#Chapter 67: Celebrate

Aria I hesitated for a moment but then nodded, following Darren as he led me to a fallen log near the edge of the clearing. He sat down and gestured for me to join him. I sat, but kept a small distance between us. “Listen,” Darren began, “I’ve been thinking a lot about what you said the other night.” My chest clenched at the reminder of that night. “I’m sorry for snapping at you,” I blurted out before he could continue. “I was out of line.” He shook his head. “No, you had every right to feel the way you did. And I realize now that maybe I haven’t been as fair as I thought.” I glanced at him, surprised by his admission. “What do you mean?” He sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. “I never intended to give you special treatment, Aria. But looking back, I can see how it might have seemed that way. Subconsciously, perhaps I was softer with you.” “Darren, I—” “Let me finish,” he said gently. “It’s hard not to be, considering our histor