Hidden Between Us

Chapter 3: Small Luxuries

“Some names slip into your thoughts like soft music, you hear them, but you don’t dance just yet”

Sienna's Pov

Thursday hit me like a slap I wasn't ready for. I rolled out of bed, yawned, and tried to remember why mornings even existed. Liam was already bouncing around downstairs, probably looking for something he didn't need but definitely wanted.

"Where's my headphones?" he yelled.

"Probably somewhere in this house" I called

"Classic Liam move" Always looking for something

"You are lying," he said, dramatically pointing at the floor.

Mom laughed from the kitchen.

"Sienna, just tell him."

"I did," I said. "He will survive."

Dad, still gripping his newspaper like it was a sword, muttered, "The world survives somehow."

I grabbed my coffee, hugged it like it owed me money, and bolted out the door. Campus was buzzing students rushing, someone blasting music from their headphones, espresso smells chasing me from every corner. Almost ran into a guy, but waved anyway.

By mid-morning, Sophie found me outside the library. She looked effortlessly perfect, designer tote hanging casually, phone in hand, hair messy in a way that screamed she didn't try but still looked expensive.

"Guess what," she said, grinning.

"Free afternoon. Let's shop. My treat."

"Shop?" I repeated.

"Yes," she said, flashing that I-can-buy-whatever-I-want smile. "We are going somewhere that actually matters."

We ended up in a boutique that smelled like vanilla and new leather. Sophie picked up a silk scarf and tossed it over her shoulder. "Do I look ridiculous?" she asked, smirking.

"You look... untouchable," I said. "Like a runway forgot to tell you to slow down."

She laughed and dragged me toward a display of sunglasses. "You have to see these."

"You have too much money," I said.

"And somehow, too much confidence."

"That is why I am me," she replied, slipping on a pair of oversized frames and pretending to be shocked at her reflection.

Her phone buzzed suddenly. She glanced at it, rolled her eyes, and muttered, "Ugh... Damian."

I froze for a second. Her brother. She never really talks about him. Just a passing mention before. I didn't ask.

"Everything okay?" I asked.

"Fine," she said quickly, shoving the phone in her bag. "Nothing to worry about."

We laughed at ridiculous hats, posed in mirrors, and pretended like life outside this boutique didn't exist. I loved seeing her in her element flashy, confident, carefree while I tagged along like a regular human who had no idea what "carefree" really felt like.

Afterwards, we grabbed lattes at a small café. The line was long, the air smelled like sugar and hot espresso, and the background chatter was just right.

"Do you ever get tired of pretending to be responsible?" I asked

Sophie smirked. "All the time. But then I just buy something shiny and feel better."

"I should try that sometime," I said

"Start with chocolate croissants," she said. "They are cheaper than therapy"

I laughed, dipped a fry in ketchup, and watched people walk past. Everyone looked like their lives were happening fast, organized, perfect. And me? I was just here, laughing at silly hats and chocolate croissants, feeling like maybe life could be messy and still fun.

By the time I got home, the house was buzzing. Liam was glued to the TV, shouting at something that didn't exist. Mom was tidying the kitchen, Dad still muttering at the newspaper.

"Look who is back," Dad said, folding the paper with a sigh.

"I survived," I said.

Liam waved a controller at me. "You forgot the snacks.

"I live here," I said. "I survive without snacks."

Mom smiled at me, tired but warm.

"How was your afternoon?"

"Fun," I said. "Normal, not exciting, but nice."

I flopped onto my bed later, scrolling through memes, laughing quietly to myself. Everything felt ordinary but alive. Small luxuries, small chaos, Small things that made life mine.

Somewhere in the back of my head, I thought about that name again.

Damian

Just a whisper, nothing more.

Tomorrow would probably be the same and for