Ariel felt like a cat being forced to accept affection. Her expression soured as her body tensed, resisting the urge to hiss and claw her way out of Paige's grasp.

With her free hand, she managed to disengage Paige's distraught body from hers and took a quick step back, putting Amelia between them.

"Who's this then?" Amelia asked.

"My sister," she muttered. "Paige."

Amelia slapped her thigh. "Of course! Should've picked it; you guys look so bloody alike."

Ariel's mouth twisted. "Yeah right."

"We get that a lot," Paige's voice trembled as she tried to reign in her emotions. "People used to think we were twins when we were little."

"Whatever," Ariel said, her voice muffled as she stifled a yawn.

"How did you get here?" Paige whispered in wonder. "Dad said he wasn't going to let you come home – "

"I would think that was pretty obvious," Ariel interrupted, hand resting on her hip. She looked out the window. "What time is it?"

"I don't know, about midday?" Paige replied, checking her watch and gasped. "The funeral is in an hour! You need to get changed."

"Right." She turned to Amelia. "Make yourself at home or whatever. I'll be back in a minute."

Walking to the door leading to her bedroom, it opened and she bumped into her father. At fifty-three, he was still in good shape. It was to be expected since he treated his body like a temple, and when he wasn't at work he was at the gym. Quality family time had never been on Andrew Winters list of priorities – or any family time for that matter. If it didn't involve business, he didn't care about it.

His hair, which had been salt and pepper when she last saw him – as he locked her in her bedroom – was now a jet black, slicked back to perfection. There were no tired bags under his hazel eyes, no signs of grief or pain at the loss of his father in law. Ariel's jaw clenched at his indifference.

"Ariel." Annoyance laced his voice. "How did you get here?"

"Ask Amelia, she's the witch," she answered coldly. Pushing past him, she didn't wait for a reply and stalked down the corridor to her bedroom.

"Ariel –" she heard her father call but she kept walking.

Reaching the familiar door with the pink letter 'A' swirling eloquently across the wood, she quickly opened it and slammed it shut.

She dropped her bags on the floor, keeping a hold on her handbag. The sound of muted voices drifted down the corridor. She recognized Amelia's gruff accent mingled with the stern consternation of her father's. She secretly hoped her father ticked Amelia off just enough so she'd turn him into a frog or something.

Everything in her room was just as she'd left it two months ago. The bed remained unmade, the pale blue doona and white sheet crumpled in a heap at the bottom corner near the window. In her weeks of confinement she had sat on that pile every night, watching the stars and counting the constellations until she fell asleep. A small pile of clothes sat on the floor by her dresser, the remnants of her hasty packing for England.

From the bottom of the pile, a flash of hot pink was just visible. Her throat closed over. Bending down, she pulled the hot pink fabric out, causing the pile to disintegrate into a larger mess. She held up the dress.

She had loved this dress. It was the first piece of clothing she had bought when she started her 'socialite crusade'. Lainie had been with her at the time. She had hated it, referencing every hooker quote she had in her artillery to prevent Ariel from buying it. Ariel had ignored her and purchased it anyway. She had thought it made her look older, and more glamorous.

Looking at it now, she wished she had listened to past Lainie and put it back on the rack. It was part of the first step into the life she had desired, and part of the last step before it all went to hell.

Nathan had complimented her that night, saying it was a great dress. He'd then spiraled into a rambled mess, declaring that he wasn't objectifying her and he meant nothing insulting by it. With the others watching, she couldn't let herself think that his rambling was kind of sweet. She couldn't tell him to relax and she didn't mind. Instead she had flipped her hair, giving him a condescending smile and told him he could buy her a drink as a way of apologizing.

"Ugh." The material scrunched between her fingers. Walking over to her bed, she climbed over the sheets and opening the window, shoved the dress out into the rose bush. She never wanted to look at the colour hot pink ever again.

