Friendship, Love And Hate

Chapter 12 <Familiar stranger>

I brought myself back to sense. I slowly walked to the door. I didn't bother to look through the peep hole. If I looked I might never open.

I held the door knob for a minute I think. Then finally I took in a deep breath and opened doors fast so I have less time to think.

In all of his glory was standing Aaron. Why did he came here? He didn't say anything but just look into my eyes but it wasn't easy for me. I was blinking because my eyes were hurting and my head hurt when I looked too long in one direction.

I heard that dad was walking downstairs and looked to that direction. I didn't want him to hear whatever Aaron has to say because the chances are it won't be good since we can't have a normal conversation ever.

What if he is here to throw it in my face that he was right about Liam and that he warned me but I was too naive and clueless. And yes to all of that. If only I had listened.

But it didn't matter because I realized that he had seen the picture. And know he thinks I am a slut. I felt insecure about myself as if I was naked.

I stepped outside and closed the doors behind me. Aaron didn't say anything. He just stared at me before he took me by surprise when he hugged me tightly. He rubbed my back. I didn't know Aaron but this felt comforting, this was all I needed a simple hug. I simple act of care from a stranger. Familiar stranger.

We stood there for what seemed like eternity and I was okay with it. I wanted to stay like that forever.

"He doesn't know?" He asked I assume about my dad knowing about the picture. But it was more like a rhetorical question but I nodded anyways. And pulled away from Aaron I now felt cold leaving his grip.

"Victoria. Can you promise me something?" Aaron asked me holding my shoulders. I don't know if he knew this but I never broke my promises at least intentionally not. Right now I didn't really have choice. "Promise me you won't do anything stupid." He said with worry. He was talking about harming myself...He actually was worried about me. Why? He hates me...

I nodded.

"I need you to say it" he demanded but still worried looking.

I swallowed my heavy breath "I promise" I said with raspy voice.

He let go of me and stood straighter. "I think it's better if you call in sick for few days until its dies down." He says but then looks like he said something wrong. "I mean you can go to police tomorrow and sort this out" I sounded like he wasn't familiar with term police. My heart now betted faster. Police? I didn't want police involved... I started panicking "no don't. I.e. mean.... I can." I stuttered and Aaron shut me up "okay. That's what I thought. Just take your time okay."

Aaron ran his hand through his hair "I should probably go now your dad hates me now." He started and walked to his car but I stopped him. 

''Why did you come here?'' I asked him. 

''Riley asked me to'' he said. 

He will never know he possibly saved my life, He and Riley... but would I be able to actually do it? Or am I too weak?

My dad was in the living room and he looked at me like he wanted to say something. So I stopped to wait for his part.

"No boy is worth you crying your eyes out" he said in a serious, strong tone.

"Yea" I answered "I know dad" I half smiled. If only it was some stupid boy thing.

"I don't know how to do this. Tori" he said looking at his feet "Maybe Lauren is right." He sounded defeated "maybe you could talk to her about that kind of stuff" he sounded unsure.