DAYS WENT by quickly in Rosewood,and after Ashley kicked out Caleb from her house,Brooke made the decision to ask her mother if she could let him stay.
Emily's eyes darted back and forth between Brooklyn and Hanna, her words hanging in the air like a forgotten melody. "You two are crazy for letting a stranger stay in your house," she said, her voice a mix of disbelief and concern.
Hanna's cheeks flushed with a hint of embarrassment, but she held her ground. "Look, Emily, he's not a stranger," she replied firmly, her eyes locking onto Emily's. "He's my boyfriend."
Brooklyn picked at her salad, trying to keep the conversation light. "He's staying for a few weeks," she said, her voice measured and calm. "And he's a really good guy. You'll see."
Emily's skepticism remained etched on her face, but she took a bite of her sandwich, deciding not to push the issue further. The cafeteria buzzed with the chatter of students and the clanging of silverware, a stark contrast to the tension at their table.
Hanna leaned back in her chair, visibly relieved. "See, even Brooke likes him," she said, giving Brooklyn a side hug that was more of a reassuring squeeze than a display of affection."That's why you were always my favorite"
Emily rolled her eyes, her full lips pursing into a pout. "But I thought I was your favorite," she teased, feigning hurt. The room was a whirlwind of laughter and jostling as they all tried to claim the title.
Brooklyn said, "Not everyone can be everyone's favorite friend, it's such pressure," and winked at Emily as they all laughed.
The conversation drifted to their weekend plans and the latest gossip before Hanna suddenly leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Guys, I have to show you something," she whispered, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. She reached into her backpack and pulled out her phone with photo of necklace shaped like an owl .
Aria, the group's resident fashionista, caught a glimpse of the screen and gasped. "That's pretty, Hanna," she said, her eyes lighting up. "When did he give it to you?"
Hanna felt a blush creep up her neck as she corrected Aria. "Oh, well, he hasn't given it to me yet," she admitted shyly. "I found it when I was looking for my phone charger in his bag. It was just there, nestled between his socks and a book."
Emily leaned in, her curiosity piqued. "But why an owl?" she questioned, scrutinizing the photo on the screen.
"It's symbolic," Hanna grinned, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Symbolic?" Emily echoed, raising an eyebrow.
Hanna nodded eagerly. "Our first night in the tent, we heard owls hooting in the distance." she began, her voice growing softer as she recounted the memory.
