The Hair Tie

Chapter 12

I shifted uncomfortably in my chair during lunch. Right now, Kimberly stood in front of Aidan and told him about our plans for later. Ethan already knew of the schedule for today, since I told him what Aidan told me yesterday. He didn't mind, thank goodness, but he just warned me that things may not end pretty.

I already knew that, and I was well prepared for some form of violence to happen, even though I didn't think Aidan would intentionally harm Kimberly. But was I prepared for the awkwardness that was sure to ensue? Not really.

Suck it up, Drew. Like you said before, it's only awkward if you make things awkward.

"Okay, so we'll all meet up at five. See you then!" Kimberly said before leaving our table.

I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. To say I was nervous was an understatement. I knew it wasn't a double date, and that wasn't what was worrying me. It was the fact that Aidan was even more hesitant to go through with this than I was. I cared for him, and I was worried about his well-being. He looked extremely stressed and irritated.

Ethan looked at me, and then we both glanced at Aidan. Making eye contact with Ethan once again, we made a silent agreement that we'd make sure he wouldn't freak out and ditch the little hang out last minute. I was upset that Kimberly forced him into going with her, but I was somewhat glad about it as well. If he could get through tonight in a civilized manner, maybe he could be more stable whenever he was around her. I remembered the time we saw her in the mall, and all of the other times his jaw and fists have clenched just because of her. It was obvious he wasn't over whatever happened that caused the end of their relationship.

Maybe tonight could help him move on.

Pft, he was such a hypocrite though. He wanted me to tell him what happened in my past, but he won't tell me what happened in his.

School ended in a flash, and before I knew it, I was heading out of my front door in a pair of skinny jeans and a white blouse.

In case you were wondering, Jessie knew about this gathering, and I felt bad that she wasn't the one going with Ethan. I had offered many times for her to take my place, but she repeatedly refused, saying I deserved the reward.

I got into my car and started it, driving to Aidan's house to pick him up. I had also suggested to pick up Ethan, but he said he would drive himself there. Honking the horn, Aidan came out in a pair of sweatpants and a tee. Once he got in the passenger's seat and buckled up, I drove off.

I gave him a side-glance and shook my head. "What?" he asked.

"You could have at least worn jeans."

"Why? I don't have to impress her, now do I?" he retorted. I guess he had a point, so I dropped the subject. This really wouldn't end well if he were to go with this attitude.

"Aidan, just please be kind for tonight. I don't know how your relationship with her ended, but I know it ended badly. Maybe tonight will help you get over it."

He scoffed, "Yeah, right. If she acts like a lady, then I'll act like a gentleman. I highly doubt that though."

I sighed, "C'mon Floopy, be the bigger person." I could see him cringe at my nickname for him, causing me to laugh.

Bothered, he huffed and said, "Yes, mother."

We arrived at the Cheesecake Factory four minutes before five o'clock. Approaching the host, I told him that we had called in earlier and asked for a table under the name of Klay. He found Aidan's name and smiled, introducing us to a waiter who will be serving us for tonight. The waiter, whose name was Phil, led us to a booth and took our drink orders.