Stay With Me

Chapter 20

~~* Sierra's POV *~~

The wind whistled, and the sun lightly shone on the grass. Sierra pulled her sweater tightly around her neck as she made her way to the tall tree in the distance. It was the day after her birthday. This day brought her joy until it became a constant reminder of death. It was one of the reasons why she stopped celebrating her birthday. Sierra stopped, lightly brushed the engraving on the tombstone, and placed the bouquet in front.

"Happy birthday, Sophia. Look, I brought you your favorite flowers, peonies."

Sierra noticed a small jewelry charm lying on the ground next to the tombstone. She would not have noticed it in the grass if she had not bent down. Picking it up from the grass, she dusted off the dirt. It was a small rainbow charm that belonged to Sophia. Sierra recalled that Sophia was wearing a bracelet with that charm the day she died. Sierra picked up the charm and placed it with the bouquet.

"I see Mom has already wished you a happy birthday."

Sierra stood there silently as the wind blew her hair with it. The time she spent on Sophia's grave, Sierra felt more understood than anywhere else. Although all she did was stand there quietly, Sierra felt calm. She did not have to worry about anything at the moment.

"I miss you, sister. I wish you were here. At least now I have to wait one less year to be with you."

Sierra touched the tip of the tombstone one last time before she returned home. Ruby had left for work even though it was a Sunday. She was working as much as possible. Ruby had mentioned something about a party at Luke's place. But Sierra did not respond too eagerly and raise suspicion. Besides, her time with Luke was over before it even started. Luke's grandfather would never let them be happy. It was difficult to live in the limelight. The reporters and press would surround them at all times. It would make it impossible for them to have a life together.

"Why am I even thinking about all this? I need to focus on my professional life. That begins tomorrow. Who knows, if I work well, I can land a long-term job at the company if they offer."

Sierra would start her internship tomorrow, so she quickly showered and chose attire for her first day. Once she had prepared everything for the coming day, she sat in her bed and opened the new book she was reading. Sierra's gaze reached the vase of flowers on her desk. The bedroom smelled of fresh roses.

"How should I thank Luke?"

Tapping her book on the forehead, Sierra snapped herself back to reality. Sierra sat cross-legged on the bed and placed her hands on her knees. She took a few deep breaths and repeated a mantra she had heard a famous YouTuber, Gabrielle, repeat.

"I am a baddie.

Yes, that is true.

I am a baddie.

There is nothing I can not do."

Feeling her head returning to her senses, Sierra resumed reading her book.

~~*~~

Sierra stood outside the tall building, waiting for Rebecca to receive her call. She was the first to reach the address, and it was nearly time to start the internship. Sierra wore an oversized deep blue single-breasted blazer with a beige knitted tank top underneath. She had paired it up with dark blue wide-leg jeans and pointy flats. It made her look professional with little effort. She had her hair down and in curls at the bottom. Sierra barely had half an hour to get ready after she reached home from the university.

"No answer. Rebecca promised she would be here on time."

Glancing at the time on her screen, Sierra huffed in annoyance and began walking towards the huge glass doors. A doorman opened the door for her, and Sierra smiled at him.