We Were A World Apart

Chapter Ten

Brie:

1 Week Later

As the weeks went by, Brie found herself falling more and more in love with the idea of this life. The moment Sofia informed her that her parents would be flying in the next night, she wanted to shrink away. She thought about running to the library and tucking herself away from the world.

But what she really wanted was to be loved by her parents. And she knew that meant pretending to be excited when they walked through the door, even if it wasn't real.

For a while, it felt like all her problems had just disappeared. She was finally in a nice home with people who cared about her. Wasn't that everything she had ever wanted? But it wasn't hers and it never would be. Soon she would go back to a house of insults and drunken arguments. Brie leaned against the metal railing of the balcony and let out a heavy sigh.

"Are you okay?" The voice seemed to spring up out of nowhere and Brie jumped in surprise. She spun around to find Aidan standing in the doorway. He was leaning against the door frame, his deep blue eyes searching hers.

"I'm fine," Brie answered and flashed a convincing smile before turning toward the twinkling city lights. She heard him walk towards her and soon he was standing so close she could feel the warmth radiating off him.

"I don't believe you," he whispered, turning to look at her. She contemplated telling him the truth. But would he understand?

"And why is that?" she asked casually, this time turning to look directly at him. There was a smirk playing across his lips, but his eyes were dark.

"Because that's something I say. And I'm never truly fine," he admitted and looked down at his hands. Brie let her head hang a little, maybe he did understand.

"You're thinking about your parents, right?" he continued. How did he always know what she was thinking?

"I get it, I usually dread the day my father returns from a trip," he continued. She didn't say anything, silently urging him to continue.

"When I was younger, I used to get so excited when Sofia would tell me he was on his way home. And when he walked through the door, I would run to him. And he would simply stand there like he hardly knew me. And I suppose he didn't," Aidan paused momentarily as if trying to find the right words.

"One day I realized it was easier that way. It wouldn't hurt as much when he left if I pretended he never came home at all," If the words weren't enough to break Brie's heart, his emotionless expression shattered it.

"But it still hurts, doesn't it?" she whispered as she took a small step toward him. He nodded slowly, debating if he should go on.

"No matter how many times I tell myself I don't care that he's always gone, it still stings. Knowing that he would much rather be in a different country than with me..." Aidan trailed off. No other words were needed, he had said it all.

She slowly reached out a hand and placed it atop his. His hands were soft and warm despite the cold air. He smiled a small smile, and they stayed like that for a moment. Simply staring into the other's eyes and wondering what secrets they were hiding.

"When our parents come home is this going to change?" he asked suddenly, and Brie felt her face heat up a little.

"What do you mean?" she asked carefully.

"Is it going to go back to the way it was? Where I ignored you and you hated me?" She could see her fear reflected in his eyes.

"I don't want anything to change," she answered and held his hand a little tighter in hers. It was as if a weight was lifted off her shoulders.