Change of Fate

Part 5

Aria

No fire burns hotter, than for the ones you hate the most.

I believe that to be true.

At least at some point I did.

I think now I'm just trying my hardest to deny it.

"What did you do?!" The angry screams of the people around me have my head spinning.

But the screams of my sister coming from the burning house— that was once my home— in front of me, has my gut twisting in an unbelievably painful way.

My body sits frozen in panic, eyes set on the flaring house that only seemed to burn hotter.

No fire burns hotter, than for the ones you hate the most. Is what I thought at that very moment. And I ask myself if it's true.

Is my hatred fueling those red flames? I was the one who caused them after all.

My hands ache due to the embedded rocks on my palms from when I came tumbling out the house. The stinging pain being the only reminder that what's happening right now is real.

"Does it hurt?"

Everything hurts. But I'm not allowed to complain when I'm not the one currently burning alive. It hurts but I deserve it.

"Aria?" The voice next to me came out mumbled, my body reacting slowly as my ears finally focused.

"Hm?"

"I lost you there for a second, how are you feeling?" The doctor who I met earlier, known as Violet, asks me with concern showing in her voice.

"Better, thank you again for everything." I forced a smile, my memories taking a mental toll on me.

I'm seeing this as a chance to start over, to somehow forget everything and leave it all behind. Which I know won't work out so well, how can you forget something so impactful in your life, it's bound to haunt you eventually.

Aside from that, this place doesn't seem so bad. I haven't seen much since I haven't left the hospital yet but so far all I've gotten are nice greetings and kind smiles from everyone here which is a big change from my hometown where everyone hated everyone.

Violet is currently helping me check out, with a change of new clothes she gave me and a quick clean up I feel good. It's relieving not feeling like my life is in danger every five minutes.

"Alright, you're all set" She concluded, placing a few papers on the counter. "Take time to look around before you head to the cabins—"

"I'll be taking care of that." A new voice has me turning around, taking in the green eyed blonde in front of me.

"Ms. Evans." He spoke, referring to the doctor beside me.

"Mr. Reed." She answered with a hint of annoyance in her tone, seeming already used to this.

"You look gorgeous as always, are those new scrubs?" He gave a lopsided grin, voice coming out almost flirtatious with a hint of playfulness in his tone.

"They are. I got them as a gift, I'm very grateful for them." She answered, almost implying that he gave them to her. I stood next to her watching this cute exchange going on with amusement.

His face seemed to light up at that, a slight blush coloring his cheeks as he all but goggled at her.  "Although they are quite small." She finished, tugging lightly on her shirt.

His face fell instantly, "Wait really?! Dammit, I was sure I got the right size." He murmured, rubbing the back of his neck.

My attention fell on violet as she smiled warmly at his antics. "Why are you here Reed?" She asked