Chapter 4

Present times

**Hanna's POV**

The classroom buzzed with the usual hum of disinterest as I sat in the middle, my black curls pulled back into a violet velvet ponytail.

I could feel the weight of my classmates’ eyes occasionally drifting my way, but I was lost in my own world, scribbling furiously in my diary with a pen that matched my dress. I wore a violet dress that day, an effort to express myself even in the mundane setting of school, but my mind was elsewhere.

Mrs. Smith, our stern teacher with her sharp gaze and no-nonsense attitude, was droning on about human rights.

I usually tuned out, but today was different.

Something was gnawing at me, a persistent worry that I couldn’t shake off.

I slipped my AirPods in, drowning out the world around me, focusing instead on the swirling thoughts in my head as my pen danced across the pages of my diary.

“Hey, young miss!” Mrs. Smith’s voice cut through my reverie like a knife.

I jolted, my heart racing as I realized the attention of the entire class was now on me. Great.

I kept my AirPods in for a moment longer, hoping to feign ignorance, but I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks. “Sorry, teach. Got a lot on my mind today,” I muttered, reluctantly pulling them out.

I knew that look in her eyes; she could see right through my facade.

“Trouble at home, dear?” she asked gently, her tone softening.

I shrugged, not wanting to divulge anything.

Mrs. Smith had a knack for sensing when something was off, and today was no exception.

The class murmured, amused by this rare glimpse of vulnerability from their usually aloof classmate.

“Thanks, Mrs. S,” I said, offering a small smile.

Maybe I would talk to her later, when the weight of my worries felt lighter.

For now, I tried to focus back on her lecture, but my mind was still tangled in my thoughts.

Mrs. Smith wasn’t done with me yet. “What do you think of an eye for an eye? If you were a judge and encountered that kind of victim, how would you handle the case?” she posed, her gaze fixed on me once more.

The room fell silent, all eyes on me, and I could feel my palms beginning to sweat as I rubbed my elbows—a telltale sign of my nerves.

From across the room, I heard Matthew whisper, “Jeez, bro, Hanna’s nervous already.” I shot him a quick glance, my heart racing.

“Uh…” I stammered, scrambling to find the right words, but before I could formulate a coherent thought, the loud GRIM GRIM GRIM of the dismissal bell rang through the room.

Relief washed over me as I packed my things. I had narrowly escaped having to answer that question in front of the entire class.

As my classmates filed out, I took a moment to revisit my diary.

I scanned the quote I had written earlier: “If you look back only at your mistakes, you’d think you were an idiot. If you look back only at your wiser choices, you’d think you were infallible…”

I paused, adding my own reflection: “But if you look back on everything, you realize you’re a human being who has been through a lot, grown a lot, is always still learning, and improving as time goes by.”

Almost everyone had left the classroom when I heard Mrs. Smith call out, “Hanna!” I turned back, surprised.

She was standing behind her desk, her expression serious yet kind. “Will you meet me in my office later?” It was more of a statement than a question.

I nodded hastily and hurried out, my mind racing with questions.

As I navigated the bustling hallway, I felt a familiar voice call out behind me.

“Hi Hanna, where are you off to in a hurry?” It was Matthew, falling into step beside me. I slowed my pace, still contemplating Mrs. Smith’s request.

“Mrs. S shouldn’t worry you, you know,” he said, glancing at me with concern.

I remained silent, lost in thought. “I heard you before, Mat,” I finally replied. “How did you know I was nervous back there?”

He grinned, the corners of his mouth lifting in that easy way that made me feel a little lighter. “C’mon, Hanna. It’s been over a year now. I know you rub your elbows when you’re nervous. Same for me—when I’m nervous, I clear my throat.”

I nodded, a smile creeping onto my face. “Or tap your thigh repeatedly,” I added, and we both chuckled, comfortable in our shared understanding.

Matthew Dawson, at 6’9”, towered over most of our classmates.

He was the star player of the Silverline University basketball team, handsome with his low haircut, and the crush of many girls. “You know you’re smart, Hanna,” he said sincerely, his tone earnest. “I don’t know why you tried to feign ignorance to Mrs. Smith’s question. Hope everything’s alright.”

I shrugged, not wanting to delve into my feelings. “I’m okay, I guess. And you know I wouldn’t have answered even if I did know what to say.”

He playfully nudged my arm, and I felt a warmth spread through me.

“Now where are you off to?” I asked, eager to change the subject.

“Training. Will you come watch me?” he invited, his eyes hopeful.

I hesitated, feeling the weight of my busy day pressing on me. “Oh, sorry, Mat. Next time, please. I have a lot going on today.”

“Okay, Hanna Hamilton, off you go!” he replied in an exaggeratedly bitter tone, though his eyes sparkled with understanding.

I shot him a subtle look, knowing he didn’t really mean it.

As we parted ways in the hallway, I turned back and playfully called out, “Don’t be angry, please!” I rubbed my palms together in a faux pleading gesture, a glint of mischief in my eyes.

Matthew shook his head, feigning annoyance, but I could see the grin creeping back onto his face. Our friendship was strong enough to weather a little playful banter, and I appreciated that.

With a smile and a wave, I hurried off to my next commitment, leaving Matthew to make his way to basketball practice.

The familiar rhythm of our friendship warmed my heart, even as I prepared for whatever awaited me in Mrs. Smith’s office later.

As I walked away, I couldn’t shake the feeling that today was different. The weight of my worries still lingered, but the support of my friends, especially Matthew, made it a little easier to bear.

I took a deep breath, reminding myself that I was still learning, still growing, and that was okay.