and it was perfect

Chapter 8

The following day was one of those you woke up to and immediately knew it would be awful. I'd been plagued with nightmares all night long and could barely open my eyes in the morning. On my way to class I tripped and spilled coffee all over me and in the afternoon I accidentally took Nate's phone call while I was texting Ellie, one of the few friends I had left back home. I immediately ended the call, but knowing he'd been on the other line still gave me goosebumps. So when Zoe asked me later that day if I wanted to join her at a house party across the street, I declined. I just wanted to bury myself under my blanket.

Once again I was shaken with nightmares and kept waking up, so at around 1 I went downstairs making me a cup of tea in the hopes of it helping to calm my nerves. When the front door swung open I shrieked and nearly spilled the hot water over me. This day just kept getting better. I bent down, cussing and wiping it off the ground when I heard Zoe's angry voice. "Put me down, I'm not a five year old." I immediately shot up and made my way to the door. "Then stop acting like one." I heard Aiden's response through gritted teeth. He walked in, carrying my wasted, but angrily cussing cousin over his shoulder. I was too shook by the situation to step in. He certainly wasn't hurting her, so I just blankly stared at them. "You had no right to carry me away. This wasn't your decision." He finally put her down on the sofa, angrily crossing his arms in front of her. "You'll be grateful that I dragged you away from this as soon as you sober up. That was fucking dangerous." he snapped back at her. "Who do you think you are, my Dad? That was fucking crazy, everyone's gonna-" - "You do not call me crazy. Ever." he fell in with a dangerously calm voice. It crept up my spine and left goosebumps all over my body. Zoe seemed too drunk to care. "But you were. I had a shitty night, so what if I wanted to let off some steam?" He took a deep frustrated breath and leaned down to her, tilting her chin so she had to look at him. "Just because Matt and you had a fight I am not okay with you taking drugs while drinking. Do you have any idea what could have happened?" I gasped. That didn't sound like Zoe, at all. And I more and more understood where Aiden's anger was coming from.

"You did what?" Now I couldn't stay quiet anymore. One night that I didn't join her and she nearly ended up on drugs? Both of their heads flew towards me, Zoe still looking defiant and Aiden's eyes shooting angry sparks, but I could tell he was glad I was on his side for once. "What happened?" Aiden let out a frustrated breath and nodded towards Zoe. "Your cousin was jealous of Matt talking to some random girl. But instead of talking to him like a grown up, she hung out with Pete's ex, a notorious junkie who nearly made her throw in some pills." I shook my head in disbelief. "Since when do you do drugs, Z?" She tilted her chin forward and crossed her arms. "Who said I would've taken them. I'm fucking furious with Matt, I just wanted to distract myself." I shook my head and sat down next to her, while Aiden rubbed the back of his head in disbelief. Then he bent down to her again. His scent hit me and although he was furious and I had much better things to focus on, I still felt my heart beating faster. Him being mad and protective was way too attractive.

"If you have issues, you talk. To Matt himself or cry yourself out at Jenna's. I'm sure she doesn't mind." He looked at me for a split second, then back at hers. She scoffed. "What would you know about love?" That was low, Zoe. I held my breath, curious what he would answer. He took in a deep annoyed breath. "Well, you know what's great about that? I never have to deal with shit like this. Ever. And now show some respect. You do not take drugs after drinking. Do you have any idea what could've happened? Do you think psychosis are fun? Hallucinating? Losing control over your body?" His eyes sparked angry glimmers. I could tell this was important to him. And he finally went through to her. Now she started crying. "I didn't-" He shook his head and grabbed her chin again, surprisingly gentle. "Promise me you're never gonna do this again." She swallowed but nodded. He raised a brow. "I promise." she quietly gave back, a tear running down her face. He nodded and let go of her. I immediately took her into my arms. "She's all yours." He looked at me, giving me a frustrated and tired look. I quickly nodded and hugged her tighter when she started sobbing. Her gave her one last angry, but worried glance and turned around. "Aiden?" He turned around before reaching the steps. "Thank you." I quietly said. His eyes changed for a moment, and I could tell he appreciated me supporting him. Then he quickly nodded and went upstairs.