The day had finally arrived—Theo’s celebration of life ceremony. Rian stared at herself in the bathroom mirror. Rafi had graciously gone ahead to the venue to ensure that everything was in place. Rian didn’t expect many people to come. After all, most of her parents’ friends had disappeared over the years. She didn’t have many friends left after the show because of her actions. But Theo had a few close friends that would be there, and it would behoove her to look her best. So she reached for her make-up bag.

Rian stepped into the venue to find Rafi waiting for her. “Everything is ready,” He assured her.

“Thanks for your help,” Rian said as he pulled her into a tight hug.

“I’m glad I could help.” He replied. “You had everything already planned. I just made sure it came to be.”

Seb and Viv walked over. Before Seb could say anything, she grabbed Rian, pulling her into a tight hug. “I’m not mad at you, honey. How could anyone be? You did what you thought was best.”

“Thanks, Viv,” Rian said thickly.

Viv stepped back, and Seb gathered Rian into a hug. “How are you holding up?” He asked as he pulled away.

Rian smiled softly. “I’m glad to see you guys.”

Rafi took her arm, “Come, everything is ready.” As they stepped into the room. Rian stiffened, partially in shock but also in fear. “It’s OK,” Rafi whispered in her ear.

All the islanders were in attendance, and Theo’s friends and a few people she didn’t know. But judging by the man in a wheelchair and the two older people walking around with him, she surmised it was Rafi’s family. Rian walked to the podium. Her hands were shaking, but she knew enough to know that Rafi wouldn’t make this day harder for her.

“Thank you all for coming out today to celebrate the life of my younger brother, Theo. I know he would be happy to see so many faces here today. Since I’ve known my brother my entire life, I’m allowed to say when we were growing up. I thought he was a pain in the ass at times.” Everyone chuckled. “He always knew how to push my buttons…” Rian took a deep breath. “But after mom and dad died, it all changed. We became even closer. I took care of him, and he did his best to help me. When he became sick, I did everything I could to help him. I wanted Theo to get well.” She took a shaky breath. “Of course, he told me not to worry about it. He accepted his condition. It was just like him to make the best of the hand life had dealt him. I was lucky that I could share in his life.”

She stepped down and nodded to Theo’s friend Mike, who then went to the podium and shared his memories of Theo. Theo’s other friends followed in suit, and as Rian rose to close the ceremony, Rafi stood up. He looked over to Rian, who nodded and sat back down as he took the podium.

“I wanted to say a few words about Theo. I didn’t know him as long as many of you. In fact, I only had the pleasure of meeting him recently. I knew the first time we met that we could have been close friends.” Rafi smiled. “He obviously had his struggles, but his first words to me were about his sister. I know Theo cared for her just as much as she cared for him. Despite what he was dealing with, he was grateful for everyone, and especially to Rian. She fought till the very end for him. This will conclude the life celebration but feel free to peruse the pictures and share your memories of Theo with each other.”

Rian breathed a sigh of relief. She was super close to tears again, did not relish the idea of addressing everyone once more. Glancing over at Rafi, she mouthed Thank You. Rafi nodded.

Everyone gathered around the pictures and started chatting with one another. Bill was the first of the islanders to walk over to Rian. He pulled her into a tight hug. “I don’t hate you. I understand.”

Rian rested her head on his shoulder. “I’m sorry.”

Bill shook his head and pulled her tighter. “There is nothing to be sorry about or to forgive. We’ll talk later.”

Miki was right behind him, tugging her into a hug as Bill stepped away. “I can’t even imagine what you were going through. We’ll meet up later.”

Ciaran gently hugged her. “You’ve had a rough time of it. If you ever want to get away, let me know. I’ll make you feel right at home in Waterford. Kerry and I are excellent listeners.”

Rian smiled, “Thank you.”

AJ was next. Her exuberant hug was followed with, “You know if you need anything. Just ask. Even if its cuddle to fall asleep.”

Rian squeezed her, “Thanks, AJ.”

Tai wrapped his arms around Rian, cradling her. “I’m sorry you had to through this alone, but I understand you had your reasons. Do you think next time you might share it with us?”

Rian smiled up at him, taking a shaky breath. “I’ll try.” Tai nodded as he stepped away.

Yasmin came over to Rian next. “Fate closes one door, and another one opens. Don’t be so focused on your objective that you lose sight of what is in front of you.”

Lily and Harry stood in front of Rian, looking unsure. “I was furious at you. For winning and leaving Rafi like that after what you said to Harry.” Lily said. Harry nodded in agreement.

“But when Seb told what was happening,” Harry continued. “I understood why you never stayed with anyone at the Villa. You were trying to protect yourself and your partner. Besides, I want to thank you. If you hadn’t pushed me, I would have continued wandering and aimlessly trying things and dropping them. It seems I have a real knack for real estate. “

“Yea, he’s one of the top agents,” Lily said happily.

