All Chapters of A Sign For Aiden: Chapter 21 - Chapter 24

CHAPTER 22AIDEN My heart flutters and my hands tremble. God I’m terrified. More terrified than the night my mother pressed a knife to my throat while glaring at my father with that same bitter hatred she wore like skin. More terrified than standing before hundreds of people, forced to speak while my lungs forgot how to breathe. More terrified than when I was ten, and a rabid dog, foam-mouthed, teeth flashing, cornered me, all growl and madness. My legs had simply given out. I’d hit the ground and just… watched. I feel that same powerlessness spread through my feet like fire, forcing me to my knees. The fear grows and grows until it spills out my eyes in torrents. I clamp my mouth shut so they don't hear my pitiful sobs. I don't know how long I sit there watching them. At some point my tears dry up and my feet grow numb. But I'm too transfixed by them, by him, to care much. And then, finally, it’s over. She says something to him, and then they walk side by side, their shoulder

Chapter 24AidenAt some point, I got out of the car. Circling the building like a burglar. The house glows with pink and green neon lights, and the music is so loud it rattles the trees and my already restless heart. After a long debate with myself, I finally step out and approach the house. Cautiously. Through the windows, I can see it’s alive inside people moving, laughing, shouting over the bass. I take a step back instinctively. So many people. My pulse spikes just looking at them. But I don’t see Eli anywhere. I sigh, hating myself a little. No matter how tragic my childhood was, surely it doesn’t excuse this kind of behavior.I drift around to the back. There are a few people there, talking, laughing. I freeze, unsure if I should go closer or run back to the car. They’re too caught up in their conversation to notice me, but that doesn’t make it easier. I can’t go back, can’t go forward so… I just stand there. Like a creep. Like a fool. Like a creepy fool.I look around for some