Ariana barely slept through the night. For the sake of Zion who had called back after Ariana had tried calling unsuccessfully. Ariana woke up very optimistic. Zion had told her that the challenges she was facing would more or less add value to the bond Ariana had with Calhoun, and eventually, the Lawsons will begin to see this.
Now all Ariana had to do was believe that this is possible. But for Ariana, believing seemed to be even more difficult. How could she believe that it'll all end in a fairytale style when Lily was bent at being maleficent. But she had to try. She can't think of the worse, but hope for the best. For her and Calhoun.
Ariana got out of bed with energy and confidence and headed straight for the kitchen. Today, they're going to be making breakfast for the whole family. This time, it'll be better than the last.
"Oh dear Aria," Bianca hugged her as she entered the kitchen, "you did have a restful night did you?"
"Yes aunt," Ariana feigned a smile.
"Then cheer up. We're not just going to be cooking, we're going to have some fun," Bianca giggled.
Ariana marveled at the way Bianca was so excited about cooking. The excitement was contagious. She hummed as she kneaded the flour into dough and danced as she turned the steaming sauce that was in the pan. If she had had a restaurant, it would have been the talk of the town. Bianca's cooking was a delightful. The whole family looked forward to her meals.
"Come on," Bianca waved at Ariana, "don't just stand there. Help me with those eggs.
The two prepared breakfast like it was some school project. They chatted and laughed and it all seemed that they had known each other for long. Ariana's heart was at rest. It was indeed a good morning.
"Good morning aunt Aria," little Rosa hugged Ariana. Nobody saw her come in. "Good morning mum."
"You're up already my munchkin," Bianca smiled at little Rosa.
"Yes, but I didn't want to," little Rosa replied.
"But why?"
"Because I had this beautiful dream. I was in the garden, with aunt Aria and she was wearing a white gown, and uncle Calhoun came in and they were all putting on their wedding dressings. Afterwards, they rode on a unicorn into the moon."
Ariana and Bianca couldn't hold back their tears as they burst into laughter. Little Rosa simply smiled. They must have thought she made it up. But it was true, that was what she saw in her dream.
"Come on dear," Bianca handed one of the cup cakes they had already made to little Rosa.
"Don't worry, we'll go to the garden after breakfast," Ariana assured little Rosa, who seemed even more pleased if this assurance than of the sweet cup cakes she was now munching.
Little Rosa didn't just like Ariana, she had come to adore her like she was some goddess. She watched the way she smiled and talked and walked and always imagined in her head doing this same things the same way Ariana did. It was a bond that was almost inexplicable.
Ariana saw the adoration in little Rosa's eyes and warmness but never knew how deep it was. Little Rosa barely spent time with any of the family members. Not her uncles, Noah and Matt, they often scolded her and thought her mother was over pampering her. Not grandfather, who's always in his study and always looking very serious. Grandmother was always TV bound, watching soap operas and definitely not aunty Lilly. Little Rosa liked aunt Lisa the least of all.
"Ouch!" Cried out little Rosa.
"What is it dear?" Bianca looked alarmed.
"My tooth," little Rosa held her mouth as if by letting it go the whole set of teeth will fall off.
"Oh goodness," Ariana exclaimed.
"Come dear, let have a look at it shall we?" Bianca rinsed her hands and led little Rosa out of the kitchen.
"Aria dear," Bianca turned, "continue preparing the breakfast. I'll be back in a jiffy."
"Oh no problem aunty," Ariana said, "don't cry, the tooth fairy wouldn't give you anything if you do" she said, smiling at little Rosa. Little Rosa smiled back.
It wasn't long that they've gone that Lily came in. Ariana rolled her eyes. What now?
"Ow good morning Aria dear," Lily tried to fake a smile.
"Good morning aunt Lily," Ariana tried very hard not to be un-nice. She focused on the dough she was now carefully arranging on a tray. Each piece was cut in the shape of a sea shell.
"I see that you're busy," Lily shrugged, "wanted you to do me something."
Ariana sensed that this was a trap. She knew Lily quite well and nothing good could be expected from the skinny wrinkled woman.
"But I'm already helping aunt Bianca here in the kitchen," Ariana tried to reason.
"Ow sure," Lily said, "it's no biggy, I need someone to help me lift my wardrobe so I could find one from the pair of my earrings. And I can't find Noah nor Matt, nor their silly father."
Ariana thought it was wise to help Lily. So far, she's been her number one obstacle towards winning the hearts of the Calhouns. Though she had Bianca and little Rosa, she wanted everyone, even grandfather, even Lily to accept her for who she was and not who they thought she was. Maybe, this would win over Lily.
"I've got to turn off the cooking for now till I'm back or aunt Bianca herself comes back."
"Oh no, no need, don't bother. We'll be back before anyone could even say Hussein Bolt."
Ariana hesitated a second, but then followed as Lily went out.
Lily was sure this plan would work out perfectly. It was fool proof. She will finally get Ariana where she wanted.
Ariana thought about bringing up a conversation while they ascended the stairs but remained silent. Lily wasn't one you try to share your conversation with. She would definitely use it against you. Nonetheless, Ariana felt the urge to ask her a question.