Can I Get It

Shattered Peace

CHAPTER ELEVEN
Shattered Peace

Eliza had been looking forward to spending a relaxing afternoon with GG. It had been a while since the two of them had hung out without a looming agenda or a sense of urgency. Between Eliza's chaotic work schedule and GG's unpredictable life, moments like these were rare. They decided to take a stroll through the local mall, grab some lunch, and just chat—simple, easy, no drama.

The mall was bustling with weekend shoppers, the kind of humdrum activity that normally didn't faze Eliza. The bright lights, the clatter of shopping bags, and the occasional burst of laughter from kids running past created a background noise that, on most days, she found comforting.

As they wandered through a few stores, GG's witty remarks about the absurdity of some of the latest fashion trends had Eliza laughing more than she had in weeks. It was like a balm for her soul—a much-needed reprieve from the mental fog that had been hanging over her lately.

But then, as they were walking down the corridor toward the escalators, it happened.

"Wait," GG said, her voice suddenly low, as she turned to look down the hall. Eliza, following her gaze, was startled to see a familiar face emerging from a crowd of shoppers.

It was Kayene.

Eliza's stomach dropped as she recognized her—Kayla's older sister. Eliza hadn't seen Kayene since that disastrous Thanksgiving dinner last month. The events of that night had caused a rift between the two women, and while Eliza had tried to reach out in the aftermath, she hadn't made much progress.

Their last conversation had been tense, and it seemed like Kayene had made it clear she was unwilling to forgive or forget. The fallout from Thanksgiving had left a bitter taste in both of their mouths, and Eliza had done her best to move on, but she knew deep down that Kayene's anger hadn't dissipated.

Eliza hesitated, unsure whether to acknowledge Kayene or to just keep walking. But it was too late.

Kayene spotted them too. Her eyes narrowed the moment they made eye contact. Without any word or warning, she started walking directly toward them, her posture rigid, her face twisted in a look of pure animosity.

GG immediately tensed, sensing the shift in the air. She placed a gentle hand on Eliza's arm, a silent gesture of support, but also one that suggested she might need to be ready for whatever was about to happen.

Kayene stopped just a few feet away from them. Her eyes locked onto Eliza with a gaze that could have pierced steel.

"Eliza," she said, her voice dripping with disdain. The tension in her voice was immediate and undeniable. "I didn't expect to see you here."

Eliza felt her pulse quicken, her throat tightening. She hadn't been prepared for this kind of confrontation, but she wasn't about to back down. She took a breath, trying to steady her nerves, and responded coolly, "Kayene. Didn't expect to see you, either."

GG looked between the two women, sensing the brewing storm. She stepped back slightly, ready to give them space if they needed it, but unwilling to leave Eliza entirely exposed.

Kayene's eyes flicked over to GG, and then back to Eliza. "So this is how it is now, huh?" Kayene asked, her words laced with bitterness.

"Eliza didn't do anything wrong," GG chimed in before Eliza could respond, stepping forward slightly, her protective instinct kicking in. "Kayene. You need to let it go."

Kayene's eyes snapped to GG, and for a moment, Eliza thought the tension might escalate right there. But it wasn't GG she was angry at. It was Eliza.

Kayene's expression hardened, her voice lowering as she stepped closer to Eliza. "You fought my mom and I. I'm not just going to forget that. You think you can just walk away from what happened?"