Not stopping, she walked over to her dresser and started rummaging through her drawers, finding and pulling out the jewelry she had worn, the black heels – which she had told Lainie she loved more than her right arm – and the small silver clutch. Before she could overthink it, she threw them all out the window too. Slamming it shut, she felt a strange satisfaction seeping through her troubled mind.

"Ariel? What are you doing?"

She jumped. Paige was standing in the doorway, shocked. She scowled, suddenly wishing she could throw her out the window as well. "Nothing, just giving the rose bush a makeover."

"I don't think those shoes really go with the red of the roses," she joked. She took a small step into the bedroom and Ariel leaned against the windowpanes, wishing she could melt through them. Her room was quite big, and the space between them was still substantial, but Ariel wished for more. She wanted oceans, worlds, light-years between the two of them.

"What do you want, Paige?" she asked bluntly.

Paige seemed taken aback. "I wanted to see you. Also Dad is busy arguing with that woman out there. What's her deal, anyway?"

Ariel's eyes narrowed. "What's your deal, Paige?"

Her eyebrows raised. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, what's with the sisterly love act? You could barely tolerate me when I was here last. Just because I'm different now –" she held up her bag "– doesn't mean you have to pretend to be nice to me."

Paige's face fell and if Ariel didn't know any better, she appeared genuinely upset. "I'm not pretending, Ariel. I haven't heard from you since you left – even though I've tried," she said bitterly.

"Well perhaps when I avoided those first thirty messages, you should have got the hint that I didn't want to talk to you!" Ariel snapped.

"I did get that!" She snapped back. "But when our Grandpa was lying in a hospital bed, wondering where his granddaughter was, I had to try a little harder and even then you still couldn't be bothered to read a simple text message!"

Ariel's eyes started to sting. Her knuckles brushed angrily against her scar. Paige's eyes watched the movement and they filled with regret. "Are you okay - ?"

"I'm fine!" She shook her head, tears threatening to fall. "Actually, no I'm not. The only family member I actually care about is gone. I never got to say goodbye and I'm now stuck with the heartless duo for the rest of my life." She laughed resentfully. "I guess I am related to this family."

Paige had fallen silent. What colour had been tinging her cheeks faded to white. Her eyes brimmed with unshed tears. Feeling a guilt she didn't want to acknowledge, she looked away, out the window.

"I see," Paige finally said quietly. She walked into the room to Ariel's wardrobe and after a moment of rifling, pulled out a simple black dress. She placed it on the bed next to Ariel. "We're leaving in an hour," her voice sounded choked. "You better get ready."

She left in a rush, closing the door quietly. As the door latched shut, Ariel's eyes slid to the dress Paige had chosen. It was the one she had been thinking of wearing.

She wanted to throw it out the window too.

Ariel wanted to feel numb. She wanted to block out everything that had happened in the last three hours and pretend it wasn't real.

Amelia had convinced her father to let her attend the funeral. Both looked as though they'd been sucking lemons when she returned to the living room, wearing the black dress Paige had chosen. She'd thrown it out the window, only to retrieve it ten minutes later after grudgingly deciding she had nothing else appropriate to wear.

Her father had brushed past her, glancing at her handbag. She had heard the large huff, a sound of annoyance and impatience she'd heard for most of her life.

Amelia sat down in a heap on the couch, throwing her boots up onto the coffee table. "No offense, Ariel but that father of yers is a nightmare! Fancy not letting his own daughter go to the funeral!"

Ariel sat down beside her. "That's dear old Dad." She motioned to Amelia's feet. "You better not let him see you with your feet on the coffee table or you'll get another lecture about manners."

Snorting, Amelia kicked her heels on the glass, making whatever dirt and debris was lodged into the grooves of her boots fall onto the table. "He tries to lecture me and I'll zap that mouth of his shut, ya hear me?"

"If you do, make sure I'm there please. I wouldn't want to miss that." A small smile tugged at her lips.

Amelia grinned, throwing an arm around Ariel's shoulder as she leaned back. "How'd it go with ya sister?" Ariel grimaced and Amelia snorted again. "That good, huh?"

