Ariana sat cross-legged on her bed, a soft blanket draped over her legs as she watched her sister Bella move about the room. The sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow that made the space feel cozy and inviting. Bella was seated on a small stool, her toes painted a vibrant shade of pink, and she focused intently on the task at hand, carefully applying a second coat to her nails.

Ariana couldn’t help but smile at the sight. Bella had always been the more glamorous of the two, with an effortless grace and style that often left Ariana feeling a bit envious. But today, as she observed her sister’s quiet concentration, she felt a deep sense of gratitude. Bella was here, safe and sound, and they were finally able to spend time together without the looming threat of danger.

“Hey, Ari,” Bella said, glancing up at her. “What do you think? Should I go for a little glitter on top, or keep it simple?”

Ariana chuckled softly, shaking her head. “I think the pink is perfect on its own. No need for glitter. You don’t want to blind anyone!”

Bella laughed, the sound light and airy. “You’re just jealous because I can pull off glitter while you can’t.” She wiggled her freshly painted toes playfully, emphasizing her point.

“Okay, fine, maybe a little,” Ariana admitted, rolling her eyes. “But honestly, it’s just good to see you relaxed for once. You deserve it.”

Bella set down the polish and moved to sit beside Ariana on the bed, the air between them filled with a comfortable familiarity. “You’re looking a little pensive, though. What’s on your mind?”

Ariana hesitated for a moment, her thoughts swirling as she contemplated how to express her feelings. “I’ve just been thinking about everything that’s happened… and about Tae,” she finally admitted, biting her lip.

Bella’s expression softened, her brows knitting together in concern. “Tae? What about him?”

Ariana sighed, feeling a rush of emotions wash over her. “I had this moment with him in the office earlier today… and it felt different. I think he really likes me, Bella. I mean, like, really likes me.” She paused, taking a deep breath. “But I don’t know if I’m ready for something like that right now.”

“Why not?” Bella prompted gently, her voice soothing. “You deserve to be happy, Ari.”

“I know,” Ariana replied, frustration creeping into her tone. “But after everything with the Italians… I’m still trying to heal. I don’t want to rush things with Tae just to end up hurting him because I’m not fully ready.”

Bella nodded, her eyes thoughtful. “That makes sense. You’ve been through so much, and it’s completely normal to want to take your time. Healing isn’t a race, and you shouldn’t feel pressured to jump into anything until you feel ready.”

Ariana felt a wave of relief wash over her at Bella’s words. “You always know what to say,” she said, a grateful smile appearing on her lips.

“That’s what big sisters are for,” Bella replied with a wink. “But really, I’m proud of you for recognizing where you’re at. It takes strength to acknowledge your feelings and the need to heal.”

“I just wish I could figure it all out,” Ariana confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. “Tae is so wonderful, and being around him makes me feel things I haven’t felt in a long time. But part of me is terrified that I’ll ruin it.”

Bella moved closer, wrapping her arms around Ariana in a warm embrace. “You won’t ruin anything, Ari. Just take your time and be honest with him. If he really cares for you, he’ll understand. Communication is key.”

Ariana leaned into Bella, soaking up the comfort of her sister’s embrace. “Thanks, Bella. I don’t know what I would do without you. You always know how to make things seem a little less scary.”

“Of course, I do,” Bella said, pulling back to look Ariana in the eye. “Just remember, it’s okay to have your own pace. Don’t let anyone pressure you into something you’re not ready for.”

“Yeah,” Ariana said, nodding slowly. “I just need to figure out how to balance everything. I want to be with Tae, but I also want to focus on rebuilding my life, especially the bakery.”

“Exactly!” Bella exclaimed, her enthusiasm infectious. “And you’re already taking steps towards that by wanting to restart the bakery. You’re strong, and you’ll get there.”

Ariana felt a renewed sense of determination wash over her. “You’re right. I’ve always loved baking, and I can’t let anything take that away from me. Plus, it’s something I can do while I figure out my feelings for Tae.”

“See? You’re already on the right track,” Bella encouraged. “And who knows? Maybe having a little romance in your life will inspire some new recipes for your bakery!”

Ariana laughed at the idea, the lightness returning to her heart. “Maybe I’ll create a ‘Tae Special’ pastry or something. Something sweet and irresistible.”

“I love it!” Bella grinned, her excitement contagious. “You should totally do that. It’ll be a hit, I’m sure.”

As they sat there, both sisters’ laughter echoed in the room, filling it with warmth and joy. In that moment, Ariana felt a sense of safety and comfort that she hadn’t felt in a long time. She knew she still had a long way to go in her healing process, but with Bella by her side, it felt a little less daunting.

After a moment of comfortable silence, Bella picked up her nail polish again and resumed painting her toenails. “So, when are you going to talk to Tae about all this? You can’t keep all those feelings bottled up forever.”

“I don’t know,” Ariana admitted, her brow furrowing in thought. “Maybe after I’ve had a little more time to sort through everything in my head. I don’t want to confuse him, or myself, for that matter.”

“That’s fair,” Bella replied. “But just remember, taking the first step is always the hardest. Once you do, the rest will follow.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right,” Ariana said, nodding. “I just need to muster up the courage.”

“You can do it,” Bella reassured her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. “I believe in you. Just remember, you’re not alone in this. I’m here for you, no matter what.”

Ariana felt her heart swell with gratitude at her sister’s unwavering support. “Thank you, Bella. I really don’t know how I would have made it through without you.”

“You’re my sister, Ari. We’ll always have each other’s backs,” Bella said, her voice firm and reassuring.

The two of them continued to chat and laugh, the conversation flowing easily between them as they talked about everything from baking ideas to silly childhood memories. The bond they shared was stronger than ever, and for the first time in a while, Ariana felt a sense of hope beginning to blossom within her.

As the day turned to evening, Bella finished painting her toenails and they decided to take a break from their talk. Ariana offered to make them both some tea, and as she moved into the kitchen, she felt a newfound sense of clarity washing over her.

She still had a long way to go in her healing journey, but with Bella’s support and the possibility of something beautiful with Tae on the horizon, she knew she could face whatever challenges lay ahead. It was time to embrace her newfound freedom, one small step at a time, and she was determined to take that journey with her sister by her side.