Faded Promises

3

Hanna POV

Lunch. The sacred time of day when you can finally take a break from the mental marathon that is high school.

Today, Lucy and I have claimed our usual spot under the big oak tree. It's our little slice of serenity amidst the chaos.

I plopped down on the grass and sighed dramatically. "If Mrs. Thompson says one more thing about the Industrial Revolution, I might actually start one."

Lucy laughs, shaking her blonde curls. "Oh, come on, Hanna. Think of all the character inspiration you're getting for your plays!"

"Yeah, because nothing says 'Oscar-winning performance' like coal mines and steam engines," I retorted pulling out my sandwich.

Just as I'm about to take a bite, a shadow loom over us. I look up to see Jake grinning down at us. "Hey, ladies. Mind if we join you?"

Lucy beams, patting the ground next to her. "Of course not. Hey, babe."

And then I see him. Aiden, looking as brooding as ever, with his piercing green eyes and messy black hair that seemed to defy all attempts at taming.

He is followed by Max, who was practically the human embodiment of a playboy. I missed the time we all spend together.

Now it's weird...

"Hey, Hanna," Max says with a smirk, plopping down next to me. "Miss me?"

"Like I'd miss a bug," I shot back, unable to keep a straight face. Max is a relentless flirt, but it was all in good fun. We both know there was nothing more than friendship between us.

"Aw, you wound me," he says, clutching his chest dramatically. "One day, you'll see what you're missing out on."

And I'm the drama queen.

I roll my eyes but couldn't help laughing. "Keep dreaming"

Aiden settles down on the opposite side of the tree, avoiding eye contact. He may try to be invisible but that doesn't work on me.

"So, what's up?" Jake asks, clearly trying to lighten the mood.

"Not much," Lucy says, leaning into him. "Just surviving another day at school."

Jake glances at me. "You still doing the drama thing, Hanna?"

"Yep," I say, trying to keep my tone casual. "We've got a new play coming up. Should be fun."

"Nice," he say, nodding appreciatively. "I keep telling Aiden he should come see one of your performances."

Aiden finally looks at me, his expression hard and cold. "Yeah, because I have nothing better to do."

My stomach twisted, but I force a smile. "Well, I wouldn't want to bore you."

"You won't," he replies curtly. "I'm not going."

Lucy shot me a look, and I could practically hear her thoughts: Play nice.

I sigh and take another bite of my sandwich, deciding to focus on the positive, my dad didn't put tomatoes today.

"So, Hanna," Max says, leaning in conspiratorially. "Got any plans this weekend?"

I give him a wary look. "Why do I feel like you're about to suggest something ridiculous?"

"Ridiculous? Me?" Max says, feigning innocence. "I was just thinking we could all hang out. Maybe catch a movie or something."

"Sounds fun," Lucy chimes in. "We could all go"

I glance at Aiden, who was staring intently at his lunch. The idea of spending more time with him wasn't exactly appealing, but I didn't want to be the one to rain on everyone's parade.

"Sure, why not," I say, forcing a smile. "As long as it's not a horror movie. I don't need more nightmares in my life."

"Deal," Max say, grinning. "We'll go see something light and fluffy. Maybe a rom-com. I'll still hold you through the whole movie"

"Great," I say, trying to sound enthusiastic. "Can't wait."

After lunch, as we walk back to class, Lucy nudged me. "You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," I say, though my voice was a bit strained. "Did you knew he was lunching with us?"

"Maybe ....." Lucy gives me a sympathetic look. "Jake told me he missed me and wanted to see me. I told him maybe it wasn't the best idea but he came either way"

"He loves you... you can eat with him if you want to. I don't mind"

"Nope, lunch it's our time"

"What would I do without you..." I hug her

The rest of the day passed in a blur, and before I knew it, I was back home, sinking into the familiar comfort of my room. I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling, just gathering energy to take my ass off bed and take a shower.

Just then, my phone buzzes. I glance at the screen and saw it was my mom calling.

I sigh and let it go to voicemail. I'm ready for another strained conversation about dinner plans and how I should make a effort to see her.

Like she made any effort, one day everything was ok, the next one she was filling divorce.

Instead, I walked over to my window and looked outside. That's when I see him.

Aiden is in his backyard, shirtless, punching a heavy bag with intense focus.

His muscles rippled with each strike, and despite myself, I couldn't look away.

He's still Aiden, but he's definitely not the Aiden I knew.

The sight stirred something inside me, some fucking butterflies where they shouldn't be. I quickly close the curtains, blocking out the view.

Taking a deep breath, I try to shake off the image of Aiden. He's part of my past, and I needed to keep moving forward.

I climb into bed, pulling the covers over me, and close my eyes, willing sleep to come. But even as I drifted off, the sight of Aiden boxing, shirtless and intense, lingered in my mind.

I really need to take a shower.