(GIF on the side for the first half >>>>>)
Chapter Twenty – Aaron
With their celebration disrupted by Kyle’s wretched attempts to threaten his girlfriend’s family, Aaron planned a small celebration at his house a few days later. It was well needed, he thought, since it was supposed to be a time of success and happiness rather than one of fear and anger.
That night they were all gathered in his garden, sat round an open fire. Each was engaged in their own conversation, except for himself. All he could think about was how Kyle was still at large. Sure, he had left the house and probably had no contact with the family yet it didn’t guarantee their security – it didn’t guarantee his Cathy’s security. His growing body trembled at the thought of what could happen, as his heart ached to keep her safe.
Turning to look at her, his lips lifted into a half-hearted smile. She was deep into a conversation with Rachel, nodding at the few words of explanation shared between them. In her small hands, she clasped a cup – not alcohol, like the rest of the boys since her mother would almost kill her if she did so – holding onto it tightly for some strange reason. Something about Cat’s body language intrigued him. Maybe it was the way that her legs were never on top of the other, or the way the bottom of her eyelids would crease upwards whenever she smiled but he could never bring himself to look away. Luckily for him, she couldn’t see him staring – she would probably have thought of him as a creep.
“Lover boy’s got his eyes on ya.” Rachel killed the moment, nudging Cathy’s shoulder in the process with a massive grin on her face. Cat turned towards him in response, leaning into his offering arm of protection.
“What’s on your mind, Aaron?” She asked, snuggling into his shoulder. Their bodies were close enough to feel the warmth of each other’s breath in the bitterness of the night.
Aaron sighed, with forced laughter reluctantly leaving his lips, “Nothing. I was just admiring you. There's nothing wrong in that, right?”
Cat pulled away from him and instead took his hands in hers. Her face didn’t reach his, choosing to rather face it at the entwined hands in her lap.
“I know when something’s bothering you. I don’t need eyes to see it,” she replied, “is it Kyle?”
Somehow, she always managed to hit the target straightaway. It was one of her features that he sometimes adored yet it meant that he would never be able to hide any secrets, just like the one he currently hid right now.
“I’m just worried that he’ll do something now that your mum knows.”
Whereas his fingers laced clumsily with hers to distract himself of his answer, Cat shrugged her shoulders.
“He’s done enough to me,” she spoke in a more quiet tone which made Aaron regret telling her his fear. Depressing her spirits was one of the last things he had wanted to do at this party and he had gone and done just that.
"Cathy, I didn't m-"
"I know," she sighed. Her tugged lips switched into a smile as she continued, "Besides, I have you to protect me." Her shoulder collided with his in a playful attempt to cheer themselves up and luckily, it worked.
"Of course I will," he laughed.
Together, they were indestructible; they proved it when confronting Kyle. Unity was their greatest strength, one that could not be taken away from them so easily. All he had to do was keep her safe. Her laughter joined his teasingly as she lifted her face from their hand.
