Faded Promises

12

Aiden POV

Football practice is usually my sanctuary, a place where I can leave everything behind and focus solely on the game.

With all the shit show at home and fucking Ethan being all over Hanna this is my time to breathe.

But today, my head isn't in it at all. The kiss with Hanna keeps replaying in my mind—her lips, the look in her eyes, and the sheer intensity of that moment. I can't seem to shake it off.

She was perfect.

Fuck, just thinking about it. My dick twitches thinking about her and all the things I wanna do to her, those little soft lips...

The football flies towards me, and I'm too slow to react. It hits me square in the head, knocking me out of my thoughts and into the present.

"Ow, what the fuck, Max?" I shout, rubbing the sore spot.

"You look like you were dreaming" Max jogs over, a smirk on his face. "What's wrong with you, man? You're all over the place today."

I let out a heavy sigh, knowing I can't keep this bottled up anymore. "I kissed Hanna."

Max's eyes widen in surprise. "Finally! At Lucy's right?"

How does he know that? It was in the bathroom....

"I can see the smoke from all your thinking. You ran after her and she left after looking stressed"

"Yeah. At Lucy's party...."I admit "And now everything's a mess. She looked stressed?"

Jake, who has been listening from a few feet away, strides over, his protective instincts kicking in. "What do you mean 'messed up'? Hanna's Lucy's best friend. You better not have hurt her. Can any of you tell me what happened?"

"Breathe" Max wrapped his arm around him "our boy kissed Hanna. He thinks he messed up but I think it's a good thing"

"You got the courage? I'm happy for you, but why is she still with Ethan?"

"I may have ran away after kiss" I say

"You fucking idiot" Max slams my arm

"I didn't mean to," I say, frustration creeping into my voice. "It was a lot. And now I can't even look at her without feeling... everything. And plus... she's ignoring me now"

"So, what are you going to do?" Jake asks, always the mediator.

"I can't be with her," I admit, the words tasting bitter. "I need to keep avoiding her. It's good she's the one avoiding me. Makes the job easier"

Max shakes his head. "That doesn't sound like a solution, man. You're just running away."

"Maybe," I mutter, not knowing what else to say. "But it's all I can think of right now."

"You girls have talk out all your feeling! RUN NOW" the coach says... yells at us, that means 2 laps.

The rest of practice is a blur. I can't focus, and my performance shows it. Coach pulls me aside, asking if everything's okay, but I just nod and force a smile, promising to do better next time.

The truth is, I don't know how to make this better. I just want to forget, but every time I try, the memory of Hanna's kiss pulls me back in.

Why did I fucking kiss her? I knew from the moment our lips touch I would want more.

After practice, I head to the locker room, hoping a cold shower will clear my mind. As the water beats down on me, I try to piece together my thoughts.

I've known Hanna for years, I've want her since I remember, and I'm running from her for some time. But this kiss—it changes everything. I don't know how to go back to the way things were.

I dry off and get dressed, my mind still a mess. When I walk out of the locker room, Jake and Max are waiting for me.

"We're heading to the diner. You coming?" Max asks.

I shake my head. "Nah, I think I'm just gonna head home. Have fun on your date"

"Don't mess with boys date" Max points at me "Jake loves me as he loves Lucy"

"No way in hell"Jake smiles claps me on the shoulder. "Just remember, we're here if you need to talk."

"Thanks," I mutter, appreciating their support but needing some time alone.

The next day at school is no better. I walk into class and immediately spot Hanna talking to Ethan.

The sight of them together makes my blood boil.

I start imaging his nose bleeding because of my fist and I like that idea. But I don't wanna Hanna thinking I'm doing that because I'm jealous.

Without thinking, I nudge Max's chair just enough to make him lose his balance and crash to the floor.

Max groans theatrically as he gets up, brushing himself off. "I'm glad to be the sacrifice," he says with a smirk, clearly aware of what I've done "next time tell me before"

Hanna looks over, her conversation with Ethan interrupted.

She meets my gaze for a second before turning back to him, a frown on her face

That was effective for 20 seconds, Max should've stay in the floor.

As class drags on, I can't help but steal glances at Hanna.

She's focused, taking notes, occasionally whispering something to Ethan. It drives me crazy. I know I have no right to feel this way, but I can't help it.

The kiss changed everything, and now I'm stuck in this limbo of wanting her and knowing I shouldn't.

When school finally ends, I head home, no music allowed in my car. I need some time with my thoughts.

As I walk through the front door, the tension in the air is palpable. Mom is by the fridge while dad is waiting at the dining table, dinner set out. He looks up as I walk in, his expression stern.

"Aiden, come eat," he says, his voice brooking no argument.

"I'm not hungry," I reply, heading towards the stairs. I'm not gonna play a role in this shit show.

"You will sit down and eat with your family," he demands, his tone rising.

"What family?!" I said

"Son..." mom reaches for me but I step away

"He cheated ! He fucking cheated and he's here why?"

"Your mom forgave me"

"But I didn't and I won't"

"You will respect us" my dad stood up and slams the table

"And you need to respect my decision. I won't eat with a lying cheater"

"Is this about Hanna? There's million girls like her"

"Hone-" my mom tries to calm us down

"Don't you dare talk about Hanna!"

"We are your family. Now sit down"

"I said I'm not hungry!" I snap, the stress of the day boiling over.

"Don't you dare walk away from me," he shouts as I take the stairs two at a time. "Aiden!"

I slam my bedroom door behind me, his yells muffled but still ringing in my ears. I throw myself onto the bed, staring at the ceiling. Everything feels like it's spiraling out of control, and I don't know how to stop it.

I can't be with Hanna, but I can't stand to see her with someone else.... If nothing had happened.