“And promise you’ll call us while you’re searching,” Mom cut in. “It will be hard being there on your own, let us help remind you why you’re there in the first place.”
“Thank you,” I said. “I really needed to hear that.”
“Do you want one of us to be there with Derek while you’re gone?” Dad asked.
I smiled. “I think Derek would be mortified when he wakes up, but thanks for the offer.” He would definitely be mortified knowing one of my parents had helped take care of him while he was unconscious. I couldn’t do that to him.
“Okay, but if you change your mind, let us know,” Dad said.
“I will.”
We ended the call a few minutes after that. The rulers were holding their big meeting with my team and their mates at the moment and as soon as it ended, I would leave Derek.
My hand rested over my jeans pocket and I carefully pulled out the map. I really hoped Aiden had stayed in place all of these years. If so, I could be back within a week, maybe sooner.
I placed the map back into my front pocket, then turned to look at my Derek. I might as well memorize everything about him. I took a quickpicture too, knowing it would help me sleep easier at night. My fingers trailed over his features, helping me brand his face in my memories.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Aiden
What was I thinking?!
The barely-holding-it-together building in front of me was what my nightmares were made of. Why did I think traveling alone would be a good idea?
I had officially been on my self-discovery vacation for a week now, and this was my third place to stay. And so far, the worst, too. Funny how I thought nothing could beat the last place. Maybe I should have waited another year to find myself, then I would have more money to spend on where I slept and what I could eat in a day. But Hilda had awakened something inside of me, a longing to finally fix whatever was broken within me. To say I was desperate would be an understatement. I needed to find a way to be the real Aiden, whoever he was.
“Please don’t tell me you’re staying in that place,” a warm voice asked from behind me. I turned and found a young man tsking at me. “That place screams murder scenes and abductions.”
“Um,” was all I managed to reply, because the stranger was right.
“Did you already pay?” he asked, not seeming to care that he was nearing stranger danger territory.
“Um,” I began again, but he continued to talk.
“My parents own a motel over there.” He pointed down the road where I could see a little bit of what could be a motel. “I can give you a discount. I wouldn’t be able to sleep knowing you could be killed in there.”
“Um.”
“Oh, do you not understand me? Damn, I knew I should’ve taken those language lessons in school. But honestly, it’s much harder than math and those other subjects you actively use on the daily, you know? Oh crap, I did it again.” He smacked his forehead, then frowned at the ground like it would tell him what to do next.
“I’m Aiden,” I said, figuring I might as well introduce myself.
His gaze left the ground and met mine, his expression turning into a beaming smile. “I’m Oliver! So, you do understand me?”
I nodded. “I just wasn’t able to say anything.”
“Ah, I feel that.” He nodded, like yes, he totally got me. “Want to ditch this place then? I promise you won’t end up dead in our place. Plus, the food is amazing.”
Somehow, I ended up agreeing with a nod and following Oliver down the street. He kept talking, surprising me with his ability to function without oxygen. I learned way too much about his life and how he was an only child since his parents couldn’t conceive. He was a donor child and looked nothing like his father. I nodded whenever he looked at me, but felt comfortable just listening to his rambling.
When we reached their property, I finally saw what he meant. It was way nicer, like way,way, nicer. Even their welcome sign was cute and artsy. I immediately felt welcome. Maybe I should add more days to this location, it seemed right to stay here, like somehow fate had made Oliver stumble upon me before I ended up like he’d said, murdered in the falling-apart building.
Yay, for not dying!
Oliver guided me into the reception area where a woman stood smiling politely behind a desk.
“Mom! Meet Aiden,” Oliver said, gesturing to me.
