Faded Promises

33

Aiden POV

The feeling of being in my room has become suffocating.

I was getting use to have Hanna here or having a goofy conversation from the window.

The past few days have been unbearable, I'm staying strong and give her space that she asked but it's so hard.

When I see her I just wanna grab her and run away, and now it's worse since Max told me he saw Ethan in the mall trying to pry our relationship.

That one is asking for a beating, I'll gladly do it.

I get she needs this, some time to think but if this is what she felt when I ghosted her. I'm so fucking sorry.

It was torture for me but this right now feels like I'm actually dying.

Dramatic? Yeah, thanks to my girl that's not taking to me!

My phone buzz on the desk, and for a fleeting moment, I hoped it was Hanna.

But when I pick it up, it was just a notification from some random app.

I throw the phone back down in frustration, running my hands through my hair.

"Dammit," I say to myself, my anger bubbling to the surface.

I'm angry at the situation, angry at his dad, angry at myself .

I told her I wanna fix this but the truth it's that I don't know what a should do.

I need to start to think of ideas, something to show her.

I don't wanna scare her way but I want to show her that I love her and I'm here.

Suddenly, I hear voices downstairs. Is that my parents?

I don't usually pay attention, but my mom's voice seems strange, like she's on the verge of breaking.

I stand up and make my way to the top of the stairs, listening to the heated exchange.

"I'm done!" My mom voice rang out, sharp and resolute. "I'm done with all of this! You've destroyed this family, and I won't let you do it any longer!"

"Lisa, please, let's talk about this. We can figure something out."

"You told me you were done with her!"

"I am. It was her birthday and she was upset. She was thinking about the baby"

"DON'T MENTION THAT BABY"

"Honey. I'm sorry. I love you.... Let's calm down ok?"

But my mom isn't having none of it. "No. I want a divorce. I want you out of this house. Now!"

Wow, finally she got the courage to confront him. I expect him to protest and I can't have him change her mind.

"Mom's right," I say, coming down the stairs, my voice low and dangerous. "You need to go."

"Aiden, don't do this. I know you're angry, but—"

"No!" I shout, stepping closer, my fists clench. "You don't get to talk your way out of this! You've done enough damage. Just leave!"

His expression was priceless, it's a mix of sadnesses and anger but I won't back down. My mom spoke and now he needs to leave.

I guess she's as tired of all the excuses , the half-truths, the manipulation as I am.

"You're not welcome here anymore," I continue "Pack your stuff and get out."

For a moment, he looked like he might argue, but then he sighs, a defeated look on his face. He nods slowly, as if he has finally realize that he had lost his family.

"I'll go," he says quietly. "But this isn't the end. I'll be back to talk about this when everyone's calmed down. This is my home and my family. I'll fight for you"

"There's nothing to fight. You ruined everything" mom says leaning to me

I don't say anything and just watch him as he goes upstairs, hopefully to pack his things.

After 5 minutes he comes down with a small bag and leaves the house.

My mom still holding me, tears in her eyes, but there is a certain determination in her eyes that I haven't seen before. She looks over me, her expression softening.

"I'm sorry you had to see that," she says, her voice shaky. "I should have done this a long time ago."

I shake my head. "It's not your fault, Mom. None of this is your fault."

It pains me to see her like this, how he broke her confidence but now I see her spark again.

"I just... I can't let this keep going on. It's tearing us all apart."

I nod, feeling the weight of her words. "I know. But it's not too late to fix things. You took the first step just now"

"You're a good boy, Aiden. And I know you love Hanna. Don't let what's happening between me and your father ruin what you have with her. You're nothing like him"

I swallow hard, the mention of Hanna bringing back all the stress I forgot for a moment. "I don't know what to do, Mom. She won't talk to me. I think I've lost her."

"You haven't lost her. She's just hurt and confused. But you can still make things right."

I look at her, desperate for some kind of guidance. "How? What can I do?"

"Sometimes, when words aren't enough, you have to show how much you care. Do something big, something that shows her you're not giving up on her. You two have a long beautiful story.... Remind her of that. Don't lose your Daisy"

"Thanks mom. I really love her"

"I know it. The day you met her, you came home with a smile and wouldn't shut up about the beautiful girl you met"

I smile thinking about that day, I'm glad Hanna came to me or I wouldn't known her and the awesome person she is. The best person I know.

Suddenly, an idea began to form. It's doable , it might not work, but I have to try.

I'll probably will need some help, I need to call Jake and Max.

"Mom," I say and kiss her cheek "I think I know what I need to do."

She smiles at him, pride in her eyes. "Then go do it, Aiden. Fight for her."

I did call Jake but he said I should go to his home.

I'm sitting in Jake's basement with Max too, the three of us planning what to do after I told them my idea. Jake looks skeptical, while Max seems more amuse than anything.

"So let me get this straight," Jake says, raising an eyebrow. "You want to do... what exactly?"

"I want to recreate our first meeting. You know, the big romantic gesture kind. The ones that movies talk about"

Max chuckles, shaking his head. "Dude, that's some next-level stuff. Are you sure this is gonna work?"

"It has to," I say firmly. "I love her, Max. I can't let this be the end. I need to show her how much she means to me."

Jake leans back in his chair, crossing his arms. "I get that, man, but... are you sure this is the right move? What if it backfires? Maybe a little more of time?"

" I don't know if it's the right move. But I have to try. She's worth it."

"Count me in. It's cliche, but I'm in."

Jake nods slowly. "Yeah, me too. Just... don't go doing something you'll regret."

I feel a wave of relief wash over me. "Thanks, guys. I really appreciate it."

"So what's the plan?" Max asks, leaning forward. "How are we gonna pull this off?"

"Okay, here's what I'm thinking..."