It’s awkward.Well, to be honest with you Aiden didn't even seem to be paying attention to the conversation. I kept stealing glances at the other two, who both seemed just as uncertain of what to do or say. There was an awkward silence that hung in the air like a fog and none of us seemed able to clear it away. I could tell they wanted desperately for someone else to take charge and break this stalemate.“Leilani! Let’s go here!”Oh, wait, except for Alicia who seems to be the only happy person today. Aiden and Adam are the ones who aren't exchanging any words.Alicia grabbed my hand and tugged me along cheerfully towards the large fish pond. We silently stepped into the still, shallow water, feeling the fish quickly swarming around our feet. I could feel their delicate scales brushing against my skin, and it was a truly unique sensation that I had never experienced before. She grinned at me with an infectious joy as she watched me squirm from surprise but also delight.Deciding to go

Adam’s eyes widened in shock and disbelief, his gaze slowly meeting mine. I could see the turmoil in his expression; confusion, fear, disappointment all playing a part.“I-it’s Alicia…” I whispered at him.Adam closed his eyes, as if he was in absolute anguish. None of us said a word, we didn't know what to do. When the door swung open, we both knew it meant instant death for us if she saw us here together.“W-what are we going to do-”Adam hastily clapped a hand over my mouth, his gaze warning me to not make any noise. My breathing was short and shallow as Alicia's voice echoed outside the door. Fear gathered in my throat, making it difficult to swallow.“Ahmm…if someone’s inside, please I need to pee! It’s urgent!”Adam groaned audibly, his expression profoundly pained. He inhaled deeply before his gaze swept around the room, searching for something – some kind of solace or reprieve from the anguish he felt within.“D*mn, I couldn’t find Leilani and I couldn’t find Adam. And now, na

I couldn’t bring myself to look at him in the eyes as he drove us back to our apartment. His knuckles had whitened as they clutched the steering wheel more and more tightly, and I could see his jaw had tensed while he stared straight ahead. It was terrifying being in the car with him like this, his shoulders tense and barely a word uttered between us. We were both aware of each other's presence but it felt like miles separating us because neither of us were talking.I was gripping my seat tightly, unable to take my eyes off the window in an attempt to calm myself down. After his outburst at the amusement park just earlier today, I have no idea what will happen between us in the near future. Will he be able to forgive me for what happened? Questions buzzed around my head like flies and all I could do was sit there with a heavy heart.But I knew it was impossible for him to forgive me. I looked over at him and saw his hands sparking up a cigarette before the flame illuminated his face.

“Good morning, honey.”I stirred awake when I felt a soft object touch my forehead, it was a bit moist yet fluffy. After taking a few moments to gain my bearings, I realized it must be Aiden's lips that touched me in such an affectionate way. Slowly, I opened my eyes to find him eagerly staring down at me with his endearing gaze. He looked so sweet and caring, lovingly admiring me as he nestled close to my body. His embrace felt warm and comforting like a gentle pillow.“How’s your sleep?”I couldn't bring myself to utter a word; it felt like a dream. Aiden's gaze was so different compared to last night, when he was so cold and distant. He seemed almost apologetic as his eyes met mine, as if he regretted the way he had treated me. For some reason, I found myself wanting to forgive him yet again - my heart and mind were at odds with one another. His face softened into an expression of warmth, like he wanted nothing more than for me.“I-i’m good.” I swallowed the lump in my throat.He n

I slowly took a step back, shaking my head as my eyes scanned her from head to foot. No, she can’t be here. This can’t be happening. Why is she here?The shock that took over me was so intense that I couldn't speak; I felt completely paralyzed. My heart began to race as my mind raced with thoughts of my unfinished business with my mother. Even lifting a finger seemed impossible in this moment. Time stood still, and all I could do was focus on what the future would hold for us both now that we had these new revelations to contend with.What would she think? Would she be disappointed in me, or understanding of the circumstances?I cannot bring myself to return to her. The thought of living with my mother again after all the mistreatment and abuse I endured is too unbearable. She had always been so cruel, and now that she knows that I am aware of the injustices she has done me, it would be far too difficult for us to coexist together. So instead, I have chosen a different path - one in w