A Little Bit of Lovin'

My Soul

He was a constant in my life. One of those people you can't picture not being a part of your day because they are so ingrained in your world. He was my best friend and I loved him.

So you can imagine how terrifying it was when I got the news. That I might never see his face again or chat with him. Or have him scold me about the silly things like he used to. I couldn't imagine it.

But I didn't need to anymore. I was living this nightmare.

The waiting room was full of his family and our friends. There was an unnatural stillness that made this whole experience even more horrific. And I hated to be weak, but I needed him at that moment.

He was my rock. The person to pull me up when I was drowning in my own thoughts. When the self doubt and anxiety consumed me. He was my person and I was afraid that I wasn't going to be able to be his rock right now. When he needed me most.

His mother reached over and took my hand without looking at me. Silent tears were streaming down her face. "I'm so glad you're here, Belle. He wouldn't want you to see him like this, but I'm glad you're here."

I couldn't hold back a sob as I clutched onto her hand tightly. How weak I must seem. I should be the one comforting her seeing as it was her son in the OR. And yet she was sitting here holding my hand and reassuring me.

But I couldn't help myself. My soul was in there, lying on that table and I had no idea if I was ever going to get it, him, back.

It seemed like days had passed before the sliding doors opened and an exhausted looking surgeon stepped through.

"Aiden Temple's family?" He called, glancing around.

His mom gave my hand one last squeeze before standing before the doctor with her husband. Mr. and Mrs. Temple clung to each other as the doctor spoke in hushed tones.

I held my breath as I examined their body language and facial expressions, trying to determine whether the news was good or bad. I felt like bursting into tears when I saw the strained set of his parents shoulders immediately relax.

"Belle, sweetie he's going to be just fine." Mrs. Temple murmured, coming to my side and rubbing my back. "The doctor said they were able to get everything fixed up. He was very lucky."

"He's okay?" I whispered. She nodded, beaming. "Can I see him?"

"Not yet. Tomorrow probably. He's just in recovery right now so only immediate family right now. But I'll make sure he knows you're here."

She smiled and brushed a tear off my cheek. Before I could say anything she got up and followed the rest of the Temple's through those sliding doors and out of sight.

I didn't sleep much that night. Even knowing Aiden was going to be fine, I just couldn't. There were too many thoughts swirling.

As soon as visiting hours began, I was waiting outside his door for the okay to go in. It was Mr. Temple who eventually led me in. He popped his head out the door and grinned when he saw me.

"I thought you might be out there. You better come in, he's been asking for you ever since he woke up." He held the door open and ushered me in.

Aiden was lying in his bed, head propped up by a couple of pillows. There were bruises and scratches marring the left side of his face and his left arm and leg were in a cast.

"Belle." He breathed, eyes catching and holding my own. He reached out to me with his good arm, gesturing me closer. I immediately went to his side, crawling up on the bed and curling into his side.

"I was so scared." I whispered, burying my face in his neck. "I thought you were going to leave me."

He squeezed me tight against him for a moment before gently nudging my face back. "I'm not going anywhere. Not without my girl."

My breath caught in my throat. "Promise?"

"Promise." He gently rubbed his nose against mine.

"I love you, Aiden." I murmured, my eyes drifting closed.

He paused for a moment before pressing his lips against mine in a soft and sweet kiss. "I love you, too"