It didn't get any better, either. Driving to the funeral, she had been forced to squish into a back seat with Amelia and Paige, who kept sniffing into her shoulder.

Ariel wanted to grieve, to focus on what was to come, but she couldn't do it. When they arrived, her annoyance had started to build. They had pulled up in front of St. Paul's Cathedral – the monstrous church across from Flinders Street Station.

She glared at Paige. "Are you freaking serious?"

Paige looked as thrilled as she did. "Don't ask. I tried to reason with him but he wouldn't listen."

"Surprise surprise," Ariel muttered, voice dripping with sarcasm. She should have guessed her father would pull out all the crazy stops for something like this.

As they stepped out of the car, she could see tourists and passersby stopping to look at the procession of mourners entering the church. Paige reached out and took her hand. Too blinded by her anger for her father, she didn't try to jerk her hand away. Instead her fingers curled around her sister's hand tightly and they both rushed into inside, heads down to the camera flashes.

Ariel could see some of them inside the cathedral, hovering in the back pews, cameras hiding in their jackets. She didn't get why they felt the need to take photographs of other people's pain and misery. Did they take it home and laugh at the outfits people wore, or did they take the photographs so they could take notes and decide what they did and didn't want at their own funeral when they finally snuffed it?

She heard the sound a picture being taken and her teeth ground together. If they didn't get out of here, there'd be more than one funeral that day.

Amelia sat near the back, changed into a formal leather jacket and black jeans. She stood out like a sore thumb, something Ariel was relieved about. If she needed to make an escape, at least she would be able to find her easily.

Once they had found their seat, right at the front, Ariel finally noticed the large oak coffin wreathed in lilies and her throat closed up. A picture of her Grandpa sat atop the casket. It was one of him from his younger years in the army. Clean shaven, with a mischievous grin on his face. Ariel recognized the photo. It was a copy of one she had hanging on her bedroom wall. She loved old photographs, especially those of her family. She had all the old family photo albums in a trunk in her room. She also had the only copy of that photograph, which meant someone had been in her room to get it.

She felt Paige's eyes on her. "It was always your favourite," she whispered.

Her scar burned and she kept her eyes forward. She hugged her handbag close, feeling the chest inside. She tried to pry her hand free of Paige's but her sister seemed to have cemented her hand to hers, refusing to relinquish her grip.

The service was a long procession of religious hymns, old friends of her Grandpa talking of his spirit and love of family. When the fourth man stood up to speak, someone Ariel recognized from when she was little, a large wailing echoed through the Cathedral. People turned in their seats, searching for who was making the ruckus.

"He sounds like such a great man!" Amelia howled. Ariel's father glared at the inconsolable woman with such disdain, Ariel thought his head might explode. Harriet's word of warning about Amelia's emotional state was making much more sense now.

Eventually someone was forced to lead Amelia outside so the next person up to speak could be heard. Ariel could hear the whispers of disgust at such a scene, but Ariel didn't care. If her Grandpa had been here, he would have found Amelia amusing.

Both Paige and Ariel weren't called up to speak about their Grandfather. Ariel had already assumed that she wouldn't be allowed to say something, but Paige, especially as the older sister, should have said something. Instead their father was the last to speak, giving an emotionless address about his father-in-law's character. He spoke as if he were talking about a stranger. Ariel bit the inside of her cheek, so deeply she could taste blood. Paige's grip tightened, cutting off circulation. Glancing at her sister, it pleased her to see her looking as pissed as she felt. Not that she wanted them to be on the same side, but sometimes unity against a common foe was needed.

When the last hymns were sang, everyone stood as their father and friend's of Grandpa carried the casket down the aisle. Throughout the service, Ariel's eyes had remained dry. She had been too consumed by her anger to focus on her grief. Now, as the casket was moving away from her, the tears finally started to fall.

Paige relinquished her grip on Ariel's hand, wrapping her arm around her shoulders. Ariel tried to push away, but gave in quickly. She didn't want to be angry, not when she was meant to be saying goodbye to her Grandpa. They fell into line behind them and tears blinded her path, forcing her to rely on Paige to guide her out of the Cathedral.

