Exchange For a Year

Chapter 37

Aaron's POV

The bullet had almost punctured her lung, things could've been a lot worse. Everyone is now really pissed at Laurence for what he's done, we were all relieved that she was okay and that she could come home in about a week. Katelyn has been really stressed which is bothering Travis because he's paranoid about her going into premature labour. Dante knew his brother was part of an illegal gang but never imagined him doing this.

"Hey Aaron,"

"Oh uh hey Dante."

"She okay?"

"Barely said a word."

It was true, when I'd been able to hug her for the first time in weeks she was quite broken inside. I wanted to be there for her every step of the way but my parents said I had to put school as my top priority. It was getting pretty late in the year and I'm hoping deep down Aph isn't sent home early. I don't want her to be alone in this. A nurse walked out of her room gesturing for me to go in.

"Aaron?"

"Aph I'm right here."

I gently pull her into an embrace, she was still hurting both physically and mentally after her experiences.

"I want to stay but my mom might make me leave,"

"You do only have like three months left now,"

The guys and I had started planning her a birthday party cause its only a few weeks from now and we all wanted it to be an amazing day for her. We wanted her to have as many good memories as we could make before she had to leave and return home.

"Urgh do I have to go?"

"You need to go back eventually, your mom needs you."

This causes her to break down crying, she pulls herself closer into my chest. She's suffered things no-one deserves and I plan to make the most of the next three and a bit months, I think her mind will be distracted more once she gets back into school however Travis is concerned ant thinks she should stay home with Katelyn because a lot of people will ask questions. Plus he doesn't want either of them alone right now.

"You'll be alright Aph,"

"But but my mom, what'll she do now, she won't have my dad anymore."

"Shh, we'll figure something out. I promise to look after you,"

I gently stoke her hair and she slowly stops crying and drifts off to sleep. She is adorable when she sleeps.

"Hey can I come in?"

"Sure Dante,"

"You got any other things that need doing for her party, I want to help as much as I can."

"Oh um talk to Katelyn, she took over that job as a distraction."

It wouldn't surprise me in the least if she'd already finished all the plans. Travis and Nicole had been there quite a lot they mentioned something about her mother not being there and she was very busy with Aph's 18th. I'd gone there myself to see her yesterday and she seemed better knowing Aph was safe.