She Will Be Loved - Chapter Seven : 'Secrets Don't Make Friends'
Title - Secrets Don't Make Friends
Author - viper209n
Fandom - --
Pairing - --
Status - In Progress
Rating - T
Chapter - 7/?
A/N : Merry Chrismukkah, readers! Keep an eye out for a holiday themed one-shot in a few days! :)
The next day, Aaron called Kelly three times before she answered.
"Hey. I've been calling you all day," he said.
"Sorry. It just wasn't a good time," she said quickly, reusing his phrase from yesterday.
"O-kay. Well, I thought maybe we could get together tonight. I could pick up some food and you could meet me at my place?"
"Fine."
"Alright. Seven-ish?"
"Fine."
"Okay. See you then."
She couldn't believe him. Not even one word about the day prior. Maybe he would explain tonight.
Dinner had barely started before the fireworks began.
"Who peed in your organic cereal?" Aaron asked once he got the hint that Kelly was angry
"Excuse me?" Now, she was fuming.
"What are you so mad about?"
"Before? Or now?"
"This isn't about yesterday, is it?"
"Brilliant. You finally got it!"
"You can't be serious."
"Aaron. You're extremely moody, arguing on the phone, and super mysterious about it…"
"And you said I didn't have to talk about it. That you understood."
"Well, I don't."
"No, you don't! You don't understand a damn thing. No one does so don't worry about trying."
"I don't understand why you can't trust me. I told you things. About my past, my father."
"Oh, so if you tell me everything, I'm supposed to tell you everything. Is that what how it works?" He asked with venom in his voice.
"No! That's not what I meant!"
"Well, what do you mean? Why would you tell me those things if you didn't want something in return?"
She was fuming. "Because I trusted you! And I don't know, laying next to you in the dark, it felt right. Like I could tell you anything. Guess I was wrong."
Tears filled her eyes and Aaron felt his throat tighten. Despite his heart hurting for her, he remained stubborn.
Finally he spoke. "Kelly," he started but didn't know how to finish.
Once it was clear Aaron wasn't saying anything else, Kelly rolled her eyes and tears slid down her cheeks.
"Don't, Aaron," she said as he moved toward her.
Kelly gathered her purse and let herself out, leaving Aaron angry with himself.
Kelly drove home in anger but once she was inside, the silence was heavy. She undressed and took a shower, trying to let the hot water wash away her anger and sadness. But tears began to slip down her cheeks and join the bath water.
She hated herself for crying but eventually stopped fighting the inevitable.
Meanwhile, Aaron sat in his living room. He had tried to get his mind away from everything. But before he knew it, he was rummaging through a box and pulling out an old photo album. He sat down and flipped through the pages.
Aaron wondered if he could let someone in. He would have to make himself vulnerable. But would remaining closed be worth losing her? He felt like he trusted her but he didn't know if he could tell her. He remembered Kelly's expression as she had left him, the disappointment and hurt obvious. His heart ached knowing that he had made her cry.
'Don't lose her, son.'
Aaron sat up straight on the couch, his heart pounding. Suddenly, he knew what to do as all questions left this mind. He grabbed his keys and ran out the door.
Kelly heard a knock on her door. She was in her sweatpants and a comfy t-shirt and she wasn't in the mood for company.
She peeked through the peephole of the door and saw Aaron standing there. She really didn't feel like fighting with him again. So she decided not to answer and walked away. However, a few steps from the door, she stopped. There was just something about him, pulling her in.
Kelly sighed and opened the door.
"Hi," he said simply, an apology in his voice.
"Hi," she answered softly.
"I know you're frustrated and angry with me and I understand why. And I want to explain why I'm this way. But I need you to know how hard this is for me."
Kelly moved to the side, inviting Aaron in. He stood in the foyer and waited on Kelly to lead the didn't move.
"Can we sit down or something?"
"Sure," she said softly. His serious tone was starting to worry her.
They sat on the couch and were silent for a moment. Aaron stared at his hands then looked up at her. His nervous energy made him get out of his seat and paced in front of her. He looked very unprepared to tell her whatever it was.
