Chapter 11 Aria
Saturday was supposed to be a normal day. I woke up late, threw on a hoodie, and told myself I’d stay home, scroll through TikTok until my eyes hurt, and do homework. That lasted all of twenty minutes before Sienna texted.
Sienna: You alive? We’re going out. I’m picking you up in 15. Wear actual clothes and no hoodies.
I groaned into my pillow.
Me: I’m literally in bed.
Sienna: Then get out of it. Mall, now! And no excuses.
Fifteen minutes later I slid into her passenger seat in ripped jeans and a cropped sweater (the closest thing to “actual clothes” I owned).
She took one look at me and rolled her eyes.
“You look like you fought your way out of a laundry basket,” she said, backing out of the driveway.
“And you look like you’re auditioning for a Pinterest board,” I shot back, eyeing her glossy lips and perfect eyeliner.
She laughed, the kind of laugh that made the car feel smaller and warmer. “Touché. But at least I smell like vanilla. You smell like existential dread.”
“Rude.”
“Accurate.”
The mall in Silverpine wasn’t fancy. One floor, thirty stores, and a food court that smelled like fries. It was crowded with kids, moms pushing strollers, and couples holding hands. We walked into the first clothing store. It had bright lights, loud pop music, and racks of clothes I’d never wear. Sienna tossed a pink top at me.
“Try this.”
“I don’t do pink.”
“You barely do color. Humour me.”
I sighed dramatically and disappeared into the fitting room. The top was cute with flowy sleeves and subtle shimmer. I stared at my reflection and made a face.
“Well?” Sienna called through the curtain.
“I look like a rainbow exploded on me.”
“You look adorable. Step out.”
I did. She squealed, actually squealed and clapped like I’d just won a Grammy award.
“See? Boys would lose their minds.”
I rolled my eyes and spun once, mostly to make her laugh. “I’m not dressing for boys.”
“Sure, babe.” She drew the word out, smirking. “Keep telling yourself that and before you complain, you need more than black and denim in your life. You’re seventeen, not a funeral director.”
We ended up buying matching bracelets at the little jewelry kiosk—mine a thin silver chain with a tiny star charm, hers a delicate cross. She held up her wrist next to mine.
“Bestie jewelry. We’re officially locked in.”
I laughed. “You’re so extra.”
“And you love it.”
When we checked out, Sienna grabbed a pack of gum also and bumped my shoulder. “You’ve been smiling more lately.”
I didn’t know how to respond, so I just shrugged. We walked toward the shoe store next and Sienna tried on heels.
“My dad’s driving me insane again,” she complained. “He thinks I’m sneaking out at night.”
“Are you?”
“Not really,” she wiggled her brows. “He’s just paranoid.”
Sienna wasn’t the type to sneak out but I think I don't really know much about her. I haven't even been to her house before.
“Everything okay?” I asked.
“Yeah,” she replied. “He’s just on my nerves. He always thinks that I should be more careful and should always be indoors.”
“That’s dramatic.”
“You don’t know my dad.”
We paid and stepped back into the main walkway. Kids walked around with smoothies. A group of boys in Silverpine jackets stood near the fountain, laughing too loud. One of them looked at us and elbowed his friend. Normally I’d feel awkward but today, I didn’t care.
Sienna checked her phone. “Avery’s throwing another party tonight.”
I groaned. “Why does she think every weekend needs parties?”
“It’s her personality.”
“You going?”
“Probably,” she said. “Free drinks, gossip opportunities plus hot guys.”
We reached a pretzel stand and ordered bites with cheese dip. “Hot guys? Wow, you didn't seem like the type?”
“So.” Her tone shifted, ignoring my question. “Are you planning on going?”
“To what? The party?”
“Yeah.”
“I don’t know,” I said. “Depends.”
“On what?”
I shrugged again. “If I feel like it. You know Avery hates me and probably won't want me at her party”
“You’re a terrible liar,” she stated, sipping her drink. “You’re deciding based on who’s going.”
I felt heat crawl up my neck. “I just don’t want drama.”
“Aria,” she rolled her eyes, leaning back in her chair. “This is high school. Drama comes with the oxygen.”
A group of girls passed our table laughing and holding giant shopping bags. One of them wore a Silverpine jacket. Sienna muttered, “Avery’s minions,” under her breath.
When they were gone, Sienna stretched her legs out. “Okay, real talk. Stay away from the Hales.”
I blinked. “Where did that come from?”
“I’ve seen the way you look at Luca,” she said.
I shot her a glare. “I don’t look at him any way.”
“Aria. Please.”
“They’re not good news,” she continued, “That family has a record.”
“And other families don't? This creepy town doesn't?” I countered.
“The town isn't that creepy well, not really,” she shot back. “But you should beware of the Hales. They're always hiding something.”
“You’re being dramatic,” I said weakly.
Sienna leaned forward. “I’m not trying to control your life. I’m trying to keep you safe. You’re new here and you don’t know how things work yet.”
“And you do?”
She didn’t reply. Instead, she looked at the table. “Just don’t get involved with them,” she said quietly. “I know you think I’m exaggerating, but I’m not.”
I studied her face. She wasn’t joking and she looked almost afraid.
“What did they do to you?” I asked.
Her eyes flicked to mine, then away. “Nothing.”
“That sounded like a lie.”
“It wasn’t. I just don’t like them.”
“That’s not a reason.”
She stood abruptly. “Come on. We’re going to that jewelry kiosk. I want bracelets.”
Conversation was over. We walked the short stretch to the kiosk with little silver charms dangling from hooks. Sienna picked one shaped like a bow and arrow and handed it to the guy behind the counter.
“Impulsive purchase,” she smiled.
“You okay?” I asked softly.
Her voice was light. “Yeah. I’m fine. I just hate that family.”
I let it drop. We bought matching bracelets, mine was simple, a thin chain with a tiny star. Hers had a tiny cross. As we walked toward the exit, Sienna’s mood slowly shifted back to normal.
She bumped my arm. “What are you wearing tonight if you go?”
“I’m not sure I’m going,” I said.
“You will. With me, of course.”
When we reached the parking lot, Sienna unlocked the car door and tossed her bags in the back.
“You know I’ve got your back, right?” she said.
“I know.”
“So trust me on this one thing. Keep your distance from the Hales especially Luca. Please?”
Her voice carried that same nervous edge. I just didn’t promise anything. I just nodded and got into the car. As Sienna pulled out of the lot, I looked out at the town I still barely understood. The shops, the trees beyond them and the stretch of road leading back to our houses. I thought about Sienna’s warning and I thought about how warnings only worked if the person wanted to listen. I wasn’t sure I wanted to. What was so bad about the Hale family? I've only know Luca. His other family I realized didn’t interact much I noticed but I couldn't help but wonder about the mystery surrounding that family.