CHAPTER FIVE.
1650 Words
Later That Day,
The boutique buzzed with life again.
Sunlight streamed through the windows as Aurora moved between racks, checking hems, adjusting displays. Audrey followed her like an eager shadow, dressed simply but impossibly elegant, dark glasses hiding her face.
Ryan clapped his hands. “Alright, rules for today. No paparazzi. No fainting customers. And no signing autographs on silk.”
Audrey grinned. “No promises.”
The door chimed.
Aurora looked up and paused.
Brielle.
She stepped inside, she wasn’t dressed extravagantly this time. Soft trousers, a cream blouse, hair pulled back loosely. She looked… normal, plain.
Aurora felt something in her chest loosen.
“Hi,” Brielle said warmly. “I hope this isn’t a bad time.”
“Not at all,” Aurora replied, genuinely. “Welcome back.”
Brielle glanced around. “I couldn’t stop thinking about your pieces. I have a formal dinner coming up and thought if you didn’t mind, I’d love your advice.”
Aurora nodded. “Of course.”
As they walked deeper into the boutique, Brielle’s curiosity felt natural, not invasive.
“I’m still learning,” Brielle admitted. “About style, about myself too, really.”
Aurora smiled faintly. “Fashion’s not about perfection. It’s about honesty.”
Brielle considered that. “You make it sound easy.”
“It’s not,” Aurora said softly. “But it’s worth it.”
They stopped in front of a midnight-blue gown.
Brielle’s breath caught. “That one.”
Aurora studied her reflection in the mirror. “Great choice”
Ryan leaned over to Audrey and whispered loudly, “Friendship alert.”
Audrey smirked. “I see it.”
Brielle turned, smiling shyly. “Your team is… lively.”
Aurora laughed. “That’s one word for it.”
Brielle turned again, her eyes catching a very familiar figure, this time she looked shocked, “Oh My Goodness!! …..THE AUDREY RHODES?!!” She shrieked.
Everyone paused, Aurora still smiling but confused.
“In flesh, and you are?…” Audrey smiled back at her.
“Oh my, I’m so sorry, it’s….it’s just that….I didn’t think I’d ever get to see you up-close. You are amazing. I’m Brielle.” She said softly, slightly embarrassed, her face turning a light shade of pink.
Aurora glanced at her. “You know my sister?”
“Of course,” Brielle replied. “Wait what? Your sister? She is top… top-tier. International campaigns, Milan, London, Colombia, Nigeria Paris—”
Audrey waved her off gently. “You’re too kind.”
Ryan leaned in, stage whispering, “She broke the internet twice, but okay.”
Audrey shot him a look. “Ryan.”
Brielle smiled, clearly impressed. “That Milan show was unforgettable.”
“Thank you” Audrey said politely.
Aurora felt a quiet surge of pride
As Brielle headed to the fitting room, Audrey stepped closer to Aurora. “She seems nice.”
“She is,” Aurora replied. “And uncomplicated.”
Audrey met her eyes knowingly. “Rare.”
Later that evening, they gathered around Aurora’s dining table, takeout boxes, laughter, soft music playing in the background.
Brielle had stayed longer than planned, conversations flowing easily, stories shared without effort.
“I’m glad I came back,” Brielle said quietly. “I don’t have many friends in the city yet.”
Aurora smiled. “You do now.”
Brielle’s eyes warmed. “I’d like that.”
When she finally left, Audrey leaned back in her chair. “I approve.”
Aurora laughed. “Of course you do.”
Ryan raised his glass. “To new beginnings.”
Aurora lifted hers too.
Outside, the city pulsed on, as they cheered.
NEXT MORNING,
Aurora sank into the soft velvet armchair near the window of her apartment, sunlight streaming in and catching the subtle shimmer of her new curtains. Audrey, her sister, was perched cross-legged on the couch, scrolling through her phone, occasionally glancing up to watch Aurora fuss with a stack of designs.
“You’re so dramatic about the lighting,” Audrey said, leaning back with a grin. “It’s fine, Aurora. The sunlight is fine. Stop acting like it’s a runway shoot for Vogue.”
Aurora huffed, brushing a loose strand of black hair behind her ear. “Dramatic? I’m a designer, Audrey. Everything matters, the light, the angle, the texture of the fabric. You wouldn’t understand.”
Audrey rolled her eyes but smiled, shaking her head. “Try me. I lived in your world for a while, I think I get the obsessive vibe.”
Aurora laughed softly, finally settling down. “Fair. But you’re here now. That makes life… easier.”
Audrey tilted her head, curiosity flickering in her green eyes. “Easier how?”
“Easier… calmer,” Aurora admitted, letting out a slow breath. “Having you around makes this city feel less… overwhelming. And having someone I trust, someone who knows me.”
