CHAPTER TEN

chapter ten: Unspoken truth:

Ethan's heart sank as he skidded to a stop in the garden, his eyes frantically searching the empty space. She wasn't there. The bench where he told her to wait was vacant, the soft breeze rustling the leaves above as if mocking him.

No… no, no, no! He was too late.

He bent over, bracing his hands on his knees as he tried to catch his breath. His entire body trembled, sweat dripping down his forehead, his chest heaving. He had never run this fast before, his legs burning from the sprint across the school grounds. But it wasn't enough. She was gone.

The realization hit him like a punch to the gut, and he clenched his jaw, his fists curling tight. How long had she waited? How long had she stood here, looking around, thinking… thinking that he didn't care?

His stomach twisted, a sickening wave of guilt crashing over him. He had wanted this for so long, dreamed about this moment for years. The moment she would finally know the truth—that it was him all along. That he was the one who had been writing those letters, pouring his heart out on paper because he didn't have the courage to say it to her face.

And now, he had ruined it.

A strangled growl escaped his throat as he slammed his fist against the bark of a tree, the rough texture scraping his skin. "Stupid… so stupid…"

Why did everything have to go wrong today of all days? Why did his mother have to get hurt? Why did he have to be stuck at the hospital, pacing back and forth while his mind was miles away, thinking about her standing here… waiting…

He squeezed his eyes shut, fighting back the burning behind his eyelids. He didn't want to imagine her hurt, didn't want to picture her thinking that he stood her up. Aria had always been strong, but she was sensitive too. She would pretend to be fine, but deep down, she'd be hurt. He couldn't stand the thought of causing her pain.

He straightened up, his hand trembling as he pulled out his phone. He needed to find her. He needed to explain. He needed to—

His phone buzzed in his hand, the screen lighting up with her name. Aria. His heart stuttered, and he quickly answered, his voice a desperate mix of relief and panic. "Oh my God, Aria! Where are you? Where did you keep your phone? You scared me!"

Her voice came through, soft and apologetic, making his chest tighten. "I'm so, so sorry, Eth… I had my phone on silent. I just saw the calls." She took a shaky breath. "I heard what happened—I'm on my way to the hospital with Lily. Are you alright?"

Ethan closed his eyes, leaning back against the tree as his body sagged with relief. She was okay. She wasn't hurt. "You're on your way to the hospital?"

"Yeah… I heard about your mom. I wanted to make sure you were okay."

He swallowed hard, guilt and gratitude swirling inside him. Even after he stood her up, she was worried about him. She was worried about his mom. How could she be so… so perfect?

He hesitated, his eyes flicking to the empty bench. "Alright, I'll meet you there."

There was a pause, and then she asked, "Wait, you're not there? Where are you?"

His heart skipped a beat. "Yeah, I… I stepped out for a bit. But I'm heading back now. I'll see you soon."

He hung up before she could ask any more questions, his hand falling limply to his side as he stared at the phone. She was coming to see him. She was coming because she cared. Because she was Aria, and she was good, and kind, and so much more than he deserved.

He turned and ran back toward the parking lot, his legs moving on autopilot even as his mind spun, memories flashing through his head in quick, dizzying bursts.

The first time he saw her was on his first day at middle school. He was the new kid. He didn't know anyone, didn't have any friends. But then, there she was, sitting at the front desk, her hair messy from the wind, her eyes calculating.

He remembered the way his heart did a weird little flip, he didn't know what it meant back then. He was just a kid. But that was the moment. The moment she became everything.

They became friends, rivals at first, always trying to one-up each other in class, on the field, everywhere. But somehow, in the midst of all that competition, they grew close. She became his best friend. The one who understood him, who challenged him, who made him laugh when nothing else could.

But he never realized—never understood why he never looked at anyone else, why he never dated, never cared about anyone the way he cared about her. Not until a few months ago. Not until he saw her laughing with someone else, saw her looking at another guy the way he wished she'd look at him.

That was when it hit him. It wasn't just friendship. It was never just friendship. He was in love with her.

He gritted his teeth, his hands shaking as he gripped the steering wheel. Why did it take him so long to figure it out? Why did he have to be so blind?

He thought he wasn't ready for a relationship all these years, that he just wasn't interested. But the truth was painfully simple. He didn't want to be with anyone else because no one else was her. No one else made him feel the way she did.

And now, now that he finally realized it, the feelings were too much to bear. They were so intense, so overwhelming, that he could barely think straight. He had to keep his distance sometimes, had to force himself to act normal around her so he wouldn't do something stupid—like grab her and kiss her and tell her he loved her.

He tightened his grip on the steering wheel, his chest aching. That was why he wrote the letters. It was the only way to let his heart speak, to tell her how he felt without risking everything. It was his only chance.

And she had wanted to meet him. She said she would give him a chance. She was going to give him a chance.

But he blew it.

