Once Denver reaches top of the staircase, she heads down the short hallway. The door is open. Riley is seen to be setting cross legged on her bed, with a science textbook on her lap. Denver knocks on the side of the doorway, breaking the silence. With a mere glance around the room, the layout and furniture had happened to remain the same.

"Your dad said you'd be up here" Denver informs. "Your room still looks the same".

"Okay. Yeah, it is" Riley replies.

"So, is this how it'll be between us? Tolerated politeness" Denver half asks.

"For some time. After contact between us deteriorated, I presumed we never cross paths again. So, I moved on. I just need to readjust" Riley explains, putting the textbook on her dresser.

"So, can we try being friends again?" Denver asks.

"Maybe, we should join everyone downstairs". Riley heads out of the room.

Carmen picks up a ceramic bowl of salad from the island. "There they are. Were you girls catching up?".

"Yup, we were" Riley replies, while Denver exchanges a look with Emma.

"So, tell me. How have things been? I heard about...the passing. I'm really sorry that happened to you and Denver" Carmen explains.

"Uh, yeah. Thank I guess" Emma replies.

"Have you been lucky enough to discover your second soulmate?" Carmen asks.

"No, I haven't really been looking for someone". Emma follows to the table, pulls out a chair and sits down.

"Well, you can't wait forever. Not every guy will desire to be involved with your situation". Carmen picks up the glass jug and begins to pour herself a glass of cranberry juice.

"Yeah, that's true. Not every guy would be opened minded to my situation. But right now, I think its good if it's just me and Denver" Emma replies.

"Understandable. But don't doubt your radiance, Em. Your looks haven't faded...much" Carmen tells her.

Emma postpones responding. Instead, she picks up her glass and takes a sip of the water.

"So, do you need assistance looking for a job" Carmen's husband asks.

"That's all set. I'm working with Robin at the bakery" Emma answers.

"That's great. Robin must enjoy having you back" Carmen's husband replies.

"It's fun," Emma says.

"How is school going girls?" Carmen's husband asks them.

"Good" Denver answers.

"Fine dad" Riley adds.

"Do you girls have any classes together?" Carmen's husband asks.

"No. But there is always time before school to hangout" Riley answers.

"Denver, if you ever desire to come over again. You're welcome to. A dinner invite doesn't have to be the only way you come over" Carmen's husband informs.

"Okay, if Riley wants me to come over again. I will" Denver replies.

"Will, don't hesitate Riley. It'd be nice to have you in the house again, Denver" Carmen's husband tells her.

       After dinner, Emma and Denver make their way home. Before heading home though, they stop by Robin's. Emma closes the car door and locks it. Denver ventures up the brick walkway. Robin is found, sitting on her screened-in porch. Denver pulls open the screen door.

"How was dinner?" Robin asks them.

"Carmen was....sort of insulting. Top it all off, Riley and Denver were tense" Emma answers.

"We're okay. Riley and I" Denver explains, before Robin could ask. Then she disappears into the house to visit with Robin's orange tabby cat named Elvis.

"How was Carmen insulting?" Robin asks.

"She classified me as a bad parent for Denver not having a father in her life and how I need to find someone now because a guy wouldn't be interested in being involved in my situation" Emma explains.

"Carmen is just jealous" Robin presumes.

"Why? She has a lot more than me. Her daughter has a complete family and Denver has just me" Emma half asks.

"I know you doubt yourself. When it comes to parenting that girl, but you are doing a great job. Besides, I'm single and my only company is my cat. When you girls aren't around. So, I think you're doing okay" Robin explains.

"You know you have a suitor" Emma reminds.

Robin laughs and looks down at her hands in her lap. "Oh, no I don't".

"Robin, don't play shy with me. You know exactly who I'm talking about. James, at the school. He adores you and you know I'm right" Emma replies.

"Yeah, well I missed my chance. He is married, well getting married soon. Besides, we were just friends. We knew each other from childhood. We know each other to well to be romantically involved" Robin excuses.

"That's what you always say, when you fear getting a chance at love" Emma reminds.

"I have the bakery to focus on. That's my reality". Robin pauses. "I don't have to focus on love".

"Robin, you do so much for everyone else. Its time you do something for you. Besides, I don't need to be your priority anymore. D and I are past the hardship" Emma points out. "We're good".

          During a rainy Saturday morning, Denver begins to complete school assignments in her room. Emma sits on the couch, watching The Great British Baking show on Netflix. Emma departs her seat on the couch to check on Denver.

"There is a whole new season of The Great British Baking show. The homework can wait". Emma appears in the bedroom doorway.

Denver completes writing down another scientific term in her notebook. "I'm almost done".

Emma enters the room, takes a seat beside Denver on the bed and picks up the textbook. "Photosynthesis, what a super dull topic".

Denver takes the textbook back. "I require that, please".

"How long have you been on this homework session?" Emma asks.

"A couple hours" Denver answers.

"Seems like you could use a break, my little school nerd". Emma brushes a hair out of Denver's face, distracting Denver enough to recollect the textbook.

"Mom, c'mon. You want me to get to into a good college, don't you?" Denver asks.

"Of course,". Emma places the textbook on the desk. "College is still awhile away".

"Actually, it's only 3 years away" Denver reminds.

Emma takes her daughter by the hand and leads her out of the room. "C'mon. You're taking a break and you're going to be tortured by watching people create delicious, amazing treats. Which we wouldn't dare attempt to make".

"Fine, I'll take my punishment". Denver adjusts her position on the couch.

Emma returns to the living room with a red plastic bowl of tortilla chips.

"What?" Denver asks, noticing her mom staring at her.

"I haven't heard much about Ben in the last few days" Emma answers. "How is he?".

"Good. We've been texting" Denver answers, collecting the remote and turning up the volume.

"So, want to admit if there are any feelings there?" Emma asks.

"Again, Ben is just a friend" Denver answers.

"He can be more, though. You know that. I wouldn't ever attempt to control your life. I only plan to guide and protect you" Emma replies.

"Okay. Uh, why are you so all the sudden go get a guy attitude?" Denver asks, curious.

"I just want you to broaden your social circle. Have more friends, than just Robin and I" Emma answers.

Denver shrugs. "Activities are beginning at school. I could check out a few. Make some new friends".

           After a couple of episodes are viewed, Denver returns to her room to complete the remainder of homework she contains. She places the binder of completed homework in her backpack and leaves her backpack in the desk chair. About an hour before bedtime, Ben calls Denver. A Google Duo request appears on the phone screen. She accepts it and greets him.

"What are you up to?" Ben asks.

"Nothing to exciting. Just finished some homework". Denver takes a seat on the bed. "Spent some quality time with my mom".

"That's always good. Did some homework too. Entertained Ella" Ben replies.

"Hey. Do you have any plans tomorrow?" Denver half asks.

"Huh, have a family thing in the evening. Aside from that, I'm mostly free for the day. Why?" Ben half asks.

"If you're interested, you're welcome to come over for a little while and see my house" Denver offers.

"Yeah, okay. Is there a carnet time I'm supposed to be over?" Ben asks.

"No. Not really. Come over, whenever" Denver answers.

"Would you mind if Monica accompanied me?" Ben asks. "I already had plans with her. But I don't think Monica will care if I rearrange the plans a little".

"Uh, no. She can come over" Denver replies, secretly displeased with the idea of a future interaction with Monica.

"I promise Monica is different, when she is away from Jess" Ben swears.

"It's fine. We'll have fun. All three of us" Denver replies.

"See you tomorrow then" Ben tells her, before ending the call.