It was meant to be

8 - Shadows From The Past

Tessa

The next morning, I wake up early and text Hardin to check on Auden. He responds quickly, letting me know they're being discharged soon and that Auden is feeling much better. A little bit later, when Hardin texts me that they are home, I get ready and head over to their house, determined to focus solely on my responsibilities.

When I arrive, Hardin greets me at the door. He looks tired but relieved.

"Hey, Tessa. Thanks for coming."

"Of course. How's Auden?" I ask, stepping inside.

"He's much better." Hardin says, leading me to the living room where Auden is playing with his toys. "He's still a bit tired, but he's back to his usual self."

"Hi, Auden." I say, crouching down to his level. "Feeling better?"

Auden nods, smiling. "Yeah, Tessa. Play?"

"Sure, let's play." I say, joining him on the floor.

As the day progresses, we fall into a comfortable routine. Hardin takes care of some work from home while I keep Auden entertained and ensure he follows his recovery regimen. The atmosphere is peaceful, and I find myself enjoying the simplicity of the day.

Around midday, Hardin takes a break and joins us in the living room. "I've been thinking, Tessa..." he begins, sitting down on the couch. "You really went above and beyond yesterday. I can't thank you enough."

"I'm just doing my job," I say modestly.

"No, it's more than that. You've already become an important part of our lives." he says earnestly. "And I want you to know that I appreciate everything you're doing."

I feel a warmth spread through me at his words, but I remind myself to stay professional. "Thank you, Hardin. I'm glad I can help."

We continue to chat, and the conversation flows easily. However, just as I start to relax, the doorbell rings. Hardin gets up to answer it, and I hear a familiar, cold voice from the hallway.

"Hello. Are you Hardin?"

My heart races as I recognize the voice. It's him. The person I least expected to see here.

The familiar, cold voice sends a chill down my spine. I turn to see Hardin standing at the door, looking perplexed. And there, standing in the doorway, is Alex, my ex-boyfriend.

"Are you Hardin?" Alex says, his eyes narrowing as he spots me behind Hardin.

"Who are you?" Hardin asks, glancing between Alex and me.

"I'm Alex." he says smoothly, stepping inside uninvited. "Tessa and I have some unfinished business."

My heart pounds in my chest, and I instinctively step back. "Alex, what are you doing here?"

"Looking for you, of course." he says, a smirk playing on his lips. "You left LA so suddenly. I've been worried."

Hardin steps between us, his protective instincts kicking in. "Tessa, do you know this man?"

I nod, unable to hide the fear in my eyes. "He's my ex. Alex, you need to leave. Now."

"I'm not going anywhere." Alex says defiantly. "We need to talk, Tessa. You owe me that much."

"I don't owe you anything." I say, trying to keep my voice steady. "Please, just leave." In this moment, I want to run as far as possible. I thought I was safe, but this son of a bitch found me.

Hardin turns to Alex, his expression hardening. "You heard her. Leave now, or I'm calling the police."

Alex laughs, but there's no humor in it. "This isn't over, Tessa. We'll talk eventually." He turns and walks out, but not before giving me one last threatening look.

Hardin closes the door and turns to me, his concern evident. "Tessa, are you okay? Who is he really?"

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. "He's my ex-boyfriend. Things ended badly, and I had to leave LA to get away from him. I never thought he'd find me here."

Hardin looks troubled. "Why didn't you tell me about this?"

"I didn't want to burden you with my past." I say, feeling tears prick at my eyes. "I thought I could start fresh here."

Hardin steps closer, his expression softening. "You're not alone in this, Tessa. We'll figure it out together. For now, let's make sure you and Auden are safe."

His words bring a wave of relief, and I nod, grateful for his support. "Thank you, Hardin."

"We'll get through this." he assures me, his voice steady and reassuring.

As the day goes on, I try to focus on my duties with Auden, but Alex's sudden appearance lingers in my mind. The peaceful routine I was beginning to enjoy now feels threatened, and I can't shake the feeling that my past is catching up with me. Around 5pm, when it's time for me to leave, I hear the door. I'm scared, but when I see Hardin's mother coming inside, I breath in relief. Seeing Alex after a while got me really scared. I don't want him in my life. I suffered enough and I want peace. But now that he knows where I am... I won't have peace.

"Hi, Tessa."

"Hello, Trish."

"How's Auden?"

"Good, he's feeling good."

"That's good to hear. Where is he?"

"He's upstairs, taking a nap. I should go."

"Tessa... I'll take you some." He walks down the stairs. He's dressed and ready to go out.

"Don't bother, I'm good."

"After that visit... I don't think so."

"You don't have to take me. Stay with Auden."

"My mother will stay with him. I won't be gone for too long."

"It's okay, I can watch Auden for a while."

"Thanks mom. I'll drive Tessa home. Let's go."

"Okay, okay." I finally say. "Have a good night, Trish."

"You too, dear."

Me and Hardin go to his car and we get inside. He starts the engine and he drives away.

"So... This man... Alex."

"It's my ex. He's in the past and I don't want to talk about it. End of discussion." I say a little bit too mean. But it's a sensitive subject and I don't want to talk about it.

Hardin glances at me, then focuses back on the road. "I understand, Tessa. But I need to know if you're in any danger. If he's a threat to you, then is a threat to me and Auden."

I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing thoughts. "He's not a threat. Not to Auden, at least. But he... he can be persistent. He doesn't take no for an answer easily."

Hardin nods, his jaw tightening. "If he shows up again, we'll call the police. You don't have to deal with him alone."

"Thank you." I say, my voice softer now. "I appreciate it."

We drive in silence for a few minutes, the tension between us slowly easing. As we pull up to Mia's apartment, I turn to Hardin.

"I'm sorry for snapping at you. It's just... a lot to handle."

Hardin gives me a reassuring smile. "You don't have to apologize. I get it. Just know that you're not alone in this."

I nod, feeling a bit lighter. "Thanks, Hardin. I'll see you tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow, Tessa. And remember, if you need anything, just call."

I step out of the car and watch as Hardin drives away. The weight of the day's events still lingers, but his support gives me a sense of hope. I head inside, ready to talk to Mia and process everything that's happened.