His eyes burned, and he blinked rapidly, refusing to cry. He wouldn't break down. Not now. Not when she was waiting for him. Not when he still had a chance to make things right.

He floored the gas pedal, his car speeding toward the hospital. He had to see her. He had to explain. He had to tell her…

He was in love with her. He had always been in love with her.

And he couldn't lose her. Not like this. Not without telling her the truth.

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Aria's heart raced as she and Lily hurried through the hospital corridor, guided by her mother's directions to the ER. The sterile scent of antiseptics filled the air, the low hum of monitors echoing around them. They turned the corner and stopped short at the sight of Ethan's mom sitting upright on a hospital bed, her left hand wrapped in white bandages.

"Oh my God," Aria whispered, her face paling. "That looks bad."

Lily's eyes widened. "Yeah… but at least she's okay."

Ethan's mom looked up and smiled warmly. "Oh, girls, don't look so worried. It's just a minor burn. I'm fine, really." She waved her bandaged hand dismissively, though a slight wince betrayed her discomfort. "Honestly, I'm more embarrassed than hurt. Just a silly mistake in the kitchen."

Aria moved closer, her eyes glued to the bandage. "But... it looks painful. Are you sure you're alright?"

Ethan's mom chuckled softly. "I promise, Aria. It's nothing to worry about. I'll be as good as new in no time."

Just then, Ethan walked into the room, his shoulders tense but his face softening the moment his eyes met Aria's. Without hesitation, she rushed over to him, throwing her arms around his neck, holding him tight.

"I'm so sorry, Eth... I wasn't there for you," she whispered, her voice breaking. "I was so foolish... I thought someone else was more important, but nothing is more important than you... I'm so sorry."

His heart twisted at her words, guilt weighing heavily in his chest. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her even closer, his fingers gripping her back like he was afraid to let go. If only she knew... If only she knew it was him all along.

His voice was thick when he spoke, "It's alright, Ari... You're here now. That's all that matters."

She pulled back slightly, her amber eyes searching his face. A small, relieved smile crossed her lips. "Yeah... I'm here."

They stood there, lost in each other's gaze, until the sound of Ethan's mom clearing her throat snapped them out of the moment. Aria quickly pulled away, her cheeks flushing. Ethan let out a shaky breath, steadying himself before walking over to his mother.

"How are you feeling now, Mom?" he asked, his voice softening.

She smiled, brushing his concern aside. "I'm fine, Ethan. Really. It's just a minor burn. No need to fuss." Her eyes twinkled as she added, "Shouldn't you be at training for your big game?"

Ethan shook his head firmly. "No, Mom. Don't worry about me. Just... please be more careful. I don't want you getting hurt again."

Aria, her mother, and Lily all nodded in agreement, their faces reflecting the same concern.

Ethan's mom rolled her eyes playfully. "Alright, alright... I'll be more careful. Honestly, you all are treating me like I'm a child."

She was about to say more when the doctor walked in, a clipboard in hand. "Alright, Mrs. Thompson, you're all set to be discharged. The burn is minor, so there's nothing to worry about. You'll heal well as long as you take care of the wound. Make sure to do the following:

Keep the bandage clean and dry.

Apply the prescribed ointment twice daily.

Avoid using the hand too much until it heals.

Come back if there's any swelling, redness, or increased pain."

He handed over the discharge papers and left, with Ethan following behind to sort out the medication and paperwork. Aria and the others helped Ethan's mom to the car, her light grumbling about "being treated like a fragile old lady" drawing chuckles from everyone.

Once they settled her in bed at home, Lily bid her goodbyes and left in her car, while Aria's mom also took her leave, heading to her house across the street. Aria was about to leave too when Ethan's voice stopped her.

"Ari... wait."

She turned, her eyes meeting his, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. The air between them was thick with unspoken words, emotions swirling in their eyes.

After what felt like an eternity, Aria tilted her head, her voice gentle. "Are you... going to say something?"

Ethan opened his mouth, then closed it, his jaw tightening. He wanted to tell her everything. He wanted to tell her that he was the one writing the letters, that she was the reason he couldn't sleep at night, the reason his heart raced every time she smiled. But the words wouldn't come out. Not here. Not now.

Instead, he took a step closer, his arms wrapping around her shoulders as he pulled her into a tight hug. His lips brushed her forehead, lingering there as he whispered, "Thank you... for everything, Ari."

She looked up at him, her face puzzled. "For what?"

He swallowed, his throat tightening. "For just... being here." For being the reason I breathe... But he couldn't say that out loud. Not yet. Instead, he just smiled, his eyes betraying the storm inside him. "I... I'll see you tomorrow."

Aria hesitated, a flicker of something passing through her eyes, but then she nodded, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Yeah... tomorrow."

As she walked away, Ethan's heart ached with everything he left unsaid. But tomorrow... Tomorrow, he would finally tell her the truth.

Or at least, that's what he hoped.