"Look, Aaron. You don't have to tell me. I'm not going to force you-"
"You're not forcing me," he interrupted softly.
She gave him a look, telling him she didn't buy it. Aaron sat down beside her and looked into her eyes.
"I promise. I want to tell you. It's just… I haven't ever talked about this with anyone."
Now Kelly felt a bit intimidated.
"But I trust you and for the first time, I want to talk about it."
Her heart was racing, apprehensive toward what he was going to tell her.
"Eight years ago, I was 17 and in my senior year. I was a starter on the football team and I knew what I was going to do with my life. I was going to play college football at Alabama and then go the NFL.
"But one night in September changed my plans. I'm a light sleeper and around 3 a.m., a noise woke me up. I got up to see what it was and my dad was leaving. I asked him what was wrong and where he was going but he just told me he'd be right back and to go back to bed. So that's what I did. I laid down and tried to go to sleep but all I did was doze, you know? My eyes were closed but I wasn't really asleep.
"Around 5, our phone rang. And immediately, I knew. I knew Dad hadn't been home and I knew something was wrong. A little while later, Mom knocked on my door and let herself in, thinking I would be asleep but I was dressed, ready to go. She seemed surprised but didn't say anything. She told me my grandmother was coming from up the road to stay with me and my sister."
Kelly had forgotten about Megan and quickly she did some math. If Aaron was seventeen, that made Megan eight.
"But I told Mom I was going with her. She just looked at me for a second and then said, 'Let's go.' We got in the car and I didn't even know where we were going. I didn't want to ask," he took a deep breath. "Before long, we pulled up at the hospital."
Aaron paused and looked away. It was clear how much it hurt him to tell this story. Kelly took a hold of one of his hands, needing the contact.
"My dad…" Aaron's voice caught in his throat. "My dad had left to pick up his best friend, Mike Grant." His voice stumbled over that name. "Mike's wife had just left him and he was devastated. So most nights he would get incredibly drunk. Usually, he was at his own house. But some nights he would go to bars and hang out with the other miserable folks. And it was always my dad going and picking him up.
"So that night when he called, of course my dad went to get him. They were driving down the road. And for some stupid idiotic reason Mike thought it'd be funny to grab the wheel and not let go. He drove the truck into a tree going around 50 mph."
Tears pooled in Aaron's eyes. "He killed my dad." His voice broke on the last word.
Kelly sniffled as she watched Aaron's wall coming down. It was a few minutes before he spoke again. His voice and stare were hardened now. "Mike was fine though. Just cut up from the glass and a burn from the airbag."
He wouldn't look at Kelly but she could tell his eyes were full of hate.
"At the hospital, they told us it was instant. We knew it was a lie because they wouldn't have had us go to the hospital if they thought there was a chance." He cleared his throat. "Afterwards, I, uh, I shut down. I wouldn't talk about anything but especially not what happened. Not with Mom, not with my brother or sister. Not with my friends. I just… I didn't want to think about it but it was all anyone wanted to talk about.
"How I was doing, how Mom was coping. What a lovely service, such a great man. And even when they didn't say anything, I could see it in their eyes. That pity. I couldn't take it." He took another deep breath. "So that's why I'm such a joy to be around in September. And I'm sorry because it's not your fault. I just… I don't like talking about it and I don't like burdening others with my ghosts."
"I'm just sorry I pressured you so much to tell me."
"No, you didn't." Kelly glared at him. "Well, sort of. But, sweetie, if I hadn't been ready, I wouldn't have been able to tell you."
Kelly focused on his eyes. They were sincere but they still held a deep sadness.
"So you really haven't talked about it before?
He shook his head. "My father and I were close. To actually acknowledge that he's gone by saying it or hearing it, it's like losing him all over again. I don't even remember what was said at his funeral. I just blocked the preacher out. I couldn't deal with it then and I've been running away ever since."
He ran a hand over his face.
"I guess… I guess I just don't see the point. Talking about him won't bring him back."
"No. But it might help you cope."
Aaron finally looked at her. "I've been coping pretty well," he said sarcastically.
