Page 67 of We're At It Again

Tears glistened in his eyes as he pulled me into a tight embrace.

“We’re going to have a lot of time together, kid.” He said. “I promise you.”

We held each other, crying on each other’s shoulders, finding solace in our shared pain and love. Our shared bond warmed the winter air wrapped around us. Moving forward didn’t mean letting go.

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39

LUNA

I SAT IN MY ROOM, feeling sad and frustrated. Today was Valentine’s Day. Hudson’s absence had dampened my eagerly awaited day. I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling, feeling my stomach churn back and forth.

A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. Maya entered her expression one of concern and curiosity.

“Have you been in bed all day?” she asked, sitting down on the edge.

I sighed, hugging my pillow to my chest.

“Today is the worst Valentine’s Day ever.”

She frowned, but there was a glimpse of a mischievous smile.

“Don’t be so dramatic.” she said, before handing me an envelope. “I feel like the day is about to get better.”

I sat up and took the letter, recognizing the familiar handwriting. My curiosity piqued. My heart skipped a beat as Maya exited the room with a wink. With trembling fingers, I opened it.

To, Snow:

Every time we’ve established something in our relationship, I sabotage it. I’ve often left without explaining, but I won’t anymore.

I’ve missed many years with you and refuse to miss more. I ruined something sacred to us, but I’ll make it right. Meet me where our treehouse used to be. I’ll be waiting.

P.S. I’m not worthy of being your Valentine, but I’m honored you chose me despite it.

Love,

Your Hudson.

A wide smile spread across my face as I finished reading the letter. The thought of seeing him again and revisiting a place filled with cherished memories brought me joy. Until I remembered the tragedy that followed that day. However, I was determined to move on. Keeping that in mind, I quickly got out of bed and changed into warm attire. I grabbed my coat and rushed out of my room, my heart racing.

I arrived in the forest behind Hudson’s house. The late morning sun filtered through the trees, casting a soft glow on the path as I made my way toward our meeting spot. I breathed in the crisp, cool air, feeling my stomach bubbling.

Hudson was a few feet away, standing tall in his favorite Oasis shirt and leather jacket. His eyes lit up when he saw me. A loving smile spread across his face. I couldn’t help but smile back, my pace quickening until I reached him. We embraced, holding each other as if we feared the other would disappear. He withdrew, gazing at me with regret and hope.

“I’m so sorry for everything -” he began, but I placed a finger on his lips, silencing him.

“You have nothing to apologize for.” I said, my eyes softening with understanding.

His body relaxed. He placed a tender kiss on my forehead, grateful for my forgiveness. I pulled back, looking up at him with curiosity in my eyes.

“Why did you want to meet here?”

He got shy. His gaze dropped for a moment before meeting my eyes again.

“Do you remember the day I destroyed our treehouse?” he asked, his voice tinged with regret.

My mind flashed back to that painful memory, a few weeks after his mother’s death. I could remember the anger and sorrow in his eyes as he unexpectedly broke down and destroyed our beloved treehouse. His angered words still haunted me. It was the day he told me he wanted nothing to do with me.

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