Nobody Like You

Chapter 16 Gabriella: Secret's Out

In the two weeks that followed the birthday party, I could feel my connection to Aiden becoming stronger. It was like running into his father brought us closer together, if that was even possible. I had never felt happier than when I was with Aiden. It was like everything was going perfectly for us in the little private bubble we were in.

At my piano lesson, Mrs. Hendrickson watched me intensely as I tried to nail the last few notes of a piece that I'd been working on for the recital. Being with Aiden had provided much needed inspiration and a passion inside of me that I wasn't able to unlock before and clearly, Mrs. Hendrickson agreed.

"That was very well done," she nodded in approval. "I don't know what has gotten into you lately but it certainly seems to be paying off."

"Newfound inspiration I guess," I smiled. "Do you think this would be good to play in the recital instead of my original choice? I know it's risky to change it with the recital being only four weeks away."

"I think that will be perfect. Keep working at it and you will show that may the most talented pianist at your school."

I fought the urge to squeal in excitement and just simply nodded before finishing up with the lesson. When we were finally finished, I ran out to the car to find Aiden looking through the profiles he was given to find who was threatening us. He looked so cute when he was focused. Even if the threats had stopped, Aiden was convinced that it wasn't over yet.

When he finally noticed me walking over, he quickly got out to rush to the other side and open the door for me. "How was it?"

"Perfect, she loved my new piece and thinks it will be perfect to play at the recital," I told him, jumping into the backseat.

After he closed the door and ran back over to the driver's side door to get in, he looked at me through the rearview mirror. "Am I going to get to hear this piece before then?"

"Nope, I want it to be a surprise. Just know it'll be worth the wait," I winked.

He chuckled and shook his head before driving off in the direction of home. I didn't want Aiden hearing my piece yet because it felt like it could lead to something big happening between us. My feelings for him had only gotten stronger to the point where, for the first time in my life, I might've been able to utter three magical words that I've only shared with my family. I could only hope that he felt the same.

When we walked into the house, my parents were sitting in the living room with Mike standing nearby. Judging by the looks on everyone's faces, it was clear that something was wrong.

"Hey, is everything okay?" I asked. "Did the threats start again?"

"As a matter of fact, yes we believe they did," my mom replied before pulling out an envelope. "Only this time, it wasn't a threat directed at us."

She threw the envelope on the table for Aiden to pick up. When I saw what was in it, my heart stopped. In the envelope were photos of us from Chris's party and when we were at a park near Aiden's house. Where we were arm and arm and even kissing at different times. Shit, we were in trouble.

I exhaled a nervous breath. "We can explain—"

"Oh please do," my dad said, although it was clear he didn't want to hear a single word from either of us. "Explain how you were supposed to be being protected but instead, you're sneaking around. How long has this been going on?"

Trying to alleviate his anger, I shook my head. "Not that long—"

"For about the past two and a half months," Aiden cut in. Guess he figured there was no point in lying anymore. "Mr. and Mrs. Carter, I know what this must look like but I swear my intentions are good. I care about Gabriella deeply and—"