Tangled Hearts.

~Chapter 27~

~Raelyn~

~Sunday, March 23rd~

The next morning, I woke up before my alarm, which was a rare and deeply unnatural occurrence. The soft glow of dawn barely filtered through my curtains, and for a blissful moment, I considered rolling over and pretending time didn't exist. But then I remembered—today was the day I was introducing Isa to the absolute madhouse that was Colby's roommates. 

I swung my legs over the bed, shoved my feet into my slippers, and shuffled into the living room, where Isa had crashed on the couch. She was curled up in a blanket cocoon, her dark hair a tangled mess, and she was snoring softly—adorable but unprepared for what was coming. 

Gently, I poked her shoulder. "Morning, sleepyhead." 

Isa groaned like a dying animal and buried her face deeper into the pillow. "No. Absolutely not." 

I laughed and nudged her again. "Big day ahead. Time to rise and shine." 

She cracked one eye open, peering at me with deep suspicion. "What if they don't like me?" she mumbled. 

Before I could respond, a familiar voice chimed in from the foot of the couch. "Impossible." 

I turned to find Colby, arms crossed, hair messy from sleep, looking like he had absolutely been eavesdropping from the kitchen. He had probably been hoping to avoid being recruited into morning errands. Too bad for him. 

"They're gonna love you, Isa," Colby said, his voice firm but kind. "Just be yourself." 

Isa sat up, rubbing her face. "But what if 'myself' isn't good enough?" 

I dropped onto the couch beside her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Isa, you're awesome. Trust me, these guys have zero standards. If they adopted ME into their home, you're gonna be just fine." 

Colby gasped, clutching his chest like I had personally wounded him. "Wow. First thing in the morning, and we're already catching strays?" 

Isa giggled, some of the tension leaving her shoulders. "Okay, okay. I'll try." 

I clapped my hands together. "That's the spirit! Now, what are you gonna wear? You have to look fabulous, obviously." 

Isa chewed her lip and glanced at her duffel bag before pulling out a green corset top with delicate embroidered flowers and a pair of form-fitting jeans. "Maybe this? I was saving it for something special, but..." 

I snatched it from her hands. "This is the outfit. Absolutely." 

Colby eyed it with an approving nod. "It's chill and spunky. Just like you." 

Isa rolled her eyes but smiled as she grabbed her things and made her way to the bathroom to change. Meanwhile, Colby and I picked out our own outfits—he went for his usual vintage tee and worn-in jeans, while I opted for an off-the-shoulder boho top with skinny jeans. 

Before we could even fully finish getting ready, a small blur of energy barreled into the room, colliding with my legs. 

"Aunt Kitty!" Blake squealed, vibrating with excitement. 

I scooped him up, laughing. "You're gonna see Katrina today, huh?" 

"She said she's getting me goldfish!" Blake said, kicking his little feet in delight. 

Colby snorted. "That woman will bribe anyone with food." 

"Smart woman," I said, setting Blake down and quickly helping him into a cute little outfit before he could attempt to dress himself in some chaotic mix of pajamas and swim trunks.