as the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm glow over riverside, the payne siblings and isla decided to take a walk around town. oliver and parker walked ahead, their voices mingling with the sounds of the bustling town. briar and isla trailed behind, catching up on everything they had missed.

"so, how's life really been here?" isla asked, glancing at briar with curiosity.

briar shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. "it's been good, different from new york, obviously, but i've gotten used to it. the people here are nice, and it's got its own charm."

isla nodded. "i can see that. it's so peaceful and the town has this quaint, welcoming vibe. but seriously, what's the deal with this austin guy?"

briar sighed, a bit of color rising to her cheeks. "it's complicated. he's... well, he's been nice lately, but we've had some awkward moments, remember the one i told you when dumped me and the girls glue. but he helped me out at the party last night when i got a bit too tipsy."

isla raised an eyebrow. "really? that doesn't sound too bad. maybe he's not as bad as you think."

"maybe," briar admitted, kicking a small stone on the path. "or maybe not, it's just weird. he's close with my friends, but we've never really clicked."

isla nudged her playfully. "well, sometimes people surprise you. give it time."

up ahead, oliver and parker were discussing the latest game they were into, their animated conversation carrying back to the girls.

"and what about you?" briar asked, changing the subject. "how's everything in new york?"

isla sighed, her expression turning more serious. "busy, as always. the renovation is a mess, and my parents are constantly traveling for work. it's why i'm so glad to be here, even if it's just for a week. i needed a break from all the chaos."

"i'm glad you're here," briar said, linking her arm with isla's. "it feels like old times."

isla smiled, squeezing briar's arm. "me too. i missed this, just walking and talking with you. it's exactly what i needed."

they continued their leisurely stroll, the boys occasionally glancing back to make sure the girls were keeping up. they passed by the local park, where children played and families enjoyed the evening. the sight made isla smile.

"this place really is beautiful," she said. "i can see why you've grown to like it here."

"yeah, it's different, but in a good way," briar agreed. "and with you here, it's even better."

they walked on, sharing stories and laughter, the bond of their friendship stronger than ever. as they wandered through riverside, briar felt a sense of contentment, knowing that no matter where life took them, she and isla would always find their way back to each other.

as the sun continued to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, briar and isla meandered through the charming streets of riverside. the town was coming alive with the evening bustle, families strolling, couples walking hand in hand, and kids riding their bikes. the boys, oliver and parker, were still ahead, now engrossed in a debate about the best strategies for their favorite video game.

"is it strange to be back in a small town after new york?" briar asked, glancing at isla.

isla shrugged, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "a bit, yeah. it's definitely quieter, but it's nice. less stressful. sometimes i forget how much i miss this kind of calm."

briar nodded. "i get that. i felt the same way when we first moved here. it took some adjusting, but now i kind of love it."

isla smiled, looking around at the quaint storefronts and friendly faces. "i can see why. it's so different from the constant rush of the city. here, it feels like you can actually breathe."

they turned a corner, and the boys paused, waiting for them to catch up. "you guys done with your heart-to-heart?" parker teased, a mischievous grin on his face.

briar rolled her eyes but smiled. "yes, parker. we're done, for now."

oliver chuckled. "come on, there's a great spot by the river where we can sit and relax."

they continued walking, eventually reaching the riverside park. the river flowed gently, reflecting the colors of the sunset. they found a bench near the water and sat down, enjoying the serene view.

isla took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment. "this is perfect," she said softly. "i needed this."

"so, what's the plan for the rest of the week?" oliver asked, looking at isla.

"i'm here to relax and catch up with you guys," isla replied. "and maybe see some of the local sights. i'm at my aunt's house, so i have some time to explore."

briar's eyes lit up. "we should definitely show you around. there's a great café downtown, and the hiking trails are amazing. plus, there's a little fair happening this weekend."

isla's face brightened. "a fair? that sounds fun. i'm in."

