Grown ish: Zoey and Aaron's Story (BOOK 1)

Part 6: Just Friends

Zoey narrates.

So later that evening, I waited for Aaron to come over. I was excited. I'd hoped we could rekindle our friendship and finally go back to normal. Everyone else was out tonight, so it would just be us. I hear a knock on the door.

I run to open it, and smile when I see Aaron, who smiles back.

'Hey, what's up?' He says, as I let him in.

'Hey! I'm so glad you came.' I say.

We go to the kitchen and sit on opposite ends of the island. At first, it's slightly awkward, but then we get to talking about our day, and how I'm finding my fashion class, and Aaron's latest movement in promoting the black student union. It feels nice. I get some advice from Aaron on how to balance all my classes, whilst also advising him on his own problems.

'I honestly think another 'Black Minds Matter' event would be so good! The last one was so powerful, why not reinstate that, and have another event to raise awareness as well as funds for the student union?' I say.

'You know what, freshman? I think I will.' He replies.

I smile, hearing my nickname. It's been a while.

'But...' He says.

'I'm gonna need your help. You in?'

'I'm so in!' I say, excitedly.

Aaron and I spend the rest of the evening planning posters, decor and dress codes for his event. We schedule it for next week. Enough time to spread the word. We even decided to host a few friendly competitions for the night. Best dressed, best couple and so on. It sounded so great.

The night passed super quickly, as Aaron and I laughed around like usual. It really did feel like we were getting our stride back. The dream team. It was now around 11pm.

'I should get going. It's getting late and I've got a lot of sorting out to do for this event now.' Aaron says, checking his phone for the time.

'Oh yeah, totally.' I reply.

As I walk him to the door, he stops outside and turns back to me.

'Thanks again, freshman. This was really nice.' He says.

I smile.

'Yeah it was. By the way, this morning you said we needed to talk properly. What did you mean?' I ask.

He pauses.

'Um...I can't remember. Don't worry about it.' He says.

I'm confused but brush it off and go in for a goodbye handshake, but he pulls me in to a quick hug, before leaving.

_____

A week later, it's the day before Aaron's event. We all help Aaron, by heading over to the hall he hired, to set up. I'm directing Doug and Vivek on where to put down the red carpet, when I feel a tap on my shoulder. I turn around to see Aaron, smiling.

'Hey!' I say.

He pulls me in for a hug.

'Hey! Thanks so much for coming to help.' He says.

'Of course! It's all coming together, honestly it's gonna be so amazing!' I say.

He smiles, pulling me softly to the corner of the room.

I'm confused as he talks quietly, and leans in closer to me.

'Look, I know things have been really great between us recently...' He says.

'I just wanted to ask if you wanted to be my date to the event tomorrow night?' He says.

I must look slightly confused because he adds,

'As friends, obviously!'

I laugh and jokingly respond.

'I'd be honoured to! But...'

'But what?' He asks, nervously.

'You have to wear black. Only to match my dress.' I say, folding my arms.

He laughs.

'Okay, you're the stylist, so your call!' He says.

I honestly couldn't wait.

_____

It's the night of Aaron's second 'Black Minds Matter' event. We were all so excited, as one by one Doug, Rodney and Javi came to pick up the girls, as their dates. Nomi and Vivek headed over to the event, leaving me waiting for Aaron, who said he'd pick me up, since I was his 'date'. Obviously, we were going as friends, but nevertheless , it felt so good for Aaron and I to be finally bonding again.

Aaron knocks on the door, and I open it smiling.

'Wow...' He says, eyeing my lace midi dress up and down.

Speechless, you could say.

'You look....incredible.' He whistles, and I laugh.

'You look great too! I love the suit.' I say.

'I'm really nervous.' He says.

'Don't be! You've put so much effort into this, everyone's gonna have a great time!' I say.

He smiles, and holds out his hand.

'Shall we?' He says.

I place my hand in his, and we pause. My heart beats fast as our eyes lock. Just friends, Zoey. I have to remind myself.

'We shall.'

_____