Lunchbox Friends | Aaron Hull

14

Alexa's Point of View

I pushed the doors and left the building, school was finally out. As I walked as I saw a familiar brunette curly haired boy walking in front of me, Hamzah. His plain tan backpack called me to him, but I knew it was a bad idea.

I kept walking, trying to not stare at Hamzah or think of him. I missed him. We had been best friends since we were younger. And for the most part, we only had each other growing up. But now there's four more people involved. Claire, Haley, Aaron, and Chase changed everything. Not them specifically, they didn't change what happened between Hamzah and I. I'm not sure what did. But ever since we started hanging out with them, my life did a full one-eighty.

I heard a beep. Then another. I looked to the left of me. Aaron was in his car driving slowly to keep up with my pace, "Get in."

"Where are we going?" I asked as I got in his car.

"Haley's throwing a party tonight," He said.

"Oh really?"

As he drove away I stared at the window watching Hamzah walk home. He kept his eyes glued to the phone in his hands.

"We're gonna go out and buy outfits."

"We are?" I asked. "Is this a fancy party or something?"

"No," He shook his head. "Just an excuse for me to bring you out and do something nice for you."

I shook my head and laughed.

"What?" He asked.

"It's just weird," I said still laughing a little bit.

"What's so weird about me wanting to do something nice for you?" He asked, he seemed upset.

"No Aaron it's not that," I said putting my hand on his hand that lied on the stick shift. "It's just you and I in general. It's weird to think that after all these years of your friends being there heckling me.. we just.. go out now like nothing almost?"

"I'm sorry for all of that," Aaron said softening up his expression. "I just- I didn't realize how bad it was growing up. And also, I genuinely like you and always have. I try to do these nice things because I want to see you happy."

"I wasn't like.. trying to make you feel bad," I said. "I hope I didn't make you feel bad."

He shrugged which means I did make him feel bad. I kept my hand on his hand as he drove.

After a little bit of silence he cleared his throat and spoke up, "What stores do you want to go to?"

"I don't know," I shrugged. "Basically whatever catches my eyes in the windows."

"You don't have a store that's your go-to?"

"I mostly shop online," I said. "But shopping in person makes me feel more connected. Do you know what I mean? Not to sound like a much older person who hates technology."

"No I get what you say. I can never be on my phone all day, it makes me feel like I'm doing what society wants me to do. I'm very adventurous and outdoorsy. I could personally never see myself being someone on social media. Your phone is your job for the most part."

"I know right," I said. "Sure it would be cool. But I bet it's not all that glamorous."

"Maybe in another timeline," He shrugged as he continued to drive.

"Maybe in another."

***

"I'll pick you up at seven," Aaron asked. "Be ready beautiful."

"Okay," I smiled widely as he watched me walk inside my house before driving away.

I walked into my room. I saw in the window that Hamzah was in his room. The blinds were normally closed all day. You know, except if he's gonna make out with Haley. Then, the blinds stay open.

Hamzah played his PC. I squinted my eyes but still couldn't see what he was playing. Jesus, why was I so nosey? That realization couldn't even stop me though. The more I watched him, the more I realized I missed him.

I cracked my window open, feeling the winter breeze against my face that had just started adjusting to the warmth of my house. I climbed out of the window, shutting it behind me. I walked to Hamzah's window.

I banged on his window but he couldn't hear me. He had his headset on and wasn't paying attention. I kept banging hopefully to finally get his attention. What if he could hear me and was ignoring me? I must've looked so stupid.

I turned around and started to walk back to my window. I opened it up fully and climbed back in my room. Staring out my window once again, he still was on his PC. I angrily pulled the curtains.

***

Aaron didn't bother knocking. He just opened the door. Which is fine I guess, they've been best friends for how long now? The house wasn't packed yet. We came early to help Haley set up the party.

"Hey Alexa can you just take all those bags of chips and put them in those platters?" She said pointing to tons of family sized bags of chips.

"Sure," I said smiling as I started to grab the chips.

"I just need my mom to leave already," Haley rolled her eyes as we heard her mom walking down the stairs.

"Why all the chips?" Her mom asked coming over to me. "You guys having a little party? Don't do anything stupid."

"You got it mom," Haley said loading soda cans into coolers.

"My boyfriend is coming to pick me up," She said. "So I'll be out of your hair for the night."

"Okay," Haley said. "Don't do anything stupid."

Her mom laughed, "You're such a smartass Haley. I raised you right."

Haley and her mom have such a funny but healthy dynamic with one another. It made me feel bad for my mom. I just left her home alone when she probably needs me most. I instantly felt guilty for going out with Aaron earlier and still seeing him tonight.

After some time, I ended up finishing and so did Haley. Meanwhile, Aaron was bringing all of Haley's expensive furniture upstairs in her room and locking it in there.

It's weird to think I met Aaron at one of his party by walking in on him and some girl, probably Ryleigh.

I sighed at the thought of Ryleigh wondering what ever happened with her. But I also didn't really care, Aaron and I were happy now so what else mattered?

"People should be here in half an hour," Haley said. "Which is why my mom has to leave."

And as if Haley had cued her to leave. She picked up her jacket off the coat rack, "Okay, my boyfriend should be here soon."

There was a knock at the door. Leslie, Haley's mom, reached for the door. In came her boyfriend. He was tall. But I couldn't really see his face since he wasn't facing me.

"Aaron! Come say hi to my boyfriend!" Aaron went up and walked over to them.

Aaron smiled and shook his hand, "Hey Mr. Miller-"

"Dad?" I questioned standing up.