CHAPTER SIX

chapter six: Letters, Laughter, and Longing:

Aria put down her phone after messaging Ethan and stretched her arms above her head. A small yawn escaped her lips before she reached for her phone again. Without thinking much, she scrolled through her contacts and tapped on Lily's name.

The phone rang twice before Lily picked up.

"Finally!" Lily's voice came through, dramatic as always. "I was so close to thinking you'd forgotten about me!"

Aria rolled her eyes. "Relax, drama queen. I was just about to call you."

"Mhmm. Sure," Lily teased. "Anyway, what's up?"

"So, I was thinking… we should go to the salon tomorrow," Aria said, sitting cross-legged on her bed. "Get our nails done, wash our hair properly—you know, the whole thing. We do need to look our best for homecoming, after all."

"Ooooh, now you're talking!" Lily said excitedly. "I was just thinking about that too. My hair is screaming for a deep treatment. Let's do it!"

Aria smiled. "Perfect. What time should we go?"

"Hmm… how about late morning? Around ten or eleven? That way, we can have the whole afternoon free after."

"Sounds good to me," Aria agreed.

"Ugh, I can already picture us looking so good," Lily said dramatically. "I swear, we're going to be the hottest girls at homecoming."

Aria laughed. "Obviously. No one's going to outshine us."

"Exactly," Lily giggled. "By the way, speaking of homecoming…" She paused for a second, then added in a teasing tone, "I already have a date."

Aria's eyebrows shot up. "Wait—what?! Who?!"

Lily giggled again. "Michael Jordan."

Aria blinked. "Michael Jordan?!" She gasped. "No way. No way! You mean our Michael Jordan from class?!"

"The one and only," Lily said smugly.

Aria covered her mouth, trying not to scream. "You have to be joking."

"Nope! He asked me today, right after school," Lily revealed. "And, well… I said yes."

Aria grinned. "Lily! That's crazy!"

"I know!" Lily squealed. "I mean, you know he's always had a thing for me. I figured, why not finally give him a chance?"

Aria giggled. "Yeah, he's been chasing after you since forever. I was starting to think he'd never get the courage to ask."

"Me too," Lily admitted. "But he was actually kind of sweet about it. He even blushed a little."

Aria smirked. "Ohhh, Lily's got a soft spot for Michael now?"

"Oh, shut up," Lily groaned playfully. "But honestly, I think it'll be fun. He's not exactly the most athletic guy, but he's cute in his own way. And he really tries, you know?"

Aria nodded. "Yeah, he's not bad. And if he makes you happy, that's all that matters."

Lily sighed dramatically. "Ugh, I knew you'd say something cheesy like that."

Aria laughed. "Well, it's true!"

"Whatever," Lily said playfully. "Anyway, tomorrow's going to be fun. I can't wait!"

"Me neither," Aria said with a smile.

They talked for a few more minutes before finally saying goodnight.

After the call ended, Aria put her phone down and let out a long sigh.

She lay back on her bed, staring at the ceiling.

Tomorrow would be fun. A salon day with Lily was just what she needed.

And maybe, just maybe, she could push aside the confusing thoughts about Ethan—at least for a while and "When is this mystery guy going to show himself? I need a date..." she mumbles to herself.

Just as she's lost in thought, her bedroom door suddenly swings open.

Ethan stood in the doorway, a grin spreading across his face as he pushed the door open. "Surprise!" he said, his voice light and playful. "I told you I'd make plans for us tomorrow, but honestly, I couldn't wait. I feel bad that we haven't had time to hang out because of practice. So, how about we head out to The Crumble & Whisk Bakery tonight?"

Aria's eyebrows lifted in surprise. "The Crumble & Whisk? Really? I thought you'd never have time for me with all your training."

Ethan chuckled and stepped further into the room. "I miss you, Aria. These past few weeks have been all football and no us. So, what do you say? Let's grab some cupcakes and donuts at our favorite place. They have that raspberry glaze you love so much."

