After Mia fist-bumped both of her older siblings, she retrieved her cell phone from the living room table, her fingers already typing as she headed upstairs to change. Caroline watched her go, noting how much Mia had grown, both physically and mentally, since she embraced the path of a Paragon. Mia’s stride had that confident edge now, a reflection of the weight she carried—not just the responsibilities of her role, but also the complexities of her friendships. And she has blossom into a young woman who'd have more than her share of suitors.
It didn’t take an esper to figure out who Mia was messaging. Dante and Stephen had been her friends for years, practically since they were in diapers. Despite their different backgrounds—Dante with his structured upbringing, Stephen with his wild streak—they had always been a steadying influence on Mia. And she, in turn, had been a beacon for them, her fierce loyalty and quick wit keeping the trio close-knit. But Caroline couldn't shake the nagging thought: if a Rogue like Bloodhound could sense those ties, then it was only a matter of time before someone else did too.
Caroline sighed, trying to push that thought away. She was just being paranoid, right?
“You’re doing it again,” Cali’s voice broke through her musings, light and teasing.
“Doing what?” Caroline asked, glancing over her shoulder.
Cali gave her a knowing look. “Oh, come on, Carly. Little sis isn’t so little anymore, and she’s BFFs with two guys. Those protective older sister alarms are blaring loud and clear.”
Caroline opened her mouth to protest but closed it just as quickly. Cali wasn’t wrong. Mia was growing up, and there were parts of her life that Caroline couldn’t always shield her from. She just had to hope that the bonds Mia had forged would be enough to keep her safe.
"We just have to be there for her, help train her and prepare her for what's coming. We can't always be there physically but she'll know we're always there for her in spirit. Just like she's always by our side." Cali assured her.
"Yeah. You're right. We're never apart even when we're separated. We'll always have each other's backs." She turned her head to look off into the distance. "Heh. Hothead's on his way now with Choir Boy in tow. This'll be good for Amelia. I can't wait for her to tell the story in person."
"Which reminds me, have you told you Morgy yet?"
"If Morgaine doesn't know about it already then she'll figure it out soon and send Amelia a huge congratulatory message. The Roses have been rooting for her just as hard as the rest of us after all."
