#laneymeadows

AIDEN: Hey. I pulled this number from Ryleigh's phone, so don't be pissed at her

There’s a lull in the morning rush, giving Ryleigh a chance  restock some of Sadie’s signature pastries. She prefers when it stays busy because it keeps her busy, from straying too far into her thoughts, but without a moment of quiet, she wouldn’t be able to keep the displays full and then what use would Sadie have for her? She’s crouched down behind the counter when she hears the signature bell above the door. “Welcome, give me-- I’ll be with you in just a minute!” Ryleigh calls sweetly, before she takes care to slide the last two pastries in place. She stows the now empty plate they’d been on beneath the counter, making a mental note to take it into the back as soon as she’s done with this customer. 

Ryleigh rises, her golden blonde hair drawn into a full, messy bun and makes a beeline for the cash register. “Hey, sorry about that. Thank you for waiting, how can I he--” Green eyes flash upward to greet her guest, only to shudder with memory at the familiar face staring back at her. One foot always out the door, as eager to get away from the shit show that was their life. Maybe that’s Ryleigh’s problem. She’d never thought their life was as bad as Delaney, or Jamie, or Aiden felt it was. No, it had never been easy and sure, she wishes they’d had an easier time of it, but... Ryleigh’s been in hell. Her childhood hadn’t been it. 

Growing up, she’d known Aiden was sad - sadder than most big brother’s - and Jamie was always barking at someone or another, but Delaney always seemed... angry. To see her now, to look into those beautiful bright eyes of her sister’s? A swell of emotion rises in her and she’s quick to rush around the counter, to approach the woman she hasn’t seen in... god, has it really been six years? Ryleigh doesn’t think about it as she throws her arms around Delaney, doesn’t question whether she has a right to hug her sister because this is her sister. Someone Ryleigh once idolized and looked up to, once aspired to be. Courageous and beautiful and smart. Delaney was so smart, scarily smart. “How is this even--- how’re you here? Does Aiden know you’re here?” Ryleigh rushes out after pulling away from the hug - however awkward - beaming at her.  She’s so wrapped up in her excitement, she doesn’t even give thought to the bubble of uncertainty forming in her gut. 

@laneymeadows​