Aiden’s POV – The Night He Stood Cheryl Up
The plan was simple. Meet Cheryl. Tell her the truth. Be with her.
I had imagined it already—the way her face would light up when she saw the picnic I had set up. The way the ocean breeze would tangle in her hair, the way I’d sit next to her, close enough to reach out and touch her hand. Just me, her, and the waves.
And then, just as I was getting ready, Anika called.
I almost didn’t pick up. Almost. But something in her voice made me pause. A tremble. A sharp breath. I had known her long enough to recognize when something was wrong.
"Aiden, can you come over?"
"Anika, I can’t right now—"
"Please. Just for a second."
It was stupid. I should have said no. I should have ignored the call and gone straight to Cheryl like I was supposed to. But
