Aarmau: Remember Me, Remember Us, Just Remember

Chapter 163

She offers Zane a weak smile as he places her sandwich in front of her and then turns back to Travis. "Don't give up on her, ok? She's probably hurt and confused right now and she needs someone to talk to. Don't let her push you away."

Travis studies Katelyn for a moment before nodding and then heading in her direction. Aph picks up her sandwich and takes a bite but it could be made of dirt as far as her now nonexistent appetite is concerned.

Aaron closely watches her and worries. Aph has always felt responsible for her friends and their happiness but it's gotten worse since she woke up. It's like she thinks everything thing that goes wrong, even the smallest thing, is her fault.

They sit in silence while they eat their sandwiches and he secretly makes sure she finishes everything. After this morning she's going to have an even harder time maintaining her weight and it's going to take careful monitoring.

As she finishes her last bite he gently nudges her and then nods toward the karaoke stage. "Why don't you go sing something for us?"

Aph glances over at the stage and sighs. She can feel herself slipping into a funk and isn't sure she really wants to do it.

Zane crosses over to grab their empty plates and bowls and offers her an understanding smile. "The girls just uploaded several songs from Glee. I understand you all binge-watched that show so I'm sure there's something there for you."

Aaron sees a spark of excitement in her eyes as she nods and then quickly crosses over to the stage. Aaron didn't personally watch the show so he has no idea what she's planning.

Aph steps up onto the platform and picks up the tablet so that she can look through her choices. Her eyes settle on the one she'd been hoping for and she instantly feels tears burning at the back of her eyes.

She hears her mother excitedly tell someone her Mija's about to sing and she flinches. She didn't realize her mother and Eric were there and she starts to have second thoughts. 

A whole swarm of butterflies takes flight in her stomach and she's worried she might lose her lunch. Before she can talk herself out of it she places the tablet back in its holder, turns toward the customers, and waits while the first cords play.

Taking a deep breath her heart aches as she starts to sing "Get It Right." When she finally hits that long note the tears she had been fighting break free and start racing down her cheeks.

The moment Aaron sees the tears start to fall he pushes away from the counter and crosses over to the stage. He waits for her to finish the song and then pulls her into his arms.

As the Cafe' erupts into applause he turns his back toward them and starts to quietly speak to her. "Aph, it's not all on you. You are not responsible for making sure we're all happy. Life happens and no matter what we might think we're simply along for the ride."

Aph shakes her head, "But I started it all, it all started with me. How do I fix it? I silenced Elizabeth and sent her and Zack to the Maze without asking mom or Katelyn how they felt. I can't keep doing that, keep making decisions without asking if it's alright. We're going to the cottage next week but Zane could use the help here. It would be selfish to go."

Aaron growls under his breath as he lifts her into his arms and carries her off toward the staff lounge. When he steps inside he closes the door behind him and then gently grabs her shoulders until she's looking at him. "This is about Irene again. She started all this, not you Aph. I know you're having a hard time keeping her separate but you have to remember you are not her."