Page 48 of Aiden

I keep a straight face as I speak with the security, telling him I’m getting a shower before taking some things back to the hospital, before stepping onto the elevator. I hesitantly walk into our room, his room, and begin to pack. There’s no way I can get my furniture and things from where the movers dropped it off, but I guess I could get my own moving company.

I probably won’t be doing another semester at college anyways since Mom is closing her shop. My heart breaks for her. Maybe I can get a job baking somewhere and help her with the bills.

My eyes landed on Aiden’s gift. I thought it funny when Aiden claimed he already had the Tiffany blue suitcase. I knew he got it for me as it’s my favorite color. But I can’t take it with me; I settle for one of his shirts instead.

I bury my face in the black fabric, inhaling the intoxicating scent that is Aiden. Mint and leather, with a hint of smoke. A tear falls as I place the trunk on the bed before stuffing my belongings in a trash bag.

I thank God my car is parked at the penthouse.

“Hello baby.” I pat the hood of my Altima and climb in. I wonder if Aiden has woken up and realized I’m gone.

First stop, gas station and a burner phone.

I need to know if Aiden and Ashley are okay. I know it’s selfish to leave, then check up on him. But I care about him, more than myself. Which is why I can’t let him chase me around, protecting me. He had a life before me.

I know he cares, but at what cost if I’m a burden in his life?

He said he wants to get his life together; I don’t want to hinder his progress. Hiring security to watch after me will just make him worry about me instead of focusing on himself.

∞∞∞

After what seems like days, I pull into the lot of Mom’s flower shop at three in the afternoon. My breath hitches in my throat when I see every single parking spot is claimed. It looks like everyone in town is here. I had hoped no one was around so I can cry on my mom’s shoulder.

I squeeze my Altima into a tight spot and head for the front door, passing rose bushes and hundreds of colorful flowers. I always love coming here. The fact that she’s losing the place breaks my heart. The old brass bell rings as I step in.

I watch as Mom turns towards the door, ready to give her usual “Welcome to The Flower Patch!” catchphrase.

Upon seeing me, she squeals with delight and barrels towards me. She wraps me in a tight hug I didn’t know I needed. One of her famous Pamela Banks hugs. Her freshly highlighted hair masks my face as she clings tightly to me. She looks good, well-rested and happy.

Too many people are dotted throughout the place for me to cry and I hold it in, as she pulls back.

She looks me over, a slight frown taking shape on her round face. “Oh, honey. What happened?”

Her concerned voice unravels me. I’m lucky the shop is completely packed, noisy enough to muffle my sniffles. Kids laughing and the pitter-patter of their shoes against the hard floors as they run around. Grandparents fighting over which flower to plant in their yard, and finally…the clicking of my mother’s impatient shoe.

I stall. “I’m fine, Mom. What’s happening here?” I look around with wide eyes, gesturing to everyone.

She grabs my hand, leading me to the garden at the back of the shop. I smile as we pass the wall of yellow roses. “Oh honey, it’s wonderful! I had an investor come in. He wanted to support hometown businesses.” She claps her hands together.

Noting that no one is around, I can feel the tears brewing again. I’m happy for her, but I feel so broken. I force a smile, but I know it’s only a matter of time.

“We have enough to keep the shop open for another twenty years!”

The overwhelming relief of not having to worry about Mom mixed with the utter heartbreak of leaving Aiden overwhelms me, and I envelope her in a hug and burst into tears. Sobbing uncontrollably.

Minutes pass before she pulls back and studies me. “I know you’re happy for me, but those are tears of sadness too. I’m your mother, I can tell these things.” She gives me the look.

I nod once.

“Come!” She leads me inside. “I’ll get one of the girls to run the shop for today. We can head home. I drove the work van here so we can take your car.”

∞∞∞

Relief floods me as the familiarity of my childhood home surrounds me.

The scent of cinnamon and apple wafts through the air. Our home smells like fall all year round, and I love it. Baby pictures of me lining the hallways make me smile, but it’s the golden lab that is currently barreling towards me that warms my heart.

“Rex!” I exclaim in delight, falling to the ground from his weight as he jumps on me. “Who’s a good boy?” I hug his soft golden body as he wiggles underneath me, his tail wagging hard. I missed him.

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