"What do you mean?" Crystal asked.
"I mean that I quit my job," she said.
"What?" Crystal asked in shock.
"I quit my job," she repeated.
"Yeah, we got that bit but why, I thought that you loved it?" Crystal asked.
"I didn't love it sweetheart, granted it was great money but it took me away from you guys and I've missed so much," she said in a sad voice.
"So, what now?" Aiden asked.
"Well that's what I wanted to talk to you about. I'm starting my own business," she said as her smile increased.
"Doing what?" I asked.
"Well, there was a lady that I met on my travels who happens to live ten minutes from us. We got to talking on my trip and she was telling me about the company that she was setting up. It's called the Marianna Program, its set up to work with women who have been abused by their husbands or partners," she continued.
"Wow," Crystal said.
"I know, it is amazing. Well anyway, she has just been granted the funding for it and when I told her about my story, she asked me to become her business partner. It was something that was close to my heart and an opportunity that seemed too perfect to miss," she said as the smile returned to her face.
"I think that it's amazing Mrs D," Anthony said seriously.
"Yeah it's great," Crystal added.
Suddenly Aiden stood up and threw his arms around his mom.
"I'm really proud of you Mom," he said as he held her tight.
"Thank you son," she said as I watched her struggle to keep the tears in as she held her son even tighter. It was one of the most beautiful moments that I had ever witnessed actually. They said so little yet in that hug, so much was being said. How could I not be in love with someone like Aiden?
"So, that brings me to the next part. She has invited me to a bbq at her church this evening, they are holding it to celebrate the fact that her funding was granted and that she has been given the go ahead. She wants me to come and bring my family along with me, that's you and Anthony too," she said as she looked at me.
"Of course we'll come, it sounds great," Crystal said with a smile on her face.
"You know that I'm down Mrs D," Anthony said as he gave her a kiss on the forehead.
"Count me in," I said as Aiden took my hand in his and smiled.
"Great, now back to this boyfriend of yours Crystal," she said as we all burst out laughing.
"Great," Crystal replied as she rolled her eyes.
Oh this is going to be fun.
* * *
After Susan had finally finished getting all of the information that she wanted about Cameron, she finally decided that she liked the sound of him. Once she had finished with Crystal of course it was mine and Aiden's turn, which was both amusing and embarrassing.
Susan insisted that Cameron and Jess were to come along tonight and that eventually led to Jinnie, Erica, Taise and Murphy tagging along as well, which was fun. The church bbq was absolutely amazing. They had sausage, bacon, beef, prawns, you name it and it was being cooked. Being the lover of food that I am, you can imagine that I was in my element. We arrived at about seven and spent three hours there. The people were lovely and treated us like family which was actually a nice feeling. They talked a lot about Susan and Reena's business and how proud they were of them both. Reena was the lady who Susan would be doing the Marianna Project with. It turns out that Marianna was the name of Reena's mother who died at the hands of her husband, Reena's father. It was a sad story and many of us cried as she told it but it was great to see that she had used that to create this company. I really do hope that it is a success. Susan also seemed really happy, which meant that Aiden and Crystal were happy. The night was finally closed with different members of the church praying that the pair would have a successful business that would help women globally. Being there tonight reminded me of when I used to go to church with Grandma sometimes and I have to say that a part of me wanted to start going back. After we had said our final goodbyes we all made our way home. Anthony couldn't use his cousin's car and so Aiden dropped him and Jess home whilst Jinnie and Erica took Murphy and Taise. Susan took Cameron and Crystal of course. I hadn't yet found out the reason why Anthony had two weeks off of school but I must remember to ask him.
"Tonight was lovely," I said as me and Aiden watched Jess safely step through the door of her house before driving off.
"Yeah it was nice," he replied with a smile on his face.
"It's nice to see her using everything that has happened to her to create something so amazing," I said as I thought about the Marianna Project. I would love to do something like that one day.
"Yeah, I'm real proud of her and it'll be nice to have her around a bit more, you know," he replied.
"Yeah, it will," I said as I smiled at him.
"Did you hear from Kyle yet?" He asked as he kept his eyes on the road.
"No but I gave his mom a call whilst we were at church and she said that he was doing much better and would be coming to school tomorrow," I replied.
"Ok, do you still want to check on him?"
"No, he probably just needs a little space, I'll try and talk to him tomorrow," I said as I smiled at him.
"Ok."
"Can I ask you a question?" I said as I looked over at his face.
"Fire away," he said as he threw me a smile.
"Did you really like me when we were younger?" I asked.
"How did you kn-" He said before cutting himself off.
"Alison?" He said as I burst out laughing.
"How did you know?" I said as I began to chuckle.
"She never was good at keeping a secret," he said as he began to laugh.
"In her defensive it slipped out when she was taking me to get some food on the night of your performance," I said as I thought about how beautifully he sang that night.
"Yeah her mouth slips a lot of stuff out," he said with a smile on his face.
"Yes it's true," he said, catching me off guard.
"Oh," I said as I tried not to act too surprised.
