Chapter 29
Even though Haley knew the ring was a gift from Aaron, she was indifferent as she chased it around the hall. Ellie watched, feeling a deep sense of betrayal. She realized how naive she had been, and the whole situation felt ironic. She had believed in their friendship, their connection, but now it all seemed so distant, so out of reach.
Aaron gently wiped away Ellie’s tears. His voice was calm, but there was a quiet strength in it. “Ellie, if you’re more sad than happy, it’s time to walk away,” he said, his words soothing her. “You know life’s ups and downs. Breakups aren’t the end of the world.”
He paused, looking into her eyes, his hand still resting on her shoulder. “I can get another ring, find someone else, but losing the courage to face challenges is the real loss. Never feel inferior. Self-respect is your inner strength. If that person isn’t in your heart, they can’t hurt your self-respect.”
Ellie hugged Aaron tightly, crying into his chest. She had meant to comfort him, to lift him up, but somehow, he ended up comforting her instead. She whispered through her tears, “Aaron, I’ll listen to you. We’ll work hard together, and we won’t let other things get to us.”
As long as she could erase Alex from her mind and seal her heart again, she wouldn’t feel the pain anymore. She could find a way to move on, even if it meant letting go of everything she thought she understood.
Back at the apartment, Ellie lay awake in bed, unable to sleep. She knew Aaron was likely awake too. Aaron had given up a well-paying side job and used all his savings to buy the ring for Haley. He’d avoided public acknowledgment of their relationship, all for her sake. Everything he did showed how much Haley meant to him.
He spoke lightly about it, but Ellie knew the pain was there. He must have been hurting, but his responsibilities kept him from giving in to despair. He was a rock for her, and she hated seeing him suffer in silence.
The next morning, Ellie received a call from Haley. She met her at the corner outside their neighborhood, unsure of what to expect.
As the car window rolled down, Haley’s voice came through, sounding hoarse, almost as if she had been crying. “It’s really sunny out here. Get in the car.”
Ellie hesitated, standing by the car door, not making any move to get inside. “I’m good; let’s just talk here?”
Haley lowered her head, her hands gripping the steering wheel. After a brief pause, she spoke softly, “Ellie, I tried calling Aaron, but he said he’s busy and wouldn’t meet me. Do you know where he moved? Can you take me to him?”
Ellie hesitated, the words caught in her throat. “Haley, about Alex…”
Haley’s voice softened, almost apologetic. “You know my parents don’t want me with Aaron. They’ve been trying to set me up with Alex. I didn’t tell you guys about my birthday because I was worried about an awkward situation.”
She paused, looking out the window. “I didn’t expect you to show up, and I definitely didn’t expect Aaron to have a ring. I’m really confused and don’t know how to talk to him about it.”
Ellie stared at Haley, surprised. “So, you’re saying Alex has really shaken up your feelings?”
Haley hesitated, her eyes flickering with uncertainty. She looked away, her silence speaking volumes.
Ellie’s disappointment was palpable. She looked away, a bitter taste in her mouth. Misunderstandings didn’t exist; they were just the truth. Behind every excuse was a deeper reason that couldn’t be ignored.
Ellie took a deep breath, her voice almost desperate. “Haley, Aaron has worked so hard for you. I don’t know what the future holds, but if you’re giving up, please tell him directly. Let him keep some dignity, okay?”
Haley looked at Ellie, her expression softening, but the distance between them was growing. Ellie could feel it—something was changing. Haley wasn’t the girl she once knew. It was as if all the things Ellie had believed about their friendship were unraveling, piece by piece.
Ellie stood there, waiting for Haley’s response, but the silence stretched on, thick and heavy. She wasn’t sure what she was expecting, but deep down, she knew this conversation wasn’t going to go the way she had hoped.