“I’m happy for both of you,” Rian said. The duo walked off hand in hand. When Rian turned, she was scooped up into a bear hug by Elladine.

“If you need anything, babes. We are here for you,” Elladine said as she released her hold on Rian, only for Rian to be swept up by Nicky.

“We do mean anything, babe,” Nicky said as he right Rian on her feet. “I was so worried when you left the way you did.”

“We all were,” Camilo said, reach around Rian to gently pull her in for a hug. “I always thought you might be hiding something. There were these… quick sad looks now and then. I never could pin down what you were thinking.” He gently eased off so Iona could step over.

“You were always fair to us,” Iona squeezing Rian. “Next time, talk to us, for god’s sake. I’m mad, but not about the money. I’m mad you didn’t tell us. We love you. Remember, you have friends.” She gave Rian a harder squeeze to get her point across before letting go.

The line was dwindling as people took their leave. Finally, only Rafi and his family remained. Rafi smiled at Rian as he introduced them. “Rian, these are my parents.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Kouri,” Rian said.

“Don’t be silly. You can call us Ista and Dylen,” Mrs. Kouri said, smiling.

“And this is my brother Diya,” Rafi said, taking Rian’s hand. He could feel the slight tremble that belied her nervousness.

Diya gave Rian an odd look. “I won’t sugarcoat it. It pissed me off what you did to my brother. I thought he was crazy when you sent the check, and he wanted to confront you with it. I told him we should take the money and forget about you. But he wanted to see you… and I’m glad he did because…” He rolled over closer to her, his expression softening. “What you did to try to help your brother was amazing. Rafi told me you even changed your career to become a research scientist.”

Rian looked at him in shock. No one knew that. She had never mentioned it to anyone. Theo was the only person who knew that, and he must have said something to Rafi. Seeing her shock, Diya pushed his wheelchair toward Rian and reached for her, laughing as he pulled her into his lap. She yelped in surprise as she tumbled into the chair and his surprisingly warm and robust grasp. “I’m taking Rian for a minute.” He rolled off, leaving a bewildered Rafi behind.

He stopped once they got outside. “Sorry to take you by surprise like that, but I really wanted to talk to you alone.”

Rian couldn’t help but chuckle as she was still in his lap. “Well, you have my full attention.”

“Good,” he grinned. “I just wanted to say that even though you took the prize money, I respect your reasons. Family is the most important thing.”

“I didn’t want to hurt anyone, but I needed to help Theo,” Rian whispered.

“I know,” Diya tilted his head, looking at her. “You care about him, don’t you?” Rian nodded. “Well, that’s good because he’s mad about you.” Rian blushed. “I’ll give it another thirty seconds, and he’ll be out here checking on you. I know my brother. He’s a bit possessive.”

Rian huffed in amusement. “Theo would have liked you.”

Diya smiled in response. “I have a request. No matter what happens with you and my brother. I want you to come to Japan with us.” The door opened and shut. “Right on time.”

Rafi walked over to them. “I think I’ve given you enough time with Rian.” He walked over to them and extended his hand to Rian, assisting her from Diya’s lap.

“I see why you like her so much,” Diya teased. “She’s hot, and she’s got a great behind.”

Rian’s face heated. Rafi shook his head with amusement before saying, “She’s mine.”

“You should just ask her,” Diya said, rolling himself back towards the building.

Before she could ask about what Diya was talking about, the door opened again. Rafi’s parents joined them. “Rian, we gathered the items from the celebration for you.”

“You didn’t have to do that,” Rian said. Their kindness brought tears to her eyes again. Today had been so hard for her.

“We wanted to do something for you. To let you know you aren’t alone,” Ista said.

“Thank you,” Rian said thickly.

She was pulled into a tight embrace by Ista as tears fell again. “It’s OK.” A hand came around and brushed her hair back. Like she was a small child, she leaned into the woman’s embrace. The men stepped away, leaving the women.

Rian finally pulled away. “Thank you.” She chuckled self-derisively, wiping her tears away as best she could. “It seems I’m saying that a lot today.”

Ista smiled. “I wanted to be there for you. When Rafi called me and told me he went to see you. It surprised me. Then he explained about Theo. I can’t imagine how hard this has been for you. You’ve had so much loss for someone so young. Then I went back and watched the show again. I could tell your decisions pained you.”

Rian wiped the last traces of tears from her face. “It wasn’t easy.”

“Speaking of my son,” Ista teased lightly. “How do you feel about him? I’m curious. I am his mother, after all.”

“I care about him a lot,” Rian said, “but we haven’t had the time to discuss anything.”

“I see. That makes me happy.” She replied. The sound of a car door shutting shifted their attention.

“We loaded your car,” Dylen said.

“Thank you, that was super sweet,” Rian said gratefully.

Rafi walked her to her car. “You know I’m a text away if you need me.”

“I know, thanks,” Rian said, reaching over to hug him.