"Baby, if this is coping 'pretty well'…" Kelly stopped mid-sentence as she noticed Aaron grinning. "What?"
"You called me 'baby'."
"So what if I did?" She asked playfully. Aaron smiled back at her before becoming serious again.
"You're not calling me a baby, are you? Because you saw me cry?" He joked.
"No…" Kelly said, taking his hand in hers and giving it a squeeze.
Aaron moved closer to her. For a moment, she thought he was going to kiss her but instead, he just rested his forehead against hers.
After a few moments, Aaron whispered, "Thank you." He paused. "For listening. And for forgiving me."
"You're welcome." She paused before adding playfully. "But I never said I forgave you."
Aaron's head shot up with concern, not registering the mock seriousness.
"I mean, no chocolate or flowers?"
"Oh, I didn't want to be cheesy so I didn't bring them in but they are in the car."
Kelly laughed.
"I'll go get them."
Kelly's smile faded. "You're serious?"
Aaron looked at her a bit confused. "Um… yes."
"Oh," she smiled.
"Be right back," he grinned. A minute later, he returned with flowers and candy.
Kelly smelled the flowers with a smile still on her face.
"So… forgiven?" Aaron asked.
Kelly smiled wider at him. Instead of answering him, she kissed him sweetly. Her arms wrapped around his neck and when the kiss broke, they embraced one another. A comfortable silence lingered between them before Aaron's stomach growled.
"I don't suppose you brought the food over," Kelly chuckled.
Aaron laughed, too. "No. I can go get something else though."
"Let's fix something together."
Aaron smiled as he took her hand in his.
After they finished with dinner, they cuddled together on the couch and listened to music play softly. Aaron put his arm around Kelly and she rested her head naturally on his chest. Once they were comfortable, he placed a kiss on her head.
A few silent moments passed before Aaron said, "I'm sorry."
"You don't have to keep saying that."
"I just hate that I hurt you. When I saw that I'd made you cry… I couldn't stand it." His arm tightened around her.
"Well, I'm sorry I pushed you like I did."
"Somebody had to." Aaron said with a smile. "I've known for a long time that I need to deal with what happened. I guess I just needed the right motivation," he said with a smile as he held her a little tighter.
She giggled, enjoying his embrace. "Glad I could be of service." She thought for a moment. "Do you want to talk about him?"
Aaron took a deep breath. He wanted to tell her but it was still difficult.
"Yeah," he breathed. "Like I said, we were close. We did stuff together all the time. He was one of my best friends. So losing him, I was losing a father but it was more than that.
"We spent so much time together and then suddenly, he wasn't there at all anymore."
Kelly thought about her mom and how it would feel to lose her. It hurt her to know that Aaron had felt that pain for 8 years.
Aaron continued with his confession. "And I've been such an ass. My dad would be pissed with the way I've acted. I've been terrible to my mother and my sister. Megan, she was eight years old when it happened. She doesn't remember too much about him and she wishes she did. But I… I've never talked about him with her." He sighed. "Which I know is not fair to her. But it just hurts so much. And my mom…" He took a moment to collect himself.
"She's the strongest woman I know. She and my dad, they really loved one another. I know it killed her to lose him. But she kept going to take care of us. And obviously I didn't make it easier for her."
"And Bobby?"
"He was off at college when it happened. He came home at first but Mom sent him back after the weekend was over. It's where he really wanted to be but, also, it's what Dad would've wanted. He was so proud to have a son in college. So Bobby got to escape and ignore what had happened and I was stuck in that town with everyone tiptoeing around me. Either that or talking my ear off with their ideas of wise advice.
"After college, Bobby moved back home. On the other hand, when I finished school, I came out here and don't go back very often. So I guess I finally escaped."
He finished with a sad tone in his voice. He focused back on Kelly and ran his fingers through her hair. Kelly closed her eyes, enjoying the sensation. His heartbeat in her ears was rhythmically lulling her to sleep.
As she could feel herself dozing, he spoke again and she opened her eyes.
"It's getting late. I should go," he said quietly.
"No," she said as he pulled away. They looked at one another before she continued. "Stay the night."
