Chapter 8 – Didn't Want To Leave

(Aiden’s POV)

The sky probably matched Jessamine’s emotions as it poured rain heavily on the ground. When I visited Mr. Douglas earlier to borrow some plumbing tools, like a weather forecaster, he told me it would rain hard and that I should close the window in Jessamine’s bedroom tonight before sleeping. No wonder she was smitten with him as the older man was funny, witty, sweet, and talked about Jessamine and Deborah with fatherly love in his tone.

“God, I’m full!” Deborah chuckled as she finished her second pork burrito. “You’re really something, Aiden.”

“I’m glad you like it,” I said, forcing a smile, but I couldn’t help glancing at Jessamine’s empty chair.

“You can’t force her to eat,” Deborah smiled, catching my eyes on my best friend’s seat. “Don’t worry, Aiden. If she gets hungry, even at midnight, your best friend will get up and eat.”

“Does this usually happen?” I asked worriedly. “I have known Jessamine since third grade, but ten years -”

“Nine years, ten months, and s