Thank you to anyone who opens this and reads the words I write down! You all are so special. Of course, if you see a mistake, please kindly let me know. I appreciate it!

Hope you enjoy :)

Four Months Later

"So, this is your secret lair?" I muse, and Aiden chuckles.

"Yeah, my little hideaway." He fiddles with the key in the doorknob.

After a few twists and turns, it clicks, and Aiden bites the corner of his mouth.

"I'm, uhh, usually cautious as to who I bring in my apartment. I don't really let people in." His gaze is on the ground.

"Not even Landon?"

He shrugs. "He's an exception. So are you." Aiden grips the knob and pushes it outward.

"Welcome to hell." He announces to the open air, arms out and waiting for my reaction.

The first thing that hits me when I walk in is the sweet smell of pine. My eyes wander over the room. Cloudy walls cloak over the area, which complements the spotless timber floors. A wide-spread, unblemished kitchen curves to the left, along with a peeking door. I notice a sink and mirror inside, so I assume it's a bathroom. In front of me, a lustrous, lengthy chandelier drapes over a round, marble table, that's glossed to perfection. Two chairs are across from each other and tucked neatly under it.

"What? No enchanted rose? What about a hidden coffin?" I provoke, nudging his arm with my elbow. Aiden's mouth is slightly open dazed by my references. I let the moment pass.

I tread over to the right, following the frames hanging on the walls. Some have records in them, or old black and white photos of buildings I can't name. He must be an old fashion kind of guy. I like it.

In the center of a squared area, a marvelous set up of leather couches face a fifty-inch TV stuck on the wall. More doors that lead to other rooms are across from the living room, but what really dazzles me is the obnoxious window that covers the entirety of the back wall.

Aiden lives on the third floor, and I can easily spot the city of New Jersey. It's a glorious view. The sun hides behind buildings and scattered clouds, which float above the skyscrapers. The view is utterly breathtaking.

I have no idea how Aiden has come to afford all this, or how this small apartment can seem so giant and full, but I'm amazed.

"So, are you a part of grand theft auto? Because this apartment is way too perfect." I confess, still staring out the window.

Aiden comes up from behind me and laces his fingers in mine. Instantly sparks dance through my heart.

"Landon did help out a little, and when I say a little, I mean he did everything. I tried to stop him," Aiden's measurable sigh is far from serious. "But you know Landon, so persistent. You like it?"

"I have many emotions running through my mind right now, but I can assure you like is too weak of a word to express how I feel." I'm hopelessly starstruck by the scenery and how clean his place is. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but this wasn't it. Aiden gets to come home to this every day! I'm so jealous!

"I'm glad to hear it." He smiles. "Hey, I want to show you something." Aiden leads me back toward the middle of the living room. He fiddles around near the TV and presses a button.  Soft classical piano music fills the empty air and I grin

"Do you dance?" He holds out his arm and his eyebrows lift.

"I don't know how to," I admit, hugging my arms together.

Aiden unwinds my arms and holds them carefully

"Then it's a good thing I'm the male in this relationship." He jokes and winks at me.

He gracefully leads our feet and hums the blissful tune of the song. The piano's composed sounds sing in my ears like a lullaby, yet the quick, and upbeat violin speaks to me

I step on his feet a few times, and I sheepishly giggle, but Aiden continues to be patient with me. He controls where we go, and how we move, but doesn't press our bodies too close together, leaving a nice comfortable space between us. It's mostly swaying and small steps, but I'm still very impressed by his composure and leadership.

With precise timing to match the music, Aiden spins me in his arms, wrapping me in a tender cradle.

"How did you learn to dance?" I question, struggling to contain myself. Being this close to him is still unfamiliar to me it makes my pulse throb.

"My grandfather, taught me when I was a kid. Said it would help let off some steam, and keep me busy. He also told me it would impress the ladies."

He turns me once more, and our faces end up being inches apart. I suck in a breath.

"Guess he was right, that old sack." He shows teeth, and his charcoal eyes squint from smiling too hard.

"Well," I scramble my mind to find the right words. "You're really quite a dancer and I'm impressed."