The rest of the afternoon passed by in a blur of tears and pain. Close friends and immediate family were the only ones invited to see their Grandpa laid to rest. Amelia had invited herself along as Ariel's protector, howling like a banshee. Mascara ran down her face in thick black streaks. The small ceremony at the cemetery seemed to happen too quickly. Ariel barely had time to process where they were, that this was really happening, when they were lowering him into the ground and Amelia was leading her back to the cars.

By the time they had joined everyone else at the wake, Amelia's face resembled a drunkenly striped zebra. People gave her a wide berth, her clothing and mascara stained face a stark contrast to the neatly pressed suits and Chanel dresses. Not wanting to talk to anyone, Ariel sat next to Amelia, glad of her pariah status.

Their father dragged Paige away as soon as they entered, forcing her to socialize. Ariel's lip curled. Not that Paige would mind that. Socialising was one of her top merits on her resume.

Some people braved Amelia's vocal sobbing to offer their condolences to Ariel. She tried to return the conversation, but every time she saw their eyes drift over the bag she still clutched tightly, her mouth would dry up and she would shut them out. She knew they were all dying to ask what was inside. She was making it blatantly obvious that she was protecting something.

Amelia seemed to have a sixth sense when Ariel had had enough of them, because she would howl louder, standing up to clutch their hands. "Absolutely horrible, ain't it? I never knew the man me self, but to see the love and friends who came out today – it j-just touches me heart!"

Then she would lose it and they would disappear.

Ariel looked at the ground, hoping if she avoided eye contact with anyone they wouldn't notice her. Everything felt surreal. Her grandfather being gone, sitting in a room with all these people from her normal life, when she'd been on the other side of the world mere hours before – she didn't know how to process.

Amelia sniffed loudly, smudging the mascara even more. The drunk zebra turning into a drunk member of KISS. "I'm just gunna check me face," she said, dabbing her eyes with the corner of her jacket. "Is me mascara running?"

"No, it's fine, she murmured, not listening.

Ariel felt her move away, but kept her eyes on the floor. Her hopes of remaining in solitude were shattered as a pair of Mary Jane's appeared in her line of vision.

"That woman could audition as the fifth member of KISS," a familiar voice joked.

Ariel's head shot up. A girl with clear blue eyes looked down at her. Her mousey, frizzy hair was pulled back tightly into a bun, small wisps already escaping the confines of the elastic band. A splash of freckles spotted her cheeks and nose, something Ariel knew she hated, but she hated makeup even more.

"Lainie," she whispered. "What are you doing here?"

She sat in Amelia's vacated seat. "My friend's Grandpa passed away. Where else would I be?" Ariel felt her eyes starting to burn again as Lainie turned to face her. "I think the real question is what are you doing here? Paige told me this morning that you were still in England."

"It's a long story," she said quietly, glancing around. No one was standing close to them, but Ariel could see a few glancing out the corners of their eyes, as if they were weighing up if it was worth talking to the Winters girl who'd brought a crazy English woman with her.

"I have all the time in the world." Lainie replied simply.

"Later?" Annoyance flashed across Lainie's features before she looked away. Ariel knew she was tired of getting the same response. She hadn't counted on seeing Lainie until she was cured, or something close to cured. She'd been dreading the conversation since she'd first decided to start messaging Lainie again. Now, it was different. With Lainie right beside her, the words were sitting on the edge of her tongue. She wanted to tell her everything – about her curse, about Sherwood and the other patients, about Doc, Amelia and the drama with Kestral and Lucas.

She'd forgotten what it was like to have her best friend in her life.

Reaching out, she touched Lainie's arm and Lainie glanced up. "I promise I'll tell you," she whispered. "I just can't – not here, not with everyone..."

She trailed off. Lainie's expression softened and she offered her a small smile. "Later then." She grabbed her hand, giving it a squeeze. "I'm so sorry about your Grandpa, Ariel."