Aria smiled at the mention of The Crumble & Whisk Bakery. It had become their go-to spot ever since they'd discovered it a few months ago. The bakery, tucked away on a quiet corner of the street, had the most irresistible scent of freshly baked treats that wafted out the door every time they passed by. They'd spent countless afternoons there, savoring cupcakes, donuts, and hot chocolate, sitting at the small window-side table and watching the world go by. It had quickly become their own little haven—a place where they could be themselves, away from the hustle of life.

"Okay, I'm in," she said, laughing. "But I thought you were too busy for me?"

He shrugged, his grin widening. "I'm making time tonight. Let's go!"

She raises an eyebrow. "Oh, now you really want to spend time with me? I thought football was your only love now."

Ethan sighs dramatically. "Aria, just say yes before I change my mind."

After teasing him a little more, she finally gives in, grabbing her jacket. They head out to their favorite small café, the familiar smell of fresh pastries welcoming them. As they settle into their usual corner, Aria takes a bite of her cupcake and grins.

"So, do you think you guys have a chance at winning the game?" she asks.

Ethan leans back, smirking. "Well… if you're there cheering for me, I might not have a chance."

She gasps, pretending to be offended. "Excuse me?!"

Ethan laughed, shaking his head. "You always distract me. But honestly, when you're there, it actually helps. It makes me want to win even more. We've trained hard, and this is my last big game before I move on. I just really hope we win."

Aria tilted her head and smiled. "So, how was your day at school? You know, aside from your obsession with preparing for homecoming?"

Ethan gasped dramatically. "Me? Obsessed? No, no, no. You, on the other hand…" He leaned forward, lowering his voice in mock seriousness. "If you're this obsessed with homecoming, I wonder how you're going to handle prom. Maybe you'll run mad."

He laughed out loud, his voice carrying across the café. A few people glanced their way, amused by his antics. Aria gave him a playful glare, pretending to be offended. Then, with a smirk, she fired back the perfect comeback, making Ethan laugh even harder, nearly choking on his drink.

As he laughed, Aria found herself just watching him, a small smile playing on her lips. She had missed this—the teasing, the effortless conversations, the way he made her forget everything else.

But then, her thoughts drifted. Should she tell him?

She hesitated for a moment before deciding—yes, she would.

"So… there's something I actually want to tell you," she said, tapping her fingers against her cup.

Ethan smirked. "Oh no, don't tell me you've already booked an appointment for a prom manicure and pedicure."

"You idiot," she huffed, rolling her eyes. "Will you stop? I'm serious."

Ethan sat up straighter, his playful grin softening. "Alright, alright. What is it?"

She exhaled, gripping her cup a little tighter. "It's about the anonymous letters."

His brows knitted together. "Wait… so that pink paper from the other day was actually a letter?"

She nodded. "Yeah, it was."

Ethan's expression darkened slightly. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Aria hesitated before answering. "I just… I didn't want you to make fun of me. Or worse—tell Dad."

Ethan sighed, shaking his head. "Aria, come on. You know I'd never make fun of you like that. And as for telling your dad? You seriously think I'd throw you under the bus like that?"

She gave him a small, guilty smile. "I don't know… maybe?"

He scoffed. "Wow. So little faith in me." Then, more seriously, "What do you think about the letters? How do you feel about them?"

Aria bit her lip, staring down at the swirling foam in her cup. "Honestly? I don't know. I just… I really want to know who it is. The way he confesses in the letters—it feels so right. So genuine. And weirdly… familiar."

Ethan studied her for a moment before tilting his head. "So… you like him?"

She hesitated. "I think I do. But I can't explain why."

He hummed thoughtfully. "Hmmm. You're weird."

Aria scoffed. "Thanks for that, Sherlock."

Ethan grinned. "I don't know. Let's just see how it goes for now. Wait and see who it is."

