Unveiling Destiny

Chapter 4: Aria

"All I'm saying is he's clearly into you. He's turned down everyone else who's asked him to dance without a second glance. Not to mention he's been undressing you with his eyes all night."

I listen as I watch Callie and Emma dance together. They're both drunk, and look ridiculous as they trip over each other and bicker about who's leading. Chuckling, I ignore my best friend and nod my head at them.

"I think it's about time to go."

Katie follows my gaze, snorting as she spots our friends. "I think you're right." She looks back at me, giving me a look that tells me she won't let me out of answering. "But stop avoiding the topic at hand. Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome seems like a good guy. Please tell me you're not planning to walk away."

I sigh. "I'm walking away."

Katie blows a frustrated breath out, running her hand through her long hair. "Why? He's totally into you!"

"And I could totally be into him, too. Sparks have been flying all night long, but that's the problem. I'm not ready to commit to anything, and I refuse to subject him to a hot and cold nutcase who's scared to open up again." I keep my eyes on my friends, avoiding Katie's gaze as I continue in a smaller voice. "It's better for me to be alone. There's no chance of getting hurt."

Katie sighs. "Sweetie, it's been close to a year. I don't want you to miss out."

I think about Griffin. His dimpled smile. The way he spun me around the dance floor. The simple conversation that flowed all evening. His genuine compliments that made me feel desired for the first time in a long time.

But then I think about Ethan, and the blissful bubble pops.

I know what my answer has to be.

I can't go through the heartbreak again. I have to save both of us the time and trouble.

"Interested in one last dance before we call it a night, ladies?" Griffin asks, materializing next to me with his friend Blake at his side.

Speak of the Devil...

I open my mouth to answer when Katie cuts me off, shooting me a warning glare. "Sure!"

I groan internally, but my body betrays me, wanting to feel the now familiar jolt of excitement run through me at his touch.

As we make it to the dance floor, he pulls me in to face him and smiles his stupidly perfect smile. "I really enjoyed tonight, Aria."

I know what's coming next before he says it. Dread settles in my stomach.

Be strong, Aria.

"I'd love to see you again. Get to know you more. Maybe take you to that sushi place you said was your favorite."

I take in his hopeful smile with an aching heart, knowing I have to say no.

I take a big breath. "Griffin—" I pause, trying to find the words. I can tell by the way his face drops, he knows he won't like my answer.

My resolve wavers. What if this time is different?

Unable to control it, I flashback to the feeling of being so heartbroken that it actually physically hurt. Stopping myself before I spiral further into the worst day of my life, I know what I have to do.

I have to protect myself.

"Look, I... someone hurt me. I enjoyed tonight too, but I just can't do this."

"Do what?" Griffin asks, confused, still reflexively leading me around the dance floor.

"I don't know. Anything more. Anything serious," I word vomit, looking at the ground.

"Hey." He gently grabs my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. "I would never pressure you. I just enjoy your company and want to get to know you more. We don't have to get married. I just want to see you again."

Smiling reassuringly at me as if his words will change my mind, he doesn't know he said the worst thing he could have in his attempt to convince me to give him a chance. At the reference to marriage, the memories of my own failed wedding day rush in. I'm, once again, dressed in white, bawling my eyes out as my friends try to find the words to comfort me.

Surprise, surprise. There were none.

"I'm sorry, I can't," I choke out, ripping myself out of his warm embrace. I feel terrible about leaving him halfway through a dance, but it's better than the alternative.

"Aria!" I hear him call from behind me, but I ignore him, slipping through the couples on the floor until I'm back at our table.

My heart screams at me in protest, doing its best to remind me of the electricity I feel when I'm close to him. The warmth that I feel straight to my core when he touches me.

I ignore it.

Instead, I grab Callie and Emma, not stopping to explain as I drag them to the bar to close out our tabs. They look confused at my abruptness, but follow my lead.

As I frantically wave down the bartender, I feel someone come up behind me. My heart betrays me yet again, as for a moment I hope it's Griffin.

It's not.

"What happened?" Katie asks, searching my face for answers.

"We're leaving." I answer shortly, my face probably telling her everything she needs to know.

She sighs in disappointment, signing the slip of paper the bartender drops in front of her before herding our drunk friends like sheep towards the door.

As I make my escape, I feel someone's gaze burning against my back. Knowing what I'll find, but unable to stop myself, I turn and lock eyes with Griffin.

He's just staring at me, probably confused about how I went from dancing and talking with him all night to playing Cinderella, running out in the middle of the ball.

I wonder if I'm making a mistake, second guessing myself yet again at the genuine look of confusion and disappointment on his face. Before I can change my mind, though, Callie breaks me from my thoughts as she yells from behind me. "Ari! I'm hungry. Let's goooo!"

"I have ramen waiting for me! Move, lady!" Emma chimes in.

I take a deep breath and break our eye contact, ducking quickly through the door and ignoring everything in my body screaming at me that this is wrong.

It doesn't matter.

This way, I remind myself, I won't get hurt.

Not again.

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Last chapter at The Barrel (for now!)... wink wink. This chapter was so sad to write, because I could just image Griffin's face as he watched Aria run away. But fear not! They won't be apart for too long... or will they?!

Let me know what you guys think so far! Who is your favorite of the friend groups? Personally, I love Emma, although she is definitely inspired by my own best friend, so I might be biased!

XOXO,

Aly

P.S. The next part will be up on Aug 4th in the evening!