Reaching for Happiness

Chapter 21

I'd been walking for what seemed like hours. My legs were aching terribly, and I was chattering my teeth so hard my jaw hurt. I was only wearing a vest top, a thin cardigan and some chinos. Not exactly the best choice of clothing for a walk on a cold January night. Aston still hadn't come looking for me; shows how much he cares. I just hoped Nikki and Marvin cared enough to come looking for me when they got back from their walk. I was well and truly lost; someone needed to find me. I was scared to death.. It was pitch black outside, and I couldn't see much. My legs gave way, as I collapsed on the floor in tears. I thought my tears would have dried out by now, but I was wrong. They kept on coming. I heard foot steps coming towards me- more than one person. I didn't care if I got kidnapped and murdered right now. Nobody else would care, so why should I? Someone placed their hand on my shoulder; I smelt a familiar smell. Nina Ricci perfume. The perfume Nikki wears. I looked up to see Marvin and Nikki looking down at me.

'Chloe?' Marvin asked. I looked down at the ground still sobbing. 

'Babe, what are you doing out here?' Nikki asked, sitting down and pulling me into a hug as Marvin sat at the other side of me and wrapped his arm around my waist.

'Aston.. he.. he..' I sobbed. I couldn't quite get the words out.

'Chloe, what did Aston do? Did he hurt you?' Marvin asked.

'No!' I sniffed.

'Then what?' he asked, rubbing my back.

'I'M FUCKING PREGNANT!' I screamed. 'And Aston thinks I cheated' I cried, leaning into Marvin's shoulder.

'Come on, let's get you back home with us' Marvin sighed, pulling me up.

'I'm not going in that apartment if he's there!' I shouted.

'Babe, I'll make sure he stays away from you, okay? I guess you don't want to see him right now. You'll make up in your own time, yeah?' he smiled slightly.

'Fine' I sniffed, following them home.

'Babe, you must be freezing! Have my jacket' Marvin said, slipping his jacket off and placing it around my shoulders. 

'Thanks' I smiled weakly as we headed back to Marvin's apartment.

Marvin got to the door, and unlocked it, then flicked on the lights.

'Aston must have gone to bed' he said, walking in. Nikki started to go in, before turning around and smiling at me, holding out her hand. I got last minute nerves; I couldn't go in. I shook my head and turned around to walk away, but I bumped into someone quite hard, and fell to the ground. I looked up to see Aston staring down at me with red puffy eyes; he'd clearly been crying. He tried to help me up, but I shrugged out of his grip, getting up myself, unhurt.

'Babe, I-' he started, before I cut him off.

'No, Aston. Don't bother' I said, my tears starting again. I turned and started to walk away. He grabbed my arm and pulled me back.

'Chloe, please just listen to me! I'm sorry, okay?!' he said, raising his voice at the end, as a tear rolled down his cheek.

I shrugged him off again, and carried on walking. He ran in front of me.

'Chloe, please! Don't walk away! I love you!' he yelled. The last three words caught my attention more than the rest of what he was saying.

'What?' I said quietly.

'I love you, okay? When I wake up next to you in a morning, to see you smiling, it makes me smile. When your happy, it makes me happy. I'm a generally happier, better person around you. You have no idea how you make me feel; every time we kiss, I get butterflies in my stomach. When I feel your skin against mine, it makes my skin tingle. I've never loved anyone as much as this before.. I'm just so sorry! Of course you wouldn't cheat on me.. I don't know how I could ever think that! Just please.. Don't go' he was now properly crying. I was too; Aston loved me. Not only did he care about me, but he actually loved me. I couldn't believe it. What he had just said had fixed my heart. I had no sadness left in me anymore; the tears I were crying were now happy tears.

'Aston, I.. I love you too! And I could say all those things and more about you' I smiled, as I saw a smile return back to his face. He stepped forwards, placed his hands on my hips, and slowly pressed his lips onto mine. The kiss was amazing; even better than our first kiss. I'd never had a better kiss from Aston. It was full of passion, and love. Aston pulled away from me and held out his hand. I smiled, taking his hand, and walking back inside with him. I knew now that as long as I was with Aston, I would be happy.