Marina One shots

Title: "Hearts Entwined"

Chapter 1: The Rift

Carina had always felt a bit out of place when Sofia visited Arizona. She understood that Sofia needed her mother’s attention, but the feeling of being sidelined was growing unbearable. The day Sofia arrived, Carina noticed the shift immediately. Arizona was entirely focused on her daughter, making cookies together, playing games, and catching up on lost time. Carina tried to join in, offering to help with the cookies, but Sofia brushed her off, saying it was something she and her mother did together.

Arizona, caught up in the joy of having her daughter home, didn't notice Carina's growing discomfort. By the time evening rolled around, Carina felt completely invisible. She watched from the sidelines as Arizona and Sofia laughed and talked, a knot tightening in her chest. She tried to join the conversation a few times, but each attempt felt more awkward than the last.

When Sofia finally went to bed, Carina couldn’t hold back her feelings any longer. "Arizona, can we talk?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Arizona looked up, concern in her eyes. "Of course, what's wrong?"

Carina took a deep breath. "I feel like an outsider in my own home. Sofia barely acknowledges me, and you don’t seem to care."

Arizona sighed, trying to find the right words. "Carina, Sofia is still adjusting. She needs time to get used to you being here."

Carina's frustration bubbled over. "It’s not just about Sofia. It’s about you too. You didn’t even try to include me."

"I’m trying to be a good mother," Arizona replied, her voice rising slightly. "She’s my priority."

"And where does that leave me?" Carina shot back, tears welling up. "I can’t keep feeling like I’m invisible in your life."

They argued late into the night, their voices growing louder and more strained. By the end, Carina was exhausted and heartbroken. "Maybe we want different things," she said finally, her voice breaking. "I think we need to take a break."

Arizona’s face crumpled with sadness. "I never wanted it to come to this," she whispered.

"Neither did I," Carina replied, tears streaming down her face. "But I think it’s for the best."

With that, Carina left the house, each step feeling like a piece of her heart was being left behind.

---

Chapter 2: New Beginnings at Joe's

Joe's Bar was bustling with life that night, but Carina felt out of place. She was there with her friends—Amelia, Teddy, Jo, and her brother Andrew—trying to distract herself from the pain of her recent breakup. They laughed and joked, but Carina’s heart wasn’t in it. She kept replaying the argument with Arizona in her mind.

Amelia noticed her distraction and nudged her. "Hey, you okay?"

Carina forced a smile. "Just a lot on my mind."

Teddy leaned over, suggesting they get another round of drinks. Andrew groaned but got up to order. Carina stared into her drink, lost in thought, when a new face appeared at their table.

"Mind if I join you?" the woman asked, her eyes locking onto Carina's.

"Sure, why not," Carina replied, intrigued.

"I'm Maya," the woman introduced herself, sitting down next to Carina.

"Carina," she replied, offering a small smile.

They began talking, and Carina found herself genuinely laughing for the first time in days. There was something about Maya—her confidence, her warmth—that drew Carina in. As the night progressed, the connection between them grew stronger.