Unexpected Love

Facing Aiden

When I got home that night I searched for the piece of paper that Aiden had given me in double English yesterday. I would have English with him tomorrow but he didn't want to be seen with me at school so I decided now was the right time. I memorised the address and grabbed my bag.

"Where are you going?" My little brother asked suspiciously. Of course he had to catch me going out.

"Why are you so nosy?" I replied. "I'm just going to see someone. I have to tell them something."

"And you can't wait till school tomorrow?" Lachlan chuckled. "I bet it's a boy and your going to declare your love for him." Seriously, what was wrong with my brother?

"I told you I'm not interested in anyone," I glowered at him. "The situation's complicated. I can't talk to them at school."

"Is it a boy or a girl?" Lachlan asked slyly.

"Does it matter?" I answered getting angry. "I'll be back later."

My brother was so annoying. He was in year seven and believed that I was interested in boys. He didn't understand my situation. I hadn't told anyone about the full situation so how could I expect him to leave me alone. He still didn't need to assume anything as stupid as a crush. He knew I had no interest in boys.

***

I knocked on the door and held my breath as I heard footsteps. A nice looking middle aged woman with short brown hair greeted me at the door.

"Hello Alana," she smiled warmly at me. "I've heard so much about you."

"You have?" I asked confused. But deep down I was pleased. Aiden had been talking about me. Wait, why would that please me. We hardly know eachother.

"Yes, Aiden told me about what happened. Are you alright now?" She asked lowering her voice.

"Yes," I replied. "Can I see him?"

"He's doing homework at the moment," the lady said. "He's pretty upset about the whole situation. He had to find a new group of friends and now he's a little bit better. He's not alone at school is he? He says that he's found a group of new friends that are nice."

The only times I'd seen Aiden was when he was alone. I never realised he had found new friends. If he was keeping secrets there must be a reason for it.

"Yes he's got a nice group of friends," I replied uneasily. "Do you think he'd mind a little company right now?"

"I'm sure he wouldn't mind," Aiden's mum said opening the door for me. "Stay as long as you'd like."

She pointed at a room which must of been his bedroom. I walked up the stairs and knocked on the door. My heart started beating rapidly in my chest, probably because I wasn't used to approaching people like this.

"Come in," I heard Aiden say and I opened the door cautiously. He looked up and raised his eyebrows.

"Sorry I didn't tell you I was coming," I said timidly. "I didn't have your number or anything."

"Why are you here?" He asked standing up and walking over to me. I fiddled with my fingers and he took a step closer, closing the door behind me. I felt slightly uncomfortable.

"I never thanked you," I replied quickly. "I'm really sorry for what you've had to go through. It's not fair. Can I ask a question?"

"Go ahead," he said walking away and sitting on his bed. I stood still and sighed.

"Are you lying to your mum?" I asked and this took him by surprise. He motioned for me to sit next to him so I slowly walked over and sat beside him.