Aaron looked unsure for a moment. He wanted to but he didn't want Kelly to feel like she had to.
"Please." She took his hand in hers. Kelly didn't know how to explain it but she just couldn't let him leave.
"Okay," he smiled before cuddling with her back into the couch. They remained that way until their eyelids grew too tired and they retired to bed.
Somehow Kirsten was not nervous about Aaron staying in her bed. She was surprised, considering how concerned she was about sleeping in his.
Aaron's wall had fallen and now it felt different between them. Not weird, just… different.
So when they were ready for bed, there was no hesitation as they slid under the sheets and Kelly rested her head on Aaron's chest while he wrapped his arms around her.
Aaron pressed a kiss to her forehead. As he did so, Kelly pulled him close to her. For several moments, they held each other close before Aaron broke the silence.
"So this is the room, huh?"
"Don't ruin the moment, Aaron," she giggled.
Aaron laughed. "Are we ever going to talk about that night?"
"Hopefully not."
"Oh, c'mon. Would you rather talk about the first time we met, Miss Oh-is-it-my-line?" He asked with a high pitched voice.
Kelly gasped. "I thought maybe you had done me a favor and forgot about that."
"Forgot? Ha. I could never forget that. Or the fact that you said no to me five times!"
"Well, I am sorry about that," Kelly laughed.
"I bet you are," Aaron teased.
Kelly smiled at him. "Was I worth it?"
Aaron looked at her for a moment, emotion pouring from his eyes. "You are," he stated, no hesitation in his voice.
Kelly smiled at him before slowly leaning forward to catch him in a kiss. His hand slid down toward the middle of her back while the other cradled her head.
After a moment, he whispered, "Is this okay?"
"I was about to ask you the same thing."
Aaron chuckled into their kiss. "It's fine by me."
Kelly giggled. "Good," she said before kissing him again.
Once they couldn't kiss any longer, they talked. Before they could run out of words, their eyelids became heavy and they slept.
Kelly had work the next day so she and Aaron woke to her alarm and made breakfast together.
Much like Aaron had been a few mornings prior, Kelly was pulled away from breakfast by a phone call from her mother. She placed a finger over her mouth, signaling for silence, which Aaron mimicked with his own hand. Kelly walked into her kitchen and began tidying as she spoke to her mother.
"Do you have work today?"
"Yes. It won't be for a little while though."
"Oh. Okay. Well, before I forget, would you get your aunt that makeup concealer stuff she likes for her for Christmas? You know I won't be able to find it up here."
"Please, Mom. You could; you just won't. There is a difference," she teased.
"Well, guilty as charged. Anyway, would you do that for me?"
"Of course."
There was a moment of silence before Kelly's mother spoke with a sudden surge of energy.
"Okay. I can't stand it anymore."
"What?"
"Guess who I talked to yesterday," she said excitedly.
"I have no idea," Kelly said, unsure about her mother's tone. She didn't get this worked up often.
"Peter. He is such a nice man."
Kelly's throat tightened and her ears got hot.
"Why did he call you?" Kelly asked, too quickly and too defensively.
It was too suspicious. She had just told Peter about her mother's lack of knowledge about Aaron. Next thing, he calls her?
"Well, I'm obviously not supposed to say anything…"
Kelly held her breath.
"But he'd like to surprise you with a party. And he wanted me to be there as well. As a surprise. But I know you don't particularly care for surprises."
"I really don't."
"I didn't think you'd mind this one quite as much."
Kelly realized that her anger with Peter was unintentionally hurting her mother.
"It's not that. It's just…" Kelly swallowed her guilt. "I'm going to be busy and if you're here, I'm going to want to spend all my time with you and I won't be able to. Besides, I'm coming home for my birthday and Thanksgiving anyway."
"Well, that's true."
"Exactly. And Peter…" she sighed. "Is bound and determined to make life difficult."
"Oh, sweetie. Don't be so hard on him. He was just trying to do something nice for you. He's always so sweet."
Kelly rolled her eyes at her mother. She wondered if Peter had this effect on all of her female relatives. Maybe it was in her genes to be played by him.
