Chapter Three

The news crushed Sienna. She barely ate or slept, just went through the motions. Sketching, her one happy place, was the last thing on her mind. She couldn't even be bothered to pick up a pencil. All she could think about was Christian.

She'd toss and turn, her restless eyes drifting to the wall where Christian's bright photos seemed to mock her with their cheerfulness.

Every time she checked her phone or scrolled through the news, there was nothing new on Christian's condition.

Two months down the line, Sienna was still stuck in a funk. The rest of the world had apparently forgotten about the whole thing, but she was still stuck on Christian, wondering what could've been.

She settled into her favorite chair with a cup of coffee, taking a moment to unwind. Sienna had landed a gig as a writer for a news outlet, but let's be real, it was more about the stability than any burning passion for journalism.

After countless rejections and failed attempts to make it as a fashion designer, Sienna had to face reality. No one wanted her designs, So, she took the practical route.

She got the job at the news house, but it was basically a family affair. Her uncle owned the place, and her mom gave him a little nudge. Writing skills? Not really the point. Family connections, though? That's what mattered.

Sienna was zoning out when her phone buzzed with a text from her mom: "Hey sweetie, hope you're doing okay" (followed by a million heart eyes and smiling emojis). And then the reminder: "Don't forget, it's your birthday tomorrow! I'm making your fave chocolate cake, so be there or else."

Sienna cracked a smile, feeling a tiny bit better. She texted back: "Yup, I'll be there, mom. Love you."

Her mom's next text popped up: "Two months already, baby girl, and I'm seriously missing my favorite daughter"

Sienna replied with a quick "Miss you too, mom" followed by a bunch of heart eyes and smiley faces.

Her mom hit her with a classic: "Don't be late." Sienna chuckled and let her phone fall onto the desk.

She wrapped her hands around her coffee cup again and took another sip, her thoughts drifting back to Christian.

That's when she decided to check her computer for any updates yet when she stumbled upon some news and they were getting crazier by the minute. Some people claimed Christian was in a coma, others said he was a quadriplegic. There were even some seriously messed-up rumors going around, like he was brain dead and his family was just keeping him alive for the sake of it. it was all pretty intense.

Sienna let out a frustrated sigh, shut down her computer. Her fingers found a pencil, and she started doodling, not really thinking about what she was drawing. It was just a mindless scribble, but it was soothing.

Mackenzie materialized beside Sienna, glanced down at the paper, and commented "Looks like you're getting your draw on again." her eyes scan the random scribbles with interest. "A beautiful wedding dress, huh?"

Sienna playfully rolled her eyes and said, "Oh, come on, Mackenzie, it's just a dress. Don't go reading too much into it."

Mackenzie plopped down in the chair across from Sienna's desk, looking relaxed. They were colleagues, around the same age, and just seemed to mesh - the kind of office buddies who could chat about anything, "So how's it going?"

Sienna shrugged. "Just the usual." She closed her sketchbook and tossed the pencil on top of it.

Mackenzie's green eyes lit up like a lightbulb as a thought struck her, "Oh yeah, someone's getting roped into being a plus-one soon!" she said, grinning.

Sienna put on a somewhat convincing smile, trying to look more thrilled than she actually felt. "Yep, that's me," she said, her tone a bit too peppy.

Mackenzie jumped right in. "Shopping, clubbing... what do you say? Want to hit the town for your birthday?"

Sienna wasn't exactly the party animal type. She was more low-key, a bit introverted, and liked to keep things chill.

Birthdays for Sienna were always pretty chill, just her and her mom celebrating together, with a homemade cake and some quality time. Her mom had been the one to raise her, and she didn't really have much of a relationship with her dad. As for extended family, it was just her and her mom... and her uncle Greg, who happened to be her boss, which could be a little weird sometimes.

"There's this new club downtown that's been getting a lot of buzz - maybe we could check it out?"

Sienna chuckled. "Come on, Mackenzie, you know me better than that."

Mackenzie grinned, "Just this once! Don't you want to experience life, party, and let loose? You know, live a little?"

Sienna knew exactly what Mackenzie meant by "letting loose". She'd seen her friend's enthusiasm before, and it usually involved some kind of wild adventure. "No way I'm no getting drunk," Sienna said firmly, shaking her head. "My mom would kill me if she found out."

Mackenzie pouted, her lower lip jutting out in disappointment. "Just a little drink, come on," she wheedled. "You're turning 22, we should celebrate! It's a big deal, Sake!"

Sienna nibbled on her lip, trying to come up with a solid reason to say no. "Mom wants me home to celebrate." she admitted.

"We celebrate with Mom first. After that, we can put on our party dresses and paint the town red. Deal?"

Sienna tried to keep a straight face, but a grin kept sneaking in. "Deal," she said,.and Mackenzie let out a triumphant yell, throwing her arms up in the air. Sienna rolled her eyes good-naturedly, already knowing she'd been won over