He raises an eyebrow. "You can be impressed all you want, but the big question is, do you trust me?"

"Why would that be-"

My question gets interrupted when I'm swiftly dropped back. I clench Aiden's shoulders for support, too startled to do anything else. His face hovers over me, a playful grin intact, and he has a secure hold on my back. Did he seriously just dip me? After a second or two he lifts me back up and I need to catch my breath. My head feels lightheaded from surprise. 

"Alyson, you should know by now that I'd never let you fall." His voice tickles my ear. My arms snake their way around his neck again and I relax.

This usually doesn't happen often, this tense physical affection. We rarely even kiss, but when these moments do end up being presented, I never know exactly what to do.

Aiden's lips stroke mine before he smoothly places a firm kiss. He lingers there for a second or two.

Fireworks. It always feels like fireworks when he kisses me.

Aiden lets go of me not a moment after the kiss ends, and I don't push it any further.  I understand why these things are so difficult for him. They're hard for me too. He isn't fully himself, even with medication keeping him calm and contained. His mind still rambles and sometimes his actions are uncontrollable. He doesn't want to change anything. It's brutal to see Aiden this way, but I know he's made some significant progress these past few months. 

TV ends up being the last resort this Sunday afternoon until the evening rolls in. As the sun starts setting, I groan internally when my phone beeps. 

Shay: Okay you need to save me ASAP! At some loser's house and he's way too pushy. I need a backup and a decent excuse to go home. Help!!

"I can take you home, Alice." Aiden offers, but I wave my hand.

"No, it's fine. Shay just texted me saying I need to get her. She wasn't pleased with his attitude and called a rain check. I don't need you to get dragged along and join in on the fun-filled novella she'll have in store." I sarcastically say.

That, and she hates your guts, but that doesn't need to be announced.

He holds my hands in his. "Good luck with that, honey." He kisses my knuckles and I blush.

 If I'm dealing with Shay I'm going to need all the luck I can get. "Thanks. I'll call you later." I promise, and I turn to face the door. Not realizing, Aiden's hand is still placed in mine, and I look back in confusion.

He raises his hand. "Don't forget your key." The cool metal rests in my palm.

"What's this for?" I examine it in uncertainty.

"It's why I don't just bring anyone here." Aiden walks past me to open the door. "Once you enter, you have to keep coming back."

I bite my lip to keep back a smile, but I fail miserably.

He's unbelievable!

***

"I told you, Shay, I'm not coming back." I huff. I stuff toiletries in my bag, not quite sure which are mine and which are hers, but at this point, I really don't care. I want to leave. Now. 

Though she's had a few months to get over the fact that Aiden and I are a couple, Shailene is still convinced that he's not the best match for me. I understand why she thinks this. On the surface, it may seem this way, but then again, she doesn't really know him the way I do.

"Ace, I let him come over to my home, take you away on our Friday nights, and try to show civility towards him. But the way he acts it's normal. Bottom line, he just isn't good for you." Her arms are crossed over her chest, and she leans against the door frame.

 Looking at her this way, confident and determined reminds me of why all the boys are all over her. But she plays too much. She doesn't take relationships seriously as I do. Even poor Landon hasn't gotten over her crushing remarks and constant rejections. After being around him and Aiden, I've learned enough about him to know he misses her to death. Shailene's ultimate problem is she likes to be a control freak. So after I threatened to leave a few times and she laughed it off, I decided it really was time to move out, for real. She just doesn't understand that Aiden makes me feel special. All she sees is a man who's beyond messed up, no matter how many times I explain to her his situation, she doesn't seem to understand. I can't live with someone like that.

"I need to do what makes me happy, and though I do love you and will miss you, Aiden makes me feel more than happy. I'm a better person with him around. I love him."

She tilts her head and rolls her eyes. "This is just ridiculous, Alyson. I'm not dealing with this crap any longer! He's literally insane! Do you hear me?! In-sane! Why can't you find yourself a regular guy?" She complains casually. It's a slap to the face. I slam my suitcase shut and glare at her.

"Oh, like all the regular guys you've been with?" I grab my bag and push past her, hoping I get my point across. She puffs like a child and storms behind me. her stomping feet and agitated groans irritate me more. I don't want to be mean to her, but I think it's coming to that point. 

