Looking For You

Chapter 26 - Flashback

Chapter 26 - Flashback

[Christian’s POV]

Dragging Aimee into the quiet library, I make my way over to our usual spot where we kissed for the first time. Butterflies form in my stomach, but my overpowering mood takes over the love I have for Aimee burning inside of me. We nestle ourselves on the ground, crossing our legs and facing each other in this serious moment. This is so big for me since Aimee is the first person I will be revealing my huge secret to. I do trust her, even though she just admitted to stealing my mom’s letters without me knowing. I am a bit mad at her, but I have feelings for her and I know what she’s like; she deserves to know.

I sigh, picking at my nails with shaky and sweaty hands, not knowing where to start from. I gulp the lump in my throat back down, always wanting to make it’s way out. I try to bite back the tears, wanting to get through this story that I’ve been hiding for so many years. It’s time someone knows before it gets too late.

“I don’t even know how to start.” I tell Aimee, looking into her eyes, feeling worried. Her expression is the same as mine, but she displays more of a horrified expression. Her purple eyes have darkened, almost looking navy blue. She’s as nervous as I am, being let in on a secret only she will know of. She just shrugs her shoulders and bites her lip. “Well, maybe you could start off with how this all began.”

I look away, knowing that there is a lot to cover, from the time my dad went to war for the first time, and the moment he came back he forced me to join since I was at the allegeable age to become a part of the army. I gather all my thoughts and calm myself, taking deep breaths in and slowly releasing them. I creep my hands over to Aimee’s, where we interlock them and hold on. Warmth is spread between us, and now I know that she is here for me. I definitely know that I can trust her.

*5 years ago*

“Christian, dad is coming home from the war!”

Running down the stairs, my body becomes excited as my mom tells me such exciting news. After months of being away, my dad is finally coming home. I sigh in relief that he is still alive and safe, back home in Charlotte. My father has been in the army for most of his life, always being dedicated to fight for his name. Unfortunately, some families will be eating dinner with one less member of their family, but my family will have a full table of three.

I am met with my mom in the foyer, standing close to the door as she sticks her forehead on the window panel, waiting for that taxi to arrive. She was supposed to go to the war zone with my dad, acting as a war nurse, but she had missed this round to help me in my final years of school. College is just around the corner for me, waiting to live the life of a normal college guy.

My mom squeals in her spot, announcing that my dad has arrived. I stand still, wanting to look like a grown man when he walks through that door. I have changed since the last time I saw him, but only slightly. I have realised what it’s like to be living without a father for so long. It’s lead me to respect things more. Now I can truly understand people who have lost their family.

“Dad.” He comes in through the door, suitcase in hand. My mom hugs him, with tears falling from both sets of eyes. I watch them as they engage in a loving hug, absorbing all the compassion that is held between them. Once they let go, my dad does the same to me, giving me a manly hug. I snuggle my chin in the crook of his neck, smelling the clean scent that covers his skin.

“How is my son doing?” My dad says once we let go. His voice is happy and it almost feels like he never left. I can see little scars marked on his face, being evidence from the war. No bandages wrap around his limbs, looking as healthy as a newborn baby. I nod my head, keeping my voice quiet. “I’ve been great, dad.”