Faded Promises

11

Hanna POV

Today's rehearsals are going to be hard but I'm loving it. Call me crazy if you want but this character it's hard but when I'm in the zone it feels so good.

It's about a fluffy kind of girl who's been abuse all her life by her dad until she meets a boy in school who helps her get out of that environment and in the end kills her dad.

Cliche but it works, getting inside her head it's been a challenge.

I arrive early at the theater, hoping to get some peace before everyone else shows up. The empty stage always has a calming effect on me. I take a deep breath, trying to push the confusion and emotions aside.

"Hanna," Ethan's voice breaks my peace. He stands at the entrance, a hopeful smile on his face. "Can we talk for a second?"

"Sure," I reply, I'm being awkward with him but how can I not? I kissed someone while I was out with him. Well... I was kissed but I don't think technicalities would smooth Ethan.

He walks up to me, his hands in his pockets. "Have you been ignoring me?"

That obvious?

"No, no." I say "I'm just busy with the play and everything"

"Are you sure? Even in class when I look at you you're always focusing on the books and we both know they're not really interesting"

"I find literature really interesting"

"Romeo and Juliet kind a girl?" He asks

"More Agatha Christie kind of girl.... Romance is dead in me"

"I guess I need to step up my game then" he says "When is the show?" He asks looking me with puppy eyes and I melt right away

"The 25th of the next month"

"I'll make sure I'll keep the day open for you"

"Thank you. We usually don't have a full room" I smile, looking at the auditorium

There was a silence between us before Ethan decides to talk again.

"I was wondering if you'd like to hang out again tonight. Maybe grab some dinner?"

I hesitate for a moment, thinking about Aiden, but then I realize that waiting around for answers that might never come isn't doing me any good. "Yeah, that sounds nice."

His face lights up. "Great. Let's meet at 7?"

Dinner with Ethan turns out to be exactly what I need.

We go to a cozy little Italian restaurant downtown. I'm glad I asked dad for a little money, this looks expensive.

Ethan comes behind me and pulls the chair for me. I chuckle " Such a gentleman"

"I do my best" he winks at me and sit right in front of me"So, how have you been?" Ethan asks, genuinely interested.

I shrug. "I've had better days. Exams are coming up"

"Ugh let's make a deal. No school talk"

"I'll take you up on that" I laugh "but also no football talk?"

"Oh but I'm a dumb jock. That's the only thing I talk about" he says flexing his arms

"Showing the big guns? Already?"

"With a girl like you I need to go all in" he says, smiling. "You deserve the best"

We talk about everything and he does make me smile a lot of times.

For a few hours, I can almost forget about the chaos in my life. Ethan is sweet and attentive, and it's easy to be around him.

As we walk back to my place, the evening air is cool and refreshing. Ethan left the car in the restaurant and wanted to walk me home.

This fresh air is making me feel good, looking away I see that we're in the park I first met Aiden but I ignore my memories.

We talk about our favorite movies and share a few embarrassing childhood stories.

When we reach my house, I feel a slight unease. It's subtle, like someone is watching from a distance. I turn to Ethan. "Did you feel that?"

"Feel what?" he asks, looking around.

"Like someone was following us," I say, scanning the area.

Ethan frowns. "No, but let's get you inside safely."

We stand on the porch for a moment, saying our goodbyes. "Thanks for tonight, Ethan. I had a really good time."

"Me too," he says, giving me a warm hug. "Let's do it again soon."

Inside, I head straight to my room, my mind replaying the evening. After a long and calm bath I decide to call my bestie.

"Hey, Luce," I say when she answers. "Are you busy?"

"Never too busy for you," she replies. "What's up?"

"I went out with Ethan tonight," I begin, and before I can continue, Lucy interrupts. " he came by before rehearsals and asked me out"

"Ooh, details! How was it?"

"It was nice. We had dinner and talked. He's really sweet"

"Aww he seems that type. I'm more like bad boys but I think he's good for you"

"I'm not sure if I'm ready for a relationship... I wanna be in love for that too happen. Ethan is sweet and all but don't feel the butterflies"

"It takes time, it's not one day to another"

"True... oh and on the way home, I felt like someone was following me."

"That's creepy," she says, her tone serious now. "Did you see anyone?"

"No, just a feeling. Ethan didn't notice anything either," I admit " maybe I'm going crazy"

"Maybe you're just on edge because of the play" she suggests.

"Yeah, maybe," I agree

Jake's voice suddenly comes on the line. "Hey, Hanna. So, how was Ethan? Did he treat you well?"

"Hey, Jake. Yeah, he was great. It was a good date"

"It's still bittersweet feeling you know? But if you're happy I'm happy" Jake says, his voice kind.

"Thanks," I reply, feeling touched by his concern. "I'm sorry to interrupt you two"

Lucy then chimes back in. "But seriously, Hanna, you need to stay safe. Maybe carry some pepper spray or something."

"I will," I promise. "And... please don't tell Aiden about this or the date"

There is a brief pause before Lucy responds. "Of course. But, Hanna, why are you so worried about what Aiden thinks? I thought you were moving on"

I sigh. "I am , Luce. I just don't want him to scare Ethan off"

That's half true, I don't wanna him being bitchy to Ethan, he doesn't deserve that just because he's talking to me.

"Take your time," she says gently. "But remember, you don't owe him anything."

"I know. Thanks, guys. I feel better after talking to you."

"Anytime," Lucy says. "Call me if you need anything"