Afterwards: An "After" Fanfiction

Chapter 11 & Tessa's Diary: Part 2 - "Hey Angel (Part 1)"

A/N: This chapter is from Tessa's point of view and is supposed to represent an entry in her diary. I write my diaries in a sort-of story form, so I thought it was fun to imagine that Tessa did too. It was originally supposed to be 1 part but it was too long so I broke it into 2. Enjoy!!

Walking into work the very next day, I was met with a barrage of employees in various masks and colored headbands.

Confusion registered on my face as I looked around the office to take in the new decorations: spider webs, skeletons, and a whole bunch of ghosts. I quickly checked my phone for the first time that day, shocked to learn that I had completely forgotten today was Halloween.

"Hey boo-tiful!" Kim rushed over to me with a plastic pumpkin full of candy and an ear-to-ear smile. "Grab anything you want, there's no nuts in them so they're safe for you to eat. Any fun plans tonight?"

I smiled back, grabbing a chocolate bar and shrugging my shoulders. "I guess I've been so busy I completely forgot. No plans yet."

The secretary winked before her eyes shifted to the pantry. Hardin was preparing a cup of coffee, unaware of both of our stares. "There's still some time, maybe that'll change by the end of the day."

With a piece of candy hanging out of my mouth, I hummed in agreement. Perhaps it would, but I didn't want to force it.

Luckily enough, Hardin caught up to me as I was getting lunch in the cafeteria. He approached me with a grin as I shoved my tray along the buffet bar. "Not grabbing any of the shitty Halloween themed desserts today?"

I tried to hide my excitement by feigning indifference. "Hm. Guess not."

He picked up an apple that was smothered with caramel to look like a pumpkin. "Are you sure? This one looks pretty awful...as far as deserts go at least. Looks like something you'd be into."

I shoved him lightly, a smile breaking through my lips despite my best efforts. "Stop it. You have no idea what I'm into." After he waltzed past me with his sandwich, I reached back to grab the apple before he could see.

Hardin paid for his lunch, slipping the cashier an extra few bucks to covertly cover my order as well. "Hmm, I know something I think you might be into." He said, smirking at the apple on my tray as he led me to an empty table and pulled out two chairs.

"What's that, new co-workers disturbing my quiet lunch?" I joked, and he waved me off.

"I thought you might want to come to our show tonight." Hardin trained both of his eyes on me, the intensity almost making me sweat. "We're playing a house party at some guy's mansion. It's not a date per-se, but it'd be nice to have you there I guess." He tapered off towards the end, refusing to look me in the eye.

Everything inside me was screaming 'yes,' but I was still a little salty about his inability to date despite the fair reasoning. "Hmm...maybe." I answered, enjoying the way the corners of his mouth dipped into a slight frown.

Clearing his throat, he busied himself with biting into his sub. Eventually, he stood. "Well. Good ole' Steph has all the info. Swing by if you want." When I nodded without looking up from my food, he began to leave. "Enjoy your quiet lunch."

It was my turn to frown, and I wondered if I was coming off too cold. Sure, he made a point to tell me it wasn't a date. But that didn't mean he wouldn't change his mind. "Fine!" I called across the cafeteria. "See you there."

As he waved over his shoulder, I thought I saw him break into a grin once again.

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