One year later.
Caleb gets back in Rosewood. He pulls into the driveway of his grandfather's house, and after getting out of the car, he opens one of the rear doors and Chocolate gets out of the car as well. Yes, he has kept the dog.
A year ago, the night of the storm, he and Chocolate spent the night in his grandfather's house. It was really hard for Caleb to be there, but he did it for the dog who was scared as hell. Caleb gave him a safe place to stay.
The morning after the storm was sunny, and Caleb wanted to let the dog go back home, he opened the front door and told him to go away, he tried to make him go back to his owner, because it was obvious that a dog as beautiful as that, and so well cared for, belonged to someone. But Chocolate didn't go away, no matter how much Caleb tried to kick him out. And when the dog ran after his car for ten blocks when he started to drive away, Caleb didn't have the heart to abandon him, and although he knew it wasn't the right thing to do, he couldn't stand staying one more minute in that town to take time to look for the dog's owner himself, it was just too much for him, so he just gave in and took Chocolate with him.
And well, now, a year after, there they are, back at that house. Caleb has inherited it shortly after his visit to Rosewood, since he was the only family left that his grandfather had, and although he chose to go on with his life the way it was instead of going back there, and it worked perfectly for him for some time, now he is back and ready to face the situation.
Caleb "Well, we've got a lot of work to do in here…" he says to the dog while taking a look around once they step into the house.
No one has been in that house after them. The furniture is covered by sheets and all the superficies are covered by a dust coat as well.
Caleb approaches one of the windows and after opening the curtains, he opens the window to let in some fresh air. After doing the same with every window of the house, he takes the sheets off the furniture, uncovering everything, and then grabs a broom and gets started working.
/
Hanna wakes up hearing an annoying ringtone coming from a phone.
Hanna "Why don't you just put your phone on silent?" she says a little annoyed, before even opening her eyes.
Jordan "Sorry, babe" he presses a kiss against her temple before taking his phone from the bedside table "It must be important" he gets up from the bed and puts on his underwear while taking the call.
Hanna finally opens her eyes and sees Jordan getting in the bathroom. They are in their luxury suite at the Radley Hotel, which is managed by Ashley, Hanna's mom.
Hanna has moved in with Jordan to New York six months ago, well, to New York is just a way to say it, because they spend most of the time traveling, going here and there because of his job and Hanna has been accompanying him wherever he goes.
Hanna has gotten back to Rosewood about a week ago to visit her mother and her friends, and well, to show them the amazing diamond ring she has been wearing since a month ago when Jordan proposed to her. Her fiancée has joined her just a couple of days ago after getting back from one of his business trips. Although Ashley has invited Jordan to stay in her house, Jordan politely refused her invitation by saying he would rather stay at a hotel, not to be a nuisance. Hanna knew the real reason, Jordan is kind of special when it comes to his personal space and all that stuff. She has noticed that when she moved in with him, she could swear he felt a little invaded at first. So, she managed to come out with the best solution, she asked her mom for that suite at the Radley and that way, Ashley was able to be the "host" and Jordan didn't really have to stay at her house.
A few minutes later, Hanna is still lying in the bed, looking at the ceiling, absent-minded, when Jordan comes out from the bathroom and goes sits on the edge of the bed next to her.
Jordan "Morning" he smiles at her as he places his palm on the mattress at the other side of her and leans in to press a quick peck on Hanna's lips.
Hanna "Morning, babe" she smiles back.
Jordan "You okay?"
Hanna nods although she has a knot in the throat, but her watery eyes betray her.
Jordan "What's wrong?"
Hanna shakes her head "I was just thinking… it has been a year since Chocolate went missing…" she sighs and a single tear escapes from one of her eyes "I still had the hope I could find him when I came here… I still do… I keep looking out the window when I am at my mom's and I still hope that he will appear running down the street, I also… I didn't say this to you, but I have gotten back at looking for him these days… I went for some drives this week before you came… just to see if I could find him somewhere… I even went to the park where I used to take him to see if he was there with some other family…"
Jordan "I knew you weren't ready to come back here, I shouldn't have let you come back"
Hanna "I know… I promised you I wouldn't get back at all that… I'm sorry, I let you down"
Jordan "Han…" he takes her hand "I know how much you loved that dog, but you need to get over it, and you won't be able to do that until you accept that he is gone… I hate to tell you this, but I have to be honest with you, if he was still here in Rosewood, you would have found him long ago, I mean, a huge dog like him is really hard to forget, you practically wrapped the city with his picture, someone would have called you if they had seen him… it's been a year, baby"
Hanna just nods as her tears wet her cheeks. She tries to calm down and takes a deep breath.
