Gilded

Chapter 12

"Tell me honestly what you think of Aaron," I asked Eric the next day, who was at my house helping me trim the hedge. I had been in the front yard tidying up the plants and shrubs when Eric walked by and came to chat. I roped him into helping me remove some wayward branches.

"He seems...okay," Eric said, but I could hear the reluctance in his voice. "I think you could do way better though," he said, trying to keep his tone light.

"Do you think he's controlling?" I asked, not meeting his eyes and picking at one the of the branches I'd just cut.

"I don't know him that well," Eric said guardedly.

"Weren't you the one saying you were all concerned for me, and now you won't even say anything," I pointed out.

Eric sighed. "Fine. I don't like the way he keeps tabs on you all the time, always calling or texting to see what you're doing and who you're with. That you free up your day for him all the time, while half the time he goes out with his boys." Eric looked at me. "Why, do you see him differently now?"

"I've been thinking," I said.

"I heard that guy has a temper," Eric continued. "Sab, I think you can do so much better than him. And I've heard he's a big flirt with girls. Are you happy with Aaron?"

I hesitated. "Sometimes he's the sweetest person I've ever met," I said slowly. "But other times he kind of scares me. Or makes me paranoid."

"A boyfriend shouldn't scare you. Ever," Eric said. "You should really consider where your relationship is headed." He gave me a little grin and tried to lighten the mood a little. "I don't want to see your love life become one of those teen dramas on tv."

"Eric," I said quietly, "what if I never get a boyfriend again? You know he's my first one. I've waited so long for Aaron."

"You're better off being an old maid than with him," Eric said firmly." But you're a great girl. There will be guys lining up for you when you're single. In fact, I know of a few that would be interested."

I laughed. "I don't know about that," I said. I exhaled slowly. "Yeah, I think I'm going to end things with Aaron." I took a breath. "Have you heard anything about him and Jenn? The blonde girl."

"Rafael's friend, right?" Eric asked. I nodded.

"I've seen them together at some group outings," Eric said. "Jenn is definitely after him. I've seen him push her back and avoid her, but I heard she's been very persistent, and doesn't usually have guys turn her down. Ming said she's enjoying the challenge." Eric glanced at me. "I don't think he's cheated on you with her, but she's definitely wearing him down. I heard it's really boosting his ego."

I sat still and Eric awkwardly patted my shoulder. "Sorry Sab. That's probably not what you wanted to hear."

So I called Aaron that night and asked him over. I felt safer with my family in the house and Eric down the street. Eric said he would 'take a walk' a little bit after Aaron was due to arrive.

"Aaron, we need to talk," I said when he came over. I was having a hard time vocalizing all the words that were in my head. I was sitting on the step and waiting for him to arrive. I stood up. "Aaron... I don't think we should see each other anymore."

The smile disappeared from his face. "Excuse me?"

"I don't feel that our relationship is going to work out," I said quietly and quickly, before I chickened out.

"Is this your idea, or your friends'?" he asked. "I've told you before, they're just jealous of us."

"I'm the one who decides who I date," I said emphatically.

Aaron shook his head, a mean glare crossing his face. "Wow, you're really doing this? You are breaking up with me?" He started playing with his hands and I kind of feared he would hit me.

"Fine. Fine, if that's what you really want," Aaron spat out, not waiting for a response." But remember, I'm not coming back if you change your mind. You'll never find anyone else. I've got girls waiting for me to call them." Not waiting for an answer, Aaron turned around and left.

I'm sure he did have girls lining up for him. Jenn for one thing, and probably others too. He looked good on paper: smart, attractive, sweet and fun, but there was another side of him that had crept out that I couldn't deal with any more.

I was sure Aaron would be calling other girls right away as he promised, girls that were hoping and waiting for him to call them. I was just no longer one of them. And I didn't want to be anymore.

I felt my eyes tearing up. Tears of relief. I turned around and went back inside. I heard birds chirping outside as I closed the door.

~~~

A/N: 

The End! 

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