Ephemeral

Prison Break

We had only been back at Zander's estate for a total of ten minutes before Aidan decided that it I should go to him.

"Vienna," Aidan spoke that dreaded name, beckoning me over towards where he was currently sitting on the large, sectional couch. There were a ton of places to sit with multiple big cushions to separate everybody up to at least a good six feet.

Of course he want me close to him...

I stood, hesitantly, near a far away armchair just on the outskirts of the living room itself. My fingers dug into the soft fabric of the chair, and I grounded myself forcefully while doing so. My eyes quickly flickered over to Zander, who cemented his elbows on the top cushion he was standing in front of. I watched as he meticulously began to strum his fingers against the back of it – unlike my nervous hold...his was of anticipation.

"Sit here," Aidan patted his lap nonchalantly with his hand, while I remained rooted in place where I was.

I closed my eyes for a few seconds, mentally debating my options. I could obey Aidan and not choose to deal with any berating or mental abuse on his end...or I could defend myself and prompt Zander to initiate his plan to stop Aidan and rescue the students.

Decisions...

"I'm good with standing," I replied, silently hoping that he wouldn't start this unneeded drama.

"Vienna," Aidan warned, sitting up straight. I could tell that he was no longer going to be nice – as if he was ever nice before or to begin with. "I did not ask you a question," he reprimanded. I opened my eyes, sending a slight glare over towards him. "Do I need to repeat myself?" He threatened.

He didn't like repeating himself –

There would be consequences if I didn't listen to him.

I shook my head – already my body was beginning to tremble. I didn't know if he was going to threaten Jonah's life next if I didn't comply with his demands. To my knowledge, he hadn't known about Brendon and Esther, yet, or if he did then he hadn't hung them over my head.

I wasn't going to give him a reason to, either --

It was only temporary --

It was temporary to obey Aidan at the moment and then Zander will begin his plan to help me...

I hope.

I really really hope that it would be soon.

I forced myself to not look the older brother in the eye – I hadn't wanted my thoughts or intentions to be obvious. I was already regretting what I was about to do in order for Aidan to at least somewhat lower his guard.

I had seen Zander lower his guard when he looked at Mila...though I didn't think Aidan would ever do so with me --

Maybe I should give it a try...?

I breathed in slowly, composing my frayed nerves and frivolous thoughts while walking slowly over towards Aidan. I was in no desire to quicken my pace to get to the psychopath and so I took my time as needed. As soon as I crossed the official threshold of the living room and managed to pass Zander, a stern hand gripped my wrist.

It pulled me onto the couch, where I looked around completely flustered; I couldn't help it when I was in a dazed and confused state. I didn't know what had grabbed me so quickly, and for a second I believed that it was Aidan, even though the last time I had seen him he was on the opposite end of the couch.