Jordan wipes some of her tears before standing up from the bed. He goes take some clothes from the closet and starts to put them on.
Hanna "Where are you going?" she asks calmer "Come here, I need some cuddles"
Jordan "We have to go, Han"
Hanna "Why? We are not getting together with my mom until lunch…"
Jordan "No, I mean, we are leaving Rosewood… it was George on the phone, my dad needs me there in Washington, we are leaving in two hours, he is already arranging our flight, they are sending my dad's private plane to pick us up"
Jordan's father is running for president and George is Jordan's father's campaign manager, who is also one of Jordan's closest friends from college.
Hanna "Wait, what?!" she sits up straight on the bed, holding the sheets in her hands to keep her naked body covered.
Jordan "I'm sorry, we have to leave"
Hanna "But we were supposed to stay here for another week"
Jordan "I know, Han… but you know how these things are, I must go"
Hanna sighs "Well, you go, I'll stay here"
Jordan "Come on, Han… I'm not leaving you here on your own, and much less after what you just told me" he says as he starts to take the rest of his clothes from the closet and put them back in his suitcase.
Hanna "On my own? My mom is here, my friends are here"
Jordan "Yeah, and neither of them noticed you were looking for your dog again…"
Hanna "They did… but they don't think it's a bad thing, Emily also came with me to the park a few times"
Jordan "Hanna, you were looking for that dog for months, you were a mess, you barely ate, you were sad all the time, I don't want you to get back to that, I don't want them to keep feeding your hopes like that, they all know that that dog won't appear, I know he won't appear, you are the only one left who has to come around and accept it, and they are not helping with that at all, they are not making any good to you. I'm the only one trying to bring you back to reality, I know it hurts, but you have to face the situation, Hanna, your dog won't just show up at your front door"
Hanna "I don't need you to make me aware of anything, it's okay if you think that way, but I don't need you to tell me those things, I just needed a hug, you know? At least my friends are there for me no matter what they think"
Jordan "You think I'm not here for you?"
Hanna gets up from the bed, grabs her bathrobe from a chair and after putting it on, she gets in the bathroom.
Jordan "I've been there for you at your worst moments, Hanna, and I'm still here… you should reconsider that ring on your finger if you think I'm not good for you" he says against the door.
Hanna opens the bathroom door "No, I'm sorry… I'm an idiot" she wraps her arms around him "I'm a little touchy today… I know you only want to help me out"
Jordan "It's okay, baby" he wraps his arms around her as well and he presses a kiss on the top of her head "Go get ready, we have to leave… we need to hurry up, we are going to say goodbye to your mother before we leave" he releases her and goes back to pack his stuff.
Hanna "Are you sure we can't stay just one more night? We were supposed to get together with my friends tonight, that was very important for me, you barely saw them yesterday, I really wanted them to get to know you better, it was gonna be so fun, they are so fun"
Jordan "I'm sorry babe, I must get there in Washington today"
Hanna nods "OK…" she says and starts to pack her things as well.
Once their suitcases are packed and they are about to leave their suite, Hanna changes her mind.
Hanna "You know what?" she starts to say, making Jordan turn to look at her "I was thinking… you go now, and I'll catch up with you tomorrow… I can't leave without saying goodbye to my friends… and I really want to see them tonight… would you mind if I stay one more night?"
Jordan approaches her and takes her hands "It's okay" he gives her a smile "Just promise me you will get there tomorrow, George mentioned an important dinner with all these important politicians tomorrow night at my father's and I really need you there, you must be there"
Hanna smiles back "I'll be there"
Jordan "Perfect. See you tomorrow, then" he pecks her lips and releases her hands to check the time on his wrist watch "Oh, god, it's late… I should leave now"
Hanna "Wait, aren't you going to say goodbye to my mom? Thought we would stop by at her office before leaving, she is just a few floors down"
Jordan "Well, yes… but… that was because you were leaving too… but… can't you just say goodbye to her for me?"