Ariel nodded, and a single tear managed to break free, landing on her cheek. She leaned back, resting her head on Lainie's shoulder. Lainie rested her head against Ariel's and for a brief moment, it was as if the last couple of years had never happened, and they were still friends like they had once been. A strong yearning for time to revert filled Ariel. She wanted to go back to those years, when the thoughts of parties and socialite hierarchies had never even entered her mind. When Lainie was her best friend, and Paige had been the sister she'd loved –

When her Grandpa was still alive, waiting for her to come home from school so he could challenge her to another match of checkers.

"Hello Ariel."

Ariel glanced up and immediately wished she hadn't. Paige's posse had come to the wake. They were wearing black, but they looked like they should have been going to a club, rather than a funeral. They all appeared to be hair colour coordinated, each one a varying shade of blonde. Ariel wondered if it was the new 'in thing'. If so, Paige would have been happy. Her hair was sacred and she would never dye her hair any other colour than the warm honey it had been for three years. She had often said she envied Ariel's natural blonde locks, wishing she could have inherited their mother's hair genes rather than their father's.

The leader of the demonic sisterhood, Cara, simpered before them. "I am so sorry for your loss. I know it must have been such a shock, and right in the middle of your holiday too."

"I know right? That would have sucked so bad," the blonde on Cara's right drawled.

They all murmured their agreement, as if the disruption of a holiday was more devastating than her Grandpa's death. Cara's eyes slid over Lainie and Ariel felt her friend stiffen. "Who's your friend?"

"Lainie." she forced through gritted teeth. "We've been friends since the beginning of high school."

"Oh how cute!" She held out her hand for Lainie, who took it awkwardly, giving a limp 'what-the-hell-is-going-on' handshake.

Ariel could feel Lainie trying to sidle away. Not thinking, her hand snapped out and grabbed her arm. She could feel Lainie's shock as her head whipped back towards her. She immediately felt guilty. She didn't want to be alone with these girls, but forcing Lainie to suffer with her wasn't fair.

Relinquishing her grip, she sent Lainie an apologetic look. "Would you mind getting me a drink or something?"

Lainie took the hint and nodded with relief before making her escape. It hurt a little bit that Lainie didn't even want to stick around and help, but then Lainie thought Ariel liked these people.

Until two months ago she thought she had too.

Looking at the small group of girls now though, it was like a switch in her head had been flicked on. Their acceptance, their world – it didn't look as bright and enticing as it once did. Seeing them reminded her of that night, of seeing her heart being ripped from her chest. They were a bad memory, one she wanted to rip out and throw away.

Cara started to sit in the empty seat next to Ariel, but someone else beat her to it. Cara's perfectly plucked eyebrows raised in indignation, before returning to their plastic, sympathetic position.

"Cara, I didn't realize you girls were coming." Paige linked her arm through Ariel's. Her voice matched the falsetto of Cara's and Ariel looked away so they wouldn't see her eyes roll. Here was the real Paige she knew and loathed.

"Of course we were coming," Cara leaned over, kissing Paige on the cheek. "How could we not? We love you girls."

Barf.

"Aw," Paige held out her free hand, taking Cara's. "You girls are too much." Ariel started praying that Amelia would come back in the next twenty seconds before she vomited the meager contents of her stomach all over them.

"Oh, by the way, Ariel," Paige squeezed her arm. "They were asking for more tissues and I told them I would get them from the bathroom, but I forgot. Would you mind...?"

Resisting the urge to tell her sister to shove it, Ariel jumped at the chance to escape. She moved along the edges of the reception room, trying to blend in with the wall as she made her way to the bathrooms. Her family had used this building for functions before so she knew the bathroom at the far end had the extra supplies.

Congratulating herself on making it there without being detected, she started to open the door only to be shoved from behind.

"What the...?"

She stumbled forward, the door swinging open wildly and she spun around in anger.

Paige followed her in, closing the door and leaning against it. Her anger grew and she glared daggers at her sister. "Are you trying to kill me now, Paige -!"

"Shut up!" She snapped. "I've had enough of this. We have to talk."