What It Is

Chapter 8

"Hi." I spoke back to the girl named Casey.

Her hair was a ruby red, tangled and all over the place. Skin was fair like mine, except she had more freckles than I did. A smile was spread on light pink lips over her face as she sat on a log with me. She wore black boots, faded blue jeans, a white pale shirt and a light brown jacket.

"So, let me introduce you." She squealed. "This is Mia, Celsi, Jullie, Caren, Anna, Kelly, Sandura, Holly, Ginnifer, Jenn, Kate, Anna, Sophie, Cassandra, Dawn, Vanessa, Violet, Alexa-"

I nodded my head as she gave me names to each individual person who swarmed my presence. Overloaded was only one word to describe how the experience went on. As she continued talking I gazed up at Aaron. He was standing next to the fire with Ryan and the guy who had shouted who I was before, Evan.

Evan was a creme color, eyes dark brown and hair the color of honey. He wore cargo pants and worn shoes while maintaining a sly grin. He winked at me while they talked intently, making me shiver in hostility within Ryan's sweatshirt. Aaron then flickered his eyes up at me and whispered something within the group, something to make me nervous.

Would he tell others about my breakdown? Was he to be trusted? How could I have already opened myself up to him so much and have me not know anything from him in return?

Immediately he seemed to notice my doubts and a sly grin plastered his face while his eyes were completely different. I gulped and looked down, deciding to tune back into what Casey and her group were saying to me.

"So, how many times have you moved?" Sparking a whole new conversation with me included.

The night continued onwards and I ended up enjoying most of my time. I was finally laughing, hanging out and liking how I was around other people. Casey and her group of friends were all exceptionally obsessed with my favorite love stories, comedies, and past times.

For the first time in my life I felt like I fit in, like someone wasn't trying to push me off a cliff and watch me drown in the bottomless pit. Maybe life here wouldn't be that bad, I thought.

Yet I had no clue what could happen.

Slowly and surely the sun descended into the horizon, dipping into the beautiful ocean that sparkled as the moon shined it's proud face. People disappeared like ghosts, each descending into the dark forest behind the beach. I stared in awe as everyone slowly left and said their goodbyes to me as they disappeared into the night as well.

"I'll take you home." Someone spoke behind me.

My face turned to meet the sparkling eyes of Aaron's, his expression soft along with posture. He grinned as I stood and we walked side by side with one another. Aaron was unusually quieter though, as if he knew something that I didn't. His hands were within his pockets, his face more squared instead of carefree as we walked away from the crashing waves.

A large ping was then heard and Aaron snapped his eyes to receiving the call that was coming in.

"Hey West..." He spoke grimily. I listened as they spoke with each other.

"On me." He stated shortly. "Completely covered." Aaron barked. "You said half an hour!" He shouted into the phone. "Twenty five." He snapped. He heard something and then hung his head low. "Fine 20, no less!" Using a deeper tone of his voice. "Right now." Responding flatly. "Yes I will call you back when I get-" he stopped shortly and listened intently. "Yeah, Ryan and Evan too." Aaron spoke creasing his brow. "Maybe Jenny, call her and ask to be set into the system. She usually helps us." He listened while the others person spoke and I walked silently next to him down the pathway. "Bring it, you don't know if they, if they-" he stopped not coming for words as he chocked on it. "See you soon." He nodded his head. "I know, I'll be careful. Alright, bye bro." Hanging up and sighing.

"What was that about?" I questioned fully.

"I can't explain it all. My brother is cop and this regarding a new case that I inquired about recently." Looking at me intently, biting his lip.

"Okay." I nodded my head as we reached the end of the pathway.

"Do you want me to carry you through the woods?" He spoke as I shuddered at the tree branches and roots poking out of the ground.

"No, no. I'm fine." Taking a step forward.

"Why are you afraid of fire?" He questioned abruptly.

"I-I-" Gulping another large lump in my throat. "It's a long story." I murmured.

"Look at me." He breathed. I did and watched as his eyes swept over me. "Burned?" He whispered near my ear.

"Something like that..." Not wishing to break open old scars.

"If you ever need to talk, come to me, I won't hesitate at all unless I'm in an emergency."

My eyes spoke yes while my mouth couldn't move, I was frozen. I then realized something and it hit me in that moment. It sent me to grin and nod greatly, everything flourishing and blooming in my head.

You are not alone...

"Thank you." I whispered stumbling over a tree root submerged in leaves.

"I'm going to pick you up." Grasping my arms.

I felt like I was on a wave. Pulsing energy coursed through my system, shattering every fear around me. He was strong, holding me steady as I melted into his grasp. Shocks and immediate sensations filled my system, quenching any kind of desire. Aaron made me blush a shade of red, but the feeling was semi mutual.

"Aaron!" I squeaked as he hoisted me above his shoulders and over his back.

"Shh... It's okay, I won't let you fall as long as you stay still." He hinted as I squirmed.

My legs were held my his arm on one side of his head and so was my head on the other side. I stopped and he grinned, turning his head to meet mine.

"Adorable." He laughed carrying me throughout the forest as I flushed a bright red once again.

"How do you know where my house is?" I laughed with him as he jumped up and held me tightly in his grasp.

"I don't. But I wish to walk you back home, and this way it will be easier when someone picks you up for bonfires and to protect you." Glancing at the sky through the trees.

"Hum okay." I spoke rolling my eyes.

"So which street do you live on?" Aaron questioned stepping out of the woods into the small town.

"Just two blocks down, third house on the left." Pointing left.

The street was dimly lit as we continued to trek back to my house, the wind began to pick up and the cars seized moving and tucked away at their houses. I glanced at the ground as we made it to my doorstep, as we ended the best day I've had in a long time.

"Call me if you ever need anything." Setting me down. He handed me a piece of paper and I nodded my head, tears welling up in the corners of my eyes.

"Thanks." As he brushed away one single tear embarrassed.

I walked up the dusty concrete stairs and opened the door to my rickety house, slipping in and shutting the door was quietly as possible after.

"Where have you been?" Hissed someone darkly who made my veins stick out.

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Author's Note

Alright I am sorry if this chapter was boring, but the next chapter will most definitely not be boring in any way.

I can't spoil anything for you, but things will be explained about Aurora's situation at home and why she acts a certain way around people.

Thank you guys so much for making my story have over 170 reads on it!

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