Faded Promises

2

Hanna POV

Present

First day in school... my last year before college.

I wished I could say something changed but barely.

Lucy and I are still inseparable. Her bubbly personality was a constant source of light in my life, especially after everything that had happened.

These days, she is dating Jake, I was right about her crush, he was actually good to her, she says jump he asks how high. I'm truly happy she found him.

It was a bit weird since our group friend it's still the same but things are not the same.

Aiden and I still don't speak, but it didn't bother me anymore.

I'd thrown myself into the drama club and the school newspaper to keep me occupied.

After my parents officially divorced, I chose to live with my dad.

Mom moved to a different part of the city, and we saw each other on weekends, but it was never the same.

Dad and I had settled into a comfortable routine, one that felt like home. I was always a daddy girl and I wouldn't change a thing.

"Morning, Dad," I greet as I walked into the kitchen, the smell of freshly brewed coffee filling the air.

"Morning, kiddo," he replies, looking up from his newspaper. Dad is a creature of habit, always starting his day with a cup of coffee and the morning news. "You have anything special planned for today?"

"Not really," I say, grabbing a bowl for cereal. "Just the usual. Lucy and I are meeting up later to work on the drama club's new production. And then I have to finish an article for the school newspaper."

"Busy as always," he says with a smile. "I'm proud of you, Hanna. You're doing great."

"Thanks," I said, smiling back.

"By the way," he ads, "your mom called. She wants to know if you can come over for dinner this weekend."

"Do I have to?" I reply, keeping my tone neutral. My relationship with Mom was complicated.

I love her, but there were still a lot of unresolved feelings between us.

"Please," he says, taking a sip of his coffee. "Family is important, Hanna. Don't forget that."

"I know"

Lucy is waiting for me outside, her blonde hair catching the morning light as she waved enthusiastically.

"Hey, girl!" she greets me , her smile infectious. "Ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," I say, rolling my eyes. "How's Jake?"

"He's good," she says, a dreamy look crossing her face. "We're going to the movies this weekend. You should come with us, Hanna. It'll be fun!"

"Maybe," I say noncommittally. The thought of spending time with Jake and, by extension, Aiden, wasn't exactly appealing.

As we walk into school, the familiar noise of chattering students and slamming lockers greeted us.

I caught a glimpse of Aiden down the hall, surrounded by his friends and of course with another bimbo on his arms.

He looks the same, yet different. Taller, more muscular, but still with that same brooding expression and piercing green eyes.

"Ignore him," Lucy whispers , noticing my gaze. "He's not worth your time."