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𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐆: 𝐍𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐲 𝐍𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐲
...💫...
𝑷𝑹𝑬𝑺𝑬𝑵𝑻, 𝑺𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒗𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆
𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟒
𝐀riella adjusted her grip on the reins, feeling the leather press against her calloused palms. 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 at the time 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.
"We should check that out," Lana said, her voice tight and concerned.
Ariella nodded, kicking her horse into a canter. The acrid stench of burning gasoline and wood filled the air, growing stronger as they approached the source of the smoke. Sliding off her horse, Ariella quickly wrapped the reins around a nearby fence post. Her movements were hurried but precise. She followed Whitney and Lana toward the chaotic scene.