I bundle the rest of my clothes laying on my bed and try to ignore her, but Shay decides to interrogate me till the very end. 

"Alyson, he's brainwashing you. I mean look at you, for goodness sake! You're not just dating a monster, you're moving in with a monster!" 

My hands go still and my jaw clenches. I turn to face her.

Aiden's not a monster!

"Shailene I don't wanna hear it! Aiden brings me happiness, treats me with respect, and makes me feel like I'm worth something. If you can't handle that then," I sight, zipping my luggage, and let it land on the floor. "Then I guess you don't really care about me."

Her fingers massage her forehead trying to comprehend all this. "Ace, listen to me. I'm worried about you. I mean this guy is odd, really odd. He has some loose screws up in that head of his and-"

"Okay, I get it." I intervene. "You think Aiden's a wacko. So he's a little disabled, that shouldn't stop anyone from caring about him. Aiden is still a person. A person I happen to admire, and maybe that's just something you can't relate to." She stays silent, and I continue.

"I'm going back to school. Art school. At Kean University. Aiden convinced me to apply, and they liked my work and accepted me. Full scholarship, Shay. I start in the fall." I confess. Shay seems surprised. I never got around to telling her the news, she's always so busy with her soap opera life.

"I need to get my life back. Get a real job, and live the way I want to live. I want to be there for him because honestly, I need him just as much as he needs me."

She stares at the floor. I sigh and release my grip on my worn-out luggage to acknowledge her.

"You know I love you, and I'll always owe you for everything you've done for me." I hug my friend tenderly, who has now started to cry.

I didn't expect this to emotionally drain her, but Shailene is actually crying, and hurts me to see her this way, but I can't be stuck here forever, listening to her luxurious life and being treated as a pet. I want to make something with my life. Still, the stinging in my heart pains me. I don't want to rid her of my life for good, I only want to start my own life.

"Ace, I'm sorry. I love you too, and I hope you find what you're looking for." She sniffs.

I loosen my grip to wipe some of her tears away. "Hey, Aiden only lives five blocks away. You're making it seem like I'm going away to the army or something." I joke, and she softly giggles.

"I know, but after three years of having you around, I'm going to be lonely. You think I've only helped you, but you've done a lot for me too. Think about it, you've been here whenever I was having boy troubles and kept me from doing a lot of stupid things. You're family." Shay dries her eyes, fingers staining black from her makeup, and I playfully swat her arm.

"Stop being all sappy on me!" I warn her and reach for my luggage. If she cries any more, then I really will stay, and I don't want that to stop me. 

"You have to call me every day!  I need a daily report from you, missy!" Shay demands.

"And you need to pick up the damn phone, and call Landon. I know you try to hide it, but he means something to you. When I see him, I can tell his misses you like crazy!"

Shay sends me a death glare and her hand shoos me away."Okay, I'm sick of you. Get out!"

I blow a kiss, then scurry out of the apartment before she can catch me.

***

"Aiden hold still!" I whine, but he continues to create funny faces, messing up his facial expression that I'm attempting to draw. Though this drawing is completely serious to me, I can't help but snicker and whack him with my sketchbook. I'm never going to get this picture right if he keeps being silly.

Ever since I met Aiden, it's been my goal to perfectly outlining his beauty on paper. I've tried using paint, wax, watercolors, and even straight pencil to capture him in some form of art, but it never comes out right. After living with him for a month, this little project didn't particularly stay hidden for long. So, after gaining up the courage to ask Aiden to pose for me, we finally decide that Kawameeh Park is the best place to do this. It's where we had our first date and now it's our favorite hangout spot. 

"Stay on your side, and put your elbow on the grass. Ugh, hold up your head." I badger and fix his wiggling posture. Aiden keeps a wicked grin on his face, one that always tugs at my heart. I have to hold back from attacking him with kisses. He's just too cute. 

"There!" I clap my hands together, proud that I have recreated the pose he was in before. "Now please just stay like that. I just need to make sure I draw your arch and shape right." I mumble, and quickly sketch what I see. I don't know how long he's capable of staying still, so I must be quick before it's too late.

