Breathing Blue

59. "A friend?"

"What's making you so stressed that you're having asthma attacks again?" Aaron asked as he parked his car in front of my house, his head turning towards me.

"It's nothing," I said while fiddling with my fingers, trying my best to avoid his gaze.

"For fuck's sake, Havoc," He sighed as I rolled my eyes.

"You don't need to worry about me anymore, Aaron. It's not like you're still my boyfriend," I muttered as he ran his hand over his face tiredly.

"Do you seriously think that I'm choosing to worry about you? Trust me, if I could go a single day without giving a fuck about you, I would," Aaron groaned as his words jabbed at my chest.

I furrowed my brows before opening the door to step out as he grabbed my wrist.
"Please just tell me what's going on," He muttered as I sighed and turned back towards him.

"My dad got remarried six years ago and this Friday night I need to go meet his new wife and daughter," I said as his eyes widened.

Aaron paused for a moment. "Who's going with you?"

"What do you mean? No one is."

"Alright then, I am."

"What? Aaron you're not coming with me."

"I am, don't try to talk me out of it. You need someone there, especially if your asthma might get triggered again," He said calmly.

"Aaron—"

"Unblock my number and text me what time I need to come to pick you up," He said as I groaned, noting that by the look in his eyes he definitely was not going to take no for an answer.

"Fine. I will," I said before getting out of his car and closing the door.
I watched as he drove away before turning around and walking inside. As soon as I shut my door I leaned back on it, wondering what the hell I had gotten myself into.

—
Before I had even gotten the time to process it, the next two days had blurred by, now being Friday evening.
I had less than two hours to get ready for dinner, my heart racing as I stepped into the shower and washed my hair.

After I finished I wrapped my towel around me and blow dried my hair.
I tied it into a ponytail and slipped on a cute white dress and some heels.
I grabbed my handbag before texting Aaron that I was done, and my dad's address.

I waited patiently before hearing my doorbell ring and opening the door for him.

"You look good," He said genuinely as I offered him a small smile.

"Thanks, so do you," I replied as he nodded and glanced towards his car.
I stepped outside and closed the front door before trailing behind him and getting into the familiar vehicle.

Aaron had put on his usual, a short-sleeved white shirt with a pair of dark pants, but still looked as good as always.
I had noticed that his dark circles had slightly faded, hinting that he had been getting some sleep lately.

I took in a sharp breath, the idea of Jasmine being the new person to help him sleep making me clench my fists.

"Have you been getting any sleep lately?" I asked as he nodded in response.
"That's... good," I said, genuinely glad but disappointed that he didn't really need me anymore.

"I don't sleep as well as when you're around and I wake up with a hangover the next day but it's better than nothing," He said calmly as I stiffened at the sound of his words.

"You drink yourself to sleep?" I asked as he stayed silent for a moment before nodding.
"Aaron—"

"I don't need a lecture from you."