- Aria's POV -

I was still in my raging mode by the end of the day. I'd been giving Miles the cold shoulder so I didn't kill him, because I had another plan in mind. But that would come after I finish my new painting.

So here I am, pacing around in my room with the curtains drawn. I really want to keep them open because the sunlight relaxes me, but that would mean I'd also see Miles, which does not relax me. For the past twenty minutes, I have been thinking about what I should paint that would make me win. Scrolling through Pinterest didn't help much, either.

Deciding to take a break, I dump all of the containers of arcylic paint on the floor, along with the brushes and sit down, cross legged.

Criss-cross apple sauce.

I think I need food.

I travel downstairs, greeting Lydia who's stuffing her mouth with Oreos. She grins and waves both her hands at me, then turns back to the television. I laugh and pour myself a glass of water, warming up some leftover pasta. Taking my plate, I plop down on the couch next to Lydia.

"Is there any news on the case?" I stab the pasta with my fork.

Lydia shakes her head and puts the packet of Oreos on the table.

"Nope, not yet. I have to say, Aria, that you are incredibly brave. You didn't even look the least bit of scared when you told us, while Paul and I were practically shitting ourselves." She chuckles, tucking a few strands of my hair behind my ear.

I keep my gaze on my plate. Of course I was scared, but I wouldn't let the person who did it be satisfied. For all I know, he or she could be watching me right now, peeking through the window.

The second that thought enters my brain, the doorbell rings and I jump, my heart racing.

Lydia furrows her brows at me and gets up to answer the door.

Thankfully, I don't hear a scream. Instead, I hear laughs and giggles of a little girl. And a . . . dog?

"Aria!"

Smiling, I dump my empty plate in the sink to go say hello. Bending down, I open my arms and let the girl throw her arms around my neck, her beautiful black curls tickling my nose.

"Hi, Hailey." I laugh, pulling away from the hug and swooping the six year old up into my arms.

She giggles, her dark eyes glistening with delight. She's wearing a red beret, a black knitted scarf, and a warm red coat. Hailey looks adorable in her little outfit.

She hugs me again right before her mother walks in.

"Aria! We haven't seen you in months, dear. How are you?" Joyce smiles, pulling me into a hug with Hailey getting squished in between.

"I'm good, Joyce. And what about yourself?" I smile back and put Hailey down. She runs off to Lydia.

"Oh, sweetie. I've heard the news, about that note? It must be a lot to take in. And Hailey really wanted to see you, she missed you a lot." Joyce says, frowning.

I nod, then feel a hand tugging my own. I look down to see Hailey pouting and pointing to the direction of my room. Sending Joyce another smile, I let the tiny angel lead me upstairs. She laughs when she sees Stitch on my bed and squeezes him, giving Stitch a kiss on his head before coming back to my side.

"So, how are you, Hails?" She drops into my lap and I run my hands through her soft hair.

Hailey is an absolute sweetheart. I've known her since she was born, and my love for her is endless. She's like my little sister, and I'd protect her with my life. Her dad left her when she was only one, and Joyce was struggling to take care of her then. But I would always be there to help without hesitation.

"We got a puppy! His name is Chewbacca. Mom says he's an Affenpinscher." Hailey says the dog's breed slowly.

"That's great, Hailey. Is he here? I think I heard him, earlier."

"Yes, he is! Let me go get him. He's trained, don't worry. He won't mess up your room." With that, Hailey skips out of my room and returns with a very furry and brown puppy.

The dog wags his tail and I let him sniff me.

"Hello there, Chewbacca. You're a very handsome pup, you know?" I coo, scratching behind his ears.

He barks and raises a paw, tapping my palm. I laugh and so does Hailey, and when she bends down to pet him, that's when I get my inspiration.

"Hey, Hailey? Do you think you and Chewbacca could help me out, a little?"

●●●

After getting permission from Joyce, Hailey stands behind my canvas with Chewbacca at her side.

The two of them were going to pose for me while I painted them for the competition. I can already tell that the painting is going to turn out great, especially with the colours. Hailey dressed in her red coat and beret, black tights, scarf, and small ankle boots. And Chewbacca sitting like a true royal dog, with a matching red collar.

While I get my supplies ready, Hailey was mustering up a pose. Finally, she chooses to look down at her puppy with a soft smile, her hand placed behind his ear. Her head is tilted slightly upwards and towards me, so I can paint her eyes with ease. Chewbacca sits patiently with his tongue hanging out as he gazes up at his owner, like he is smiling too.

Thirty minutes later, the base of the painting is done. Hailey got tired of standing, so we decided to take a break. Apparently she and Joyce are staying for dinner, and I had requested for Hails to come over tomorrow as well.

"What movie do you want to watch?" I ask Hailey, who's digging her hands into a bowl of popcorn.

"I'm fine with anything. Oh, wait! I'm fine with anything, except it has to be Disney." She beams, showing off her dimples.

I laugh and when I suggest Aladdin, she sqeauls and claps her hands. My phone buzzes in my pocket, so I whip it out and answer Lizzy's call.

"Hey, Liz. What's up?" I say, just as the movie starts.

Hailey perks up at the mention of Liz. She adores my friends as well, and vice versa.

"Zoe and I are going to get milkshakes. Want to come?" She asks, sounding excited.

"No, thanks. Hailey and her mom came over, so we're chilling at home and watching Disney." I wink at Hailey. She giggles in return and strokes Chewbacca's tummy.

"Can I say hi?" Hailey whispers with a shy smile.

I nod. "Hey, Liz? Hailey wants to say hi—here." I hand over my phone.

"Hi Lizzy!" Hailey exclaims. "I got a puppy! His name's Chewbacca. . ."

I tune out and focus on the movie, singing along to 'Arabian Nights'. All the while, I'm plotting my next prank for Miles. He just loves his shoes, doesn't he? I haven't forgotten about that. I'm going to need a companion for this one. And what about Maya? Well, she shouldn't be too hard. But I've already pranked her so much, so what do I do?

When the movie ends, I usher Hailey and her dog back upstairs and into my room. They get into their poses and I change into a tank top and shorts, my hair thrown up into a messy bun that fell out every two seconds.

Talk about annoying.

"Hey, Aria?" Hailey asks. I hum in response while I paint her right arm.

"Do you ever wonder what would happen if you just started licking the dentist's fingers while they are in your mouth? Because I have." Hailey grimaces.

I stare at her with wide eyes.

She stares back.

I look at Chewbacca.

He's staring at her with wide eyes, too.

Where's my phone when I need to take a picture?

"Um, are you okay?" Hailey blurts, twirling her hair. I narrow my eyes at her.

"Hailey, my little angel, you've gone crazy." I scold.

She sticks her tongue out. "Well, I was trying to be like you."

Did this kid just roast me?

Chewbacca barks. I glare at him, which turns him silent.

Cracking a smile, I say, "Get back into your pose."