"Oh, so you want me like this?" Aiden tilts his head to look out at the sky, and holds one hand up to his hairline, pretending he's searching for something in the distance.

"Aiden, no!" I groan.

"Ooooh, so like this?" He brings his back down on the grass, his head laying on his hands, and closes his eyes.

"No, get back in the other position!" I whine some more, and place my sketch pad back down so I can reposition him, again!

"What about this?"

"Aiden, stop it-"

He brings me down on top of him, my hands between his charming face, and my heart beats rapidly. My stomach sinks to my toes, and the sudden urge to kiss him floods my sense. Those deep, dark eyes gleam into my very soul, and I feel warmth where his thumb softly traces my cheek. His chocolate hair brushes across his forehead and falls to his ears. His steady gaze and soft gestures soothe me effortlessly. 

There's a pause before Aiden speaks again. "Yeah," he mumbles. "I like this position much better."

"How am I supposed to draw you if I'm on top of you?" I stammer, trying to contain my heart pounding. I'm almost positive it's loud enough for him to hear.

"Alice, that's the point." he chuckles like the answer is obvious.

Annoyed, I push off his chest to sit up. Aiden does the same and wraps his arms around my waist.

I could always draw him while he's sleeping.

"Fine, you win!" I lightly flick his nose, which makes him scrunch it in surprise. I grab Aiden's wrist to check the time.

1:30

"Ugh, I have to get going," I grumble, and Aiden stares at me, perplexed.

I roll my eyes, and thrust him amusingly back onto the grass.

"I work now, silly! Remember?"

Aiden smirks in return, enjoying my attitude and bathing in the attention I give him.

"I wish you didn't..." he pouts, and I shove my drawing pad, and pencil box in his face, catching him off guard.

"Please take that home, and put it on my desk?" I ignore his fussing, and stand up to fix my work clothes.

Note to self: don't go anywhere with Aiden in work clothes, chances are you'll end up in the grass.

I've told him time and again that we can't keep living off of what the government gives him because of his disability, not to mention Landon's generous wealth that he willingly gives us. Aiden needs to start working and learn to take care of himself more, and so do I.

It's taken a little convincing, and a whole lot of puppy dog eyes for him to cave, but he had finally accepted that I'm working, and is trying to get a job for himself too.

"Did you turn in that job application as I told you to? That music store doesn't just hire anyone." I raise my voice, glaring at him. Aiden still has his back on the grass, with my art supplies next to him.

"Yes, ma'am, last night."  He salutes me.

I smile. "Good. I'm sure you'll like the job. You love music." I snatch my bag from the floor, and Aiden finally decides to stand as well.

"And hey," I point at my supplies that are now in his hands. "You break my stuff, I break your face." I'm only partly joking.

His eyebrows crease, as he gazes at my materials in his hands, more confused than ever. I cut the space between us in half, and lift his chin to look at me.

"I love you." I peck his lips.

"Do you? Do you really?" he questions, but he can't contain his grin.

This is what our relationship has grown into; picking on each other, yet keeping one another afloat. It not only lightens the mood, but brings a sense of comfort to him, and that's all I want. The less stressed Aiden is, the more stable he is, and it's my job to make sure that he stays as stable as possible.

"Your shifts end at ten today?"I nod in reply.

"Okay, I'll make sure dinner is warm when you get home." He winks, which makes me blush.

"Ooo! What's on the menus today, Chief Aiden?" I tease.

"Hmm," His index finger taps his chin in thought. "I was thinking of chicken parmesan."

"Hey, anything with chicken, and I'm in." I adjust my bag on my shoulder and check Aiden's watch once more.

"Oh crap! I'm going to be late!" I tap his lips again, but this time Aiden's more prepared and grips my waist for a longer kiss.

"Be safe." He whispers.

"Always."

I rush out of the park to jog to my destination.

***

"One Mozzarella Campana, and an Arancini for you ladies." I carefully place the lavish dishes in front of a mother, and her little daughter. Usually, in Basilico, you find more business adults or couples, but on rare occasions, you see small family parties like this, and it always warms my heart.

