Closed Flames|Burrliza

~Chapter Ten~

The Big Day

Aaron woke up early in the morning, sitting up. He looked down at Eliza, who was laying by his side. Aaron frowned, brushing her hair softly his fingers. It makes or breaks today... He truly didn't want to leave Eliza. He rubbed her cheek with his thumb, taking a moment to admire the woman beside him. It could possibly be the last time he admired her at all. Eliza's eyes opened slightly. "A-Aaron...?" She looked at him, taking a light hold on his arm. "Eliza..." Aaron looked to her as she sat up.

"Today's the day..." Aaron said softly. "You're right..." Eliza looked down, biting her lip as tears pricked her eyes. Aaron pulled her into a soft hug. "I'm not sure if I'm ever going to see you again..." Aaron stroked her hair softly and held her close. "I don't want to lose you..." Aaron laid his head on her shoulder softly as tears began to stream down his face. Elizabeth held him closely. "I-I don't w-want to lose you either..." She responded. He stayed quiet for a moment, before lifting his head and looking at Eliza. She had tears in her eyes as well, some daring to slip out.

Aaron cupped Eliza's cheeks gently, brushing her tears away. "Elizabeth... Listen to me. If I am to die today... There's something I really need to tell you." Eliza looked at him, her eyes were red with tears. "What is it...?" She asked softly. "Well... since that day we met... I've always known you were a special girl. Someone I could always count on and care for..." He took a deep breath. "You're so special to me... and with time it became clear to me that you are not just my friend... you're so much more than that... and.."He paused, taking a deep breath once more.

"I love you." 

Aaron looked down, expecting a sour reaction. Eliza's eyes went wide and her cheeks flushed. "Aaron... I..." Elizabeth was speechless for a moment, then she carefully wrapped her arms around his neck. He looked up in surprise. They watched one another for a moment, he readjusted his hands, then kissed her softly. Eliza kissed him back and they held the kiss for a good moment. Then, they parted to catch their breath. Aaron smiled softly. "As soon as I come back... we can get our lives back on track." 

Eliza nodded softly. "Now, you get some rest... I've got to go... I love you, my Eliza." Aaron kissed her forehead softly, then got up, putting his cloak on, and grabbing his gun from the war from a box on top of a high shelf. He looked at Eliza softly, giving her a reassuring smile. He then went to the kids' room. He softly kissed each of their heads before heading for the door. "I love you all... I'll be home soon... no matter what it takes." Aaron then walked out of the house. As he got farther away, he couldn't help but feel his confidence deteriorating. 

He walked to the meeting spot. Where Alexander alright stood. Their seconds and the doctor arrived soon as well. Aaron looked at Alexander. He was wearing his glasses... and making sure his gun was ready and loaded. He really does have the intent to kill me... Aaron thought to himself. Aaron looked to Alexander as he drew the first position. He turned around, holding his gun. He looked to the sky. I promise I'll come home, Eliza. He thought as a tear slipped down his cheek.  He took a deep breath as they began to count.

"One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, fire!"

Aaron turned around and pointed his gun to the sky. Though Alexander shot first, the bullet whizzed into Aaron's stomach. Aaron shot to the sky, dropping to his knees. Alexander looked at him as his second ushered him away. Aaron breathed heavily, holding his stomach. He felt dizzy and sick all at the same time. The doctor ran over, quickly taking his things, getting to work to make sure Aaron would stay alive. He worked for a good amount of time. 

A few hours later...

Eliza was sitting at home, sobbing as Angelica sat beside her, comforting her. They had heard about Aaron getting shot, and both Eliza and Angelica were very worried. Though, soon, there was a knock on the door. Eliza wiped her eyes, getting up, and going to the door. She opened it, only to see... Aaron. Eliza's eyes lit up and she hugged him tightly. "Aaron! Thank god!" She reached up and quickly cupped his cheeks. "Are you alright? We heard you were shot-!" Elizabeth said quickly, scanning him over.

Aaron chuckled softly, wrapping his arms around Eliza softy. "Yes... I was shot in the stomach, but the doctor was able to get the bullet out before it got infected... I'm alright." Aaron kissed her forehead and Eliza hugged him tightly. "Thank the lord... I... thought I was never going to see you again." Eliza smiled up at him as tears of joy rolled down her cheeks. Aaron held her close. "I could never leave you... I won't let anyone take me away either. I can promise you that." Aaron held her close to him. Eliza looked up at him and she kissed him. Aaron returned the kiss and they held onto each other, parting when they needed to breathe.

Soon, the kids all came running as well. Angelica had told them that Aaron was home. All 3 of the kids, hugged him tightly. Aaron laughed, hugging them all back as well. "Hey, you three. I missed you." He said. "We missed you too, papa!"Theodosia said happily. Philip and Angie smiled brightly, nodding in agreement. Angelica leaned on the doorframe, watching them with a smile. Aaron looked at her, waving her over. Angelica rolled her eyes with a grin, then went over and joined in on the hug. They all held onto each other with a big smile. At last, the family was at peace. They could finally live free of guilt... and free of fear. The fire they called life was concealed and closed... Never to burn anyone ever again. Finally, they were safe.