☆Hate Sparks☆

Chapter Two: Forced Cooperation (Aria's POV)

Aria stared at the email from the mayor's office with a mixture of disbelief and frustration. A community cleanup project? With Zoe Martinez, of all people? She could practically hear her father's disapproving voice in her head, telling her this was a waste of time.

But as much as she wanted to refuse, Aria knew better. This was about optics, about showing Blackwood Energy's commitment to the community. With a sigh, she replied to confirm her participation.

The morning of the first cleanup day, Aria stood in front of her closet, frowning. What does one wear to pick up trash with an environmental activist? She finally settled on a pair of designer jeans and a simple white blouse. Practical, but still put-together.

As she drove to the Greenville Community Center, Aria rehearsed potential conversations in her head. She needed to be civil with Zoe, but she couldn't let her guard down. This was still a battle, even if the battlefield had changed.

Aria arrived early, of course. She always did. She was surveying the small group of volunteers when she spotted Zoe approaching. The activist looked different today - less confrontational, more... human. Aria felt an unexpected flutter in her stomach.

"Ms. Martinez," Aria said coolly, extending her hand. "I trust we can put aside our differences for the sake of this project?"

Zoe's hand was warm and calloused as it briefly clasped hers. "Of course, Ms. Blackwood. The community's wellbeing comes first."

As they began outlining tasks to the volunteers, Aria found herself sneaking glances at Zoe. There was something captivating about the way she spoke to people, her passion evident even in these mundane instructions.

When they paired off to tackle a littered section of Willow Creek Park, Aria felt a strange mix of anticipation and dread. The silence between them was tense, filled with unspoken arguments.

To her surprise, it was Zoe who broke the ice. "So, um, have you lived in Greenville long?"

Aria looked up, caught off guard by the attempt at small talk. "Oh. Yes, actually. I grew up here, but I've been away for college and work until recently."

"Really? I wouldn't have guessed. You seem so... corporate."

Aria felt a flash of irritation, but then she saw the hint of a smile on Zoe's face. Was she teasing? Two could play at that game.

"I suppose I do now," Aria replied with a slight smirk. "But I used to spend hours exploring these woods as a kid. It's partly why I came back – I missed this place."

As they continued working, Aria found herself relaxing. They swapped stories about favorite hiking trails, and Aria even caught herself laughing at one of Zoe's jokes. It was... nice. Different from the cutthroat world of corporate energy she usually inhabited.

By the end of the day, as they surveyed their work, Aria felt conflicted. Zoe wasn't the one-dimensional eco-warrior she'd imagined. She was passionate, yes, but also funny, intelligent, and surprisingly easy to talk to.

"Good work today," Aria said, offering a small smile. "Same time next week?"

Zoe nodded, returning the smile. "Yeah, see you then."

As Aria drove home, her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. She'd come into this project seeing it as a necessary evil, a PR move. Now, she found herself actually looking forward to the next session.

She pulled into her driveway, noticing her boyfriend Jason's car already there. Usually, the sight filled her with warmth, but today... today she felt a strange sense of disappointment. As if the real world was intruding on something... what? Something new? Something exciting?

Shaking her head to clear these confusing thoughts, Aria stepped out of her car. She had a role to play, expectations to meet. Whatever this strange day had been, she couldn't let it distract her from her goals.

But as she reached for the door handle, Aria couldn't quite shake the memory of Zoe's laugh, or the way the sunlight had caught in her curls. With a deep breath, she pushed open the door, pushing those thoughts aside. For now.