"Oh wow! Thank you." The little girl gawks at her Italian rice balls, then back at me.

"You're welcome, Bellezza. Enjoy!"

I was more than grateful that this place hired me. This Italian restaurant has five stars, and the tips are insanely high. Though I earn minimum wage, one evening shift at this place gets me at least two hundred dollars in tips. Every time I come home, Aiden always asks how much I've earned. I remember one night I had over three hundred dollars all in cash.

"Those people can't get enough of you, Alyson!" he'd said, and picked me up and spun me around. It's like a won the lotto!

The sheer thought of his arms around me gets me through the night, knowing I'll be with him soon.

Forming my best professional smile, I head over to the next table where a party of one has just arrived.

"Ciao, welcome to-" I freeze mid-sentence.

The man looks up from his menu, and his jaw drops "Alyson? Is that really you?" The familiar voice asks, and I have to blick a few times to make sure I'm not dreaming.

"Ian?" My lip wobbles. I'm about to break into tears.

"Oh my God! Alyson!" Ian briskly stands and crushes me in a hug.

I never thought I'd see him again, but here he is, my brother. The only sibling I have. The only person I trusted to tell about my getaway, though I never did tell him where I'd go. Where has he been? How did he get here?

"Ian, I've missed you!" I cry, then immediately remember I'm working, and push him away.

"Okay, hugs, and emotions later. I need to take your order." I clean my eyes from tears and get back down to earth.

The rest of the night is a drag, but I do manage to get Ian's number.

"My shift ends at ten, then you can come back to my place so we can talk," I told him before he left towards the exit.

"Okay, I have a hotel not too far from here. Call me when you're out, and I can walk you over."

I gave him one last squeeze and continued with my shift.

Right before my shift ends, I send him a quick text, and by the time I'm done for the night, Ian is already waiting outside.

"Okay, spill," I order, and he scratches his head.

"Well, I'm married." Ian enlightens me, raising his left hand where the ring stays.

"No way! With Gladis?"

He nods, sheepishly.

"After all the train of events with our parents leaving, and you sorta booking it, I couldn't get a hold of you. You didn't give me any details on how to find you. I did want you to be there." The street lights shine on his hazelnut locks and his eyes drop.

We've never looked alike from the start, but meeting up with him now just proves how much he's grown. Those bright blue eyes have gathered more sparkle in them over the years, and his once pale skin is now a shade or two darker. I guess he's been out more in the Georgia sun. He even let his hair grow out to his ears. Ian looks content with the life he's made, and I can't help but feel excited for him.

"Twenty-eight, huh?" I think out loud.

He sighs. "Yeah, time flies."

"I've missed you a lot," I admit. Any thoughts of my family I've kept in the back of my head, but I wish I didn't leave Ian out of the mix. I guess I was too set and stone for wanting a fresh start, and that meant leaving Ian behind too. But fate has a way of turning things back around. 

"Aw, sis, I've missed you too. We have a lot to catch up on. I'm staying in town for a few weeks. Trying to get some connections with building more of our hotels up north. I guess my company thought I was the best guy for the job, so they sent me here. We really should hang out."

I beam. "That would be great! Besides, there are a few people I want you to meet."

"Oh? Does my sister happen to have a lover?" Ian wiggles his eyebrows, and I shove him with my shoulder.

"Actually, yeah," I confirm, feeling slightly embarrassed.

"I can't wait to meet him."

I scratch my head. "Well, you're just about to. I live with him."

"Woah! Really? Alyson, this is so scandalous of you! I like it!" His velvet voice rises a few notches and my embarrassment grows. 

My fingers rack my auburn hair and I cringe a little.

"This just in!" Ian announces, his hands cupping his lips, "My sister lives with her boyfriend! I repeat, my sister lives with her boyfriend. Oh, mom and dad would be so-"

I cap his mouth with my hand, and he licks it.

"Ew!" I dry my hand on my pants, which makes Ian laugh.

"Sibling affection." He implies.

"You're so nasty! I guess some things never do change huh?" My face scrunched as I wipe my hand repeatedly. 

