#Chapter 19: Late Late Night

Carol’s POV I practically jump out of my skin at the sound of Aiden’s voice. I whip around to face him and clutch a hand to my chest. “Aiden, you scared the daylights out of me!” I stutter. Aiden is leaning against the doorway to the bedroom, his arms folded over his chest. It’s too dark to make out his exact expression. “Imagine how scared I felt when I saw you weren’t in bed beside me?” Aiden responds quietly. I look down at myself, guilt suddenly washing over me. I don’t know how to respond, so Aiden continues. “… Do you want to leave?” He says softly. “If you don’t want to come, you don’t have to. Really. I’ll tell them any excuse in the world.” His voice falters slightly. “I don’t want to scare you off, Carol.” “No, Aiden, I —” I let out a sigh at my own behavior. “I don’t want to leave. I’m sorry. I don’t know why I tried to sneak out. I just —” I search for the words for a long moment. “… I’m scared. I can’t sleep.” Aiden steps into the soft light of the entryway. His exp