Faded Promises

21

Hanna POV

Today is the day, my day to shine and being all teary up.

I feel my stomach turn the moment I get out of bed, I don't remember being this nervous. After getting dress I come downstairs and see Dad at his usual stop.

"Good morning" I say walking by him

"Hanna. You better sit and eat before you leave"

"But-"

"Nope, you sit and eat." He says and I swear he's punishing me for not locking the door yesterday. He came around 3 am and when he noticed the door unlocked he freaked out.

I couldn't say I was tired from having sex and didn't remember to lock. So I took the lecture.

I sit next to him and start to eat, I inhale the pancakes on my plate and push it down with some juice.

"bye!"

"Good luck with the play, I'll be there"

When I closed my door I saw Aiden waiting for me looking so good all in black. I could see his muscles perfectly and I think about how easy it was for him to lift me up yesterday.

"My Daisy is looking nervous..." he can read me still after all these years

I tip toe and kiss his lips, he grabs my waist and kisses me back. I was in need of a distraction and Aiden didn't mind being one.

"Hey" he said breaking up the kiss "it's gonna be ok"

"I hope you're right"

"I'm always right. Now get your pretty ass inside and let's go"

I smile and get inside his car, during the ride he was quiet but he's hand didn't left mine.

During the day, Lucy tried her best to make me eat, Max showed me his new game while Jake and Aiden just keep reminding me that I got this in the bag.

And now I'm standing here waiting on the play to start and I have my heart beating off my chest. I don't have time to breathe it's time and I'm one step from the stage.

The spotlight is warm on my skin as I stand on stage, my heart racing starts to calm down. The audience is a sea of faces, and my eyes quickly find Aiden's.

He's sitting near the front, smiling up at me, he's next to the rest of our friends. His smile gives me the strength I need to perform my best.

As the final notes of the performance fade, applause fills the auditorium. I take a bow, my heart swelling with pride and relief.

Everything went perfectly. Stepping off the stage, I see Aiden waiting for me, a bouquet of roses in his hands. I can't hide how much I love him.

"You were amazing," he says, handing me the flowers and pulling me into a hug.

I glance around, noticing the other students whispering and glancing our way. Their curiosity and gossip are palpable, they didn't know we were dating.

"My bestie is the best" Lucy says stealing me from Aiden arms.

"MY bestie" Max then tries to pull me but I guess my boyfriend had enough and he pulls me to his side.

"My girlfriend" he puts behind me and wraps his arm around me " only I can touch"

We started walking toward the exit, but our conversation is interrupted when my parents appear.

My dad's face is lit up with pride, while my mom's expression is guarded, she's looking at me and Aiden weird.

I hug my dad tightly, happy he's here, but I can't help feeling distant from my mom. I don't wanna hug her but the moment I don't she gets mad.

"It's because of him, isn't it?" my mom says, her voice dripping with disdain as she looks at Aiden.

Before I can respond, Aiden gently grabs my waist and kisses my hair. "I'll let you have a family moment," he murmurs before stepping aside with the rest of the group.

My dad turns to my mom, a warning in his eyes. "Please, don't ruin Hanna's moment."

The tension is thick as we head to dinner together. The meal is awkward, maybe I should have hug her and she wouldn't have react like that.

My mom remains cold, and I can sense her disapproval like a dark cloud hanging over the table.

"Why are you acting like that? You should be happy for me."

"You were amazing on stage. I'm thrilled for you but I don't like that boy for you"

"Why? You always loved him" I'm pretty confused, she was always talking about him and asking him to come to our house, why the sudden change?"

She looks at my dad and they got quiet like the rest of the night.

After dinner, I decide to go to Aiden's place.

I felt horrible when he left and I wanted so see him, I text him and he came to open the door for me.

"Can I sleep here?" I ask

"You don't even need to ask" he smiles and lift me up taking me to his bedroom.

We just lay down and I fall asleep in his arms.

The next morning, I'm woken by the sound of Aiden's mom entering his room. Thankfully we did nothing last night, we just slept.

"Don't go" Aiden says while still sleeping

My cheeks flush with embarrassment, but she just laughs softly.

"Good morning, sweetie. I guess I'm making breakfast for both of you," she says with a warm smile "wait five minutes before waking him up"

"Thanks, Lisa," I mumble, trying to hide my embarrassment.

Aiden pulls me close like nothing happen , and we sleep a bit more before heading downstairs. The smell of pancakes and bacon fills the air, making my stomach growl.

We sit at the table, eating and talking with his mom. The atmosphere is light and relaxed until his dad walks in. He stares at me but doesn't say a word, I smile at him but he ignores and leaves.

Aiden and his mom shake their had and continue eat.

Aiden squeezes my hand under the table. "Ignore him," he whispers. "He's just being himself"

After breakfast, we decide to meet up with Jake, Lucy, and Max at the park.

I text my dad just to let him know where I am, yesterday he let me sleep at Aiden but I don't wanna worry him

At the park, we find a spot under a large tree and spread out a blanket. Jake and Max immediately start tossing a football around.

"Catch, Aiden!" Jake yells, throwing the ball.

Aiden leaps up and catches it effortlessly, grinning as he joins the game. I sit with Lucy, watching them with a smile.

"How are things with you and Aiden?" Lucy asks, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.

"Good," I reply, my smile widening. "Really good. Despite everything."

"Your mom?" I nod " yup, I felt ice cold from her yesterday. And Aiden was so cute with all the roses and everything"

"He was..."

"I'm happy he's back to his normal self but I think you should make him grovel a bit more"

I laugh " maybe... but why be unhappy if we both love each other?"

"Hmmm love already... "she says. "You two are cute together, that's for sure"