He stops in front of me. "But I can still get your amazing hugs, right?"

"Yeah, Yeah." I embrace his familiar warmth.

It's been five years since I've last seen and spoken to my brother, and I'm so grateful that I'm meeting up with him again. Leaving him was one of the toughest things I've ever done, but he's here now, and I'm blessed that I've been given another chance to bond with him. I don't want to lose him again. this time with him brings back memories and emotions that I never realized I missed so much. 

His arms that cocooned my small body suddenly gets ripped away from me. I hear a grunt of pain, and see my brother's body smack onto the floor.

Ian's on the ground, with someone very familiar on top of him. Beating him up!

Aiden!

"Don't you ever touch her again! You have no right to touch her. She's mine, do you hear me?! Mine!" Aiden shrills, and bashes his fists onto his face.

My brother struggles to defend himself, but Aiden's robust, and tense. I know Ian isn't much of a fighter, and Aiden can do some serious damage, especially with the element of surprise on his side. This an unexpected turn to the worst!

My mind is racing, and tears threaten to spill out of me.  "Aiden, no. Stop!" I cry, pulling at Aiden's shirt, but he won't budge. He's not thinking straight.

I start tugging on his shoulders, begging for him to stop. "He's my brother! Aiden, that's my brother. Please stop!" I wail, my head throbs and I tug at Aiden with all I have in me.

 Aiden jumps up without warning and turns to me with wide eyes. His pale face is flushed, and he breaths heavily. Still, in a fist, his hands are smeared with blood. Black eyes stunned, he moves away from my brother and analyzes the situation.

"Brother?" Aiden's voice cracks. Without another word, he bolts off into the night.

"No, Aiden!" I call, but he's far from hearing me.

Maybe he just needs a minute to cool down.

I kneel down to attend to my brother.

He groans in pain, but I can't see too clearly on him. Tears dim my vision, and the night's darkness keeps the damage concealed. I sob by his side.

He's still breathing, don't worry. Ian's not dead.

I search for my phone in my bag, hands violently shaking.

In a panic, I call 911. I come up with some bogus story, not adding Aiden to the equation, then, I call Landon.

Landon answers on the fourth ring, voice rough, and sleepy. "Uhh, Alyson whatever it is can it wait till-"

"No." I sob through the phone.

"Wait, you're crying. What's wrong?"

"Just go find Aiden, please. I'll tell you the rest later." I sniffle, as sirens grow closer.

"Find him? What do you me-"

"Get off your ass, and find him! Please." I hang up, weeping more than I was a minute ago.

The ambulance reaches my brother and me, and instantly take him on the bed that carries him into the back of the ambulance. They allow me to travel with them, considering that I'm the only person with him. Holding his hand, I count to one hundred over and over to calm my vibrating nerves until we arrive at the hospital.

I'm forced to wait in front of his door as they examine his face and examine his wounds.

I dial Aiden's number three times, but each time it kicks me straight to dial tone. I call Landon again, but all I get is voicemail. I want to scream out all this anxiety and get rid of this burning hole in my chest. I start counting again. It's the only way to tame my thumping heart, and beating head. I'm exhausted from work and emotionally drained from seeing my brother and watching him get beaten by my boyfriend. Not a great way to meet someone...

My eyes are swollen, and lips are rough. It hurts to breathe. I struggle to keep my eyes open, but sleep gets the best of me, and I'm wrapped in the sweet peace of nothing.

Bling! Bling!

My eyes fly open. I glance on my lap to see Shay's face on my screen with the buttons 'accept' or 'decline' next to it.

I click accept, and bring my phone to my ear.

"Hello," I grunt and rub my sleepy eyes as they adjust to my surroundings.

"Finally! I've been calling you for thirty minutes! Where are you?" I check my phone to look at the time; 1:09 am. Why haven't I heard from someone yet? What's happening to my brother?

"Seriously, where are you? Landon called me, and said you wanted him to find Aiden, and that you were crying. " Her voice is impatient.

I clear my throat. "Did he find him?"

Shay snorts. "Did he find him? Yeah, wasn't that hard, considering he was on the freaking news!"

The news? What for?

