Aarmau: Remember Me, Remember Us, Just Remember

Chapter 111

When they finally come up for air Aph quickly cleans up, puts on a new dress, grabs the utility cart from the garage, and starts the walk to the store with Aaron. He tried to take control of it when they first started walking but she insisted she could push it.

She explained that right now it's empty and easy to manage. When they come back it will be full of groceries so Aaron can pull it home. Aaron knows there's no point in arguing. Besides, something tells him she'll end up in the cart halfway there so he'll win eventually.

They begin talking about small things like what they'll make for dinner, Aaron eventually going back to work, and maybe having Aph work at the Cafe part-time soon. The topic then turns to the wedding and where they see themselves when it comes to picking a date. Since they still can't decide between winter and spring, they let the subject drop.

The grocery store isn't much further away than the Cafe' but not nearly as far as the restaurant last night. Even so, Aaron is very aware of the moment Aph starts to slow down. Not only does he hear her breathing pick up but her heartbeat beating harder as well.

He turns to look at her and he swears under his breath at how pale she's become. A fine sheen of sweat coats her forehead and her eyes are focused straight ahead but he doesn't think she's really looking at anything.

Aph knows she can be stubborn and made a big deal about pushing the stupid cart but she grows more and more tired with each step. She's so focused on merely putting one foot in front of the other that she nearly collides with Aaron as he steps in front of her. When she tilts her head back to look up at him she can see the frustration in his eyes.

Aaron softly sighs, "Aph you cannot overdo it. When you start getting tired all you have to do is say something."

Aph sighs in defeat, "But I don't want to be a burden."

Aaron shakes his head, "Will you please believe me? You will never be a burden Aph. I'm happy I still have the chance to take care of you."

Aaron leans over and carefully lifts her up into his arms and then sets her inside the cart. The look she gives him is anything but pleased. "I feel like a little kid. This is embarrassing."

Aaron smiles, "Well I think you look adorable."

As he turns to continue walking he abruptly stops when he nearly runs into Ivan. Aph shivers as she watches him study her and can feel the tension rolling off Aaron.

Ivan steps around Aaron and offers Aph a sickeningly sweet smile. "Well look what we have here. If it isn't little Aphmau. You know, I know I felt power coming from you yesterday but yet nothing today. What gives?"

Aph glares at Ivan, "Nothing gives Ivan. You must have been mistaken or maybe you were feeling Lucinda. It doesn't really matter because you're not welcome around us so go back to whatever rock you crawled out from under."

Ivan glances over at Aaron and frowns. "Lucinda is a dying battery if you get my meaning. Hmm, even you feel different today mongrel. You people just get more and more interesting every time I run into you. I guess we'll be seeing more of each other until I figure it all out."

Aaron growls low under his breath and then turns toward Aph. Her eyes are focused on Ivan's retreating form and he suddenly hears a roar of outrage coming from Ivan.

Aaron turns back to look at him and can't help but start laughing. Apparently, the fire hydrant on the corner has mysteriously burst and water is hitting Ivan with enough force to not only knock him off his feet but push him down the sidewalk several yards.

Aph quietly chuckles behind him but when he turns back to smile at her his heart nearly stops when he sees her smile doesn't quite match and she's even paler than she was a few minutes ago. He crouches down next to her and gently brushes a strand of hair from her face.

Aaron shakes his head at her, "You're wearing yourself out babe. I'm worried you're going to push yourself too far."

Aph nods, "I know you're worried Aaron and I'm really not trying to, it's just hard to gauge my limits. This will really suck if this is as good as it gets."

Aaron smiles at her, "I'm sure you'll get stronger in time but for now please be careful. Maybe we should cut back on our private exercise sessions?"

Aph looks at him in horror and then laughs, "Don't you ever suggest that again! It's the only exercise I like and I'm not about to stop."