𝟏𝟔- 𝐁𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐇

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Beach.

❂

TODAY marked the twins' thirtieth birthday.

Waves crashed onto the shore of the beach as the sun shone brightly from above, only a few clouds present in the sky.

Families laughed with joy as they splashed water upon one another and dug up impressive sandcastles, a digital camera close by to capture the nostalgic memories.

Aria held Larkin on her hip while walking in the sand, stopping every second or so to show him a seashell.

The sun was warm against their skin as they walked alongside the water, the feel of sand between Aria's toes bringing forth a surprisingly comforting feel.

"Seashell." Aria repeated to her nephew, trying her best to teach him a new word.

Larkin only giggled at his aunt, not taking in the learning moment.

The woman could only smile along with him, deciding to head back to the rest of their family.

Lorenne and Rylee didn't want anything extravagant for their birthday— only a day with family.

It was all very simple but that's what made it special. No nagging parents nearby or troublesome topics that would destroy the vibe that had been properly settled.

To some it seemed boring, but to the small family it was perfection, especially since they hardly ever have the time to visit one another.

After having lunch at a nearby seafood restaurant, they all made their way to the beach. Collin and Rylee spent their time under the shaded umbrella, loving on one another, while Lorenne was caught flirting with a guy that was selling popsicles.

Aria took care of her nephew, giving her sisters the freedom of relaxation.

"Wiwi." Larkin said, blowing spit bubbles out of his mouth.

Aria grimaced at the mispronounced nickname but nevertheless smiled, "Hi, handsome."

She sat him down on their shared towel, beginning to build a miniature sand castle. She would only get so far before Larkin's hand came crashing down on her progress, his toddler nature causing him to giggle afterwards. Aria didn't get frustrated. She only tickled him every time he did it, causing more laughs to erupt from his mouth.

It became a game with them: Aria would build up only a few hills of sand before Larkin smashed his hands on top of it all, expecting his aunt to tickle his stomach in response.

After a while, Larkin began to get noticeably exhausted. Aria wasted no time in handing him off to Collin and pulling both of her sisters into the sea.

They didn't go far, taking notice of Rylee's pregnancy restrictions.

The scenery was beautiful.

The waves of the ocean were calm. The ball of warmth from above glittered across the surface of the serene water, projecting a dream-like ambience. Birds flew in and out of vision, following in groups as they seemed to be in their own world of tranquility.

"Do you think mom and dad even know it's our birthday?" Lorenne questioned, biting down on her lip.

Rylee hummed, "They definitely do, but they're still petty even to this day."

Aria sighed, "You guys shouldn't have taken my side— honestly."

The twins cocked their heads toward Aria in disbelief.

"What the hell, Aria? Don't say that. They're terrible fucking people." Lorenne spoke first, softening her eyes to show support.

"Your choice of life gives them no right to shun you." Rylee softly explained.

"I'm ruining your relationship with them. Do you guys not care about that?" the redhead questioned, avoiding eye contact with her older siblings.

Aria was a confident, assured woman.

She felt no shame for the decisions she's made throughout life.

Her parents' love will always be a missing factor, but she didn't enjoy seeing her sisters also suffer from the loss as well.

No one was ever too old for parental love.

"We knew what standing up for you would mean." Lorenne comforted, "We're your sisters. We'll always support you."

"Unless you somehow find a way to completely ruin the universe— that would be unforgivable and I could not approve of it." Rylee interjected, attempting to lighten the mood with a joke.

The sisters laughed, their giggles nearly child-like.

❂

"I had fun." Aria explained over the phone to Kiera, "You know how it is finding time to hang out with them."

Kiera nodded, watching as Aria settled herself into bed, "I'm glad you enjoyed yourself, Ari."

The redhead smiled, "What've you been up to?"

"My mom has been cooking meals every hour to keep her mind occupied, so I've been stuck on the couch as her test dummy." Kiera admitted, slightly tilting her camera for proof.

"Sounds like heaven." Aria joked.

"Heaven would be in bed with you." Kiera boldly stated.

Aria rolled her bottom lip between her teeth, refusing to break the sudden tension between her and Kiera.

"There's an open spot for you once you get back." Aria whispered, finding her thighs squeezed together.

"Yeah?" Kiera questioned.

Aria hummed.

The two stared at each other's faces through the FaceTime call. Their actions had gotten to be more daring, flirtatious comments and jokes that were more than just jokes.

A male's voice interrupted their staring contest, pulling Kiera's attention away. He spoke in a different language, causing Aria to furrow her eyebrows at what he could be saying.

"I have to go, gorgeous." Kiera announced her departure, "I'll text you before bed to check in."

Aria nodded, "Okay. Bye."

"Bye." the brunette said her goodbye quickly, ending the call shortly after.

Aria tossed her phone onto her nightstand and turned onto her side, falling into a deep sleep without another thought.

❂