His eyes mist over, as I let go and he gives me a watery smile before pushing out of the library.
I think over everything Maddie said about Emmet and Aeron and come to one conclusion. I guess I’m going away with Aeron and Emmet in a couple of weeks. That should be interesting.
I shake my thoughts away, pack up my things, and head outside. My guard trails behind as I watch one of the doctors carrying a packed lunch and disappearing through the gardens. It makes me think of Cole, and that only depresses me more. I feel as though I’m making a liar out of myself, I said I would be friends with him, and yet, I can’t be alone with Cole. Not even to have my hearing checked out.
Why did I ever think I could be friends with him? When all my senses were screaming at me to say no, and cut all ties. Then again, how can I when he works here? I have to at least be civil with him, and there really isn’t any reason for me not to be around him. He made it clear he doesn’t love me anymore, so everything should be fine. Only, he did go back on that when he thought I couldn’t hear him. Maybe it was out of context, and his ramblings about missed opportunities, and being blinded by the Harkwright lights were about something else. Maybe because I’m not that naive, not anymore.
I just need to make sure I don’t get ill or injured while he’s on rotation, or at least, keep it hidden long enough for the next doctor to come on the scene. That will be easier. Plus, he isn’t here right now. Although, I never really seem to have anything happen when he’s gone. It’s a hell of a coincidence, and I know that's all it is, but it’s still strange.
Tucker is in my room when the classes end for the day. It’s hard to get alone time with him, but I know it’s more important for him to be able to be with Isabelle then spend time with me. I’m inconsequential, and I don’t mind. His little girl is amazing, and I miss her. I know I only met her a couple of times, but she was so sweet, funny, and way too smart for her own good. Plus, she called me Elsa. I think it’s okay to count that as a compliment, even if the character is designed off a real life porn star. But she doesn’t know that, so yeah, a compliment. Damn, I’m internally rambling, and all I have to do is look at him.
“Hey, Tiny One, how you doing?”
“I’m good, and I’m sorry I ruined Valentine’s.” I stare at him through my lashes, and all he does is smirk at me.
“No skin off my back. You know I don’t get in for all that romantic bullshit. Besides, you still spent it with us instead of Emmet. I’m sure Aeron appreciated it.”
“He probably would have liked it more if I had consciously made it that way. I don’t want him to feel like a stand in, or for any of you guys to. You all mean something to me, and I think it’s safe to say that given half the chance, we could all bring something to this weird relationship thing” I wave my hand between us, and watch as his face falls.
“Go on then, Tiny One, what roles do you think we could all play? If this could actually work?” He sits up straight as he looks at me, and I slowly move closer.
“As a whole? I don’t know. I’d probably just be there to stop you from killing one another.” His mouth twitches at that, and I don’t try to fight my smile. “You would always tell me the truth, and I can never seem to keep my feelings bottled up where you’re concerned. I tell you more than I always plan to, it’s infuriating really, but I kinda like it.” I step between his legs and try to keep still. “Aeron would make sure I always have a reason to smile, and I would help to settle him. To realize that there is nothing wrong with the person he is, but that I will always help him and be there should he ever need someone to lean on. Thallon settles the darkness in me, calls to it when it’s needed, and helps me to unleash it in a more healthy way. And Emmet, well, I guess he would always push me to try harder, and never settle for something less than what I wanted. We’d argue, and butt heads more times than we could count, but in the end, it would always come back down to the fact that we care about each other, and just want to make sure that the other doesn’t forget that there is more to life than what they have always seen ahead.” My breath feels a little labored as I hold onto his shoulders, trying to draw some much needed strength, why does he always leave me feeling weak?
“What about Darius, or is he just a bit of fun for you? A way to slum it with the help.” His smile grows wide, and my fingers twitch with the need to punch his straight in the jaw. “Don’t even think about it, Tiny One. I won’t let you hit me.”
“Darius makes me feel safe, valued, and has never tried to make me into someone I’m not. He sees who I am, and that’s enough for him. He settles me.” I can’t look at him any longer, this is becoming too much, too fast.
His phone chose this moment to play a song from Frozen, and I laugh as he groans.
“Not a damn word, Isabelle chose it,” he says with narrow eyes, and my chest shakes as I try to hold back my laughter.
“I have to go, but you’ve given this more thought that I thought you had. Seems I’m the only one who hasn’t really considered how it could work. I just always assumed it couldn’t.” He stands up, our bodies lining up perfectly, before he steps me backwards, steals a breath stopping, toe curling kiss, and then he’s gone. Leaving me to watch the door minutes after it’s closed, with one hand pressed to my lips, and the other pushing against my chest.
43
Pieces of the Puzzle
Aeron
Luna is already in the car as I make my way over to the other passenger door. I don’t need some fucker holding it open for me, I’m not that conceited. With Cole back here, and Emmet finally agreeing to stop avoiding her, there really is no time like the present. We have two and a half days to ourselves. I feel a little bad for abandoning Luna to him, but she can’t know where I’m going, not yet anyway. I need to know if my suspicions are correct, and if they won’t talk to me on the phone or over email, then face to face will have to do.
We only have two more months left until we graduate, or at least, the girls graduate. Most of us have already done it, we just came back for the free pussy. Not that I’ve ever had to pay for it, or been short of offers.
“So, where are we going?” She unhooks one of my earphones and pops it free, before placing it in her ear. I sink as she leans her head on my shoulder, without any prompting or coercion.
I like this version of her, the one who isn’t scared to go after what she wants. I know the fear is still there, I can see it in her eyes. She just isn’t letting it control her. Hopefully, she can hold onto it while we’re with Mett. I’m not sure how he’ll handle it, if she falls apart right now.
“We’re off to New York. Emmet has been working in the branch there, and he’s ready for us to go join him.” Her body locks up against me, but she relaxes as she breathes through the nerves. At least, that’s what I presume she’s doing.
“Has he said anything? You know, about what happened?” Her voice is low, and I can hear the uncertainty, even with Slipknot sounding in my other ear.