would’ve been a fun thing to discover—way better than the light bulb, although she saw the much greater benefit of the latter.
She wanted to ask if the coast was clear. It was eerily silent outside the vehicle. Surely, Ariana wasn’t standing there waiting—
Leah slowly reversed her body from the car, trying not to bash her head on the doorframe or disturb a sleeping Ezra.
She collided suddenly—Ariana. Her hand went to Leah’s back to steady her. A nervous laugh escaped Leah’s lips. A hint of a flirtatious smile played on Ariana’s. They mirrored each other’s stance and expression. Amusement flickered in their eyes.
“Hi,” Ariana broke the silence, trying to keep her voice calm. “I didn’t mean to stand so close. I just wanted to...erm...break the ice, I guess.”
Leah chuckled softly. “You certainly did that.” She looked down at Ariana’s outstretched arm, still inadvertently touching her.
“Sorry,” Ariana said.
“I’m sorry you didn’t know I was coming.” Leah glared at Grace, who quickly looked away.
“It’s a pleasant surprise.” A faint but unmistakable smile tugged at Ariana’s lips.
