Honestly, I’m even a burden in his life. For my sake, he had to double the expenses, and it seems to have created a tension between his uncle and him. I feel guilty of course, but I’m selfish enough to let that happen if it means having Aoi in my life, even if it’s only as a parental figure.
My feelings weren’t always this way. I once felt utter admiration for Aoi. He’s my hero, and I’m eternally grateful for everything he gave up helping me get out of that wretched hole.
I turn around and lay on my back, staring up at the ceiling. I don’t remember when it happened but somewhere between each display of kindness and affection, my heart yielded to him. Gradually, I noticed myself reaching out for him and yearning to hold him encaged in my embrace.
Now? I’m doomed, bound to love him until I wither away.
25
Aoi
Time sure flies by quickly. Visha used to be such a cute little angel and in the blink of an eye he became a lazy and grumpy teenager.
Okay, he’s not lazy, more like he lacks active pastimes. All I ever see him do is study and cling to me. I’m sure he has other hobbies that he simply doesn’t bother telling me about and I get it. I don’t expect him to share everything with me.
I just sometimes wish he’d tell me more rather than wait for me to find out or ask about it. Sure, having privacy and secrets is normal for a teenager but it can’t all bethatsecret. I understand what it’s like to be young and reckless, I was once fifteen as well.
I catch my wallet and head out to my car. There isn’t much traffic on the road and thank goodness because I really don’t feel like dealing with that now. Living with a teenager means grocery shopping every week. He eats like a family of four and yet doesn’t gain weight.
Lucky brat, I’m telling you.
Walking through the store with my shopping cart, I throw in everything scribbled on the list.
Should I get us a treat? Maybe ice cream? We could eat it during our movie night. I feel bad about ditching him to have dinner with Jason but I’m sure he’ll get over it.
Wait, they have cabbage-
“Oh dear, Aoi? Is that you?” The voice of an old woman almost makes me drop the vegetable.
I turn to face her and recognize the owner as she grins at me. “Mrs. Lewis, what a coincidence.”
“How are you?” she asks, brushing a stray grey strand away from her face. “Last time I saw you must’ve been at your parents’ funeral.”
Well, that’s certainly my favorite subject to discuss with an old acquaintance.
“I’m doing great actually what about you?”
I don’t really want to chat with her but if I don’t, she won’t leave me alone. She’s always been very nosy and annoying, but I know she means well.
“Remember my daughter Rachel? She just got married,” she points out, wriggling her brows.
Who even asked? Jesus, save me. “Congratulations, that’s amazing.”
I start rolling the cart towards another aisle, and she follows close behind me.
“How come we don’t hear about you anymore? And dear Jason? Is he still a lawyer?” she inquires, her intentions palpable.
“Jason’s busy with work. Yes, he’s still a lawyer, but you should askhimthat. I’m sure he’d love to tell you more.” My fingers clench around the cart handle. “You know how he is.”
Mrs. Lewis is always trying to couple up her kids with 'wealthy' people. Jason is among her targets and I’m guessing the daughter she wants him to meet is Catie. She’s a sweetwoman but Jason has never shown interest in women, at least not that I know. If he had, I would’ve had an aunt a while ago.
“Wonderful! I’d truly appreciate that but he’s never around, how come?” She pouts. “Catie has been asking about him more and more and I wouldn’t want to disappoint her by coming back empty handed.”
Is she serious right now? Do I look like a fucking match maker? Who am I? Cupid’s long-lost son?! Jason’s not going to get with her daughter anyway.
He’s basically with m-
But no, actually he’snotwith me. We’renottogether. Neither one of us is single yet we’re not in a relationship either. What the hell are we? How long is this going to keep complicating my life?