Aria leaned back in her seat, thinking."Do you really think waiting is the best choice?".

Ethan shrugged. "I mean, yeah. Not like you have much of a choice unless he—or maybe she—decides to show up."

She stared at him for a second, searching his face, hoping—just hoping—for a tiny flicker of jealousy. Maybe even a hint that he wanted to ask her to homecoming. But, of course, nothing. Just the same easy-going Ethan who only saw her as a friend.

She forced a smile. "Alright then. Let's wait and see."

The conversation shifted back to lighter topics, and they continued eating, teasing, and talking until it was time to go home.

---

That night, lying in bed, Aria found herself staring at the ceiling, lost in thought.

She was confused.

On one hand, she was drawn to the mystery person writing the letters. Their words felt real, comforting, and somehow connected to her in a way she couldn't explain.

On the other hand…

She glanced at her phone, debating whether to text Ethan.

Her heart ached in a way she didn't want to admit.

She wished—just wished—that the anonymous person would finally reveal themselves.

Maybe then… maybe then she could forget whatever feelings she had for Ethan.

Because she only hoped… but deep down, she already knew.

Hope wasn't enough.

-----------------------------

Meanwhile, after dropping Aria off at home, Ethan parked his car in the driveway of the house opposite hers—his own home. He stepped inside, lost in thought, his face subtly clouded with worry. His mind kept replaying their conversation at the café, the letters, and the way Aria seemed drawn to this mystery person.

As he walked past the living room, he didn't even notice his mother sitting there, sipping her usual evening tea. She glanced up and immediately caught the distant look on his face.

"Ethan?" she called, making him stop in his tracks.

Only then did he snap out of his thoughts, turning to look at her. "Oh… hey, Mom." He walked over and, to her surprise, wrapped his arms around her in a brief but firm hug.

She held him back, sensing something weighing on his mind. "Are you okay?" she asked softly.

He pulled away and gave a small, tired smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just exhausted from practice… and a little worried about the game."

His mother's gaze softened. "You'll be fine. I trust your ability, and I know you'll win."

Ethan let out a quiet chuckle, as if her words had lifted some of the weight off his shoulders. "Thanks, Mom. I really needed to hear that." He kissed her goodnight and walk to his room.

As Ethan walked upstairs, his mother watched him disappear into his room, her fingers tightening slightly around her teacup. A deep sigh escaped her lips as an old memory surfaced—one she hadn't thought about in a while.

Back when they still lived in Chicago, before everything changed, before the divorce…

Ethan was only eight, full of boundless energy and a bright, carefree smile. She and his father had set up a small hoop in their backyard, and he had insisted on playing a "real game" with them. She remembered how he dribbled clumsily, his small hands barely able to control the ball, but the excitement in his eyes was infectious. His father had laughed, encouraging him, while she cheered from the side.

And then, when he finally made his first basket—after so many failed attempts—he had jumped up, throwing his hands in the air, grinning so wide it was impossible not to laugh along with him. "I won! I actually won!" he had shouted, running straight into her arms.

That was the happiest she had ever seen him.

Now, looking at him, so grown, so deep in thought and worries, she felt an ache in her chest. She wished she could bring back that kind of joy for him—to be there the way she used to be, to make sure he never felt alone.

With another sigh, she took a sip of her tea and whispered to herself, I just hope he finds something, or someone, that makes him that happy again.

Up in his room, Ethan shut the door, exhaling deeply. He peeled off his shirt, tossed it aside, and collapsed onto his bed. As he lay there, staring at the ceiling, a small smile crept onto his lips.

Then, closing his eyes, he let sleep take over.

----------------------------

"Alright, readers! What do you think about this chapter? Drop a comment and let me know your thoughts! Should Aria keep chasing the mystery or open her eyes to something (or someone) else? If I see enough love in the comments, the next chapter drops tomorrow! Otherwise… well, let's just say you might have to wait till next two/three days. Your move!"