Slippery love

Chapter 4

Aiden's heart broke at the resignation in Katie's voice. "I'll miss you," he whispered, pulling her into a tight embrace. He held her for what felt like an eternity, savouring the warmth of her body against his own before finally letting go.

"I love you," Katie finally said, her voice trembling as a single tear rolled down her pale skin.

Aiden wiped away the tear that had escaped her eye with his thumb. "I love you too, Katie," he said, his voice thick with emotion. He leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead before turning to leave the room.

As the door closed behind him, Katie stood there, her heart breaking but filled with hope. She knew their love was strong enough to withstand the distance and the uncertainty. And even though Aiden was leaving, she believed that their paths would cross again, bringing them back together when the time was right.

Aiden walked away, his heart heavy but determined. He knew he had to seize this opportunity, not just for himself but for the future he hoped to build with Katie. As he boarded the plane, he looked back one last time, a silent promise to return and to keep their love alive, no matter the distance or the challenges ahead.

Katie's life without Aiden felt like a never-ending cycle of longing and loneliness. Initially, she tried to fill the void by diving into her photography. Her camera became her constant companion, capturing the world around her as a way to distract from the aching emptiness inside. But as the days turned into weeks, the weight of Aiden's absence grew heavier.

One night, while editing photos in her dimly lit apartment, Katie received a text from an old friend inviting her to a party. Desperate for a distraction, she decided to go. The party was a blur of loud music and unfamiliar faces. Katie found herself gravitating toward a group of people who seemed carefree and detached from the troubles of the world.

One night, while editing photos in her dimly lit apartment, Katie received a text from an old friend inviting her to a party. Desperate for a distraction, she decided to go. The party was a blur of loud music and unfamiliar faces. Katie found herself gravitating toward a group of people who seemed carefree and detached from the troubles of the world.

Amidst the laughter and the haze of cigarette smoke, someone offered her a small, colourful pill. Hesitant but curious, Katie took it, eager to feel the same lightness that everyone else seemed to be experiencing. The effects were immediate and intense, a rush of euphoria that made her forget all her worries.

That night marked the beginning of a downward spiral. What started as a single experiment at the party quickly turned into a regular escape. The drugs became her refuge, a way to cope with the growing stress and dissatisfaction in her life. As weeks turned into months, Katie found herself craving the high more often, needing it to feel normal. Her addiction took hold, leading her further away from her passions and deeper into a world she never intended to enter.

Months later, Aiden returned from his hockey season, excited to reconnect with Katie. He remembered her as vibrant and passionate about her photography, always full of life and laughter. He knocked on her apartment door, expecting to surprise her with stories from his travels and gifts from the various cities he had visited.

When Katie finally opened the door, Aiden was taken aback. The dim lighting of the apartment revealed a dishevelled and gaunt figure. Katie's eyes were glassy and unfocused, her movements sluggish. The once tidy space was cluttered and chaotic, a stark contrast to the person he once knew.

"Katie, what happened?" Aiden's voice was filled with concern as he stepped inside, closing the door behind him.

Katie mumbled incoherently, barely acknowledging his presence. She stumbled back to the couch, where a collection of drug paraphernalia lay scattered on the coffee table. Aiden's heart sank as he realised the extent of her addiction.

Katies mouth was dry, her skin was flushed and her words were very slow. Seeing Aiden again after all this time she felt nauseous and her breathing was slow. "Aiden, what are you doing here?"

Aiden knelt beside her, his eyes searching hers for any sign of the Katie he knew.

"Katie, I'm here because I love you. I came back , for you," he said, his voice filled with a mix of determination and heartbreak. He gently took her hand, feeling the coldness of her skin against his warm fingers.

Katie's eyes flickered with a hint of recognition, but it quickly turned into a glare. She yanked her hand away, her voice sharp and laced with bitterness. "I didn't think... you'd come back," she spat, her words slurred but her anger unmistakable. "You left me, Aiden. What did you think would happen?"

Aiden's heart ached at her words, but he kept his voice calm. "I promised you I'd come back, and I meant it," he said, glancing around the room, taking in the disarray, the stark evidence of her struggles. "But Katie, we need to get you help. This isn't you. This isn't the life you deserve."

Katie laughed bitterly, a harsh, hollow sound. "Help? You think you can just waltz back in here and fix everything?" she sneered, her eyes flashing with anger. "You don't know what it's been like. You have no idea what I've been through."

Aiden took a deep breath, fighting to keep his composure. "You're right. I don't know what it's been like for you," he admitted, his voice steady. "But I want to understand. I want to help you. Please, Katie, let me help you."

Tears welled up in Katie's eyes, but she quickly wiped them away, her expression hardening. "Why should I trust you?" she demanded. "You left me when I needed you most. You don't get to come back and play the hero now."

Aiden's heart broke even more at her words. He reached out, but she pulled away, her eyes filled with hurt and anger. "Katie, I'm so sorry," he said softly. "I know I hurt you, and I can't change that. But I can be here for you now. We can start over. Together."