Hanna "Yes, sure, but…"
Jordan "Great! Send her my greetings and tell her I'm very grateful to her, I had a really good time" he says as he opens the door and drags his suitcase to the hallway, then he approaches Hanna and pecks her lips once more "I love you" he says quickly while going out the door and he closes it before Hanna can say anything.
/
Meanwhile.
Caleb is still cleaning up the house when Toby shows up and stands at the frame of the front door, which is wide open.
Toby "Hey! You are back"
Caleb turns around and gives him a smile "Hey! Toby, right?" he says while approaching him.
Toby nods and they shake hands.
Caleb "Nice to see you again"
Toby "Likewise"
Caleb "Please, come in… I would offer you something to drink… but I just got here like an hour ago, and I have literally nothing"
Toby chuckles "It's okay, man… I just came to say hi" he says while going in "So… are you keeping the house? Are you planning to stay?"
Caleb just shrugs.
Toby "I thought you weren't gonna come back… I mean, I came to see you that Monday when I got back in town and you were already gone, and it's been a year, I assumed you would just sell the house…"
Caleb "Well… this house needs a makeover… I wanna do some renovations… I guess I'll just take care of that and then I'll decide what to do with the house… I'm not sure right now"
Toby nods "Makes sense"
Caleb "I also want to renovate the furniture… I was thinking of donating all these and well… give away my grandpa's stuff too…"
Toby stares at him "You sure?"
Caleb "Yeah… don't get me wrong, I mean, it's not like I want to get rid of all my grandpa's stuff… but I just think there's no point keeping material things... Anyway, I know you were close to him, so you can keep whatever you want, that's why I'm telling you this"
Toby gives him a smile "Thanks man… there's a fishing rod he used to lend me when he took me fishing when I was a child that means a lot to me…"
Caleb cuts him off "Say no more, it's yours"
Toby smiles again "So, do you need some help here? I'm very handy when it comes to woodwork, and other construction stuff… I could give you a hand"
Caleb "Sure… that would be great… I mean, I do it pretty well when it comes to computer stuff, technology… and I also know a little about electricity… but I'm not so good with tools and home repairs"
Toby "Okay, I'll come over tomorrow with my tools… I gotta go now, but I'll give you my phone number just in case you need anything, I mean, I'm right in the house next door, let me know anything"
Caleb hands him his phone "Thanks"
Toby adds his phone number on Caleb's phone and then he hands it back.
Toby "OK, see you tomorrow, Caleb"
Caleb "See you around, and again, thanks a lot"
Toby "Oh, it's nothing" he says as he goes out the door.
/
Hanna gets to the Radley Hotel's restaurant where her mom is sitting at a table. She walks toward her, dragging her suitcase along.
Hanna "Hi, mom"
Ashley "Hi, sweetie…" she looks up at her daughter and notices her suitcase "What are you doing with that? Where's Jordan?"
Hanna leaves the suitcase aside and sits at the table "He had to leave… he took a plane to Washington a while ago… I'm staying with you in the house tonight and then I'll go to Washington as well tomorrow"
Ashley "He left?" she asks surprised.
Hanna "Yeah, he got a call this morning and well…"
Ashley "He could have stopped by to say goodbye at least" she rolls her eyes.
Hanna sighs "It was an emergency, mom. He had to leave in a rush… he sent you his greetings"
Ashley "Do you really need to go tomorrow? I thought you would stay for another week" she says, changing the subject.
Hanna "Yes, mom… there's an important dinner we have to attend tomorrow"
Ashley "Can't you skip it? I miss you, stay a few days more at least" she takes Hanna's hand.
Hanna "I can't, mom… I have to be there… but I promise, I'll come visit you soon" she gives her a smile.
Ashley smiles back "OK… what are you taking?" she asks as she hands her the menu.
Hanna "Just a salad, I think" she says while taking the menu to give it a read.
/
That afternoon.
Caleb "OK, buddy, let's go for a walk" he says as he puts the dog on his leash.
After working hard in the house all day long, Caleb decides to take the dog for a walk and take the opportunity to know the neighborhood himself. He goes out the house with Chocolate and starts walking away by the sidewalk.