"I know that you want to ask more," he said as he smirked at me.
"Well, how come you never told me?" I asked.
"Well, firstly I tried to ignore it since you were Crystal's friend and I was supposed to just look out for you. Then I just convinced myself that I didn't like you at all and that I was just getting the fact that I cared about you mixed up with actual feelings," he said calmly.
"So, when did you realise that it was more?" I asked.
"It was that night that you came to ours and Crystal took that picture of you and put it on facebook. It was the night that I found out that you were dating Kyle," he said in a slightly annoyed tone.
"Oh gosh, I hate that picture," I said.
"I think it's cute," he said with a big grin on his face.
"So, is that why you never liked Kyle?" I asked.
"Kind of, well that and the fact that I knew that he wasn’t right for you," he said.
"Oh," I said.
"Anyway, when I heard what he had done to you I was mad. You spent weeks just hiding away from everyone and I wanted to kill him. I made a decision that as soon as you were back to your old self again I was going to try and make you see how I felt, I didn't want you to go back to him and I didn't want to miss my chance again," he said.
"Well you got there in the end, didn't you," I said as we both began to laugh.
"I told you, I always get what I want and I've never wanted anything this much before," he said in a more serious tone.
"Wow that was both cocky and sweet at the same time. How you managed that was beyond me," I said as I chuckled.
"Well I'm a man of many talents, beautiful," he said as he winked at me.
"Whatever you say," I said as we pulled up outside of his house.
"Wait," I said as he went to open his car door.
"You ok?" He asked with a confused expression on his face.
"Yeah, I
just wanted to say thanks," I said as I tried to avoid his gaze.
"For what?" He asked.
"Not giving up on me and putting up with all of the madness that came with it."
"April, I would do it all over again if this was the result every time," he said before leaning in and kissing me gently on the lips.
"Oh and thank you too," he said as we stepped out of the car and walked towards his front door.
"For what?" I asked as I turned to face him.
"For proving my theory to be correct."
"What theory?"
"That I always get what I want," he said as he burst out laughing.
"You, Mr Daniels are something else," I said as I hit him playfully on the arm.
"And yet you still choose to put up with me," he said as he pulled me towards him and wrapped his hands around my waist.
"Yeah, I must be crazy," I said as I looked into his eyes and smiled.
"Well as long as you’re crazy with me then I don't mind," he said as he chuckled to himself.
"Always," I said in a more serious tone.
"Promise?" He whispered as he looked at me seriously.
"I promise," I said.
"Good because I don't think that I can imagine my life without you now," he said as he smiled at me, genuinely.
"Me either. I love you Aiden," I said as I tip toed so that I could kiss him.
"Boy does that sound good," he said as he smiled against my lips.
"Yup, now shut up and kiss me," I said as I pulled him towards me and kissed him again.
I know that people say that when you're young, you don't understand about love but believe me when I say that I understand and I am completely in love with this guy. To even try and imagine life without him seems crazy.
"I love you too," he finally said before leading me up the steps of his house.
Yes, I definitely want to spend the rest of my life hearing those words from his mouth.
I woke up this morning with the biggest smile on my face. Every time I tried to shake it off, I couldn't because the memories of last night just kept flooding back. It was nice knowing that the truth was finally out and that everyone was happy about it. The fact that Susan was happy made me feel at ease. I never even knew that her and my mom were practically dreaming of me and Aiden becoming a couple and I can't deny that it put a smile on my face. It was nice to see the joy in Crystal's eyes last night as she spent time with her mom. I know that she always brushes it off like it doesn't matter but deep down I know that, that's what she has always wanted.
"You up?" Crystal said as she popped her head through the door.
"Yup," I said as I jumped up out of bed.
"Someone's happy this morning," she said as she watched me searching through the wardrobe for something to wear.
"Shouldn't I be?" I asked with a smile on my face.
"Well, I suppose you do have a reason, I guess," she said as she smirked at me before collapsing onto the bed.
"Are you sure that you're ok with this?" I said as I gently sat down beside her.
"About you and Aiden?" She asked as she looked at me.
"Yeah."
"It is a little strange but you're both so happy that it honestly makes me...Smile," she said as she threw me a genuine smile.
"Thanks," I whispered before throwing my arms around her.
"So, how's Cameron?" I asked as I smiled at her.
"Well remember how I said that I really like him?" She said as she began to play with her fingers.
"You're not sure are you?" I said.
"How did you know?"
"Like you said to me, I'm your best friend. There are just some things that I know without even needing to ask," I said with a small smile on my face.
"It's not that I don't like him, I do but it's just that there's something missing."
"Do you want me to be honest with you?" I asked, looking her straight in the eye.
"I may regret this but go on," she said as she watched me.
"The Crystal that I know doesn't really play things safe, she's daring and fun," I began.
"Yup."
"So, I know that you like Cameron and I don't doubt that at all but Cameron is what you call safe. He is someone who will probably end up being one of your best friends-"
"Oh my gosh, you know me way too well," she interrupted.
