𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐎𝐑 |

chapter nineteen

Vera

Thinking of going back to Katherine's house was dreadful to say the least. Aiden's face fell when I told him that we had to go back, but he didn't fight me on it. He just gathered his things in silence with slumped shoulders.

You know that awful pit in your stomach when you feel like you did something wrong? I'm feeling it right now. Even if I know it's out of my control.

Bringing him back into that house will just dim his mood and I don't want that. But I know Katherine. Her pettiness has no limits and I don't want Aiden in the mix just because she dislikes me. I just have to keep him happy like I've been doing, no matter where he is.

Jesse promised him to have another sleepover really soon and it got a small smile out of Aiden. He ruffled his hair then helped him in the backseat and buckled his seatbelt. Jesse and I got in the car at the same time, both glancing back at Aiden, who was staring out of the window with a small pout.

Pursing my lips, I turned forward once the car started moving and pulled my seatbelt over my body. The ride back felt a bit abnormal. I'm used to Aiden and Jesse singing disney songs every five minutes, Aiden telling us about the bizarre dreams he had, or talking about our plans for the next week.

But it was just low energy  and silent enough to hear a safety pin hit the floor of the car. On instinct, I brought my hand towards the back and extended it towards Aiden. It was a few seconds until he placed his hand in mine, holding it tightly. I smiled a bit, leaning back in the seat and gently rubbing over the top of his hand.

"I'll get you guys some breakfast before I bring you back, okay?" Jesse said, looking at me then in the rearview mirror to look at Aiden. "Something quick?"

Aiden looked up and nodded, beginning to play with my nails. We headed over to McDonald's and luckily we had about fifteen minutes until breakfast was over, so we figured out what we wanted pretty fast. Aiden wanted two sausage biscuits and an orange juice, Jesse got the same thing but with a coffee, and I got hotcakes with a coffee as well.

"Thank you, Jesse," Aiden said with a mouthful.

"You're welcome," he chuckled, making a swift turn out of the parking lot and back onto the street.

I sipped at my coffee, watching everything pass by in a blur on the way home. Jesse did end up putting on some music which sort of helped ease the tense atmosphere but then again we did have food, so that also plays a part in it.

My right thigh began to vibrate in the midst of my munching. I slipped my phone out of the pocket and rolled my eyes, sliding the answer button.

"Hello?" I muttered, wiping crumbs off my cheek.

"Vera, again, you are not here when you should be," Katherine said.

"Jesse brought Aiden and I to get breakfast. We're on our way back."

"Good, because there's a conversation that needs to be had. Now."

I closed my eyes and released a slow breath. What now?

"Does it have to be had as soon as I get back-"

"Don't be smart with me. Get here, no questions asked."

She just always has to get the last word. I slid my phone back in my pocket and went back to my breakfast, preparing for the shit I'll have to hear from Katherine's mouth. Jesse looked at me and I simply shook my head, finishing my meal.

A girl can't even enjoy the ride without the wicked witch raining her terror over everyones head. I rested my head in my hand, drinking my coffee throughout the rest of the way. Jesse turned onto our street and I gathered all of the trash into one bag, shoving it into Jesse's mini trash can in the backseat.