What If Just...

28 Vivian

I walk around Aiden's apartment, not touching anything, so as not to violate the boundaries of decency.

Best of all I remember the kitchen where we had breakfast.

I smile at the thought of how the host tried to cook something to feed me.

The whole apartment is of gray shades: it feels like I went down into the dungeon - it's so dark and uncomfortable even with the lights on.

I don't go into Aiden's room - I simply don't dare.

Entering someone's private room is like entering a person's soul - not everyone can have a place there.

In the living room there is a huge TV hanging on the wall, and a wide long sofa against it.

On the sides of the TV there are small shelves on which I can see a few books and photo frames.

The books are mostly non-fiction.
I'm amazed they are here at all.

The photos are from the good old times; however, several ones seem to be quite recent.

There are not so many of them, five at most.

Childhood photos are with grandparents, with parents (as I assume) and, apparently, with baby Leo.

The recent ones are with the team on the football field and with Grace at her house.

It's so nice and touching that Aiden printed and put them in a prominent place.

While I'm looking at the last photo, the key is being turned in the lock, and after a few moments I hear the voices of the guys.

"Vivian, I hope you're hungry, because we brought a loooooot of food," Leo announces joyfully, disappearing into the kitchen.

I look at Aiden searchingly, but he doesn't bestow a glance upon me.

It's a pity I've already cooled down and am not mad at him as much as I used to be. I would definitely say something to him right now.

Instead, I decide to go into the kitchen to enthusiastic Leo.

"How do you find the apartment?" he asks nonchalantly.

"A little gloomy," I give my honest answer.

"Would you like to change something here?" the guy doesn't let up.

It takes me some time to come up with a conclusion.

"Well, I would add a lot of plants and something bright like paintings, sculptures, or at least pillows," I reason animatedly.

My eyes catch the smug grin on Leo's face.

"I think you wouldn't want to change anything if you didn't want to live here."

I look at him blankly.
What does he mean by that?

"Oh, I think I understand. Are you saying that since this is not my apartment, I have no right to criticize someone else's choices? You're absolutely right," I agree, after a while, considering it necessary to add, "I'm sorry, Aiden, I didn't mean to offend you."

I noticed him entering the kitchen in the middle of the conversation.

"That's not exactly what I-" Leo protests, but Aiden cuts him off.

"No, you've got a point here, Vivian. You actually gave me a good idea," he says, looking at me with his warm chocolate eyes, half smiling.

Here he is, my Aiden.

I can't help but smile back, even though we are separated by an abyss of uncertainty.

"So tomorrow you can buy something together," Leo says complacently and starts whistling some cheerful melody.