Faded Promises

36

Hanna POV

I'm already preparing dinner, it's our first Christmas alone, last year mom came to still be a family but this year she better not even think of coming.

Neither me or dad told her to so I just hope she took the hint.

I'm worried about Aiden and his mom, I even told dad I was sad they're gonna be alone.

I can tell Aiden is sad maybe more for his mom than about his dad leaving but even so.

I hope my present will put a smile in his face, can't wait to see it.

One thing that I miss is having my mom cooking with me, it was our tradition.

Dad is helping but it's not the same anymore.

I'm stirring the of gravy when I feel a pair of arms wrap around my waist from behind.

Aiden?

His chin rested on my shoulder as he kissed her cheek.

"Hey," he whispers. "Guess what?"

"What are you doing here?"

"Your dad invited us to dinner tonight," Aiden says "even it's for pity I love being around you"

I turn to face him " It's not pity, we're alone too. Let's be all grumpy together"

"Hmmm Christmas with my girl" he says , his grin widening. "But thanks. My mom was happy too. She's probably walking here to help you so I tried to have a moment with you"

"Hanna, sweetheart... you look amazing" his mom enters the room and although Aiden rolls his eyes I know he's happy.

I'm glad dad made and effort to include them, all of us are going through a rough patch but at least we're together.

"Thank you" I say "it good to see you"

"Please tell me I can help"

"If you want to"

"That's my cue. I'm gonna hang out with your dad" Aiden says giving me a quick kiss before I turn to the stove and I hear him give his mom a kiss on the cheek before leaving us alone.

While we're cooking, I'm telling his mom all about the drama club and the actual drama going on in school.

I glance at the living room and I see Aiden and dad watching football, and actually talking.

Maybe we can turn this into a new tradition, I won't mind. This feels good.

As the final touches are being put on the meal, the doorbell rang. My heart skips a beat.

I fucking know it's her.

Before I reach the door, Aiden gets up to answer it, and my heart sank when she hear a familiar voice—her mom's.

I walk into the living room, wiping my hands on the apron as I saw her standing in the doorway, looking hesitant and hopeful.

"Hanna, sweetheart," she says, taking a step forward. "I know this is unexpected, but I wanted to spend Christmas with you. With all of you."

She's outdone herself, I could actually slam the door at her face. Appear like this like she done nothing.

And then I remember Aiden mom, I don't want her to see my mom and just get reminded of what she done to her own family.

Hell no, I grab her and go outside, Aiden came right behind me.

"You need to go," I say, my voice steady showing her that I'm being serious. "I can't do this. I don't want you in my life, not while you're still with him"

"But Hanna—"

"No," I interrupt her , shaking my head. "You need to go"

Aiden steps forward, placing a comforting hand on my back. "You're not welcome here," he says, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"You're choosing him over your own mother? We can work this out"

"You choose another man instead of your family, who are you to judge?"

Aiden gives me a peck in my hair but doesn't speak, he knows this battle is mine to fight.

My mom looks at us and starts crying as she walks back to her car.

Aiden pulls me into a hug, holding me close so I can bury my face in his chest. "I'm here" he says, rubbing my back soothingly. "It's okay."

" I just wish things could have been different"

"I know" he replies softly. "But we'll get through this. Together."

After we get inside my dad looks a bit worried at me but a smile and show him everything is ok. I glance around and I'm relieved that Lisa didn't come through and didn't saw my mom.

Dinner was peaceful, my dad was joking around and I could see Aiden's mom laugh too.

I couldn't help smiling myself and I'm thrilled Aiden was there with me.

After dinner, dad went to bed and Lisa went home. Aiden asked if he could stay and my dad didn't said no.

So now me and Aiden are snuggled up on the couch in the living room, the soft glow of the Christmas tree lights casting a warm ambiance around us.

I'm suppose to be watching the movie on the TV but my mind is drifting back to the events of the day.

I feel exhausted and I feel myself starting to doze off.

Just as I'm about to drift into sleep, Aiden gently shook me awake. "Hey," he whispers, his voice full of anticipation.

I blink groggily, turning to look at him. "Hmm?"

Aiden smiles, pulling a small box out of his pocket. "I have something for you."

My heart flutters as I sat up, fully awake now. "Aiden..."

He hands me the box, and I carefully open it, my breath stops when I see the delicate ring nestled inside. It was simple yet beautiful, with a small gemstone that sparkled in the light.

"It's a promise ring," Aiden explains "I want you to know how much you mean to me, and that I'm committed to us. No matter what happens, I'll always be here for you. If you look carefully, there's a Daisy engraved inside the ring"

It's perfect

I get all tear up as I keep looking at the ring, I can't believe this perfect boy is mine and mine only.

I slip the ring into my finger and then I lean forward to kiss him.

"It's perfect," I say against his lips. "I love you."

"I love you too," he replies, wrapping his arms around me and holding me close.

After a moment, I pull back, a mischievous smile on her face. "Now it's my turn. I got you something too."

It's not a promise ring but I hope he likes it.

I reach my purse and pull out a small envelope, handing it to him. Aiden opens it, his eyes widening in surprise when he sees what's inside.

"Tickets for the Chigaco Bears?" he asks, looking up at me in disbelief.

I smile, nodding. "I know how much you love them, and I thought it would be fun for us to go together."

Aiden's face breaks into a huge smile, and he pulls me into another kiss. " you're fucking unbelievable"