Aiden Harper

Retaliation

Eden

After my conversation with Aiden, he took precautions with me. Between Diego and Aiden, they ensured I wasn't out of their sights. It made me feel a little better.

Marissa talked to her parents. Uncle Carmichael told me to let him know if Wayne came near me. Aiden's family stepped in to ensure nothing happened to me. So why did I have a sinking pit in my stomach?

Aiden brought me home after work one night to shower before we hung out. While I showered, he headed home to change his clothes.

I showered quickly before changing into comfy shorts and a top. I ran a brush through my hair, getting the snarls out, when I heard a knock on the apartment door. Aiden must have finished changing.

I walked to the front door to answer it. "That was quick," I said, opening the door.

A fist slammed into my face, knocking me off my feet. I cupped my face, rolled onto my knees, and pulled my hands away to see so much blood. A shoe slammed into my ribs, knocking me over. I blinked to see Wayne's face. My eyes trailed to his fist, which was covered in blood. I groaned, trying to get to my feet.

He grabbed a fistful of hair and slammed his fist into my face. "You want to destroy my life, I'll destroy yours, you stupid bitch." He hit me again before kicking me in the stomach.

I heard footsteps thump against the floor before blacking out.

******
Aiden

I brought Eden home to shower and change my clothes. After I changed, my mom called me on my phone. I talked to her for a few minutes before I heard a commotion in the hallway. "Hang on, Ma. My neighbors are getting rowdy."

I opened my apartment door to find the door to Eden's apartment open. I walked toward her apartment and halted in my tracks when I saw blood and Eden on the floor, not moving. I rushed toward her and dropped my phone while trying to help her.

"Aiden? Are you still there?" Ma said from the other end.

"Eden, wake up!" I tried to rouse her.

"Aiden, what's happening?" Ma yelled from the other end.

"Come on, baby. Open your eyes." I checked for a pulse and found a faint one. "Eden, please open your eyes."

"Aiden!"

I ended the call and dialed 911 with shaky fingers while blood conveyed my hands.

"911. What is your emergency?"

"Someone attacked my girlfriend. I need help."

"Stay on the line, sir. An ambulance is on the way."

I set the phone down while trying to help Eden with shaky hands. I heard hurried footsteps until someone gasped.

"Jesus!" Diego breathed before rushing toward me.

"Eden won't open her eyes. I need her to open her eyes for me." I kept trying to get Eden to open her eyes.

"Aiden, she might have a head or neck injury."

I wiped my nose and smeared blood on my face.

A few minutes later, Uncle Deacon arrived. "Aiden, I need you to move."

"I'm not leaving her, " I said, shaking my head with watery eyes.

"You can stay but must give us space to work."

I moved as I watched Uncle Deacon help Eden. He got her stabilized and loaded her on a stretcher. He and Kevin rolled her out of the apartment. I rose from the floor slowly as my eyes darted around the apartment. My folks were there with Diego and Marissa.