Mended by Destiny

CHAPTER 5

Hana walked into her apartment and plopped down on a couch, groaning, and rubbing her face. Her work was killing her but not for the usual reasons. She wouldn't complain about amount of work because it was really fun. She greeted customers, sold them ice-cream, and many times stole some of the sweet treat even for herself. Yes, Hanna passed the interview about a month ago and now worked in the ice-cream parlor not far from her apartment. The day she got hired was very happy, yet strangely sad for the female because once she came home to Caleb who was impatiently waiting for her, and she happily announced she was hired, Caleb cheered for her. He grinned widely but then opened his arms, ready to squeeze the life out of the woman when he realized he couldn't do it. It was very disappointing for both of them, and happy mood was quickly over-shadowed with gloomy one. Caleb was one to break it as always though. He started singing and embarrassing Hanna. Ever since then, Hanna's become lively and never once has she complained about work. Until one day, when an unfamiliar man stopped in the parlor and asked for one ice-cream. He flirted with Hanna who pretended not to notice it because she wasn't ready for that. The man seemed to understand and left, but ever since then, he has kept coming back to the parlor just to buy the sweet treat and talk to Hanna. He was very stubborn, and it made Hanna's walls shake a bit.

"Hey, Hanna. Welcome home," Caleb said with smile and sat down next to her.

"Mhhm, hi," she greeted him back, and sounded completely exhausted.

"Ah, did he come back again?" Caleb asked knowingly.

"Yeah. He asked me out. Again. And I rejected politely. Again," she sighed softly. "The worst of all is, that he seems to be genuinely interested, Caleb. I'm... I'm just so insecure."

Caleb bit his lip, trying to shove away the pain that crawled slowly into his heart when he heard her talk about that unfamiliar man. It seemed like the female wanted to try dating again but was too afraid and Caleb felt hurt because his feeling for Hanna have only drown in the past months. But she can't be yours, you're dead, he repeated to himself, fighting the urge to claw at his heart. Because it hurt. He knew that. He knew he couldn't be the one for the girl and he wanted her to be happy, so he had to try to convince Hanna to open up slowly to other people as well.

"Hey... you're a strong woman, Hanna. And you're perfect. Don't be insecure. You... you have to start again once. And this man has been courting you for a month. Maybe you could try to give him a chance?" he said in soft voice.

Hanna looked at him with that vulnerable expression which broke Caleb's heart. How could someone so amazing be broken so badly? "I'm afraid. I don't want to be hurt again," she whispered, and Caleb once again reached out his hand to caress Hanna's, but just like always, he let it fall by his side.

"I know. No one wants to be hurt. But it's been far too long, Hanna. You need to start living and loving again. I know it's been too painful, but you have to start again. Take a risk. Because... what if THIS one is the one? Those 'what if's will kill you later. You can go slowly about it. Just go on a dinner and you will see how it will turn out. Hm? If... if something will go wrong, I'm always here, Hanna. You will never be alone to bear that pain," Caleb said in that soothing, yet persuasive voice.

"I would hug you right now. And thank you. Because you're just so amazing," Hanna said shakily, surprising the ghost boy. "Okay. I will go," she nodded with small smile, thanking him again.

And Caleb wanted to be happy. He really did. But he didn't find it in himself in that moment.

Just like Hanna said, she agreed to go on a date with the man – Mark – but Caleb didn't expect her to go on that date on her birthday. Because he wanted to spend the female's birthday with her. So, when Hanna texted him, saying she won't be home till late, Caleb was disappointed and hurt. He knew that he couldn't give her a proper gift, but he wanted to sing for her, and he had so many things planned. Since he wouldn't be able to cook for her, he wanted to give her instructions and Hanna would cook it so it would feel like Caleb cooked it himself. But it was all shattered by that one text which made Caleb gloomy. At least she's happy, even if she's spending it with someone else, he thought, nodding to himself before another, bitter part of himself laughed at him. Yes, at least she's not wasting her time with someone dead, but is enjoying life like she should. After that thought, Caleb's heart was squeezed and he winced, shaking his head. He repeated to himself not to be stupid, but the pain wouldn't go away.

It was past midnight when Hanna opened the door of her apartment and entered it, her cheeks tinted with slight blush and her lips stretched into a happy smile. Her day was really amazing. Agreeing to the date was a very good idea because Caleb found himself enjoying Mark's company. He was a decent guy who liked to laugh, and he complimented Hanna a lot. Even though the female couldn't open up right away, Mark assured her that it was okay, that he's not rushing anything. And it was true. Hanna has never had a more comfortable and nicer date. Squealing lowly, she palmed her cheeks and turned around, just to be greeted by smiling Caleb. Hanna could have sworn there was something different about him, but she couldn't tell what it was.

"So? How was your date?" Caleb asked, lifting a corner of his mouth up into small smile.

"It... it was amazing! I had so much fun! He's such a gentleman and so funny. He talks a lot but also listens well. And he took me on a dinner to this cozy place. Then we went for a walk, and he was so shy, bumping his hand into mine many times before he actually found a courage and held my hand! I'm so happy, Caleb. Even his kisses are so nice," she laughed in joy, covering her pink cheeks.

Caleb chuckled and shook his head. "I'm very happy for you, Hanna. You deserve that. And more."

"Thank you. It's all thanks to you, Caleb. I'm very thankful," she smiled widely, opening her arms for a hug before she smiled sadly. "I would hug you right now."

"I know," Caleb breathed out.

Hanna just smiled sadly again before walking toward the bathroom. She felt so sad that she couldn't do normal things with Caleb, but her sadness was over-shadowed by happiness from her date. Once she took a shower and slipped under her blankets, she smiled and wished Caleb good night. And she closed her eyes. For some reason, she couldn't fall asleep, but it seemed like Caleb thought she was asleep, because he spoke in very low, soft and seemingly hurt voice.

"Goodnight, Hanna. Happy birthday."

His last words hit Hanna with enormous strength, almost making her gasp. It was her birthday, but she has forgotten about it. Caleb didn't though, and Hanna felt like crying because she wanted to spend it with him. They were talking about it before, and Hanna just threw it away because of a date. Her eyes watered, but she didn't dare to move or open her eyes. She just kept blaming herself. That night, Hanna couldn't fall asleep for a long time.

After that day, Hanna got many dates with Mark which shortened her time with Caleb, but each time she came home, he was there, ready to listen about how perfect the other man was, how perfect their dates were and how happy Hanna was. What Hanna didn't notice was the pain she was causing the ghost boy.