TO HEAVEN WITH YOU

The studio was quieter than usual. Ari noticed the change in Mia's behavior but couldn’t quite put her finger on it. Mia had always been supportive, yet lately, her actions felt off. Ari decided to confront her sister about it.

"Mia, you've been acting weird," Ari said one evening after dinner. "Is something wrong?"

Mia glanced up, her expression guarded. "No, everything's fine. Just busy with practice."

Ari nodded, though she wasn't convinced. Mia's distant demeanor nagged at her. She decided to visit the studio more often, hoping to understand what was going on.

One afternoon, Ari arrived at the studio unexpectedly. She found Leo practicing alone, his movements fluid and precise. He smiled when he saw her, a warmth spreading through her chest.

"Hey, didn't expect to see you here," Leo said, wiping sweat from his brow.

"Just thought I'd surprise you," Ari replied, settling down to watch him. As they talked, she noticed Mia entering the studio, her eyes narrowing slightly at the sight of them together.

Leo suggested they take a break, and they headed to the changing room. Ari noticed Mia hanging back, watching them. Something in Mia's gaze made Ari uneasy, but she pushed the feeling aside.

As the day ended, Ari and Mia walked home together. The tension between them was palpable. Ari finally broke the silence.

"Mia, are you sure everything's okay?"

Mia's response was curt. "I told you, I'm fine. Just tired."

Ari didn’t push further, but she resolved to keep a closer eye on her sister.

The next few days passed in a blur. Ari began to notice subtle changes in Mia's behavior. Mia would suggest that Ari skip visiting the studio with her, offering that she do her chores instead or suggesting she stay home to watch a movie or do something more important. Ari found it strange but didn’t argue, thinking her sister just wanted to get some alone time.

One evening, after a particularly grueling day, Leo called Ari asking if she wanted to grab a coffee or just hangout together. Ari immediately agreed and told Mia about her outing with Leo. Mia feeling uncomfortable about them going out together alone immediately suggested they all go together.

"No Mia," Ari said, sounding firm. "Maybe another time, I'd like to spend time alone with Leo."

Mia's smile was strained. "Of course. Have fun."

Ari felt a twinge of guilt but brushed it off. She needed to focus on her priorities, and Mia would understand. She left the living room to her bedroom to dress up for her date with Leo clearly happy about it.

The following afternoon, Ari arrived at the studio earlier than usual. She wanted to surprise Leo and spend some quiet time with him. As she approached the changing rooms, she heard voices. She stopped, recognizing Mia's voice.

"...don’t understand why you're so interested in her," Mia was saying.

"Look, Mia, I’ve told you before," Leo replied, sounding exasperated. "Ari and I are just friends."

Ari's heart pounded. She peered around the corner and saw Mia standing close to Leo, her expression intense.

"But we could be so much more," Mia insisted, her voice softer. "I know you don't feel the same about her as you do about me."

Leo sighed. "Mia, it's not like that. I care about you both, but Ari is... different."

Ari felt a mix of emotions—anger, confusion, and hurt. She had never seen this side of Mia before. Quietly, she slipped away, not wanting to hear more.

That evening, Ari confronted Mia again. "Why didn't you tell me you were into Leo?"

Mia's eyes widened in surprise and then narrowed. "Why should I? It's none of your business."

"It is my business when it affects our relationship," Ari shot back. "I saw you talking to him today."

Mia's face flushed with anger. "So you're spying on me now?"

"I wasn't spying. I was trying to spend time with him, and I overheard you," Ari said, her voice trembling. "Why are you doing this, Mia?"

Mia's anger seemed to deflate, replaced by a look of hurt. "Because I loved him first. And now you're taking him away from me."

Ari's heart ached at her sister's words. "Mia, I didn't know. But Leo... he sees you both differently."

Mia's eyes filled with tears. "I just wanted a chance, Ari. But it's too late now, isn't it?"

Ari reached out to her sister, but Mia pulled away. "I need some time," Mia said, her voice cold. "I can't deal with this right now."

As Mia walked away, Ari felt a deep sense of loss. The bond she had with her sister was fraying, and she didn't know how to mend it. For now, all she could do was wait and hope that time would heal their wounds.