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"Me too," Charlie agreed, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.
All of the memories made Ariel think about Katie—about how keeping things inside and not talking about them had led to so many mother-daughter problems in the past. The situation surrounding Katie’s online friend was still bothering Ariel, and she made up her mind to talk to Katie about it when she got home to Leeside. Honesty and communication. It’s what her own mother would have done.
The soft, distant sound of snow tapping against the windowpane filled the silence, creating a cocoon of intimacy between the sisters. With her gaze still fixed on her reflection, Ariel's expression turned thoughtful, and she drew in a deep breath.
"Charlie, there's something else I need to tell you," she began hesitantly, her words carrying the weight of a long-held secret. "I've been meaning to visit Dad."
Charlene's eyes widened in surprise, her hand pausing midair above the delicate fabric of the dress. "The man who told you to leave his little hideout and not come back?"
Ariel nodded, her heart pounding with both anticipation and trepidation. "Yes, him. I've been putting it off because I'm scared, but I feel like I need to see him before the wedding. Time is running out, and I can't shake this feeling that it's now or never."
"Let's get you out of this dress," Charlie suggested, as though she were avoiding the subject of Lee Briggs. Her voice was steady yet gentle. "You have a big day ahead."
"All right," Ariel agreed, frowning slightly.
As the sisters folded the dress together, Ariel wondered if she should press further on Charlie’s reluctance to talk about their father. But the moment was broken when Mrs. Mayden returned, and Charlie and she began discussing how the dress delivery would go.
Her sister looked happy—but if Ariel convinced their father to come to the wedding, would that change?
CHAPTER TEN
The late afternoon found Ariel mounting the stairs to Katie’s room.
Can we talk? she had texted her daughter from the dress shop.
A soft winter light filtered through the sheer curtains inside, casting a gentle glow on the scattered art supplies and colorful posters adorning the walls. Ariel stood in the doorway for a moment, taking in the familiar chaos of her daughter's creative sanctuary. She remembered the days when she would sit beside Katie at her easel, guiding her small hand as they mixed colors and experimented with brushstrokes. It seemed like only yesterday.
"Hey, Mom," Katie said, looking up from her sketchbook, her eyes bright with anticipation. "You wanted to talk?"
Ariel nodded, her heart swelling with pride as she gazed at her talented daughter. She crossed the room and sat down on the edge of the bed, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. "Yes, I did. I want you to know that I'm so proud of your passion for art. But I also have some concerns. Are you hoping to go away for the summer to an arts program? I saw the brochure."
"Concerns?" Katie asked, her brow furrowing. "What do you mean? And Mom, you won't believe how incredible this program is," Katie gushed, her words tumbling out like a waterfall. "It's six weeks long, and we'll be studying under some of the most talented artists in the country! There will be workshops on everything from watercolor to sculpture, and at the end of it all, we even get to display our work in a gallery exhibition!"
Ariel found herself drawn into the enthusiasm radiating off of her daughter. She could imagine Katie, brush in hand, surrounded by the vibrant colors and textures of the art world that she so passionately loved. But amidst the excitement, Ariel felt a gnawing sense of unease tugging at her heartstrings.
Ariel hesitated, searching for the right words. "Well, first and foremost, I worry about your well-being. I can sense how much this program means to you, but I need to make sure it's the right choice for you, emotionally and mentally." She looked into her daughter's eyes, trying to convey her sincerity. "I just want to protect you, sweetheart. That's all."
Katie let out a sigh, her shoulders slumping. "I understand that, Mom. But I can take care of myself, you know. I'm not a little kid anymore."
"I know you're not," Ariel admitted softly, reaching out to take Katie's hand. "But you'll always be my little girl, and I'll always worry about you. It's just part of being a parent."
As they sat in the dappled sunlight, Ariel couldn't help but think of her own journey to Paris when she was just a few years older than Katie. She remembered the exhilaration of exploring a new city and immersing herself in her culinary studies, but she also recalled the loneliness and homesickness that had sometimes overwhelmed her.
“I know you're worried," Katie said, squeezing Ariel's hand reassuringly. "But this is something I really want to do. I think it could be an amazing opportunity for me."
Ariel smiled faintly, her love for her daughter shining in her eyes. "I believe in you, Katie. And I promise to give it some serious thought." The unspoken question of Ethan, the boy Katie had been chatting with, lingered in the air between them, but Ariel pushed it aside for now. There would be time to address that later.
She knew she couldn't let on about Ethan, the boy Katie had been secretly chatting with online. If Ariel revealed her knowledge, it would only serve to drive a wedge between them. As thoughts of Ethan swirled in her mind, she struggled to keep her focus on the details of the summer art program.
"Thanks, Mom," Katie replied, her voice filled with gratitude and hope. "That's all I ask."
As Katie rattled off more details about the program, Ariel's thoughts darted back to her own youth. She remembered the thrill of discovery, of stepping out into the world and carving a path that was uniquely her own. But she also recalled the dangers, the moments when her naïveté had nearly cost her dearly. She couldn't shake the nagging feeling that history could repeat itself, this time with her own daughter at the center of it all.
"Mom, are you okay?" Katie asked, her voice laced with worry as she noticed her mother's distant expression.
"Of course," Ariel lied smoothly, mustering up a reassuring smile. "I'm just taking it all in. It's a lot to consider, and I want to make sure we're making the right decision."
"Right," Katie said, her enthusiasm dampened by her mother's hesitance. "I understand. But what's there to think about?" Katie pressed, her voice laced with impatience. "This is an amazing opportunity for me to grow as an artist, and I've done all the research. I've even talked to other students who've attended and loved it! I don't understand why you won't give me a straight answer."