Audrey’s smile softened, and she patted the cushion beside her. “Well, lucky for you, I didn’t move all the way here just to be ignored. Come sit. Tell me everything.”
Aurora sank beside her sister, glancing around the apartment. The small, cozy space was starting to feel like home, but the bustle of the city outside was always there, a constant reminder of the life she had built for herself.
Her phone buzzed, breaking the moment. She glanced at it and smiled softly. It was her mother, Clara. Without hesitation, she answered, placing the phone in front of her.
“Hola, Mi Muñeca!” Clara’s warm voice came through, framed perfectly by the sunlight in her living room. Her eyes crinkled at the corners as she grinned.
“Hi, Mom!” Aurora said brightly. Audrey peeked curiously over her shoulder, waving at the screen.
“Hello, Audrey! I can see you two are already causing mischief,” Clara teased.
Audrey laughed lightly. “No mischief yet, Mrs. Clara. Just helping Aurora survive New York.”
Clara’s eyes softened. “Survive… yes, I remember that feeling. But I see you’re settling in. Aurora, are you eating well? Sleeping enough?”
Aurora chuckled, shaking her head. “Mama, I’m fine. Really. Audrey and I are figuring it out together. Plus, Ryan keeps me on my toes, he’s… well, let’s just say he makes sure I don’t work nonstop.”
Clara raised an eyebrow, amused. “Ryan? Who is he now?”
Audrey leaned over, smirking. “He’s one of Aurora’s friends. Trust me, Mom, he’s… a handful.”
Aurora groaned, but her lips curled into a smile. “A handful is one way to put it.”
Clara laughed softly. “I’m glad you have friends there. Don’t forget, my niña, family isn’t just me. It’s Audrey, too. Puedes apoyarte el uno en el otro mientras estoy lejos.”
Audrey reached over and squeezed Aurora’s hand. “We’re good. She’s okay, Mom. I promise.”
Clara’s eyes softened, her voice tender. “I know. But it makes me happy to see you two together. Audrey, are you keeping my girl in line?”
“Mostly,” Audrey said with a teasing grin. “She’s still as stubborn as ever.”
Aurora chuckled, shaking her head. “I like to think of it as… determined.”
Clara laughed warmly. “That’s my girl. Keep that fire, Aurora. And enjoy yourselves. Don’t let work consume you entirely. Remember, you can take moments for yourself, even just a few minutes a day.”
Aurora nodded thoughtfully. “I’ll try, Mom. Promise.”
Audrey leaned closer to the camera. “Mom, you’ll love it here. Aurora’s not just surviving, she’s thriving. Boutique’s doing well, she’s got amazing friends… even a few dramatic moments that would make you laugh.”
Clara smiled, her eyes glinting with pride. “That makes me happy. Keep supporting each other. And remember, you have me anytime you need to vent or celebrate.”
Aurora smiled, feeling the warmth of her family wash over her. “Thanks, Mom. I really needed this today. It feels… good to connect, even if it’s just over a screen.”
Clara’s voice softened. “You’re welcome, mi amor. I miss you, both of you, but I’m proud. Very proud.”
Audrey waved at the screen again, grinning. “Miss you too, Mom! Can’t wait to have you here soon!”
Aurora laughed softly. “Sooner than expected, maybe. I have Brielle meeting me tomorrow for coffee. Trying to build some real life friendships here.”
Clara nodded, her eyes twinkling. “Good. I like that. Friends are everything. And Brielle… sounds nice.”
Audrey rolled her eyes dramatically. “Nice? Mom, she’s better than nice. Aurora barely stops talking about her boutique adventures.”
Aurora nudged her sister playfully. “I do not!”
“Yes, you do!” Audrey teased, grinning. “Anyway, it’s important to have people around who understand your world. Not just business, not just work.”
Aurora felt her chest warm. “Exactly. That’s what I want, people who get it, who get me.”
Clara smiled softly. “You’re doing it, Aurora. You’re creating your life, here, now. And I couldn’t be prouder.”
They chatted for nearly an hour, laughing, sharing small stories, and talking about life in Los Angeles back home, Audrey’s modeling plans, and Aurora’s boutique triumphs. The conversation was easy, natural, grounding, exactly what Aurora needed after the chaos of the past few weeks.
When the call ended, Aurora leaned back, feeling lighter than she had in weeks. Audrey nudged her shoulder gently.
“See? Family is magical, even over video calls.”
Aurora smiled, eyes shining. “Yeah… it really is. And tomorrow… coffee with Brielle. Maybe building another kind of magic.”
Audrey grinned. “That’s my girl, always creating magic wherever she goes.”
Aurora laughed softly, leaning back into her chair.
- Writer