"and don't forget the ice cream parlor," parker added. "they have the best sundaes."

isla laughed. "sounds like we have a lot to do. i'm looking forward to it."

they sat there, chatting and planning their week, the conversation flowing easily. the boys shared stories about their adventures in riverside, while isla recounted tales from new york, making them all laugh with her dramatic retellings.

as the sky darkened and stars began to appear, briar felt a sense of contentment wash over her. it was moments like these that made her appreciate the simplicity and beauty of their new home. having isla here felt like a piece of her old life had seamlessly blended with the new, creating a perfect harmony.

isla looked up at the stars, a serene smile on her face. "i forgot how clear the stars are out here. in the city, you can hardly see them."

"that's one of the best parts," oliver said. "you can actually see the night sky in all its glory."

briar nodded, leaning back on the bench. "yeah, it's pretty amazing."

they stayed by the river for a while longer, talking about everything and nothing, enjoying each other's company. eventually, the cool night air prompted them to head back home.

as they walked back through the quiet streets, isla and briar continued their conversation, now talking about their plans for the future, dreams, and aspirations. the boys walked ahead, still animatedly discussing their game strategies, their voices a comforting background hum.

"isla, i'm so glad you're here," briar said, linking her arm with isla's again. "i missed you so much."

isla squeezed her arm. "me too, briar. it feels like we're back to our old selves, even just for a little while."

they reached the payne house, the porch light casting a warm glow. oliver unlocked the door, and they all stepped inside, the cozy familiarity of home enveloping them.

"do you guys want to stay over tonight?" oliver asked. "we've got plenty of space."

isla grinned. "i'd love to. let me just call my aunt and let her know."

as isla made her call, briar, oliver, and parker settled in, preparing for a cozy night in. soon, isla rejoined them, her face beaming. "all set. my aunt's fine with it."

they spent the rest of the evening in the living room, watching movies, sharing snacks, and laughing until their sides hurt. the night was filled with the warmth of friendship and family, a perfect end to a perfect day.

as they finally turned in, briar lay in bed, feeling incredibly grateful. having isla there, blending her past with her present, made her realize just how lucky she was. she fell asleep with a smile on her face, excited for the adventures the next day would bring.

it was great to catch up with isla again, it's like been years since we were together but i'm glad she's here, she's always been my partner in crime.

time has skipped.

the boys austin ramirez, sam ward, jax quinn, and jonathan edwards stood at their usual spot, overlooking the breathtaking view of the ocean. the sun was setting, painting the sky in vibrant hues of orange and pink, casting a golden glow over the water.

jax leaned against the railing, taking in the scene with a sense of awe. "man, i never get tired of this view," he said, his voice filled with appreciation.

austin nodded in agreement, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "yeah, it's pretty amazing."

sam, ever the joker, couldn't resist teasing. "you know, austin, if you like her so much, you should just tell her."

austin's cheeks flushed slightly as he glanced at sam. "what are you talking about?"

jax chuckled, elbowing austin playfully. "come on, man, we all know you've been crushing on briar since day one."

jonathan joined in the teasing. "yeah, it's written all over your face every time she's around."

austin rolled his eyes, trying to play it cool. "whatever, guys. you know I'm just being nice to her."

sam raised an eyebrow. "being nice? more like being mean half the time."

the other boys turned to look at sam in disbelief. jax spoke up, his tone incredulous. "seriously, sam? what's gotten into you?"

sam sighed, realizing he had overstepped. "sorry, guys. i didn't mean it like that. i just... i don't know."

jax clapped him on the shoulder. "it's cool, man. just watch what you say next time."

austin couldn't help but smile at the exchange, feeling grateful for his friends' support. "thanks, guys. and for the record, I'm not mean to briar. i'm just... figuring things out."

jonathan grinned, nudging austin teasingly. "sure, sure. we believe you."

they shared a laugh, the tension dissipating as they returned to enjoying the view. as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the sky in shades of purple and blue, they stood there together, appreciating the beauty of the moment and the bond they shared.