Change of Plans

21|Mixed Emotions

Saturday, December 3rd

I freeze in my spot. 

What are we?

"I-I don't know, Aidan." I sigh and take a step back. His face scrunches and I feel a pang of guilt. "I like you Aidan, I do. It's- it's just, we're so different and there are so many cons to being with you. I just can't help but feel like I'm going to be the one who ends up hurt..." I fade away.

"Harper," Aidan says quietly, "I would never hurt you, ever."

"You can't be sure." I say, he can't promise me something like that, it's impossible. "Sometimes things are out of our control."

"Don't let something that might not happen ruin this Harper." Aidan pleads with worry in his eyes.

I look away from his gaze and sigh once more. "But, what if-"

"No, stop Harper." Aidan says quietly. "What if's and are possibilities of things we can't possibly know. What if we break up? What if I cheat on you? What if you cheat on me? What if you find someone better? What if I'm a psychopath?" Aidan chuckles at the last one and I join him. "I just, I know the future is unpredictable, but it might be better if we face it together."

We make eye contact and I nod at him. 

"Really?" He asks hopefully. 

I don't really know what I'm saying yes to, but if it's facing the future with him by my side, then there's no way I'm passing that up. "Yes. really."

Aidan's hand goes back up to my cheek and he pulls me into another passionate kiss. Me in my bikini, and him in his swim trunks. Our wet skin meets and our damp lips move against each other's. The moment is complete bliss. There is no way to describe it besides bliss and perfection.

We pull away and stare into each other's eyes. His brown eyes are filled with excitement for what's to come for us, fear for what could go wrong, passion for the kiss we just shared, and joy. 

Joy because he's happy, and so am I.

We pack up the bag and slip our clothes back on. As we head down the path Aidan's hand finds mine and our fingers intertwine. I look up at him and he looks at me. A small smile makes its way across my face and I look back at the ground. I don't think I've processed it yet. I knew he liked me or else he wouldn't have asked me on all the dates. I just didn't know he liked me this much.

By the time we had gotten to the bottom, we sang the 100 bottles song through and the ants go marching each at least two times. I get my phone out of the bag on Aidan's back and check the time, 6:22. I zip the bag back up and walk over to the car and hop in. Seconds after me, Aidan comes in and starts the car. I look over at him and see him smiling to himself. I wonder what he's thinking about. The car starts and we drive down the road with the sun slowly descending behind us.

About a block away from my house Aidan takes an unexpected turn into town.

"Aidan, where are we going?"

"The music store." He states almost obviously. I don't say anything more and wait for us to arrive.

At exactly seven o'clock we pull into a small music store called Avenue. The building is made of worn out red brick with a solid tan roof. The name of the store is written in big block letters above the doorway at the base of the roof. Overall it looks welcoming. It has a soft glow to it that makes it seem homey.