11

Aiden might be a psycho, but he’s a smart one. He knows when to push buttons and when to step back. He took me by surprise today. Ha, understatement of the freaking century there. He rattled me. He shook my world. He made me doubt myself. Since he kept his distance for two years, I never thought he’d get close. That close. I’m still all too confused about what I felt. What I feel. And whatever dream – or nightmare – I just had. I know for sure that he took something he had no right to take and that I fucking hate him for it. But more than him, I hate myself for letting him take it. A knock sounds on the door. I startle, biting the pen and my lip. Ow. I smother my expression. “Come in.” Aunt and Uncle walk inside, both of them still wearing their work suits. When Aunt Blair leans in for a hug, I stand up and remain in her embrace for a bit too long. Beneath the cherry perfume, she has Mum’s scent. Something that resembles cotton candies and summer. I don’t know why I’m thinking about th