You belong with Me

Chapter 2

(In the picture: Aiden).

As I was walking home after what was the longest shift of my life, I walked by the old playground where Aiden and I used to play. A sweet memory caressed my mind.

Eleven years old, full of life and laughter.

It was my birthday, in September, and fall was already spreading its roots. Yellow, orange, red and maroon leaves twirling in the brisk wind, muddy scent in the air and sun shining bright in the middle of the sky.

My mother took us both to the playground after our mickey mouse pancake brunch at Wendy's diner. The ground was already crowded with children with they're parents and screams and happy cries were filling the air.

I wasn't that eager to play, I am eleven years old today after all! I was supposed to paint my nails bright pink with Heather and talk about her new sweetheart Alec. Not play with Aiden here like a little girl. Needless to say, that I was not in the mood at all.

Aiden was feeling left over as I was pouting and he was trying to cheer me up.
"Common Hope! Let's go to the swing! We'll see who will fly the highest!"

"I don't want to play with you Aiden!! I want to go home!"

"Hope!! Be nice!!" my mom yelled.

"But Mom, I don't want to play in the swing like a baby! I'm eleven now!"

"I was eleven before you Hope, and I don't make this fuss." Intervened Aiden.

"You're a boy, Aiden. Boys can play even if they're 14!"

"Who made this rule?"

"I don't know but everyone knows that!"

I noticed that he started to get annoyed. Aiden was never annoyed. He's always kind and caring and smiling, with me at least. I was feeling guilty now.

"I'm sorry Aiden, I really want to play with you now." I said apologetically while crawling toward him on the bench.

Apparently it was his turn to pout because he crossed his arms on his chest and didn't look at me.

"Aiden, if you play with me I will buy you cotton candy! A lot of cotton candy!!"

He pretended not to listen so I added:

"And I'll lend you my switch for a whole week."

He finally dared looking at me and I met his gaze with the biggest smile I could manage.

He tried repressing his, but it came out brightest than the sun.

Aiden always had the most beautiful smile, everybody knew that. But the one he gave me at that moment was the best I've seen in months.

"You little greedy thing!! Now you're smiling?!"

He bursted in laughter: "I wasn't really mad. I did it so you can feel what I felt when YOU were the one pouting."

I offered him a pulled-out tongue and walked to my mom, busy talking with one of the other mothers.

"Mommy, I'll be with Aiden in the swing. Can we walk home alone after that?"

She stared at me suspiciously: " You're not planning one of your escapes again huh?".
I made my most innocent look and replied:

"Of course no mom, we're eleven now. I'll be home by lunch."

She nodded slightly and I saw her packing her things as I walked towards Aiden.

"I managed to get rid of the mom" I said conspiratorially, "As soon as she disappears, run" I added taking his hand.