Vivian

Chapter 27 (and a note)

Dedicated to: SumyyaZ

Hello! I've decided to continue writing with the previous chapter having a magical/supernatural aspect to it. I might end up changing that and taking out all the supernatural, in which case a lot of the chapters will be HEAVILY revised. The plot might also shift if I decide to take it out. Anyway, I'll let the actual book start now ^_^

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Looking up from where I was sprawled on the forest ground, I see black skinny jeans, a black buttoned blouse, and hate filled eyes. Her hair is elegantly curled around her shoulders and her flawless skin is perfectly tanned. I wish I could be pretty like that.

"You," she hisses, bending down to whisper right into my ear, "too bad we didn't come later. Then you wouldn't be a problem anymore."

"Penelopei, step away from the girl." Aiden's voice rings loud and clear. His footsteps near me and the girl quickly backs up.

"Of course, I was just making sure the girl was okay. Shall we take her back to the pal--"

"Go back, Penelopei. I will take care of this. Not a word of this incident is to be told to anyone." Aiden gently picks me up off of the ground where I was paralyzed by shock. That girl wanted me dead. "Am I understood, Penelopei?"

"Of course, sire." With a finally glance in my direction, she turns gracefully and jogs into the surrounding trees. My legs still felt like jelly even after she'd disappeared into the trees.

Everything is silent for a few moments before Aiden turns me to face him. I can't look into his eyes, I know he must hate how much of a burden I am. Everyone does.

Why am I always so much trouble? Why do I always make everything so hard for everyone? Why am I like this?

"You're hurt." He gently lifts my head with a finger under my chin. And when my eyes meet his I'm struck by the intense sorrow held there. Then his gaze drops to my bruised wrists. With gentle hands, he barely skims his fingers over the purple marks. His hands are shaking. Why are they shaking?

I look back up at his lowered face to catch a tear trail down his face. The first tear I've ever seen him shed. Wh--Why is he crying? It's my fault isn't it. I made him go into that awful place. I have to make this better. But how do I do that? What do I do?

And then I thought of the day we first met. Placing my fingers under his strong chin, I gently lifted his face back up to look at me. "Hey. It's going to be okay. I promise." And then I gave him a smile. A genuine smile. I might have been killed if not for him. That's the second time he's saved my life.

I use my thumb to wipe away the dampness on his cheek, then made sure I was looking him right in the eyes before thanking him.

Aiden sweeps me into a tight embrace, and I can still feel his body shaking. What do people do to comfort other people? Pat the other person's back? Yeah that's gotta be it. I tried it, slowly lifting my hand and patting his shoulder blades. But the shaking just got worse, and I felt wetness on my neck. Another tear. Okay so maybe that's not it.

Vi, how do I do this? He's never cried before! Silence. Vi? You there? Vi! More silence.

I open my mouth to tell Aiden that it will be okay again, but was stopped by his broken voice. His whispered words were so shaky, so filled with emotion, I felt it in my gut.

"Forgive me. Please, please forgive me."

I couldn't even respond. I don't know what he was asking forgiveness for. He'd saved my life. There was nothing to forgive him for, in fact, I should be thanking him even more. But I didn't say that. I didn't say anything. I just pulled back and stared at him.