youth

(Chapter Three)

Holden stared at Aria as she greeted his parents. Her face was warm, and she silently thanked Ali that she tried to dress better tonight. He raked his eyes over her and his face was red too, probably from the day. 

"It's so nice to meet you!" Holden's mom said shaking hands with Aria, firm and friendly.

"This is my son Holden." She said, gesturing him to Aria.

"Hello," Aria mumbled, forcing a small smile, her eyes however, darting down in shame. He nodded, his face looking down as well. His mother looked at both of them strangely but kept her mouth shut. 

"Hello Byron!" Holden's father Ron said shaking his hand with a warm embrace.

"It's been a long time," Byron said warmly, his face happy to see his old friend. Aria sat down on a stiff wooden chair, tucking her hand behind her ear. Mike sat next to her, his eyes darting around the restaurant, looking for anyone he knew other than Holden. Technically, Mike was more popular than Holden, even if he was younger, and as much as Aria hated to admit it, they were both high up on the popular chain at school, with Holden below them. At least Holden actually chooses his friends, Aria thought. Ali chose her. 

"It's nice to see you Mary!" Ella said to Holden's mother. They started a conversation, and Aria and Mike awkwardly gave each other nervous glances. Holden was looking down at the menu, his face hidden away. Finally, Aria cleared her throat.

"So, Holden, hows Rosewood?" Aria asked. Mike nodded and silently thanked Aria for trying.

"It's pretty good I suppose. The math team is pretty put together." Aria nodded and smiled.

"Yeah it is. You think you are going to do any clubs this year?"

"I'm not so sure other than math." 

Mike started to speak for once.

"Aria does photography. There's a club for that."

"Mike!" Aria hissed softly, glaring at him. 

"Really? I didn't know you like photography." Holden said, studying Aria. She blushed and looked down. Photography was something Aria really enjoyed, the freedom of capturing a moment and having it forever at the perfect time. It was something she did on her free time, and Ali did not know about it. Well, she probably did but it wasn't really a bad thing. Aria picked at her nails as the silence loomed over them again and finally Ron spoke to Mike about sports. Holden knew about it as well and they started to gain a small friendship.

The night went by, and Aria picked at her salad, her thoughts jumbled. Holden was across from her, with his hair curly and chocolate brown, and his white polo contrasting nicely with his eyes. Aria had to will herself not to look. 

"What do you mean, that I'm 'one of them?""Aria finally blurted out as the dishes were being taken away. Holden looked up, surprised. 

"I'm sick of everyone saying that. Do I seem like a jerk to you? All I have been doing is trying to start a conversation but you just shoot me down like dirt." 

"Aria I-"

"I need some air." she said standing up and walking away, her pride diminished and gone. Outside, she took deep breaths and watched the sun set, the cold air rushing into her face in a fast breeze. She shuddered and took out her phone, texting Ali.

This night was a bust

Moments later, Ali responded.

Aria, it's not my fault that your snobby parents forced you to come.