She watched Lana and Whitney ride ahead, their figures framed by the afternoon sun filtering through the trees. The familiar scent of pine and earth filled the air, mingling with the distant smell of hay from Lana's stables. It was peaceful here.
"It's been a long time since we've done this," Lana said, her voice carrying on the gentle breeze.
"Yeah," Whitney replied. He turned to look at Ariella, his eyes reflecting the grief he was trying to keep at bay. "Thanks for coming along, Ariella."
Ariella nodded, offering him a small smile. "Anything for you, Whitney. You needed this."
Since Whitney's dad had passed, it had been difficult for him to find moments of peace. Ariella knew the weight of grief, the constant ache of absence. She was only five when her mom died, but she still carried that weight of grief with her to this day. It never went away, just came in little waves when you least expect it.
"I thought it'd be nice, you know?" Lana said, her voice hesitant. "Something to keep your mind off of things."
Whitney let out a humorless laugh. "It's okay, Lana. You can say it. I'm not gonna break." He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Sorry, I've just been out of it lately."
Ariella reached over and squeezed his hand. "We're here if you need us."
"Yeah," Whitney said, his voice soft. "Actually, there's something I wanted to ask you, Lana." He looked nervous, his eyes flicking between Lana and the path ahead. "Would you be my date for the Spring Formal?"
Lana laughed, the sound bright and genuine. "Of course, Whitney. You didn't have to ask."
Ariella felt a pang in her chest at the mention of the dance. She thought of Clark and how he was taking Chloe. Clark had decided to respect her and give her space, mostly for her, but because he didn't want to keep lying to her. She should be happy. It was what she wanted. She just didn't expect it to hurt this much.
"I guess I'm not taking anything for granted anymore," Whitney said, pulling Ariella from her thoughts.
A sudden bang echoed in the distance, startling their horses. Ariella's horse reared, and she tightened her grip on the reins, steadying the animal. Smoke rose through the trees, and Ariella exchanged a worried glance with Whitney and Lana.
