❝ 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐧 𝐬𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫
𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 ❞ | mature
Too many arguments too much tears, they foreseed how it will end. Their break up was a mutual agreement and so was what came after.
Six months afte...
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They were reviewing the profile and case details again, but Emily could see he was not entirely focused— his mind was elsewhere.
She lowered the autopsy report she had been flipping through. "Are you alright?" she asked. Aaron sighed heavily. "Yeah, it's just..." he paused, leaning his head back against the sofa.
"It's his birthday today" he said finally, pulling his eyes away from the table to look at her. Emily nodded and gave him a sad smile. "I know, he's five now" she said, leaning her hand on the sofa and resting her head on it.
It was Jack's birthday, the first she had missed since meeting Aaron. She didn't forget about it, she could never— but unlike Aaron, she had decided to distract herself with their work. She didn't like letting her feelings take precedence, and working was a good escape.
Aaron shook his head. "I can't believe he's celebrating his birthday without his parents" he whispered. becoming aware of his slip of tongue quickly after. He had referred to them as Jack's parents, which was true for him but not necessarily for her too. Inwardly, Aaron let out a breath of relief when she didn't seem to acknowledge his choice of words.
She sighed "Me neither. I really thought we'd be home by now" she said, her voice mirroring his bitterness. Aaron looked to her, searching her eyes for the comfort he expected to receive. "How do you think he's handling it?"
Emily offered a more confident smile. "He's with Jessica, surrounded by the best team in the world. I think he'd do just fine" she answered, and he smiled but she could see it wasn't genuine. "I also spoke to Pen, and she told me they'd give him the best birthday he's ever had. She promised he'll have such a good time, he'll forget we ever existed" Emily said, emphasizing the word "ever" like her friend had the last time they spoke.
A small laugh broke free from his lips. "That does sound like something she would say" he agreed with a nod, sitting up straight and feeling better, but not better enough to make him feel less like a bad father.
Emily wanted to add something, but their conversation was interrupted by a knock at the door.
Emily looked at the clock on the wall and stood up immediately. She hadn't even noticed it was 6 p.m. the time she and Aaron had agreed to watch over Shay for Noah and Claire. "That must be Noah and Claire" she announced, standing.
"I'll finish cleaning everything here. Go ahead and let them in" he said, his hands collecting the files as he spoke.
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Aaron took his place next to her just as she reached the door. They exchanged a look, and both placed smiles on their faces opening the door.
Before either of the couples could utter a word, Shay rushed over and hugged Aaron's legs. "Ben!" She yelled as he picked her up. "Hey you!" They all could see that Aaron had undoubtedly earned himself a warm place in the little girl's heart, and Emily smiled softly at the sight.
