Knight in Sneakers

Chapter 51 'Baby.'

Entry 44

21st October, 2016.
Friday.
6:32 p.m

Aaron Cortez

I was anxiously waiting for Clarke or any news about her and her chase for the past four hours. My patience was running on a thin line and my worry had increased inconveniently. Kristen too, was worrying beside me, while my mom was trying to calm both of us down, but I could tell even she was worried. I couldn't help but feel happy when I noticed my mom liked Clarke a lot too. It felt like she had accepted Clarke. Hedge walked in five minutes later after attending his call.

"Everything is fine. She is running home to get something important apparently. " Hedge seemed like he was used to Clarke and her dangerous missions but somehow I don't think I'll ever get used to it. I was restless and I knew I would be until I see her for myself. My mom was talking about how Kristen also used to be worried for her boyfriend while he was on duty when I heard soft footsteps entering the dining hall. Instant relief flooded inside me when I looked up to find the gorgeous mess I was waiting for. I immediately got up from my seat and engulfed her into a tight hug before anybody could say a word. The contract wasn't even on my mind, all that concerned me was that she was safe and safe in my arms. Having her around and yet having to stay away from her was a horrible feeling by itself. It was like trying to hold sand but it kept slipping through your fingers. But the feeling that hits me when the mere thought of her not being around anymore was like never being able to see the beach ever again. It was hundred times worse.

I didn't feel Clarke hug me back, and even though it hurt me, the feeling of her in my arms washed it away. I only wanted to hold her in my arms again before it was too late.

"Aaron..." She whispered, her voice sounding too distressed for my liking. "I'm not clean. I was in a hurry and I forgot-" I broke the hug in confusion and looked at what she meant. There I saw the red smears and smudges on her white school shirt. I couldn't understand if it was my vision which turned red at the thought of her covered in blood or if her shirt was actually covered in blood stains, but either way, I could feel the blood drain away from my face.

My girl had blood all over her. And it wasn't even hers.

I heard a slight gasp from the maid who was looking at Clarke with wide eyes. My mom looked even paler than I imagined I could be right now. I could see the guilt immediately wash over Clarke's face and I wanted to do anything to make it go away. She didn't have to feel guilty and apologetic for doing her job. She deserved respect and gratefulness instead of fear and repulsiveness. Even though the truth was harsh, it was something that I had to accept.

And this was the truth. Clarke was a girl who constantly fought with death on a daily basis. Her life revolved around blood and guns. She was all about fistfights and her missions instead of money, name, and other such materialistic visions. She was beautiful without wanting to be.

And I was bloody blessed to have her in my life.

"I'm sorry-"

"Maria, please leave us. Kristen, help Clarke find clean clothes." Our maid, Maria, instantly fled from the dining hall at my obvious anger behind my tone. "Don't apologise. We'll talk when you come back. Thank you for everything." I whispered as my eyes visibly softened when they landed on Clarke's sad eyes. They held so much pain, and looked so tired that at that second I wished nothing more but to erase away all of the negativity in her life.

"Come on, let us get you cleaned up." Kirsten pulled Clarke away and took her, most probably, to her house to get her cleaned up.

I chugged down like three bottles of water trying to ease my mind while I waited for their return. My mind constantly replayed the conversation I had with Kristen about her relationship.