Never Let Me Go

Forgiveness

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*FLASHBACK*

Tapping her black, strappy heels against the floor of the taxi, Aria attempts to calm her ever-growing nerves. She can't stop the uneasy feeling in her stomach as she impatiently waits for the car to come to a stop.

Sitting up slightly, she glances at the clock: 6:10.

Sighing heavily, she throws herself back against the seat.

She feels a cocktail of emotions: anger, frustration, nervousness, etc. She wanted today to be perfect, and it's been everything but so far. Not only had she failed her Economics pop quiz, but also she managed to piss off Jamie the night before, resulting in being locked in, and subsequently spending the night in the cellar.

"I hate him," she says to herself, mentally disgusted at the mere thought of her foster parent. "It's all his fault." She feels her fist ball up, thinking about how she had to wait for Jamie to leave for a colleague of his get together before she could get ready. She's forever grateful to Maya and Kay for helping her as much as they did. She doesn't know what she'd do without either of them.

"We're here ms," the middle aged, cab driver informs Aria. It takes a few moments to register what he just said. When she does, she digs in her purse and pulls out the cab fare.

"Thanks," she says, quickly giving the man the money before jumping out the vehicle and slamming the door.

Walking as fast as she can, Aria takes a second to marvel at the restaurant. It's located in the business district of the already affluent city of Carmel Valley and reminds her of one of those 5 star restaurants in NYC. Sighing, she continues into the building and glances around before spotting him.

Taking a deep breath, she approaches him and, "Ken, I'm so sor-"

"You're late," he cuts her off sharply. "15 minutes late to be exact."

Arianna looks down, "I know, and I'm sorry but-"

"But what?" Snapping his head, he finally looks at her and Aria feels her stomach drop when she sees he looks completely and utterly done with her. "I told your ass to meet me at 6:00 and you couldn't even do that. It's our fucking six month anniversary Arianna." Roughly grabbing her arm, Aria instantly winces at his death grip.

"Let go of me," Aria murmurs, not wanting to cause a scene.

"You think it was easy getting these reservations?" He continues, "Well, it wasn't. I went through a lot just to make tonight special for us and you can't even show up on time." A beat. "Where were you?"

"Kendal please," she pleads, feeling his grasp tighten. "You're hurting me. Let me go."

"Not until you tell me where the hell you were and why you were late," he demands, showing not even a hint of remorse.

"Sir, your table is ready." At the sound of the stranger's voice, Kendall releases Aria and the two turn to the waiter. Both teens seem somewhat relieved by the fact that the employee seems oblivious to what just happened.

"Thank you," Kendall says calmly, gesturing for Aria to walk ahead of him.

The two follow the waiter to their table and take seats opposite of each other.

"Here are your menus," the waiter hands them the menu and pulls out a notepad. "Can I get either of you something to drink?"

"Water please," Kendall replies. His eyes dart to his girlfriend, "Ari?"