Chapter 1: Chicago

A small, quiet town called Raven Hollow the kind of place where nothing ever seemed to change.

The afternoon sun filtered through the kitchen window as Danika stood at the sink, sleeves rolled up, hands deep in soapy water. The scent of fried rice and peppered chicken still lingered in the air.

Behind her, Catherine also known as Cat leaned against the counter, already halfway through her second plate.

“Mmm,” Cat hummed dramatically, licking her spoon. “The food is really nice, Danika. I’ve missed eating your food.”

Danika smiled without turning. “You say that every time you come back.”

“And I mean it every time,” Cat shot back. “Over there in Chicago, all I eat is takeout and stress.”

Danika laughed softly. “Big city life, huh? Miss Mafia Queen.”

Cat rolled her eyes playfully. “Please, I just work around dangerous people. I’m not one of them.”

“Same thing,” Danika teased.

They both burst into laughter, the kind that came easily after years of friendship.

Cat leaned forward, lowering her voice. “Do you remember senior year? When you almost got suspended because you slapped Brian in front of the whole class?”

Danika gasped, turning now with a wet plate in her hand. “He deserved it! That boy cheated on me with two girls at the same time!”

Cat cackled. “And you still dated him after that!”

“I was young and stupid,” Danika said, shaking her head. “Unlike you, Miss ‘I only date rich boys with cars.’”

“Excuse me,” Cat flipped her hair. “They weren’t just rich they were fine.”

Danika laughed. “What about that one… what was his name? Jake?”

Cat groaned. “Ugh, don’t remind me. He cried when I broke up with him.”

“You broke up with him because he bought you the wrong flavor of ice cream!”

“It was vanilla, Danika. VANILLA. That’s a crime.”

They both laughed again, the sound filling the small kitchen with warmth.

After a moment, Cat tilted her head. “So… how are things with Mr. Williams? Your boss?”

Danika paused.

“Oh…” she said slowly, turning back to the sink. “I didn’t tell you? I stopped working there four months ago.”

Cat straightened immediately. “I knew it! That man always got on my nerves. But wait what happened?!” She rushed her words together. “Did you kick his butt? Did you pour hot coffee on him? Tell me everything!”

Danika giggled. “Chill out, girllll.”

She rinsed her hands and leaned against the counter, her expression shifting.

“That man…” she exhaled. “He crossed the line.”

Cat frowned. “What did he do?”

Danika’s eyes hardened slightly. “At first, it was small things. Comments about how I dressed… how I smiled too much. Then he started ‘needing’ me to stay late. Always just the two of us in the office.”

Cat’s face darkened.

“One night,” Danika continued, “he tried to touch me. Said if I wanted to ‘grow’ in the company, I had to be… nice to him.”

Cat slammed her hand on the counter. “Disgusting pig!”

“Oh, I didn’t stay quiet,” Danika smirked. “I told him exactly what I thought.”

“What did you say?”

Danika folded her arms, a spark of fire in her eyes.

“I told him he was a pathetic excuse for a man who hides behind his position to prey on women… and that no amount of money could fix his rotten soul.”

Cat’s mouth dropped open. “Damn.”

“And then,” Danika added with a small grin, “I may have cursed him out… loudly… in front of everyone.”

Cat burst out laughing. “That’s my girl!”

“I grabbed my bag, walked out, and never looked back.”

Cat shook her head, still smiling. “Legend behavior.”

Then her expression softened. “But… how have you been coping since then?”

Danika’s smile turned gentle. “Thanks to you, my good friend. The money you send every month helps… and my parents too.”

Cat waved her hand. “Please, that’s nothing." Suddenly, Danika gasped. “Oh my God!”

“What?”

“I forgot I need to go pick up Emily! My parents are traveling today!”

She quickly pulled off her apron and grabbed her bag.

“Wait, I’m coming with you,” Cat said, already following her out.

They were lucky to find a taxi almost immediately.

Twenty minutes later, the car pulled up in front of her parents’ house.

Danika jumped out before it fully stopped, Cat right behind her.

She rushed inside. “Ohhhh Mom, I’m so sorry for keeping you waiting!”

Mrs. Paige turned from the living room with a warm smile. “It’s fine, honey. And hi, Catherine.”

She pulled Cat into a hug “I’m fine, Mom,” Cat said softly. “How are you?”

“I’m good,” Mrs. Paige nodded, then raised her voice. “Emmy! Your mommy is here!”

