“Nice of you to join us. Sit down. We have news to share.”
40
Elsa
Jonathan and Silver are here.
I stand rooted in place, trying to wrap my head around that piece of information.
Jonathan takes the chair at the top of the room like a king in his court.
Silver sits diagonally from him, looking as if she’s about to throw up. Her skin is pale as she clutches her phone with stiff fingers.
The urge to turn around and get out of this place overwhelms me.
It flows in my blood and creates an itch under my skin.
I don’t give in to it.
My fear won’t consume me.
To say Jonathan is intimidating would be the understatement of the century. He’s not only intimidating, but he’s also able to crush me with one word.
He’s able to turn my life into a living hell.
I choose you.
Aiden’s words explode in my chest like fireworks.
Aiden chose me. Jonathan wouldn’t scare me anymore.
The other time, I shrunk behind Aiden, but today, I stand right beside him and stare at Jonathan and Silver head-on.
They don’t scare me.
I might not have figured out all of my past but I will. I choose to do it with Aiden by my side.
It’s not only my past.
It’s our past.
As if in tune with my thoughts, Aiden grabs my hand and interlaces our fingers together.
I smile up at him and he gives me a small nod.
Together.
We’re in this together.
“I thought Levi told you that you’re not welcome in this place,” Aiden deadpans at his father before he directs his attention to Silver. “You, too, Queens. Leave.”
“Slow down, now.” Jonathan appears calm. Too calm. It’s the type of calmness Aiden shows before striking.
Maybe he learnt that tactic from his father.
He’s like a predator stalking his prey; he’ll stop at nothing before eating it alive.
“Let go of that hand,” Jonathan tells his son.