Tit For Tat

Chapter Four

Freedom is the one thing I've always wanted, but never got. No matter how many times I tried convincing myself that my parents overprotection was normal. That my mother's controlling tendencies were justified. I just couldn't buy it all. I was dying to be free. My poor soul was caged and I kept hoping that one day someone will break the door to my cage and will finally set me free. But right now there was one thing I wanted more than my precious lost freedom. I wanted to know how come Aiden was my neighbor. The opposite house where he was currently staying is known to be a property of a lonely aged couple. I've heard last year that the husband died. The devastated wife refused to sell the house for all the memories it held. It was originally her parent's house and it was gifted to her when she got married about 30 years ago. The couple never had any children or even adopted anyone I was positive about that. What did Aiden have to do with the whole story I had no idea.

".......To him again, Right?" Jenna asked. I realized I must have zoned out a little during her rant.

"I am sorry. What were you saying again?"

"Jesus you are spacing out more than usual today." I bite my tongue upon that comment to prevent myself from spitting out what has been occupying my thoughts lately. I can't tell my friends anything about Aiden. At least not now.

"I was saying, Tom didn't text me back after that party. Yesterday we saw each other in the hallway and he totally ignored my presence. I am so confused and hurt Ruby. But I won't go talking to him again unless he initiates it."

"You're definitely right. But just keep in mind that maybe he's busy with something these days and....."

"No don't make excuses. If he was interested enough he would have sent a text or anything. No one is ever busy 24/7. If you've got some time to poop then definitely you've got some time to text someone." She finished with a dramatic eye roll. I was kinda convinced by her point of view to be honest. He's the guy. He should man up and be initiative. Call me old fashioned and shît. But some guys are stupid and aren't grateful when a girl takes the first step. So to protect yourself from those asshòles, you have to make sure you never put yourself in such a comprised position.

"Don't worry Jenna. I'm sure he will talk to you soon and if he doesn't. It's totally his loss." I pushed her in one of my very famous comfortable bear hugs. She sighed, resting her head against my shoulder.

The rest of the day went by in peace. The moment I was dreading but at the same time was excitedly anticipating finally came. As expected, I found Aiden waiting for me a couple of feet away from the schools' gate. I knew I was late to come out of school but I just had to make sure that almost everyone I know had already left. I didn't want people seeing me talk to Aiden and walking with him. It was a precautious measure. I couldn't afford rumors flying about us at the moment specially when I didn't exactly know what I am doing.

"Hey" I breathed. I was so ashamed to admit this but I was a bundled complicated mess of nerves and anxiousness. A thousands of thoughts raced through my mind. Did I look good? What did he think of my outfit? Why did he look forced? Why did I have a bad feeling about this whole thing?

"You're late. I almost lost hope." He remarked sarcastically and I had to bite my tongue to refrain from leaving a sour comment in return.

"So.... Where would you like to go?" He initiated. Well This is very awkward.

"Starbucks?" He nodded and started waking towards the parking lot. Where was he going?

"I thought we were talking the bus?" I called after him.

"My car is right here Ruby, No need." Aiden said. I turned my head to view the car he was pointing to and to my utter surprise, I found a shining black Audi R8 staring back at me.