Aiden & Harlow (Wattpad version)

Deadline

Harlow

The art teacher pulled me aside after class. "Harlow, the deadline is fast approaching, and you still haven't given your art submission."

"I know. I've been having some difficulty with it."

The teacher leaned on his desk and gave me a concerned look. "Harlow, the school is requesting all submissions to be turned in at the semester's end. The committee needs time to look through each submission and make a decision."

I sighed.

"Look, you're talented. If you want to pursue it, then you need to let go of your fear."

I nodded and left the classroom feeling defeated. Even if I sketched a person, it doesn't mean the art school will accept me. That thought bothered me.

Hands covered my eyes. "Guess who?"

"Santa Clause."

The hands lowered as I turned to face Aiden.

"Cute."

"Well, you're fat and jolly."

Aiden rolled his eyes. "Why don't you seem happy?"

I blew air past my lips. "My art teacher reminded me of my art submission's deadline."

We started walking down the hallway.

"So, I thought you were using me as inspiration."

"I am, but it's difficult to sketch someone you know personally. What if I don't capture the qualities the committee is requiring? Landscaping is easier."

Aiden stopped me and pulled me to him. "It's only easier because you don't have to worry about disappointment."

I knitted my brows.

"Come on." Aiden grabbed my hand and dragged me through the hallway.

"What about class?"

"Class will still be there! Live a little!"

I groaned. Someday, I will graduate high school.

********
Aiden

The problem with Harlow is she worries too much. She needed a little excitement to show her that you must break the rules to live.

I helped her onto my bike and started it. She wrapped her arms around my midsection as I drove. We traveled down the highway as the wind blew past us. Cars and scenery whipped past us as I kept an even speed.

Eventually, I pulled into a secluded area and parked. After dropping the kickstand, I dismounted my bike and helped Harlow off of it.

She looked around. "Where are we?"

"I come here when I need a break."

I started walking down a trail as trees surrounded us.

"I didn't picture you as a natural person."

"It's not so much nature but an escape."

We made our way to a clearing as water babbled through a brook. I walked over and sat down on a rock as Harlow joined me.

"I come here when I need time to think. The water relaxes me."

"Is that before or after you sleep with a girl?"

I glanced at Harlow.

"It's an honest question." She shrugged.

"It's when I need to clear my head."