Serenity | Fragile Hearts

chapter 15- baggage

Aila
Grey texted us the next day that they had Blake and we were safe. I tried to call him to thank him for everything, but it went to voicemail.

I didn't think anything of it, except that he just might just be busy.

I got Sofie settled back at home and tried to maintain our normal routine as possible. But deep down, even though I knew he was locked up and away, the fear remained. The physical notion of your body being paralyzed was something I couldn't escape.

Double checking all my locks, making sure the blinds were closed, or looking over my shoulder 24/7 was something that became part of my everyday life.

I found myself becoming anxious at the littlest noises. Sleeping was no longer a thing. I was always in flight or flight.

He may be physically locked up, but he still haunted me mentally. Took away all my peace and happiness.

I didn't know what to do.

Sofie knew something was up. She was a smart child and observed situations around her carefully. I knew she was worried about me too, as she never saw me in this state. But she also knew how to help me get out of it. Her "I love you's and "you're so strong" made me more grateful everyday I was to have a daughter.

I sat on the couch with a fluffy blanket and cup of coffee in hand. Sofie was fast asleep in her bed. Since I knew sleep wasn't in my books, I had no other choice but to try and try to distract myself.

I decided to call him again and see if he would answer. It was important to me that I thanked him. He's done a lot for me- a complete stranger- and it's ultimately saved me in so many ways.

I dialed his name and waited. The only noise I heard was the automated voicemail message.

I sighed and waited for the "beep".

"Hi Grey. It's me Aila. I know you're probably very busy doing more important things... but I wanted to just thank you for everything. I- I guess I lose all hope in people being that kind. But regardless, I'm grateful. I don't know what I would've done without you, so thank you a ton.

P-please let me know when you get this. Thank you, and hope you have a great day." And then I cut of the phone.

Grey
I hung up the phone after listening to her voicemail.

As much as I wanted to call her back, I knew I couldn't.

It would be best for all of us if I cut her off. Spare her from the loads of baggage I carry with me, allowing her a free scapegoat.

It sucked. I sat on the step in front the building and pondered. Will my life ever get better? Will I ever be happy again?

Probably not. Because there were only a few things that could make me happy, and sadly most of them were gone.

I envied the people who got a better stack of cards in life. The ones who had a happy family and "everything their hearts desired". It made me cringe thinking about it.

I guess in a way it was meant to be. You don't truly understand the meaning of something unless you work for it.

I sure as hell did.

Aila and her daughter deserved to carry on and live their life. They didn't need me. The risk of compromising was way too high.

I would've ever risk that.

My phone buzzing pulled me out of my pity party. I looked down and saw it was Ronan.

"Dinner tonight. 7pm. Be there. Charlotte's boyfriend is coming."

I smiled. I knew I had to go. God forbid Ronan sticks his butter knife in the kid's leg before the main course.

Or god forbid I do it.

The kid was a good kid. The minute he met Charlotte, Ronan had us do a whole background check on the kid. Was it a bit excessive? Probably. But I wouldn't judge Ro because I knew he was only doing what was best for her.

I'd probably do the same if I had a daughter.

Dinner was only an hour from now. I figured I'd head up to my place and start to get ready.

As I hopped in the shower and let the scalding hot water hit my body, there was only one thought in my mind.

A pair of light brown eyes that could make a man melt in seconds.
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A/N hii :) it's been a minute!

Hope you're enjoying so far! Took a short break!

For this book, I don't want to rush it! I decided that I will be taking weekends off from posting! :) a small break helps prevent burnout !

I appreciate all of you! Thank you for understanding! As always, please don't forget to vote and comment! Love all of you!

-Alayna🤍