After hanging up with her mom, Kelly got dressed and ready for work. She gathered her bags on the table by the door where Aaron met her.
"You look beautiful."
Kelly shot him a look. "I'm going to work, Aaron." She smirked. "They make me look beautiful there."
"No," Aaron argued as he stepped closer to her. "You are always beautiful." He put his arms around her and she put her forehead on his chest. He pressed a kiss in to her hair as she chuckled at him.
"You've never seen me sick."
"Well, someday I will and you'll still be beautiful."
"Promise?" She smiled up at him.
"Promise." They smiled at one another before sharing a soft kiss.
"Have a good day," he smiled at her.
"Doubtful but thank you."
"Why 'doubtful'?" He asked amused.
"One word: Peter."
"Ah," Aaron said as if he understood, though he didn't. "What's he done?"
"Something that he knew would upset me." Kelly knew she couldn't tell him everything.
"Well, don't be too hard on him."
Kelly stopped what she was doing and stared at Aaron.
"That's exactly what Mom said."
"Well, I'm sure he wouldn't ever do anything just to hurt you." Aaron reasoned. "Mainly because if he ever dared, I would have to hurt him." He finished with a smile.
Kelly smiled back. "Alright. Well, I'll see you tonight?"
"If you want to," he grinned.
"Always."
Kelly arrived on set and resolved to take her mother and boyfriend's advice. She simply wouldn't talk to Peter.
Peter, however, was not compliant with this plan.
"Hey, Kelly," he said at lunch as he stood at the fridge, filling her cup with ice.
They hadn't talked all day.
"Hi," she responded.
"Are you okay?" Peter asked, cheerfully oblivious to Kelly's hostility.
Kelly gritted her teeth, willing herself to stay calm.
"Have you still not worked things out with Aaron?"
She spoke quietly. "Things are wonderful with him. Much to your disappointment, I know."
"What?" Peter tired to sound innocent but he had a feeling he knew what she meant.
"You called my mother. You tried to get her to LA without my knowledge. She thinks you are just being sweet. But I know you a little better than that, don't you think?"
"Kelly, I have no idea…"
"Don't lie to me."
He paused and looked at her. "Kelly, I'm worried." She rolled her eyes at him. "You barely know this guy. He's giving you trouble and you're lying to your mother about him. That's not you."
"Okay. Number one: I told you why Mom can't know yet. The same reason he hasn't told his family. Number two: If I have problems with Aaron, that does not give you license to go running to my mom or anyone else. Aaron and I are adults and we worked through that problem ourselves."
"Which was?"
"None of your business," she snapped defensively. "Number three: Your motives are very transparent."
"Oh, are they? I'm concerned for my friend. Since when is that such a sin?"
"Why are you so concerned, Peter? Huh? How threatening is Aaron really? What do you think you are protecting me from?"
Peter was silent. Kelly had never spoken to him like this.
"Are you going to say anything? Nothing legitimate to excuse your attempted sabotage?" He still didn't say anything.
He couldn't tell her how right she was about his motives. But he couldn't lie to her and tell her he was innocent.
"You know what? This is perfect. We just won't talk."
"Kelly…"
"No, Peter. The next time you see me, don't talk to me."
"How are we going to do that, Kirsten?"
"Sandy and Kirsten are on speaking terms, but Peter and Kelly aren't."
She calmly walked out of the kitchen, just as members of the cast and crew walked in.
Author - viper209n
Fandom - --
Pairing - --
Status - In Progress
Rating - T
Chapter - 7/?
A/N : Merry Chrismukkah, readers! Keep an eye out for a holiday themed one-shot in a few days! :)
The next day, Aaron called Kelly three times before she answered.
"Hey. I've been calling you all day," he said.
"Sorry. It just wasn't a good time," she said quickly, reusing his phrase from yesterday.
"O-kay. Well, I thought maybe we could get together tonight. I could pick up some food and you could meet me at my place?"
"Fine."
"Alright. Seven-ish?"
"Fine."
"Okay. See you then."
She couldn't believe him. Not even one word about the day prior. Maybe he would explain tonight.
Dinner had barely started before the fireworks began.
