Aiden stopped walking, his mind tilting at the very concept. “What do your parents do?”
“My dad’s a prosecutor who takes up a bunch of crazy dangerous criminal cases. He’s been working on one for what feels like forever, and I have no idea what it’s even about because, apparently, it’s just that dangerous. My mom’s the CEO of a small game company. Both very successful people.” Brendan stopped walking, tipping his head. “You coming?”
“Oh, yes. Can you show me your last photo?”
“Sure.”
Don’t successful people like that want their kids to follow in their footsteps in some way?The pink blazed stronger in Brendan’s camera than the naked eye could capture. His fingers lingered above the photo, but he pulled away. “And they don’t pressure you on anything?”
“Theydon’t.” Brendan continued his walk further into the garden. He remained smiling, but his eyes didn’t shine. “I do. I’m all too aware that I’m not as smart as my parents.”
Aiden stopped in his tracks.That can’t be true.Ge trained me to read and how to best interact with people in engaging ways. He just does it like it’s instinctive.Upon seeing Brendan had stopped again for him, he briskly caught up, and the two continued strolling. “I’m sure you’re just talking down on yourself.”
Brendan laughed sardonically. “That’s a nice thought, but I’m not delusional enough to believe that.” A dark cloud hung over Brendan’s head.
His heart twisted at the familiarity. “You don’t want to disappoint them.” Aiden screeched to a stop.Oh god, why did I say that without thinking?!He opened his mouth to apologize, but Brendan stopped beside him.
“No, I don’t. But,” he looked at Aiden, “I feel like that’s most people.”
Aiden blinked.
Brendan moved elsewhere, but Aiden stayed rooted. His heart quickened in excitement and slowed in its acceptance.So it’s not impossible for me. I can be normal.Aiden lowered his face and grinned.
“Aiden, look over here.”
Brendan gestured to an open field.
A few families picnicked on the grass. Children chased each other and tumbled onto the ground. A couple enjoyed their food as they remained engrossed in conversation. Flowering bushes lined the open grass with varying colors of red, pink, purple, and yellow. Each bench that dotted the side was unique with an artist’s plaque, all made to resemble plants.
People were happy.
It was the most beautiful thing Aiden had ever seen.
He reached for his camera and snapped a photo of the view. At the corner of the field, he spied Christina and Javier comparing pictures. He snuck a photo just as Javier’s jaw dropped at whatever Christina showed him.
He lowered the camera and closed his eyes. A soothing wind passed through his hair, and he smiled at the joyful chatter that conducted itself like a symphony in his ears.Brendan really does have an eye for photos.
“It’s a good garden, isn’t it?” Brendan called from behind him.
Aiden looked back, catching sight of Brendan on a nearby bench. He tried not to dash and sat down beside the president.
Wordlessly, Brendan offered him a water bottle.
“Thanks.” Aiden accepted it.
Brendan opened his own water bottle and dug his phone out of his pocket. “What’s your Instagram?”
Aiden shook his head. “I don’t have one.”
“Then anything else? Twitter? Discord? Tiktok?”
He shook his head again. “I’m not on any social.”It’s too dangerous to have them.
“In that case, can I get your number?”
Heart fluttering, Aiden smiled and nodded. He typed in his number faster than writing his stepmother’s name.
“Thanks. Let me text you.”
