Aiden Harper

The answer is always no

Aiden

After work, I skated before my family could have a heart-to-heart with me. I didn't need to discuss my problems. I prefer it if I didn't. It was a reminder of the shitstorm I endured a few years ago.

I got home and showered, washing the dirt and grease off me. Diego would arrive shortly afterward because the cafe would close for the night. Then he would be up my ass for the rest of the night. Yeah, no.

I turned off the shower, dried off, and wrapped the towel around my waist when Diego opened the bathroom door.

"Thank god you're wearing a towel."

"I just took a shower. Why wouldn't I wear a towel? And don't you knock?" I walked past Diego and headed into my bedroom.

Of course, Diego had to follow me. "Why do I need to knock? It's not like a girl lives with us."

I grabbed a pair of boxer briefs from the dresser and tugged them on before removing my towel and flinging it into the hamper. Then, I put on a tee shirt and sweatpants.

"Most people can pull off the silent, brooding look. You're not one of them."

"Like I care." I walked past Diego and headed to the kitchen to cook dinner. Unlike my folks, I prefer not to starve.

Diego slid onto a stool at the counter. "Aiden, you need to talk to someone about what happened."

"No, I don't, and neither will you."

"Come on, Aiden."

"No, Diego." I shook my head. "You promised me you wouldn't tell anyone."

"I haven't."

"Then drop it. It's better if no one finds out."

Diego knitted his brows in concern. He promised he wouldn't tell anyone about that night. I'm holding him to it.

******
Diego

One night. That's all it took for Aiden to change—one horrible night turned Aiden into someone who barely talked to anyone except me. That's only because I was with him that night.

If it weren't for Uncle Roman and Aunt Sam making Aiden attend school functions, Aiden would have hidden out at the auto shop. Now, all he does is work and stay home.

"It wasn't your fault, Aiden." I shook my head.

"Oh? And you deduced that how?"

"I was there that night. There's nothing you could have done."

"I could have gotten there a few minutes earlier. I could have been a better person. But I wasn't. I was heartless. I caused that mess. Now I get to live with it."

"Aiden."

Aiden shook his head and finished cooking before switching off the stove.

How do you get someone to see logic in a messed-up situation? You beat it into their head until they get the point.

*******
Aiden

I didn't understand why Diego wanted to drag up the past. It wouldn't change anything. I fucked up. Now, I get to live with it.

I grabbed a plate from the cabinet and dished food onto it before sitting at the counter and eating.

"Since you refused to unburden your soul, you can help Marissa and me move her friend into her friend's apartment across the hall from us."

I glanced at Diego and swallowed. "Why do I need to help? Can't you lift boxes by yourself?"

"I would if it were only boxes, but there's not. Eden also has furniture."