"Who peed in your organic cereal?" Aaron asked once he got the hint that Kelly was angry
"Excuse me?" Now, she was fuming.
"What are you so mad about?"
"Before? Or now?"
"This isn't about yesterday, is it?"
"Brilliant. You finally got it!"
"You can't be serious."
"Aaron. You're extremely moody, arguing on the phone, and super mysterious about it…"
"And you said I didn't have to talk about it. That you understood."
"Well, I don't."
"No, you don't! You don't understand a damn thing. No one does so don't worry about trying."
"I don't understand why you can't trust me. I told you things. About my past, my father."
"Oh, so if you tell me everything, I'm supposed to tell you everything. Is that what how it works?" He asked with venom in his voice.
"No! That's not what I meant!"
"Well, what do you mean? Why would you tell me those things if you didn't want something in return?"
She was fuming. "Because I trusted you! And I don't know, laying next to you in the dark, it felt right. Like I could tell you anything. Guess I was wrong."
Tears filled her eyes and Aaron felt his throat tighten. Despite his heart hurting for her, he remained stubborn.
Finally he spoke. "Kelly," he started but didn't know how to finish.
Once it was clear Aaron wasn't saying anything else, Kelly rolled her eyes and tears slid down her cheeks.
"Don't, Aaron," she said as he moved toward her.
Kelly gathered her purse and let herself out, leaving Aaron angry with himself.
Kelly drove home in anger but once she was inside, the silence was heavy. She undressed and took a shower, trying to let the hot water wash away her anger and sadness. But tears began to slip down her cheeks and join the bath water.
She hated herself for crying but eventually stopped fighting the inevitable.
Meanwhile, Aaron sat in his living room. He had tried to get his mind away from everything. But before he knew it, he was rummaging through a box and pulling out an old photo album. He sat down and flipped through the pages.
Aaron wondered if he could let someone in. He would have to make himself vulnerable. But would remaining closed be worth losing her? He felt like he trusted her but he didn't know if he could tell her. He remembered Kelly's expression as she had left him, the disappointment and hurt obvious. His heart ached knowing that he had made her cry.
'Don't lose her, son.'
Aaron sat up straight on the couch, his heart pounding. Suddenly, he knew what to do as all questions left this mind. He grabbed his keys and ran out the door.
Kelly heard a knock on her door. She was in her sweatpants and a comfy t-shirt and she wasn't in the mood for company.
She peeked through the peephole of the door and saw Aaron standing there. She really didn't feel like fighting with him again. So she decided not to answer and walked away. However, a few steps from the door, she stopped. There was just something about him, pulling her in.
Kelly sighed and opened the door.
"Hi," he said simply, an apology in his voice.
"Hi," she answered softly.
"I know you're frustrated and angry with me and I understand why. And I want to explain why I'm this way. But I need you to know how hard this is for me."
Kelly moved to the side, inviting Aaron in. He stood in the foyer and waited on Kelly to lead the didn't move.
"Can we sit down or something?"
"Sure," she said softly. His serious tone was starting to worry her.
They sat on the couch and were silent for a moment. Aaron stared at his hands then looked up at her. His nervous energy made him get out of his seat and paced in front of her. He looked very unprepared to tell her whatever it was.
"Look, Aaron. You don't have to tell me. I'm not going to force you-"
"You're not forcing me," he interrupted softly.
She gave him a look, telling him she didn't buy it. Aaron sat down beside her and looked into her eyes.
"I promise. I want to tell you. It's just… I haven't ever talked about this with anyone."
Now Kelly felt a bit intimidated.
"But I trust you and for the first time, I want to talk about it."
Her heart was racing, apprehensive toward what he was going to tell her.
"Eight years ago, I was 17 and in my senior year. I was a starter on the football team and I knew what I was going to do with my life. I was going to play college football at Alabama and then go the NFL.
"But one night in September changed my plans. I'm a light sleeper and around 3 a.m., a noise woke me up. I got up to see what it was and my dad was leaving. I asked him what was wrong and where he was going but he just told me he'd be right back and to go back to bed. So that's what I did. I laid down and tried to go to sleep but all I did was doze, you know? My eyes were closed but I wasn't really asleep.
