Seven

16

As I wake up this morning, the faint scent of Aiden lingers on my sheets. It's been a week since our sleepover, but his fragrance still clings to the fabric. I smile as I reach for my phone and find a message from Aiden waiting for me.

Aiden: good morning beautiful. can't wait to see you today. <3

A smile spreads across my face like wildfire as I type a response.

Me: Good morning handsome :) Can't wait either.

Today, I'm heading to Aiden's house for dinner. I roll out of bed and make my way to the bathroom for a quick shower. Once dressed, I head to the kitchen to start breakfast for my brother and mom. As usual, I opt for scrambled eggs and toast. Alex is in the living room, engrossed in his phone.

"Morning," I greet him, setting three plates on the counter.

"Morning," he replies, glancing up at me with a smile. "Got plans today?"

"Yeah, dinner at Aiden's," I answer, whisking the eggs before pouring them into the hot pan. "What about you?"

"Gonna call with some friends," he shrugs. "Have fun."

"You too," I reply, keeping a close eye on the eggs. My mom has a knack for disliking any brown spots, yet she also frets if they're even slightly undercooked.

After cooking, we bring the breakfast plates and cups of orange juice to Mom's room. I knock lightly before entering. "Good morning," I say as we walk in.

"Good morning," Mom responds, her face brightening with a warm smile. Her hair is a bit disheveled, curled in various directions with grey roots showing through. She looks better today, healthier than she has in days.

We sit together, enjoying our breakfast while Mom recounts a vivid dream from the night before. Alex and I exchange amused glances as she animatedly describes three golems denying her entry to a swimming pool. Her dreams have always been elaborate, and moments like these remind me of the person she was before the accident.

After we finish eating, I help Mom with her medications and ensure she's comfortable and has everything she needs before heading back to my room.

As I walk down the hallway, I hear Alex's faint laughter through his door. Since summer started, he's been spending more time on calls with friends and playing video games. I'm glad to see him socializing and finding his own balance.

I grab my tote bag and car keys, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. Although I've been to Aiden's house before, his mother still intimidates me, as if she might ask a personal question I wouldn't know how to answer.

I pull out my phone and send Aiden a quick text.

Me: On my way!

As I drive to Aiden's house, a flutter of anticipation fills my stomach. When I arrive, I park in front of his house and take a deep breath. His home stands at the end of the cul-de-sac, its rough exterior both inviting and intimidating.

I walk up to the front door and go to knock, but Aiden answers before I even touch it. His face lights up when he sees me. "Hey, Eve."

"Hey," I reply, smiling.

"You look beautiful," he says, crouching down slightly to give me a kiss on the cheek. "Come on in; let's go inside."

Inside, the house is warm and bustling with activity. His two younger siblings are playing in the living room, their laughter mingling with the background hum of conversation. Over their chatter, I can hear his parents talking in the kitchen. Aiden's mom, a blonde woman in her late forties with striking green eyes, comes out to greet us.