My mind scrambles for an explanation. Maybe they figured out he beat up my brother.

Impossible.

"Alyson! I'm not messing around! Where the hell are you?"

"I'm at the hospital." My voice sounds alien.

Shailene gasps. "That asshole touched you-"

"No! He didn't. Shay, why was Aiden on the news? What did he do?" I'm up now, pacing the hospital floor.

"Landon tried to get him in time, but it was too late, Someone already called the cops, and it was all over channel two."

"Cops?" My head starts to spin.

"Aiden was caught making a big scene at some fancy Italian restaurant called Basilico, I think. Right before closing too, which sucks. He was throwing things, pushing people, the whole nine yards. Ace, he's in jail."

He did all this at my job! Of all the places!

The air to my lungs cuts off. I don't notice the phone slipping out of my hands, and my knees crashing onto the floor. I vaguely recall nurses helping me up, giving me my phone, and asking if I'm okay, but I'm mostly zoned out.

Not only is my brother that I haven't seen in years being hospitalized, but the man I'm in love with is now in jail. What's next?

It takes more than five minutes to reassure the nurses that I'm fine, and was just shaken up, till they decide to leave me alone. Of course, not after I ask about my dear brother.

"That bar fight could've gone a lot worse for him. He has a mild concussion, cuts, bruises, and some blood loss. " The chubby, blonde nurse updates me, then beckons me to follow her to his door.

"Visiting hours are way past closing, but if you promise to be out in two minutes I can make an exception." She puts her finger to her mouth and opens the door. Giving me two fingers, I nod.

"Thank you." I mouth, and head into the room.

Ian has a bandage wrapped around his head, and I notice more of the damage Aiden has done to him. His swollen eye has a dab of purple smeared around it, and some cuts have shaped on his skin. His bottom lip is inflated, with some dry blood. Blue, bruises have already started to develop all over his face. Though his appearance seems paining, Ian still has the energy to smile at me. He's always been the optimistic one.

"Hey, they let you in." Ian's voice is dry.

"We have two minutes, and Ian, I just want to say that I'm so-"

He wags his head. "No, no, don't worry. Some people are just crazy. I mean do you even know that guy? He seems to know you."

I gulp. Great, it's confession time. I pace over to the chair next to his bed, knowing I need to make this chat quick.

"Yeah, I know him. That's actually umm," I scratch my head, and his eyes plead for me to go on.

"That was my boyfriend, Aiden."

Ian's eyes grow wide, and he licks his bloody lips.

"I'm so sorry. He didn't know I had a brother, or that I would be with someone. He's very protective of me." And has severe bipolar disorder, but that's for another time...

"Alyson, you want my advice?" Ian says, and clears his throat. I know what he's going to say; 'That boy is an animal, a monster, a killer. Get rid of him. You can do better.'

"He's a keeper."

I catch my breath. Did I hear him right?

"What?"

Ian chuckles. "That boy is willing to fight whatever, and whoever touches you, or puts you in harm's way. Granted, I don't like the part where he beats me up, but he cares for you." I smile. Leave it to my brother to find something positive out of all of this.

"I respect him, and later, when he doesn't want to punch me to death, I'd seriously like to meet him."

The door shakes open, and the nurse motions me to come out.

"Thanks Ian." I think. "I have to go, but I'll call you."

I nod. "Yeah, I'll hopefully be out by then. I have some explaining to do with my boss."

"Don't worry, I'll help out in any way I can, but for now, please just rest."

I blow him a kiss and sneak out of his room. Thanking the nurse once again, I rush out of the hospital, and call Shay again.

"Okay, you're freaking me out. What the hell-"

"Please come pick me up at the Primary Care Center on Morris Avenue. " I demand through the phone. My tone comes out more forcefully than I expected.

"Ace, I don't know what this is about, but you sure are scaring the socks off me," Shay confesses, and I can hear the worry in her voice.

"I'll explain once you pick me up." I scoop out the area. Street lights are perfectly in sight, and yet I still have a sense of fear drain all my confidence away.

"Okay, I'll be there in ten." I hear a door open and close in the background through the phone.

"Please, hurry." I hang up, and hug my arms together.