"Around 5, our phone rang. And immediately, I knew. I knew Dad hadn't been home and I knew something was wrong. A little while later, Mom knocked on my door and let herself in, thinking I would be asleep but I was dressed, ready to go. She seemed surprised but didn't say anything. She told me my grandmother was coming from up the road to stay with me and my sister."
Kelly had forgotten about Megan and quickly she did some math. If Aaron was seventeen, that made Megan eight.
"But I told Mom I was going with her. She just looked at me for a second and then said, 'Let's go.' We got in the car and I didn't even know where we were going. I didn't want to ask," he took a deep breath. "Before long, we pulled up at the hospital."
Aaron paused and looked away. It was clear how much it hurt him to tell this story. Kelly took a hold of one of his hands, needing the contact.
"My dad…" Aaron's voice caught in his throat. "My dad had left to pick up his best friend, Mike Grant." His voice stumbled over that name. "Mike's wife had just left him and he was devastated. So most nights he would get incredibly drunk. Usually, he was at his own house. But some nights he would go to bars and hang out with the other miserable folks. And it was always my dad going and picking him up.
"So that night when he called, of course my dad went to get him. They were driving down the road. And for some stupid idiotic reason Mike thought it'd be funny to grab the wheel and not let go. He drove the truck into a tree going around 50 mph."
Tears pooled in Aaron's eyes. "He killed my dad." His voice broke on the last word.
Kelly sniffled as she watched Aaron's wall coming down. It was a few minutes before he spoke again. His voice and stare were hardened now. "Mike was fine though. Just cut up from the glass and a burn from the airbag."
He wouldn't look at Kelly but she could tell his eyes were full of hate.
"At the hospital, they told us it was instant. We knew it was a lie because they wouldn't have had us go to the hospital if they thought there was a chance." He cleared his throat. "Afterwards, I, uh, I shut down. I wouldn't talk about anything but especially not what happened. Not with Mom, not with my brother or sister. Not with my friends. I just… I didn't want to think about it but it was all anyone wanted to talk about.
"How I was doing, how Mom was coping. What a lovely service, such a great man. And even when they didn't say anything, I could see it in their eyes. That pity. I couldn't take it." He took another deep breath. "So that's why I'm such a joy to be around in September. And I'm sorry because it's not your fault. I just… I don't like talking about it and I don't like burdening others with my ghosts."
"I'm just sorry I pressured you so much to tell me."
"No, you didn't." Kelly glared at him. "Well, sort of. But, sweetie, if I hadn't been ready, I wouldn't have been able to tell you."
Kelly focused on his eyes. They were sincere but they still held a deep sadness.
"So you really haven't talked about it before?
He shook his head. "My father and I were close. To actually acknowledge that he's gone by saying it or hearing it, it's like losing him all over again. I don't even remember what was said at his funeral. I just blocked the preacher out. I couldn't deal with it then and I've been running away ever since."
He ran a hand over his face.
"I guess… I guess I just don't see the point. Talking about him won't bring him back."
"No. But it might help you cope."
Aaron finally looked at her. "I've been coping pretty well," he said sarcastically.
"Baby, if this is coping 'pretty well'…" Kelly stopped mid-sentence as she noticed Aaron grinning. "What?"
"You called me 'baby'."
"So what if I did?" She asked playfully. Aaron smiled back at her before becoming serious again.
"You're not calling me a baby, are you? Because you saw me cry?" He joked.
"No…" Kelly said, taking his hand in hers and giving it a squeeze.
Aaron moved closer to her. For a moment, she thought he was going to kiss her but instead, he just rested his forehead against hers.
After a few moments, Aaron whispered, "Thank you." He paused. "For listening. And for forgiving me."
"You're welcome." She paused before adding playfully. "But I never said I forgave you."
Aaron's head shot up with concern, not registering the mock seriousness.
"I mean, no chocolate or flowers?"
"Oh, I didn't want to be cheesy so I didn't bring them in but they are in the car."
Kelly laughed.
"I'll go get them."
