The Good, The Bad, and The Shy

Chapter 11

**KAT'S POV**

When Aiden and I woke up the next morning he asked the worst possible question. "Where are your parents?"

I never really talked about it with anyone, not even Abby. It was an extremely touchy subject, but for some reason I felt like I could easily talk to him about it.

"My dad was physically and verbally abusive. One day though, instead of hitting my mom, brother, or me, he decided to leave. It was really weird. He told us that he was sorry for everything, so instead of hurting us anymore, he would just leave. My mom has to work crazy hours to support us. Right now she has two jobs. I hardly see her anymore, and sometimes she can only take small naps in her car between jobs. It's not an ideal situation, but it works. I would have a job, but my mom won't let me quit sports because she knows how much I love them, and with the workload from my classes added into the mix I don't have time for one. Mom makes good money, and my brother moved out so she only has to support two people."

I saw the look of sympathy on his face as he said,"I'm sorry. If I had any idea I wouldn't have asked. I'll be here whenever you need me and I bet Abby and Joey will be too. I don't want you to feel alone. You seem to be doing alright, but still."

"Thanks Aiden. It's always nice to know that people have my back if I need them." I told him with a small smile.

"Now if you wouldn't mind, go get cleaned up and dressed and whatever else you girls do to get ready. Wear something comfortable. I have someplace I want to take you."

"Yes, sir." I said with a wink and salute. This caused Aiden to blush, which in return made me laugh.

I went upstairs, took a quick shower, and got changed into some running shorts with a comfortable t shirt. I paired the outfit with some Nike sneakers and walked back downstairs. When I walked into the living room I saw that Aiden had changed into a loose fitting t shirt and basketball shorts. He was wearing sneakers too.

"Where did you get those clothes?" I asked, a bit suspicious.

"My Aunt happens to live two houses down from you and she had some of my clothes so I grabbed some from her." he explained.

"Oh, okay. Well where are we going? And are we taking my car because I don't see yours." I said looking out the window trying to find some kind of transportation.

He twirled my keys that I didn't notice he was holding around his pointer finger and said with a smirk, "We are taking you car, but I'm driving."

"No. That is not okay. It's my car so I should be the one driving it. Not you." I retorted crossing my arms.

"Look at it this way. You can just chill in the passenger seat and enjoy the view."

"What do you mean enjoy the view? Where are we going?" I asked confused. Where would he be taking me with a nice view? "Never mind. Just get in the car, but I get to control the radio."

"Fine. Now let's go."

We walked out towards my "car" which was actually a beat up blue pickup truck. We hopped in and were on our way. I sang along with every song that came on, even if i didn't know every word. I couldn't help it.

"You know, you actually have a really nice voice." Aiden told me quietly, a faint pink blush covering his face.

"Thank you." I replied with a smile on my face as I continued to sing.

We continued to drive further. We were now on a small road going through the forest. The light coming through the trees cast a brilliant glow upon everything surrounding us. As we came across a small clearing, Aiden pulled in and parked.

We got out of the car and I followed Aiden further into the woods. We finally got past the last few trees and came out by a lake.

"Aiden, this is.. beautiful." I told him not knowing how else to describe it. "How did you find this place?" I asked still in awe.

"My grandpa used to bring me here every once in a while. Just us. Then sometimes when I need to think or I'm just upset I'll come out here. You're the first person I've ever brought here, and I'm sure you'll be the last for a long time." He told me, a smile on his face as he looked over the lake.

Aiden pulled me close to him, not waiting for a response and kissed me yet again. I felt the familiar butterflies, just like the last time.

After that we just sat on the ground, not worrying about anything but each other. We talked about random things and little memories, but nothing serious and I was fine with it. It was calm and the perfect day. I don't know where Aiden and I stood, but at that moment it didn't matter.

*** AUTHOR'S NOTE ***

Trying to sort of make up for my late update. I'm sorry that the story doesn't seem to be moving anywhere but as you could probably tell they're getting closer and trusting each other more. I realize that at the beginning of the book they were at school and all, but I'm changing that to school just ended and it's summer before senior year. Please check out my new book. Comment, vote, whatever. Thanks for reading!