Echoes of the Past

Chapter 16

Cole's POV

Sitting by the fire, I stared into the flickering flames, memories from years ago flooding back with a weight that threatened to crush me. The day of prom was supposed to be like any other—a blur of expectations and teenage excitement—but for me, it felt like torture. Eric had wanted me to join him and Ava, but the idea of watching them together was unbearable. I told him no, making up some excuse about needing to work on a project. But as the evening drew closer, I found myself fighting the urge to see her. 

I waited until Eric left, then threw on my jacket and headed to the venue, hoping I could slip in unnoticed. But the moment I walked through the doors, my eyes found her. Ava, in a lilac dress that hugged her curves and shimmered under the lights, looked ethereal. She was the center of every room she entered, her laughter ringing out like music. My heart ached at the sight of her dancing with Eric.

It was clear Eric was uncomfortable, his movements awkward as he tried to keep up with her effortless grace. Crowds made him anxious; he was never good in social situations, unlike me. But tonight, Ava didn't seem to notice his clumsiness. She just smiled, guiding him through the steps with a patience that made my chest tighten.

When Ava left the dance floor to grab drinks, Eric slipped away, heading for the exit. I followed him outside, finding him leaning against the wall, pale and shaken.

" Are you alright?" I asked, trying to mask my concern.

Eric glanced up, surprised to see me. "Cole? What are you doing here? You said you weren't coming."

I shrugged, playing it off. "Changed my mind. You don't look so good, though. Are you sick?"

He ran a shaky hand through his hair, looking more vulnerable than I'd ever seen him. "Yeah, I feel like crap. Headache, dizzy... I just want to get out of here."

"Want me to take you home?" I offered, guilt bubbling up because a part of me was relieved to see him in this state.

"No, don't bother," he said, then hesitated, his eyes darting back toward the building. "Actually, could you do me a favor?"

"Sure, anything," I replied, thinking he'd ask me to grab him some water or call a cab.

"Take my place," Eric said, his voice tinged with desperation. "Don't tell Ava I had to leave. Just... be me for tonight."

My heart sank. We'd swapped places before as kids—tricking friends, confusing teachers—but this was different. This was Ava. "Eric, I don't think that's a good idea. Ava's going to notice, and she'll be upset."

"She doesn't have to know," he insisted, his eyes pleading. "Just promise me, Cole... promise you won't do anything to hurt her."

I hesitated, the weight of his trust pressing down on me. "Hurt her? Of course not."

We switched clothes, a rush of adrenaline coursing through me as I pulled on his shirt and jacket. Eric handed me the car keys, taking my motorcycle helmet in return. "You sure you'll be alright getting home?" I asked, still half hoping he'd change his mind.

"Yeah," he nodded, already starting up my bike. "Just... take care of her."

I watched him ride off, a sinking feeling in my gut as I headed back inside. The moment I saw Ava's smile, all my guilt and hesitation faded away. I was Eric for tonight, and Ava was mine—if only for a few stolen hours.

She smiled as I approached, and for a second, I thought she'd see through the facade. "You're back! You okay?"

"Yeah, just needed some fresh air," I said, trying to mimic Eric's casual demeanor.