Madelaine

Chapter nine

Aiden and I continued to walk to my apartment complex, his words hanging above our heads. I didn't know what to do. I'm just gonna see what happens, I'm actually curious to what he's gonna say next.

   As we got closer to the area my apartment complex is in I started to slow down to a stop. Aiden doesn't need to see my living situation, we aren't that close. I know keeping secrets isn't the best way to get to know someone but I can't help it. I'm the type of girl that someone has to earn my trust. I can't just freely give it to them. Aurora and Zack don't even know the whole situation. I'm trying to trust people more but I need to take small steps so I don't get my heart stomped on.

   "So this is where we part ways," I smile at Aiden. "Thanks for walking with me, see you around?"

   "No problem, so I was wondering if we could exchange numbers? That way we stop running into each other like this and actually plan it," Aiden said with a nervous laugh while scratching the back of his neck.

   Aiden wants my number? I decided not to think much of it, it's just a way to communicate. "Sure, hand me your phone." Aiden reaches into his pocket and pulls out his phone, giving it to me so I could place my number in it. Once I finished typing in my contact info I placed his phone back into his hand with a small smile.

   "It was nice seeing you again Aiden. Have a good evening," I said politely with a wave and walked off towards my apartment building. Once I reached my apartment I opened up the entrance and walked towards the door. I unlocked it and slowly opened the door, the sound of laughter filling my ears as I entered. There in the living room was Lily, my mom, and Derek playing The Game of Life. Lily cheered as she spun a six and landed on the space for twins.

As Lily happily placed her two pieces in her car, Derek and my mom looked up as they heard me close the door behind me. "Hi sweetie, that took longer than I expected." My mom said.

   "Yeah sorry, I ran into a...friend." I said awkwardly as I rocked back and forth on my feet.

   "Well if you can wait, Derek was going to make us hamburgers for dinner."  My stomach grumbled in protest but I really wasn't in the mood for lasagna anymore. At least I'm getting fed, even if I have to wait.

   "Yes I can wait," I said as I walked and plopped onto the couch. "So who's winning?" I used to love this game, and was super competitive at it.

   "So far it's me, but Derek keeps rolling a 10 making him almost in the lead." Lily said with a slight pout in her lip.

   "Sorry sugar, it takes time to master the spin of the board." He made his point by first cracking his knuckles and neck before spinning. With no surprise Derek managed to spin a ten, knocking Lily out of first and pushing himself into her place. He also some how managed to go through three paydays, and by the looks of it, he's also in the lead money wise.

   "No not again!" Lily cried dramatically as she flopped onto her back in disappointment. We all laughed at Lily and her overreacting nature. I watched as my mom took a turn, followed by Lily and Derek until the game was over.

   I saw them all counting their money, and Derek ended up retiring first followed by Lily and my mom. "So guys, who won?" I asked curiously.

   "I have 560,000 dollars," Lily said proudly as she waved the handful of fake money around.

   "Well I'm definitely out," my mom said as she threw down her small, sad stack of money.

   "Then Derek that leaves you, so come on tell us." Lily said with anticipation as she bounced up and down slightly on her knees.