Eclipsed

Chapter 10

The vermillion sky is slowly retreating, the few stars beseeching the dark night to appear. I pull my jacket closer as I wait outside my house for Aidan to pick me up for the town's annual Halloween Festival. I did not dress up because we are only going to see the festivities; Tasha and Jake are joining us as it has been their idea. 

Aidan had long ago dropped me home, urging me to talk to my mother and I did. Aidan waited outside my house while I told my mother everything that happened the night before. She cried and reprimanded me for being stubborn and careless but my heart broke when she blamed herself as well as how she couldn't be a good mother because she was anything but that. I apologised saying it was all my fault that I couldn't fight back and didn't ask for help when I needed it. I went against everything she ever taught me just because my pride took control over my rationale. My mom affirmed that it wasn't my fault that perverts like those guys couldn't keep it in their pants and that I shouldn't take accountability for their crimes but she kept chiding me for being irresponsible when she clearly told me to call Aidan. I know she was worried about my safety, especially when I am her only family. So, I accepted all her chidings and stayed in her soothing embrace. We sobbed in each other's arms, with my mom shocked at just thinking what would she have done if anything happened to me. She made me swear not to ever be so stupid ever again. She then rushed to meet Aidan and thanked him profusely. The latter just hugged her and comforted her saying that he would always take care of me. Aidan then informed her that the police already took the perpetrators into custody and that I would not be required to go to the police station. 

My mother reluctantly went to work tonight. She just didn't want to leave me alone again. Aidan reasoned with her and told her he would be with me all the time. I feel like a child, with my boyfriend assuming the role of my babysitter. Apparently, according to them, I need protection.

"I want to take up self-defence classes." I voice out my thoughts as Aidan drives us to the fair. 

"Why?" He cocks an eyebrow.

"To defend myself? I want to be prepared if anything like that happens again." I shudder and his hold on my hand tightens.

"It won't happen again. I'll make sure of it-"

"You don't know that." 

He sighs. "Fine. If it's that important to you, there are a few classes the university offers. I'll talk to the coach." 

"Thank you!" I lean in and kiss his cheek.

After parking the car, we proceed towards the fest. Adults and children both alike are dressed up in extravagant costumes. Several stalls are lined up adjacent to each other with games, food, books, and antiques. Aidan informs me that this town celebrates Halloween like this every year. They show respect to their ancestors by celebrating in unity; a principle deeply postulated by the founders. We see Jake and Tasha waving to us. Aidan phone rings just when we are making our way to theirs. He says he needs to meet Ray who is here as well. Asking me to be careful, he pulls me in a kiss, ending with nibling my exposed neck. Throwing a glare at Jake, he excuses himself.

Jake leaves Tasha and I alone to go partying on the field next to us with his cousin who awkwardly waves at us from afar. Buying caramel corns, we roam around. Jack-o-lanterns are placed at every two metres with maple leaves garlands twisted around poles with spider webs placed here and there. We visit a few shops before I drag a reluctant Tasha to a stall about the folklore of the town. 

"I grew up listening to those!" Tasha whines.

"I didn't! So zip!" 

The stall is empty except for the two of us. An old woman smiles tenderly at us, grateful that someone is interested in the stories of her time. Paying her, we take a look around the room which is dressed in scarlet ropes with golden hues here and there. One board catches my attention at once and I pause to read, eyes widening with every line.