Reminisce With Me

Chapter 29: I Wish It Was You, But It's Not

When I was younger, Gran always made sure I skipped track and field.

"She has asthma and I can't afford her having an attack in the middle of a run," I remember her telling my PA teachers. 

Gran would have her blond hair in a loose ponytail, a hand on her hip, and a determined set of blue eyes as the PA teachers attempted to come up with reasons to get me to participate. But, no one dared to argue with Olivia Van Alen. It was a battle they would surely lose. 

My asthma attack had only happened once when I was ten, but Gran knew how much I hated track and field. She would always wink at me right after informing the teachers of my 'medical condition', though it was mild.

But, sitting in the car at this very moment, suffocated by Bridgett's vanilla scented perfume, I could feel myself about to have an attack.

"Are you okay?" Helen whispered from my right.

I leaned my head back. "Your sister's perfume is really strong," I mumbled and Helen laughed under her breath.

"Open the window?"

I shook my head. "I don't want to piss her off. She will know."

Aiden, Bridgett, Helen and I drove together to Carrington's place, while Julian and Noel followed in another vehicle behind us.

"Ask Aiden?" she suggested and I shook my head again.

"I'd rather not."

"He won't bite, I promise," Helen teased and I rolled my eyes. I glanced at the rearview mirror and couldn't help but admire Aiden as he concentrated on the road ahead. 

"It's not him I'm worried about," I whispered.

I was more worried about myself. I thought that maybe I would find myself losing feelings for him, but my love did not waver one bit. I loved him more than I did before. 

"You can't get over him, can you," she said.

I was grateful the music was loud for Helen and I to talk without being heard. "I am over him."

I took another glance at the rearview mirror and was startled to find Aiden's eyes flicker to mine. It took me a moment to realize we were both staring at each other. 

"Open the window," I mouthed and he arched an eyebrow, confused.

Aiden lowered the volume and said, "what?"

I slouched in my seat as Bridgett looked over at him and then back at me. 

"Forget it," I said out loud as Aiden continued to look puzzled.

"Alright," he trailed off.

Helen looked over at me apologetically. "Just rip the bandage," she whispered.

I could already feel an itch in my throat. In this very moment, I wished Gran was here to save me. "Screw it," I muttered before rolling the window fully down. 

The rush of fresh air flew into the car and I sighed in relief. I smiled over at Helen who was laughing.

I looked in the rearview mirror and Aiden grinned at me, shaking his head. "Needed some fresh air?"

"You don't even know how badly," I said back.

I could tell by his tone he knew the reason why I opened the window.

***

After a fifty-minute car ride, Aiden pulled behind a four-story building. 

"Carrington is staying here?" I asked, confused by the location.