Sunlight spills through the windows of the cozy café, dappling the small tables and comfortable decor. Fiona and I sit across one of the small tables from one another with a few small bites between us. The conversation between us flows as easily as it always does, as we catch one another up on our
I rub my forehead. I can feel a headache coming on already. “That’s what I’m afraid of,” I admit. “Your life has gotten crazy,” Fiona says emphatically. “I can’t even imagine living like you. It’s like you’re in some sort of dramatic TV show or something.” “Or something,” I echo. Fiona and I s
My assailant's grip tightens around my wrist, dragging me further into the darkness of my apartment. He kicks the door shut behind us as we go. Unmitigated panic surges through my veins as I struggle desperately against the relentless force. Again and again, I attempt to rip my attacker's hand off o
“Send an ambulance, too,” I add on quickly. I hang up the phone before I can hear the operator's response. My body trembles with urgency as I fall to my knees beside Aiden. Aiden cranes his neck to look up at me. “Carol, are you okay?” He asks. His voice is thin — it’s obvious he’s suffering. I ch
Aiden winces as he adjusts himself on the uncomfortable hospital bed. The doctors have put his foot in a bulky cast now. I sit beside him, my hands fidgeting uncontrollably as waves of concern wash over me. “How are you feeling?” I ask softly. I reach out a hand to take his, but I hesitate. I can’
My heart drops. Some part of me had wondered absently if Aiden’s family might have something to do with all of this, but to have Aiden say it truly confirmed how far things have spiraled. “Do you think they would do something like this?” I ask at last. “I mean, I know they don’t approve of me, b
I can’t help but feel touched despite their clumsy delivery. Their awkwardness and stilted conversation with Aiden betray their genuine concern for him. It warms my heart to see them come to their teammate’s side in his time of need. One evening, Aiden is admitted to the hospital, his childhood
Aiden swallows hard and nods. “Oh? What are you considering?” He says. His voice is rough and low, and it sends a shiver down my spine. “Well,” I say, my voice playful, “I know you can’t move very much. You probably won’t be able to touch me. But…” I trail off meaningfully. Aiden is hanging on to