Between Three Hearts

HAZEL There I stood, rooted to the spot outside my favorite restaurant, my grin fading faster than a popsicle. Inside, two all-too-familiar faces made my stomach churn. "Seriously?" I groaned. "This town's like a goldfish bowl, I swear." Of all the people to run into, it had to be them, looking all lovey-dovey. Ugh, gag me. Suddenly, a memory slapped me upside the head. That day's still etched in my brain, clear as day. All I wanted was one measly birthday dance with Ethan. Was that too much to ask? But no, he had to go and act like I was invisible. In front of everyone. Talk about wanting the ground to swallow you whole! And what I didn't understand is why he brought his new fling, Elise to my birthday! "Bet he planned this whole show just to twist the knife," I muttered. Since high school, I've been trying to catch Ethan's attention, but despite my efforts, it always seemed like I was invisible to him. But then Elise, this newbie in town, snags his attention without even trying. Oh c'mon! "What's her secret?" I wondered. I don't mean to boast, but I am much more beautiful than she is. When it comes to family wealth, there's a vast difference between us! So, what's she got that I don't? To make matters worse, I've become the town's favorite joke because this newcomer outpaced me. It hurts, but I'm not one to back down easily. I let out a sigh that could deflate a bouncy castle. But you know what? Enough's enough. "Time to step up my game!" I declared. I flipped my hair back, mustered my courage, and marched towards the restaurant. It's now or never. Ethan is my soulmate - I can't just stand by and watch her swoop in. I've been on this wild ride for years, and my patience is wearing thinner than bargain-brand toilet paper. I've lost count of all his flings while I've been stuck in this mess. I've never considered anyone else because that place in my heart was always reserved for him. As I strode on, I started cooking up my next move - and I couldn't help but smirk. I was just a breath away from Ethan's table, teetering on the edge of the dining area. Life certainly has a knack for surprising us, doesn't it? "Oh, crap!" I muttered, feeling my foot slide on the slick floor. My stomach lurched as I started to fall. It's funny how time seems to slow down in moments like these, isn't it? I flailed like a drunk octopus, desperately trying to stay upright. But this floor was slipperier than a buttered eel! I was going down, no two ways about it. Then, a glimmer of hope! I spotted a guy nearby and reached out. But he just stood there, staring at me like I was some YouTube fail compilation come to life. And just like that, my grand entrance turns into a grand disaster. Thud! I hit the floor with all the grace of a sack of bricks. "Ow!" I whimpered, feeling the tears welling up. I can feel everyone's eyes boring into me, hear their not-so-subtle whispers. I try to hide my face, but there's no escaping the humiliation And Ethan... he saw it all. Just perfect! A kind server rushed over. "You okay, hon?" she asked. "Do I look okay?" I snapped, still smarting from the fall. She wisely kept quiet and continued helping. Then there was Mr. Useless Bystander. I shot him my best 'if looks could kill' glare, secretly hoping he might take a tumble too. But he just grinned, clearly enjoying the show. Oh, it was so on. His grin grew wider. The nerve of this guy! This wasn't over. Not by a long shot. He'd better watch his step. Next time we crossed paths, he'd be the one eating floor. But for now, I was done. I decided to cut my losses and head straight home. At home, the moment I saw Dad, I launched myself at him, tears flowing freely. The fall didn't hurt much physically, but it opened the floodgates of emotion. "Hazel, what's wrong?" Dad's voice was laced with concern, but I just sobbed harder and clung tighter. "Hazel, everything alright?" Mom called from the kitchen. "Mom!!!" I broke away from Dad and dashed to her for another hug. Being an only child, I've always been their little princess. They've always made sure I wanted for nothing, and then some. "What happened, Hazel?" Dad pressed, walking over. I released Mom, feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over me. "I'm just...so embarrassed!!!" I blurted out. "What?" Mom looked puzzled. I paused, my voice catching in my throat. "I fell! And...and...this guy just stood there...watching..." The words died on my lips as the very dude I was ranting about steps out of the kitchen. My body went rigid, heart pounding like a jackhammer. "Mom...Dad...who's this?" I stammered, eyes ping-ponging between them, still reeling from the day's chaos. They exchanged puzzled looks. "You don't recognize him?" Mom prodded. "It's Noah," Dad chimed in. "Noah?!" I gasped, whirling to face him. "Is that really you?" My shock was as subtle as a neon sign. "The one and only! Still your future hubby, remember?" he quipped with a cheeky grin. Flustered, I ducked behind Dad like a shy toddler. Holy guacamole. Just... wow. Noah? My kindergarten crush? The boy I once swore I'd marry? This can't be real life. He's so... different now. Taller, more built. Even that plain white tee can't hide those arms. I wonder if he's got abs too... Whoa, why am I even going there? Get a grip, Hazel! He's the enemy, remember? Wait a hot second... Did he deliberately ignore me earlier? The nerve of this guy! "Dad! He's the one who watched me make a fool of myself!" I accused, jabbing a finger at him. He kept a straight face, annoyingly handsome. "Uncle, Aunt, I have no clue what Hazel's on about. I was there, but I only saw her fall, not slip." How can he lie so smoothly? He's playing innocent. "Why wouldn't I help you, especially since—" He winked playfully. "Our wedding's still on, right?" He's clearly loving this. Ugh! "See, he says he didn't see you..." "Dad!" I can't believe he's siding with Noah. "Dad! I know what I saw! He watched me slip! I swear!" "Hazel..." Noah's voice sent shivers down my spine. He stepped closer, and I retreated behind Mom. "Don't be mad, I'm sorry even if I didn't do anything!" He's too good at this. He insisted he didn't see my mishap. Unbelievable!