Secrets? Never.

7. To An Unforgettable Summer

When someone nears the end of their life, and their friendship circle is on its last legs, all that person really has left, is their memories. Brief moments in time that were considered momentous enough by that person, to be immortalised in their innermost psyche, to be relived at any time they so choose. It is in these such memories, that many live their lives. Lives of quiet desperation; hoping and searching, craving some elusive meaning, or purpose.

This was how Aiden Mathis lived his last few months on earth. No one to call a friend except his fiancée Aubrey, and a lifetime of memories and regrets. Yet the thing he mulled over most, was how he let Emily Thorne (or should he say, Grayson) slip so easily through his fingers. He hated himself, and all of the bad decisions he'd made purely because they were the easiest option.

It was these thoughts and memories that made him decide to attend her benefit, and wait until Daniel had left until he made his entrance. He wanted her; no he needed her, only if for a night. Sadly for him, though; this wasn't to be. He'd never again get a night alone with Emily. He'd never again smell the intoxicating aroma of her very self, a scent that lingered even after she'd gone; almost as if she'd left a piece of herself everywhere she'd been.

So when she strolled up to him at the aforementioned benefit, looking as beautiful as ever (as he hadn't been afforded much of an opportunity to marvel at such things upon their previous encounter), almost as if no time had passed since he last felt her tender embrace, and had instigated a conversation; he couldn't have been happier. Except, of course, for when she agreed to go with him.

It was simultaneously the longest and most thrilling car journey of Aiden's existence (well it obviously wasn't he longest - but it did feel like it). His heart was in his mouth as he laid more and more weight on the accelerator. His head was thrust back onto the headrest behind him as all of the buildings and other assorted landmarks whizzed past in a blur. The only things that were easily defined were lights, coming from windows, street lamps, phones, and cars; like little stars that littered his surroundings. He could feel his pupils dilating in the darkness, as he glanced from left to right. All that went through his mind were thoughts of he and Emily; and memories of their time spent together.

Flashback;

It was the night before Emily's wedding to Daniel, and Emily was stealing a few moments with Aiden before she went back home to Daniel. It was to be the last time he'd see her until after the wedding, and the 'shooting' was carried out.

"Think;" Aiden whispered, as Emily laid her head on his chest, feeling it rise and fall steadily with each breath he took, "tomorrow, all of this will be over, and we can finally be together without looking over our shoulder all the time. It can just be you and me; together, in the warmth and seclusion of complete and utter paradise." Emily lifted her head to gaze into his eyes, smiling "I; cannot; wait, Mr. Mathis." She replied, with a kiss.

Present;

All of a sudden, they were in Aiden's room, and Emily was thrust against the wall in the throws of passion. Heavy breath was all that could be heard above the minute sounds from outside that ranged from traffic, to people shouting to one another, as their eyes were locked on the other's; each enthralled by what they were gazing upon, until; their lips met tentatively, then, all at once, until they'd locked in what could only be described as a pure and passionate kiss.

© Sarah Egan 2014 - 2015. All rights reserved. This story is subject to copyright and may not be copied or reproduced without the express permission of the author.