Finding Ava

Chapter 21

Aaron's POV

Its 8:30 at night and I'm in my room laying down in bed. I have my phone clutched in my hand, trying to figure out how I'm going to explain Ava's disappearance to the police. I know I fucked up badly but I just have to deal with the consequences. If I had just called the cops that night this wouldn't even be happening right now. But I can't go back and change what I've done.

That day in the gas station when Ava saw the missing person poster I took it down and brought it with me. I remember seeing lots of posters posted around town trying to find the missing baby. I was hiding out in this house that I used to live in, in the middle of nowhere. Ava and I stayed hidden for about a year. Adriana helped me out to get groceries and everything else that I needed so I couldn't be seen in the public eye. I wanted to make sure to not bring any attention to anyone. The only time I got out of the house was for when I had to work or the gym.

I unlocked my phone and dial the number from the poster. It ringed about three times until a man finally answers the phone.

"Harris County Police Department. This is Detective Rossi. How may I help you?" the man speaks through the phone.

I'm frozen for a few seconds then finally manages to speak up. "My name is Aaron Hester and I-I have some information about the disappearance of a little girl from about thirteen years ago." I explain.

"Go on." I can tell that he's looking for a pencil or something to write down the information.

I finished telling the detective everything that he wanted to hear. I know he has a track on me now so Ava and I are waking up early to go to the woods where Detective Rossi will meet us. He's going to take me in and take Ava to the hospital to make sure she's not hurt. I would never hurt her physically but I have hurt her emotionally. It hurts me the most because I've been living with this guilt for over thirteen years.

• • •

Ava's POV

I woke up to Aaron softly, knocking on my door. I called out telling him that I'm up and I'll be ready in thirty minutes. He tells me that he's going downstairs to cook breakfast. I climbed out of bed and walked into my bathroom to take a shower, then brush my teeth afterwards. I spent about thirty minutes in the bathroom taking a shower and brushing my teeth. When I was done I threw on some clothes, grabbed my phone and charger and made my way downstairs for breakfast.

Aaron made pancakes and sausage with eggs. He was nice enough to fix me a plate and a glass of juice. I quickly sat down and began eating. We didn't say one word to each other. We just ate in silence the whole time as we ate. When we were done eating I quickly washed the dishes we used as Aaron got the car ready. As soon as I was finished we were gone.

Last night Yamile, Julian and I were talking all night in a group chat. I was freaking out and they were trying to calm me down but I couldn't. Julian and I were trying to figure out what we were going to do with our relationship, if I have to move. He said that he would try to come and visit me every weekend that he can. Its not a lot but that's good enough for me. As long as, he's making effort to come see me then I'm fine with that.

I don't even know were Aaron is taking us but I just have to ride along. We didn't speak much to each other because I really don't have anything to say right now. I know by the time the detective comes I'll be crying my eyes out and tell Aaron how much I'm going to miss him. Its weird how you can love a stranger that you've known for a while. I've learned a lot from him and I'm glad that I did and not from anybody else.

• • •

Two hours later we pulled into the woods and Aaron climbed out of the car, telling me to stay inside. I do what I am told and watch as he opens the trunk. He pulls out a shovel and begins digging.