A tiny voice squealed from the other room “Mommyyyy!”.

Little footsteps patted loudly before a small figure ran into view. Emily launched herself into Danika’s arms.

Danika caught her easily, laughing as she kissed her cheek. “Hey, my baby! Did you have fun with Grandma?”

Emily nodded excitedly. “Yesh! We baked cookiesss… and I eated two!”

Danika laughed. “Only two?” Emily giggled.

Then she noticed Cat. Her eyes widened. “Mama… is dat Aunty Cat?

“Yes, baby,” Danika smiled, handing her over.

Cat took her carefully. “Ohhh hi, Emmy! You’ve gotten so big. You look like a princess like Cinderella.”

Emily gasped, covering her mouth. “Weally?! I look like her?!”

“Yes, you do.”

Emily giggled as Cat tickled her. “Stoppp! It ticklesss!” The room filled with laughter.

“Have dinner before you go,” Mrs. Paige offered warmly.

Danika smiled, stepping closer to kiss her cheek. “Don’t worry, Mom. Greet Dad for me when he gets back.”

“I will." Cat adjusted Emily on her hip as they moved toward the door.

“Alright byeeee, Em!” Mrs. Paige waved excitedly.

Emily lifted her tiny hand sleepily. “Bye Nana… I wuv youuu…”

“I love you more,” Mrs. Paige replied softly as the door closed behind them. The night air was cool as they stepped outside.

They managed to get a taxi quickly, and within minutes, they were on their way home.

Emily didn’t last long.

Halfway through the ride, her head dropped gently against Cat’s shoulder, her small breaths evening out as soft snores followed.

Cat looked down at her and smiled. “Out like a light.”

Danika chuckled quietly. “She’s had a full day.”By the time they got home, Emily was completely asleep.

Cat carried her carefully into her room, moving slowly like she was handling glass. She laid her gently on the bed, adjusting the blanket with care.

She paused… watching, Just to be sure.

Emily shifted slightly, then settled again.

Cat tiptoed out and gently shut the door behind her.

She turned to Danika and gave a proud thumbs up. Danika grinned. “Mission successful.”

Cat stretched dramatically. “Ahhh… I’ve missed this.”

Danika walked over to the TV stand, grabbing the remote. “So… which movie are we watching?”

She tossed the remote at Cat. “Now pick,” she said, narrowing her eyes playfully.

Cat caught it with a grin. “Yes, Mom. Danika rolled her eyes, heading to the kitchen area to grab popcorn and soda.

“Omg…” Cat groaned softly as she scrolled. “I’ve missed this so much.”

Then she suddenly covered her mouth, whispering, “Oops don’t want to wake Emmy.”

Danika returned, placing the snacks on the table before settling beside her “What are you picking?”

Cat’s eyes lit up. “Let’s watch my crush’s movie." She clicked.

“Unbreak My Heart" Danika blinked, then slowly turned to her. “You are still crushing on Jaden Bling?”

Cat gasped dramatically. “First of all it’s Jaden Bliss, not Bling.”

“Same thing,” Danika shrugged, grabbing popcorn.

Cat glared at her playfully. “You have no taste.”

“And you have no standards,” Danika shot back. They both burst into quiet laughter.

Soon, the movie started, and the room filled with soft light from the screen. The sound of dialogue, occasional crunching of popcorn, and their low reactions created a comforting rhythm.

For a while…

Everything felt normal.

Then..

Ping... A notification broke the moment.

Cat frowned slightly, picking up her phone. Danika didn’t notice at first, too focused on the movie.

Cat’s expression slowly changed.

From casual… To curious…

To something else.

“Danika,” she said.

Danika turned. “Hmm?”

Cat’s eyes were still glued to her screen. “That position you applied for… the one you told me about.”

Danika frowned slightly. “Which one?" Cat looked up now. “What was it again?”

Danika thought for a second. “Uh… Administrative Operations Assistant. Why?” There was a pause.

Then

A slow smile spread across Cat’s face “I think…” she said, lifting her phone slightly, “I just got you a job.”

Danika blinked. “What?” Cat leaned forward, excitement building. “Not just any job.”

Danika sat up straighter. “Cat…” Cat’s eyes sparkled.

“It’s in Chicago." The word hung in the air.

Heavy.

Unexpected.

Life-changing.

Danika’s heart skipped.“Chicago?” she repeated slowly.

Cat nodded.