I'm tired, mentally, and physically. Not only does working affect me, but all this running around, and events of the night keep piling up. I can never catch a break!

I keep my eyes peeled for anything suspicious, or out of the ordinary. The road is dead, and trees whip around in the summer breeze, yet I can't help but let my mind wander.

What has my life become?

I've been so caught up with trying to pretend that my past never happened, that I forgot what I wanted to accomplish in life. I forgot about the family I have left. When I ran, I thought I was doing a good deed for myself, but you can runaway and expect everything to be perfect already. And that's exactly what I did.

By the time I stumble into Shay's car, I'm in tears again.

"Babe! You're a mess!" She pouts, tilting her head to the side, and I sob on her shoulder.

"You wanna talk about it?" Shay pets my comfort head.

I rub my eyes, and shake my head. I'm not ready to spill out my whole life story yet.

"I think you need some rest. Let's get you home."

"That's why I called you." I quickly try to collect myself. "I need to bail Aiden out of jail." I can tell she doesn't like this idea.

Her engine rumbles, and we ease back onto the main road. " Yeah, I don't know if I want to do that." She says, blandly.

I whimper. "Shay please! You don't understand. Everything is just a mess!"

She stops her foot on the break in front of a red light. "Well, what in God's name made him run off anyways? He didn't need to go make a big commotion!"

I sigh. I think I better confess now. "Earlier today I was working my shift at the restaurant when I ran into someone."

"Ooookay?"

I groan in frustration. "My brother! Okay? I have a brother, and I saw him today."

Shay floors the gas pedal. "Woah! What? That's insane! Why didn't you tell me? Is he single? Cute? Wait, You said all your family moved to Vegas, and that you wanted to got to school here."

I keep my gaze on my hands. "My family, meaning just my parents."

Shay doesn't say anything more, so I take the opportunity to get everything off my chest.

"After high school my parents, and I got into a huge argument about college. I wanted to go to an art school, but they wanted me to be a doctor or a business major like my brother.  Long story short, they were sick of helping me, and left. In total frustration, I ran off without telling anyone where I was going, and tried to get a fresh start. I ended up here, and found you."

Shailene took me in, and helped me in ways I never thought someone would. I owe her the world, and I feel guilt sink into me like an anchor for keeping this secret inconspicuous for so long.

Her bottom lip is tucked in her mouth, and she has a blank face. I never talked about my backstory with her, or anyone in that manner. I tap my foot, eager for a response.

Shay rolls her eyes. "You're going to be the death of me, Ace." then bangs a U- turn heading in the direction of the jail.

"Aiden's in the country jail. Landon said he followed the cop car, and attempted to bail him out, but they wouldn't budge. I hope you can do better than him."

As the road lines dash past me in blurs, I catch my reflection in the window. My eyes maybe puffy, and my face maybe look weak, but I'm not letting anyone take the man I love away.

"Trust me, I can do way better."

Forty minutes, and an empty wallet later, I stand face to face with Aiden, metal bars between us. He sits on a scrawny, stained bed, slouching with his head down.

I clear my throat. "Are you done moping around?" I raise my voice, and Aiden's head jerks up.

"How did you find me?" His hands are dirty with blood, and his attire has been disheveled. Those charcoal eyes shine with a sheet of water, seconds away from falling.

"I have my ways."

He stands and holds out his hands. "I didn't know- I mean you have a brother, and I didn't know." Aiden kicks the bar in frustration.

"Shh," I soothe. "How about I take you home, and we can talk about all this. Okay?"

His hands tighten on mine. "You're getting me out of here?"

I glance at him, shocked. "And why on earth would I leave the love of my life locked up? Would you leave me here if I was the one behind bars?"

"Absolutely not!"

On cue, an officer comes rattling some keys and unlocks Aiden's cell. Without a second thought, his arms tightly cocoon me.

"Alyson, I'm so sorry." He utters, and I jokingly smack his arm.

"Alright mister, enough yapping. You're grounded."

"Does that mean I have to stay in the house with you?" He grins.

I shrug. "Um, I guess so."

He kisses my hand romantically. "Best punishment ever."