Brave (Sequel to Beside You)

Chapter Thirty Three

Dougie's POV
Andy had left around 9pm. He had spent the evening talking with Aria. From what I could gather he knew everything. Theo had made a feast for dinner. A whole roast dinner, I think he was just happy Aria was talking to someone. Even if he was just a friend. I felt dinner was a little awkward. I was mostly silent, unless Theo or Andy spoke to me. Me and Aria hadn't spoken properly since I yelled at her the other night. I felt awful but watching her was tearing me apart.

Once Andy had gone Aria went up to her room. I followed her up minutes later and knocked quietly. I heard her say come in and opened the door slowly. She was sat at her piano staring at the box that I had put into her luggage. A single tear dancing on her cheek.
'Hey.' I said quietly.
'Hey.' she mumbled. I moved closer to her.
'Aria, i'm really sorry about the other night. It was an awful thing for me to do. It's just seeing you like this is killing me. I miss you smiling.' I explained.
'Oh, I'm sorry Dougie. I will ignore the fact that I lost my daughter shall I. What do you want me to do Doug? Throw on a fake smile all the time. I do that enough when i'm out.' she said angrily.

'Aria, that's not what I mean. I know you lost her. Aria, she might have been your daughter but I lost my niece too. We are all upset and all very sorry Aria, but you can't mope around forever. I thought if you at least said her name, it might make you feel a little better. We all know how much you want kids, we all know how excited you were. Both of you. I was looking forward to being an Uncle too. All I ever wanted was to watch all your dreams come true. It hurt so much to watch from the side lines watching you, not being able to do anything to help. I'm sorry if I sound like the selfish one and I'm sorry I upset you the other night. That's all I can do, is apologise. Now I have done that I will leave you alone.' I ranted, before walking to the door.

'Dougie, wait.' she said in barely a whisper. I took a moment before I turned around. I could already hear in her voice the tears threaten to spill. Mine already were. I've never told anyone what I just said to her, not even Ellie. I turned slowly looking into her eyes. She was up from the piano by now and making her way towards me.
'I never knew you felt that way.' she said tearfully.
'No one does, not even Ellie. I've kept it all locked up. It's selfish for me to tell you how I feel because she was your daughter. I can't help but feel that hole too.' I whispered, tears sliding down my face.
'I'm sorry.' she said simply, giving me a hug. I stayed silent in her arms. It should be the other way round but I felt like I needed this.