/
Hanna gets out of a cab in front of Ashley's house and after the driver takes her suitcase from the trunk, she takes it and walks to the front door while looking for her keys into her purse.
When Caleb shows up around the corner of that street, Chocolate immediately starts pulling on his leash.
Caleb "Hey, easy there, buddy" he says while pulling from the leash too, trying to control the dog "Hey!" he says firmly to the dog again, but he keeps pulling on the leash harder.
Hanna is still focused on looking for her keys when Chocolate's leash slides off Caleb's hands and the dog runs toward her.
Chocolate jumps on her and makes her fall on the grass of the front garden.
Hanna "Oh my god!" she says completely shocked "Oh my god!" she says again, excited, while wrapping her arms around the dog "Chocolate!" she says as she starts to tear up fiercely.
Caleb, who ran after the dog, stands before Hanna "I'm so sorry, he has never done this before, he just-" he says as he takes the dog leash back in his hand but he falls silent when he sees that the blond girl that his dog just took down is crying while hugging the animal and that confuses him.
Hanna "I can't believe you are here" she says, while sitting up, still hugging her dog "I thought I would never see you again, baby" she presses a kiss on the dog's fur and that's when Caleb gets what is going on.
Caleb just stands there, shocked by the situation happening in front of his eyes, unable to believe it.
Hanna finally gets back on her feet and keeps greeting her dog with a huge smile on her face although her tears keep rolling down her cheeks "Hi, baby! You are back home!" she says to the happy dog that doesn't stop wagging his tail.
That's when Caleb gets to see that girl's face and if he was already shocked by the situation, that beautiful face of her doesn't help at all, and when those big blue eyes finally look at him, he is not capable of saying a word.
Hanna "You found my dog" she says to him.
Caleb "Are you sure this is your dog?" he asks a no-brainer question because it's pretty obvious that the dog loves her, but that stupid question is all that comes out from his mouth.
Hanna raises an eyebrow at him.
Caleb is still speechless so Hanna goes on.
Hanna "So, you are not here to return him home?" she stares at him.
Caleb "I just… I just got in the town today… I'm not from here… I didn't even know he was-"
Hanna "My dog?" she says annoyed now.
Caleb nods while running one of his hands through his hair.
Hanna "So, how the shit did you end up with my dog, then?" she says while snatching the leash from his hand.
Caleb "I just found him one night I stopped by the town…"
Hanna "So, you found a dog that clearly belonged to someone else and you just took it out of the town?"
Caleb "No, I just…"
Hanna stares at him.
Caleb "Well, yes, but it wasn't like that, I… can we talk about this? Let me explain myself… I kind of… love that dog, I would like to-"
Hanna "Sorry, what?" she laughs sarcastically "You fucking took my dog and now you expect me to talk to you and, what? Let you keep him for another year maybe? Share him with you? A visiting schedule? I don't know how you call it, but when someone takes something that belongs to someone else, that's stealing"
Caleb "Look, I… I didn't steal your dog, he just came to me during that storm, and well… What was I supposed to do? I tried to make him go back home the day after, but he didn't go away, in fact, he ran after my car, I had to take him with me, I had no other option" he speaks fast.
Hanna "Yes, you had, you could have stayed in the town and help him make it back home, it would have been really easy to get to me, I was looking for him too"
Caleb "I couldn't stay, but believe me, it wasn't my intention to steal your dog… can we talk, please?"
Hanna "Of course not! Just go away! You, freaking thief!"
Caleb "Please, let's just talk… I'll give you my phone number, I really want to keep seeing him"
Hanna "Are you fucking crazy? Go away before I call the police! I have proof that this is my dog. I don't wanna see you around ever again… keep away from my dog" she says as she takes her suitcase "Come on, Chocolate" she says while going into the house with the dog.
Chocolate. Caleb finally gets to know the dog's name.
Caleb "Please" he says again, but Hanna slams the door shut.
Hey guys! I'm so glad you liked the idea! :) thank you for leaving reviews, I hope you keep it up because I love learning what you think while reading my story!
And, OMG! Last PLL episode was sooooooooo good! (I'm talking about the HALEB part, of course). They are just so amazing, so cute :D I can't wait for the next episode!