Page 26 of HER SISTER

The cake was huge and beautifully decorated with the words See you in 2 weeks.

But I was way too focused on Arielle and whether she would say anything—that's if she was even assuming something was going on.

I mean, Mili's lie seemed... like a good enough excuse.

Hopefully.

I zoned back in when everyone began cheering, cutting the cake as the drunk crowd impatiently got their own slices.

And before I could even think it through, I was walking over toward Arielle.

And automatically, it felt like Arielle knew I wanted to talk—especially when she motioned her head to follow her.

As we walked outside, I couldn't help but hope that I didn't make this all any worse.

"Before you say anything—I'm not getting involved," Arielle said, knowing what this all involved.

I furrowed my brows, "So you know—"

"Don't," Arielle quickly shot me back down, "I don't want to know all the details—if there are even details.

Mili was just helping you out," Arielle said, and that last part was clearly more aimed at herself, like she genuinely wanted to believe that Mili was only helping me because the alternative would throw her into the mess I had made.

I nodded with furrowed brows, clearly confused by what I was supposed to say next.

"Okay?" I hesitantly said, but it somehow came out as more of a question.

Arielle nodded, "Good, I'm glad we're on the same page," she said, shooting me a smile.

But even still, I felt confused, mostly by the fact that Arielle didn't want to tell Mya—that she didn't even want to be involved to begin with.

Arielle went to turn on her heel, but suddenly halted as she turned to me, "You should really tell Mya though," she suddenly said, and I knew she was right because my conscience had been telling me this from day one, "I don't know if everyone else in our group would react like me—and I really don't want to see you or Mya get hurt. "

I forced a smile, knowing that Arielle was genuinely one of the good ones.

"Thank you, Arielle," I said, knowing I was genuinely grateful for how she was handling it.

Arielle only shook the compliment off, "You don't have to say thank you, Ana—to me you seem like a genuinely nice person, so if what I think is going on, is going on—I know you have some sort of explanation for it, and I would never rob you of telling Mya yourself," she said, and her tone was so genuine and soft.

"Most people aren't like you," I admitted, knowing that anyone else probably would've rushed to Mya.

And I don't exactly blame them—it's more that Arielle's outlook makes the most sense.

Arielle smiled slightly, "Yeah, I have way too much going on with Bio right now than to be involved in all of this," she joked, lightly nudging me as a laugh fell from my lips.

I let out a content sigh as my laughter died down, watching as Arielle shot me one last smile before turning on her heel.

Yet, I couldn't help but call out, "Do you think I'm a bad person?"

It was vulnerable and my tone was weak—and I knew Arielle could tell this bothered me.

Arielle tilted her head, "I don't think it's your choices that make you bad, Ana" she admitted honestly, easily soothing the nerves inside of me, but even I knew that she wasn't Mya—and Mya might have a different perspective on all of this, "Instead, I think it's your morals—and you clearly feel bad.

You know that what you're doing is bad, and I think you genuinely don't know how to get out of it. "

I pursed my lips, feeling like she had just read me perfectly, "I just hope everyone can see it like you do."

Arielle gently smiled, "I really hope so too—even if they don't, you still have me," she said, and her words alone sent relief through me, knowing that she'd at least stick around if all of this went sideways.

I couldn't even stop myself from reaching out for Arielle and pulling her into a hug.

Arielle didn't even hesitate to hug me back, wrapping her arms around me and holding me close.

The hug felt comforting, and like something I desperately needed from someone who actually knew somewhat of the truth.

"Thank you," I whispered, even if Arielle already told me I didn't have to thank her.

"What are friends for?" Arielle joked as we pulled out of the hug.

I only laughed, "We should probably head back in," I suggested.

Arielle nodded, easily causing me to follow her back into the crowded bar.

Everyone seemed to be exactly where we left them, Damon was pouring shots for Cam, Frankie, and Ryder.

Willow and Mya seemed to be off dancing with another group of people.

And Marco was focused on reading his Bio notes displayed on his phone while Alyssa sat scrolling through her own phone.

I couldn't help but furrow my brows.

Where's Mili?

Did she leave?

I mean, I wouldn't blame her if she did.

Mya suddenly looked over to me, "Ana! Come join us!" she called out.

I couldn't help but look to Arielle who only laughed, gently pushing me over to Mya.

Just like that, it felt like the last hour of the night never even happened—from taking another shot to dancing with Mya and Willow like our lives depended on it.

I actually allowed myself to have fun.

At least until my feet started aching from my heels, which easily forced me to take a timeout.

And as I sat at the table with all our friends, my phone managed to buzz, easily earning my attention.

Almost automatically, my heart pounded in my chest, realizing that she was referring to us as a we.

Which meant maybe she wasn't going to avoid me for the rest of eternity.

"Hey guys, I think I'm going to call it a night," I suddenly said, and just like that, everyone was dramatically groaning and whining, basically begging me to not leave.

But eventually, they managed to let me go after numerous goodbye hugs and one last shot.

After hearing that I would be going to see one of my friends after this, Mya even made me promise that I would be there in the morning to tell her goodbye—which I of course agreed to.

Little did she know that one of those friends would be Mili.

A sigh fell from my lips, walking outside where I immediately noticed a tinted SUV waiting.

Hesitantly, I walked over to it, hoping that Mili was the one in there—otherwise, this would be really awkward.

Luckily, it turned out to be Mili, who was seated in the backseat as she remained focused on her phone.

Well, until I was suddenly seated beside her—easily diverting her attention from her bright phone.

Mili slid her phone into her pocket as the driver maneuvered the car away from the curb and navigated into the thick downtown traffic.

"So you aren't mad anymore?" I suddenly questioned.

Mili lazily raised her brows, "No, I'm definitely still mad."

I hesitantly nodded, deciding to remain quiet.

"It's really irritating that I can't stand to stay away from you," Mili suddenly said, and just like that I was looking over at her—meeting her eyes that were already on me.

I couldn't fight the warmth covering my body as we continued to stare wordlessly at one another.

"Where are we going?" I suddenly asked, knowing we couldn't go back to my place since Mya would be coming home soon to get a decent amount of sleep for tomorrow.

Mili carefully looked between my eyes, "My place."

And if I thought it was warm in here before, it was definitely hot now.

I had never been to Mili's place before—and I honestly never thought I'd get the chance after how things went down.

Hopefully, we can fix what I managed to break.