Never Just Friends

Hanna’s Resolve

Hanna slipped back out of earshot just as Finn turned to rejoin her, his face tight with frustration. He gave her a reassuring smile, but she could see the tension in his eyes, the worry that lingered just below the surface.

“I’m sorry about that,” he murmured, slipping his hand into hers.

“It’s… okay,” she replied, though her voice was a little shaky. She forced a smile, trying to ignore the gnawing feeling in her chest. “You should be with your family. I don’t want to make this harder on you.”

Finn’s eyes softened, and he gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “I want you here, Hanna. Don’t let them make you feel like you don’t belong.”

But despite his words, Hanna could feel the weight of the evening pressing down on her. She glanced around the room, catching Mrs. Callahan’s gaze lingering on her with that familiar, scrutinizing look. Part of her wanted to make up some excuse, to leave before the tension mounted any further. She didn’t want to be a source of conflict, not for Finn.

Yet as she stood there, she felt a new wave of determination well up within her. She could either let his parents’ judgment push her out, or she could stand her ground and show them that she wasn’t going anywhere. This was her choice, and if she truly cared about Finn, she owed it to him—and to herself—to stay.

Taking a breath, Hanna lifted her chin and walked over to Mrs. Callahan, who was deep in conversation with one of her friends. The woman looked up, slightly surprised to see Hanna standing there.

“Mrs. Callahan,” Hanna said politely, her voice calm and steady. “I wanted to thank you for having me here tonight. It means a lot to be part of something important to Finn.”

Mrs. Callahan’s polite smile barely reached her eyes. “Well, dear, it’s lovely to have you. I’m glad you could see what our family gatherings are like,” she replied, her tone cool.

Hanna nodded, meeting her gaze without wavering. “I know how much family means to Finn,” she said, her voice unwavering. “And I respect that. He’s been nothing but supportive, and I want you to know I’ll always support him too, no matter what he decides.”

Mrs. Callahan’s smile tightened, a flicker of surprise in her eyes at Hanna’s words. “That’s… very admirable of you, Hanna. But I do hope you understand that life in Finn’s world isn’t as simple as… words of support.”

Hanna kept her gaze steady. “I understand that,” she replied quietly. “But I care about Finn. And that isn’t something I’m willing to give up.”

Mrs. Callahan’s eyes narrowed slightly, her expression unreadable as she took in Hanna’s words. But Hanna held her ground, her heart pounding, feeling a newfound resolve settle within her. She wasn’t here to prove herself or to earn anyone’s approval—she was here because she loved Finn, and she wasn’t going to let his family’s judgment take that from her.

After a moment, Mrs. Callahan simply nodded, the faintest hint of a challenge in her gaze. “Very well, Hanna,” she murmured. “We’ll see.”