"Well I wouldn't be much of a friend if I didn't, would I?" I said as I smiled at her.
"What am I going to do? I really do like him and I don't want to hurt him."
"Well, if there's one thing that I've learnt lately, it's to be honest. You just need to tell him the truth and see what happens but you can't lie to yourself," I said in a soft tone.
"Yeah you're right. I'll talk to him today, better to get it over and done with, I guess. I just hope that he still wants to be friends because I don't want to lose him," she said in a sad voice.
"Something tells me that it'll all work out just fine," I reassured her.
"I hope so, I really do. Right, now get ready missy, breakfast is nearly done," she said as she stood to her feet.
"You're not cooking it are you?" I asked as the fear laced my voice.
"No. Aiden is," she said as she laughed at my now relived expression.
"Ok."
"Glad to see the confidence that you have in me though," she said, sarcastically with a smile on her face.
"You forget how long I've known you and if there is one thing that I have learnt, it is that you and the kitchen are in no way friends," I said as we both began to laugh.
"Just get ready, woman!" She said as she walked out the door, laughing.
****
As I walked down the stairs after getting ready I was greeted by the delicious smell of food cooking. If Aiden kept this up we could have a very long life together.
"Oh, good morning sweetheart," Susan said as she watched me walking down the stairs.
"Morning Mrs-I mean Susan," I quickly corrected myself.
"Sleep well?" She asked with a smile on her face.
"Yes thank you. I really enjoyed last night, thanks for inviting me," I said as I smiled back at her.
"April sweetheart, you're family, you never need an invite," she said as she gently squeezed my hand and then walked into the living room leaving me stood still with a smile on my face.
"Something smells good," I said as I watched Aiden moving around the kitchen like a true professional. It was nice watching him cook. He seemed at peace, like he was in his element.
"Morning beautiful," he said as he smiled at me.
"Would you mind taking these into the dining room, I thought that it'd be nice to all eat together today," he said as he pointed towards the four plates, knives and forks.
"Course I will but I want something in return," I said as I smirked at him.
"Oh, is that right? What did you have in mind?" He asked as he his smirk now mirrored mine.
"Surprise me," I whispered as I watched him start to walk towards me.
"I thought that you hated surprises?" He said as he stood in front of me.
"I used to," I said before I felt his lips connect with mine.
I quickly parted from Aiden as I heard a whisper in the kitchen and turned to see Susan and Crystal watching us.
"Awww, so romantic," Susan said as she watched us happily, causing me to blush.
"I know, right," Crystal played along as she was clearly trying to hold back the laugh that she so badly wanted to release.
"I'll just take these next door," I said as I picked up the plates and cutlery off of the marble counter and headed towards the dining room.
* * *
Breakfast turned out to be really nice. Sitting around the table in the Daniels' house was a distant memory that reminded me of my childhood and it was nice to experience it again.
"Right, you two ready?" Aiden asked as he, Crystal and I washed and packed away the last of the breakfast dishes.
"I'm getting a r
ide with Jinnie this morning," Crystal quickly blurted out.
"Why?" I asked in a confused state.
"Well, it's just, you guys deserve to have a little alone time every now and then so, you know," she said nervously.
"That's really sweet but you didn't have to do that," I said as I smiled at her.
"She didn't?" Aiden asked before receiving a nudge in the side from my elbow.
"I'm kidding," he said as he began to laugh.
"Honestly sis, just call her and say that I can take you. I like riding with you in the mornings," he said in a more serious tone.
It made me smile when I thought about how close they both were.
"I know and I'll ride with you tomorrow but today is your day so enjoy it because you won't be able to get rid of me so easily again," she said as she winked at me and then walked out the door towards Jinnie's car. I really do love that girl.
"I guess it's just you and me then," Aiden said as he smiled at me.
"I guess it is."
"Bye Mom," he shouted as we walked through the door, towards his car.
"Bye Susan."
"Bye kids, have a good day," she shouted back.
"I'm kind of glad that Crystal did that actually," Aiden said after he started up the car and started to head to school.
"Why?"
"Well, I kind of wanted to talk to you about something," he said as he glanced at me before keeping his eyes on the road ahead.
"Ok," I said, not knowing what to expect.
"I decided that I want to go and see my dad."
"Really?" I asked in shock.
"Yeah, I kind of want to help him out," he said nervously.
"How do you mean?"
"Well, I figured that if I could try and get him to agree to seeking some professional help things might get better," he said as he glanced at me again.
"I think that's a great idea Aiden, I'm really proud of you."
"Thanks and it's down to you really," he said, catching me completely off guard.
"Me?"
"Yeah, April you’re such a good person, you forgive people of things that just seem impossible, you give people second chances and show them love. I didn't understand it at first and honestly I still don't understand why you do it but it feels right. You gave your dad a chance and look how happy you are. I can't promise that I can forgive my dad straight away after everything that he's done but I guess I can try, if not for me then for Caitlyn. She's my sister and I don't want her to grow up seeing the things that I did, so if I have to help him in order to prevent that then I will," he said.
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