Chapter 7 - Something About Her
695 Words
Amelia didn’t expect to feel… this.
Not comfort. Not ease. Not the strange sensation of warmth blooming slowly in her chest, like the light of a fire she hadn’t noticed being lit.
But sitting across from Isabel — with her kind smile, composed presence, and eyes that sparkled with something between strength and vulnerability — Amelia felt a quiet familiarity. Like she’d met a version of her before, in a dream or an old story passed down.
She hadn’t expected to like her.
And she certainly hadn’t expected to feel like she was talking to someone who could’ve been… a sister.
“I hope I’m not talking too much,” Isabel said with a small laugh, stirring her tea nervously. “I ramble when I’m hopeful.”
“No,” Amelia said quickly, softly. “It’s nice. You’re… easy to talk to.”
Isabel’s expression softened with something like gratitude.
Amelia tilted her head slightly. “Can I ask… how old are you?”
“Twenty,” Isabel replied, a playful glint in her eyes. “But I promise I’m the grown-up of the family.”
That made Amelia smile. “You carry yourself like someone older.”
Isabel leaned in, a little more relaxed now. “And you carry yourself like someone who’s been through more than she lets on.”
The words landed gently but truthfully, and Amelia looked down for a second, collecting herself. Then:
“Can I ask about him?” she said, carefully. “Gray?”
Isabel nodded. “Of course.” She paused just long enough to show she was choosing her words with care. “He works for a tech company. Mostly behind the scenes. He’s always been that way — building things, designing systems, solving problems. He likes to create, not to be seen. Very private, but thoughtful. You’d never know how much he’s done unless someone told you.”
Amelia blinked. “That’s rare.”
“It is,” Isabel said, a soft smile tugging at her lips. “But that’s just who he is.”
“What happened?” Amelia asked gently.
“There was an accident,” Isabel said, her tone quieting. “A car crash. It wasn’t his fault — just bad weather, wrong timing. He was driving back from a work trip, and the storm hit hard. He’s been unconscious ever since.”
Amelia pressed her lips together, the words sinking deep. “I’m sorry. That’s… unimaginable.”
“Thank you,” Isabel said sincerely. “But we haven’t given up.”
A soft buzz cut through the moment. Amelia glanced at her phone screen. “Sorry. One second — it’s my best friend. She probably thinks I’ve been kidnapped.”
Isabel laughed. “Go ahead. I’ll just top off our tea.”
Amelia stepped outside, already smiling as she answered. “Hey, Jess.”
Inside, Isabel watched her go, her smile lingering. Then she slid her phone from her purse and opened the family group chat:
ARISON CORE
Isabel: She said yes.
Isabel: I really like her.
Isabel: There’s something in her. Warm, grounded. She’s… real. I think she’s exactly what he saw.
Isabel: We’re coming.
Zach: I knew it! Gray wouldn’t waste his time or effort if she wasn’t worth it.
Vivienne: I can’t wait to meet my future daughter-in-law!
Charles: Too early for that, sweetheart.
Charles: But it’s a relief.
Charles: Just be careful, Isabel. Don’t let your guard down. This is only the beginning. We don’t know if it’s all worth it yet.
Isabel read the responses, exhaled slowly, and tucked the phone away just as Amelia returned, cheeks slightly pink from the breeze outside.
“Everything okay?” Isabel asked gently.
“She said if I don’t check in again in ten minutes, she’s calling the FBI.” Amelia smiled, amused. “She’s dramatic.”
“I like her already,” Isabel said warmly. Then, softer: “Thank you for coming today.”
Amelia met her eyes. “Thank you for trusting me.”
For the first time in six weeks, Isabel felt it in her bones:
Hope was no longer a plan. It was a person.
- Writer
