Aurora [H.S AU]

Chapter 75

Do you remember, we were young?
Imagination filled our lungs
Wolf, don't make a helpless move
You see me and I see you

Song: Wolf, by Highly Suspect

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2020, March, 1st, Sunday | 11 am

Aster's P.O.V.:

Elliot's words haven't left my mind over the past 10 days.

Meeting him that day turned out so differently from what I've imagined, but equally productive. Honestly, I wasn't expecting him to be so open about his relationship with Maddie and what happened - well, I haven't excluded the possibility that he might've lied to try and manipulate us, but something tells me he was sincere, at least through most of it.

It's still so hard to imagine how much Maddie went through, right under my nose, and I never even realized it. I mean, yeah, I was just a kid, but I was also her sister - I should've known something was wrong, right? I keep wondering if she tried to give me any sign that I simply missed, but nothing comes to mind, it doesn't matter how much I obsess over it. If she did, I never even paid enough attention to be remembered so many years later.

All I can recall is Maddie being just so happy after she went to college. Every time she would visit, she had the biggest smile playing on her lips. She used to be so cheerful for most part of the time, but especially when he was around. Of course, I didn't see him around much - and now I know why -, but every night Maddie would sneak Elliot to her room at night, she would be so fucking happy the next day.

So even if part of what Elliot said could be a lie, I know there's some truth to it as well. Maybe even more than I care to admit, for that matter. It's insane to think he is still looking for her, after almost 20 years, that he hasn't moved on at all - but, at the same time, I kinda understand the insanity; I don't think I would ever get over it if something like that happened to Harry.

If he was suddenly taken away from me, leaving without a trail and clearly against his will, I most certainly would be capable of doing anything to find him. I would go to hell and back if there was even the slightest chance of seeing him again. Which leads me to almost understand why EJ had me kidnapped - I mean, I don't think I would ever be capable of intentionally hurting someone, especially someone related to Harry, but then again I was never the victim of such a situation.

I can't be sure of anything, when it comes to love and what I would do for Harry. So I guess I kinda get it.

I mean, I do not forgive that fucker - I still hate him, and would still get my revenge if I could, but at least for now, finding Madeline is bigger than any issue I might have with him.

Besides, if Maddie is actually alive and we eventually find her, I don't think she would ever forgive him for hurting me.

The conversation with Elliot was enlightening in more ways than I can count, but it has also almost led me to obsession. It's been 10 days, and I still can't think about anything else - to where did my father send my sister, if she's okay, how her life might be right now, why she hasn't tried to contact me. Does my father still have contact with her? Does he prohibit her from talking to me? And if he does, why does she even listen to him, after what he did to her?

Funnily enough, the only doubt that never crossed my mind, is the fact Phillip De Loutherbergh is capable of doing such unspeakable things to his own daughter. It's almost comical to even imagine what my reaction would be if I found this out a few months ago - I would be in so much denial. I would never believe my father would fake the death of his own daughter, of Madeline, who he always loved so much. But lately, there's a vital thing I've learned about him that changed everything I've ever believed: