Aiden Harper

The journey was worth it

Aiden

I started this summer with Grandpa Matt forcing me into therapy to deal with what happened to Claire. I wasn't expecting to find more than I bargained for, but I don't regret it. My journey led me to Eden, which led to Eden finding her family.

Eden and her folks moved into their new home after Raymond signed the paperwork and got the keys. He settled into his new job and family while attending family counseling with Gloria and Eden.

The Feds took Wayne into custody and prosecuted him. He received consecutive sentences for insider trading and the assault on Eden. He might see the light of day in his seventies unless Tino gets his hands on Wayne. Wayne has a better chance in prison.

The police had investigated Rueben and Mia's deaths. They found the remains of two snakes but couldn't determine what type of snakes they were. From the coroner's report, they found snake venom in their bodies. The police thought it was a random Robert gone wrong until they discovered Rueben had been stealing from clients. They concluded a client had taken revenge against Rueben. But they couldn't find the person since they left no fingerprints behind.

With Rueben's untimely demise, it freed Gloria to reunite with Raymond. Raymond didn't want to wait to marry Gloria and correct a long overdue wrong. Romeo and Sage threw together a wedding in no time flat. Oliver and Preston argued over who would perform the ceremony. That was an exciting ceremony, with both of them performing it. You will never see dueling ministers performing at a wedding unless you're our family.

Eden finally let go of her fears and embraced our relationship. Once she did, I repeatedly showed her she was mine. And she enjoyed every minute of it. Unlike my dad, I remembered the raincoats. We didn't need an oopsie.

These past months have led me to my final therapy session with Conner today. We sat in his office and reviewed everything that led to this moment.

"You seem different from your first appointment," Conner said, sitting back in his chair.

"Because I am," I said.

"How so?"

"I realized you can rely on someone else for your happiness. No one should guilt you into staying with them. You shouldn't shoulder the blame for other's actions. I prefer where my life is now to what it was."

"How has that changed your relationships with your family?"

"It's made our relationship better. I understand what it means to be a Harper."

Conner smiled and nodded in agreement. "You've come a long way from where you started, Aiden. I can sign off on your sessions and tell Matt."

"Actually, you'll need to tell Grandpa Nate. Grandpa Matt retired a few weeks ago."

Conner nodded.

"But it won't matter."

"Oh? Why is that?"

"I'm leaving for school next week."

Conner studied me while moving a pen around in his fingers. "So, you decided."

I nodded.

"Good for you, Aiden. It's been a journey for you."

"The journey has been worth it."

Conner smiled, knowing it took me time, but I got here.

We finished our session, stood up, and shook. Conner walked me out as Eden stood up from her seat in the waiting room. I walked over to her and slipped my hand into hers before leading her out of the building.