The silence that followed Finn’s confrontation with his parents was abruptly broken by a knock at the door. One of the Callahans’ household staff appeared in the doorway, giving Mrs. Callahan a small nod. “Excuse me, Mrs. Callahan, Ciara has arrived.”
“Oh, lovely!” Mrs. Callahan’s face lit up, instantly softening. She turned to Finn, a spark of approval in her eyes. “Finn, Ciara’s here. Isn’t that just perfect?”
Hanna’s stomach twisted as she felt Finn’s hand tighten around hers. She prepared for a battle. Though Ciara pretended to be friendly, Hanna had learned the hard way that her sweetness was a cover for constant, subtle digs. With a quick smile and her perfect reputation, Ciara made it look easy to hide her bullying behind a charming facade.
Ciara stepped into the room, her hair loose and styled, lips painted with a perfectly subtle shade of pink. Her form-fitting dress shimmered under the dining room lights, and she flashed her usual practiced smile as she took in the scene.
“Finn!” she said, her voice carrying an exaggerated warmth as she reached out and gave him a quick hug. “So glad I could finally catch you outside of school.”
She let him go but held her gaze on Hanna a little too long. “Hanna,” Ciara said, her smile never faltering. “You look… different tonight. Nice to see you dressed up.”
Hanna forced a smile, feeling her cheeks warm under Ciara’s careful inspection. “Thanks. You look… nice too.”
“Aw, thanks, I just threw this on last minute,” Ciara replied, smoothing down the front of her dress and glancing at Mrs. Callahan. “It’s hard to dress for this house. Everything here is so elegant.”
Mrs. Callahan chuckled approvingly. “Oh, nonsense, dear. You look perfect.” She shot a subtle glance at Hanna, as if the compliment were meant as a contrast. “You always do.”
Ciara laughed softly, giving Hanna a quick, pitying look. “Well, Mrs. Callahan, not everyone has your taste,” she said, tilting her head. “And not everyone is as used to… entertaining.”
Hanna swallowed, but Finn’s hand around hers was a steadying reminder that she wasn’t alone. He gave her fingers a quick squeeze, a small show of support as Mrs. Callahan started talking animatedly with Ciara about upcoming events.
“So, Ciara,” Mrs. Callahan said, her voice tinged with pride, “how’s your application to Columbia going? It’s all finalized now, isn’t it?”
“Oh, yes,” Ciara replied smoothly, casting a quick, bright smile toward Finn. “I got the official letter just last week. I’m planning to fly out next month to meet with a few advisors and attend a campus event. It’s pretty exciting. But of course, Finn and I were talking earlier about how we both have big plans.” She turned to Finn, her eyes widening with mock surprise. “Finn, did you know Mrs. Callahan has been telling me all about your interest in medicine? You’d be amazing.”
Finn’s polite smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Yeah, it’s still just an option.”
Ciara’s eyes shifted quickly to Hanna, the corner of her mouth curving up in a slight smirk. “Well, Finn, I know how you hate to make things… complicated. Though some of us don’t have that problem, right, Hanna?”
Hanna opened her mouth to reply, but Mrs. Callahan cut in smoothly, apparently oblivious to—or pleased by—the tension in the room.
“Ciara has always been one of the most ambitious young women we know,” Mrs. Callahan said with a glance in Hanna’s direction. “And so well-spoken. Such a lovely quality in a young lady.”
Hanna clenched her jaw, a blush rising to her cheeks. Ciara’s eyes sparkled, pleased with the reaction she’d gotten, but she tilted her head, feigning concern. “Oh, but Hanna, I didn’t mean anything by that. I mean, we can’t all be serious about college. It’s okay to just… go with the flow, right?”
She leaned in closer, her voice a little too sympathetic. “I’m sure it’ll all work out for you, though.”
Before Hanna could respond, Finn pulled her hand up, a deliberate show of support as he locked eyes with Ciara. “Actually, Hanna’s got some great college options already lined up,” he said firmly. “And she’s pretty serious about design. She’s one of the most talented people I know.”
Ciara’s smile faltered for a split second, but she quickly recovered, looking at Hanna with feigned interest. “Oh, design! That sounds… creative. Columbia has a design program too, actually. Maybe we’ll run into each other someday,” she said with a little laugh, casting a knowing glance at Mrs. Callahan. “Wouldn’t that be something?”
Mrs. Callahan’s smile deepened as she watched the exchange, her eyes flicking between Finn and Ciara as if envisioning a future she’d already planned out. “Ciara,” she began, turning away from Hanna as if she weren’t even there, “have you thought about what you’ll wear to the university gala next month? You should ask me before you buy anything; I’d love to help you pick something out.”
Ciara looked thrilled, linking arms with Mrs. Callahan as they walked a few steps away. “Oh, I’d love that, Mrs. Callahan! I knew I could count on you to know exactly what works for these events.”
Hanna watched, feeling herself shrink with each approving look and warm laugh they shared. She glanced at Finn, whose jaw was tight as he watched his mother’s clear preference for Ciara play out right in front of them. He gave her hand another reassuring squeeze, but Hanna couldn’t help feeling like she didn’t belong in this world of perfect smiles and elegant words that cut deep.
Ciara glanced back at Hanna, offering another saccharine smile. “Hanna, maybe we can get together and go shopping for something for you, too. I mean, we don’t want you to feel left out, right?”
Hanna smiled tightly, feeling humiliated but refusing to let Ciara see her waver. “Thanks, Ciara, but I think I’ve got it covered.”
Ciara’s eyes narrowed slightly, but she gave a little shrug, the picture of nonchalance. “Sure, whatever works. I just thought you might want some… help.” She turned her gaze back to Finn, practically ignoring Hanna now. “Anyway, Finn, we’re still on for coffee tomorrow, right? I’ve got a few things I wanted to talk to you about before school.”
Finn’s hand tightened around Hanna’s, his expression cool as he looked at Ciara. “Actually, I think we’re busy tomorrow. Hanna and I have plans.”
Ciara’s smile stiffened, but she quickly covered it with another dismissive laugh. “Oh, well, another time, then,” she said smoothly. “Anyway, Mrs. Callahan, could I get your opinion on something? I’d love your insight.”
Hanna watched as Ciara led Mrs. Callahan further into conversation, the two of them talking easily, their laughter filling the room. She felt the distance between herself and the Callahans deepen, like a wall growing higher around her. Finn looked over, frustration in his gaze as he met Hanna’s eyes.
“Let’s get out of here,” he whispered, his voice tense.