Banished

better and better and better

Things were less tense in the household after that.....except for the fact that I'd get occasional smirks from Aiden, resulting in a fight that would leave us pretty battered.

My parents thought that as a great relief, but to be honest, I didn't give it much thought.

It was a cold winter evening, as snow lined the streets and roofs.

I sat by the fireplace, playing around with my fingers, an old habit of mine, while Aiden was out, trying to buy some food and keeping low. And my parents........well, they were taking a snooze, leaving me and Jason.

'So...' I trail off, not knowing what to say.

He looks up. ' Mind if I ask you a question?'

I shrug.

' Well, you know, I don't get it, how did Aiden escape banishment? No one's ever escaped, because as far as we know, there's no way out.'

I consider this for a moment because to be honest, I never gave it much thought. ' I honestly don't know.'

Jason looks around then turns back to gaze at the fire place.

'What are we going to do now?' I ask.' We can't just hide forever .'

Jason sighs.' I had a talk with your mother last night, and she said she'll do anything to keep you out of harms way....so she sort of put you under my protection again.'

Despite my expectations, I don't react. And I find myself ready to obey.

' Whatever my mother says ' I mumble.

Jason tilts his head. ' Wait, are you doing this for me or because your mum says so?'

I blush and look down at the floor.

' My mother' I say, and it barely comes out as a whisper.

Jason shakes his head, gets up and leaves the small living room and I begin to sizzle from the inside. ' What did he expect? I'm not the one to listen to him all the time.' I mumble to myself.

Just then, Aiden comes in and collapses on the sofa. 'Aiden!'
I shout, not trying to hide the worry in my voice.

I run up to him and check his pulse. It seems to be okay. 'Aiden' I say again.

He stirs. ' M.....Midnight' He says.

'I'm right here' I say,trying to sound reassuring. 'what happened?'

' There.... were some guards....And they questioned me....And I didn't have answers for everything....so they beat me'
he pants. That's when I notice that there's a cut running from his eyebrow to his jawline and it's bleeding badly. He's also covered scratches and bruises all over. I gasp. 'Stay, here and don't move, I'll go get mum and dad'

He grabs my wrist. 'Don't tell them.... need...to keep them... far...from..worry' He pants.

Not looking convinced, I nod and grab a first aid kit and begin cleaning his cuts and bruises.

That's when I promise myself something. I'm going to keep this village safe, no matter what it costs. I'm not going to let them get harmed because of me.