Chapter 3 - Second Chances

The text went out to the group chat at 10:03 a.m.

[Mia 🌻]: Picnic today?? I'm bringing snacks. No excuses. Be there.[Sienna 🔥]: what if I *am* a walking excuse 😘[Dante 💥]: Fine. But if Adrian brings his ukulele again I'm leaving.[Adrian 🎸]: rude. i bring joy.[Roxanne 🗡️]:(no response)[Elliot 🎶]: …I'll come.

The park was one of Mia's favorite places—grassy, open, dappled with sun through tall trees and little white flowers blooming like confetti. She'd brought a checkered blanket, a woven basket, and a playlist of soft acoustic covers that she knew Elliot liked.

When he arrived, guitar case in one hand, Mia waved excitedly. "Over here!"

He gave a small smile and made his way over, setting the case down gently like it might break. He looked tired. Always tired lately.

"Thanks for coming," she said, handing him a lemonade.

"You guilt-tripped me into it," Elliot muttered.

"I emotionally inspired you. Totally different."

He cracked a smile—barely. But she saw it.

Mia glanced toward the park's entrance. Dante and Sienna were arriving together, arguing over whether or not a leather jacket was "picnic appropriate." Adrian trailed behind, carrying a ridiculous bag of candy and snacks he clearly didn't need.

Still no Roxanne.

Mia tried not to let her disappointment show.

By the time everyone was settled, the blanket had become a patchwork mess of crumbs, laughter, and sarcastic commentary. Dante sat cross-legged with sunglasses on, pretending not to care while secretly enjoying himself. Adrian lay back with one arm over his eyes. Sienna was popping grapes into her mouth like it was a performance.

Elliot, quiet as usual, played soft melodies on his guitar—half-thought tunes that never quite landed.

Mia leaned closer to him. "You don't have to talk about it, but… I just want you to know I don't think you're a bad person."

He looked up, startled.

She shrugged. "People mess up. Sometimes once. Sometimes a lot. But I've always believed in second chances. You're allowed to want one."

Elliot blinked, like her kindness caught him off guard. "I don't even know if she'd ever take me back."

"She might not," Mia said honestly. "But... even if she doesn't, maybe you'll forgive yourself someday. That's the part that matters."

He stared at her for a long moment. "You're too good to be in a group like this."

Mia laughed. "I'm the glue, remember? Emotional support sunflower."

---

Later, when the group splintered—Dante off taking calls, Adrian chasing a squirrel that stole a cookie—Mia found herself next to Sienna under the shade of a tree.

"You've been nice to Elliot lately," Mia said gently, watching the sky.

Sienna stretched out beside her, arms behind her head. "He's cute in a sad, broken kind of way. Tragic is trending."

Mia smiled. "I think you like him more than you're letting on."

Sienna turned her head, lips quirking. "What makes you say that?"

"You haven't once called him a nickname. Or made a full joke at his expense. That's basically flirting in your language."

There was a pause.

"Maybe," Sienna admitted. "Or maybe I just don't like seeing someone crumble."

Mia looked at her, genuinely hopeful. "Maybe he deserves someone who sees the good in him. Even now."

Sienna rolled her eyes. "You're exhausting."

"You love it."

"I tolerate it."

But something in Sienna's expression shifted. Not a smirk. Not a sneer. Something quiet. Maybe even scared.

---

Later, Adrian sat beside Mia while the others packed up.

"She really said that?" he asked under his breath.

Mia nodded. "I think she's warming up to him."

Adrian sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Mia… I know you want to see the good in people, but Sienna has a track record. A long one. She doesn't fall—she breaks people and walks away."

"She's different with Elliot," Mia said firmly.

"She's different now. That doesn't mean it's real."

Mia didn't reply right away. She looked at the horizon, where Sienna was laughing at something Elliot said. The sunlight caught her eyes in a way that made her look almost gentle.

Almost.

"I think everyone deserves a second chance," Mia said quietly. "Even her."

Adrian didn't argue. But he didn't agree, either.

He just looked at Sienna.And hoped Mia wasn't the one who would end up hurt.