Kelly's smile faded. "You're serious?"
Aaron looked at her a bit confused. "Um… yes."
"Oh," she smiled.
"Be right back," he grinned. A minute later, he returned with flowers and candy.
Kelly smelled the flowers with a smile still on her face.
"So… forgiven?" Aaron asked.
Kelly smiled wider at him. Instead of answering him, she kissed him sweetly. Her arms wrapped around his neck and when the kiss broke, they embraced one another. A comfortable silence lingered between them before Aaron's stomach growled.
"I don't suppose you brought the food over," Kelly chuckled.
Aaron laughed, too. "No. I can go get something else though."
"Let's fix something together."
Aaron smiled as he took her hand in his.
After they finished with dinner, they cuddled together on the couch and listened to music play softly. Aaron put his arm around Kelly and she rested her head naturally on his chest. Once they were comfortable, he placed a kiss on her head.
A few silent moments passed before Aaron said, "I'm sorry."
"You don't have to keep saying that."
"I just hate that I hurt you. When I saw that I'd made you cry… I couldn't stand it." His arm tightened around her.
"Well, I'm sorry I pushed you like I did."
"Somebody had to." Aaron said with a smile. "I've known for a long time that I need to deal with what happened. I guess I just needed the right motivation," he said with a smile as he held her a little tighter.
She giggled, enjoying his embrace. "Glad I could be of service." She thought for a moment. "Do you want to talk about him?"
Aaron took a deep breath. He wanted to tell her but it was still difficult.
"Yeah," he breathed. "Like I said, we were close. We did stuff together all the time. He was one of my best friends. So losing him, I was losing a father but it was more than that.
"We spent so much time together and then suddenly, he wasn't there at all anymore."
Kelly thought about her mom and how it would feel to lose her. It hurt her to know that Aaron had felt that pain for 8 years.
Aaron continued with his confession. "And I've been such an ass. My dad would be pissed with the way I've acted. I've been terrible to my mother and my sister. Megan, she was eight years old when it happened. She doesn't remember too much about him and she wishes she did. But I… I've never talked about him with her." He sighed. "Which I know is not fair to her. But it just hurts so much. And my mom…" He took a moment to collect himself.
"She's the strongest woman I know. She and my dad, they really loved one another. I know it killed her to lose him. But she kept going to take care of us. And obviously I didn't make it easier for her."
"And Bobby?"
"He was off at college when it happened. He came home at first but Mom sent him back after the weekend was over. It's where he really wanted to be but, also, it's what Dad would've wanted. He was so proud to have a son in college. So Bobby got to escape and ignore what had happened and I was stuck in that town with everyone tiptoeing around me. Either that or talking my ear off with their ideas of wise advice.
"After college, Bobby moved back home. On the other hand, when I finished school, I came out here and don't go back very often. So I guess I finally escaped."
He finished with a sad tone in his voice. He focused back on Kelly and ran his fingers through her hair. Kelly closed her eyes, enjoying the sensation. His heartbeat in her ears was rhythmically lulling her to sleep.
As she could feel herself dozing, he spoke again and she opened her eyes.
"It's getting late. I should go," he said quietly.
"No," she said as he pulled away. They looked at one another before she continued. "Stay the night."
Aaron looked unsure for a moment. He wanted to but he didn't want Kelly to feel like she had to.
"Please." She took his hand in hers. Kelly didn't know how to explain it but she just couldn't let him leave.
"Okay," he smiled before cuddling with her back into the couch. They remained that way until their eyelids grew too tired and they retired to bed.
Somehow Kirsten was not nervous about Aaron staying in her bed. She was surprised, considering how concerned she was about sleeping in his.
Aaron's wall had fallen and now it felt different between them. Not weird, just… different.
So when they were ready for bed, there was no hesitation as they slid under the sheets and Kelly rested her head on Aaron's chest while he wrapped his arms around her.
Aaron pressed a kiss to her forehead. As he did so, Kelly pulled him close to her. For several moments, they held each other close before Aaron broke the silence.
"So this is the room, huh?"
"Don't ruin the moment, Aaron," she giggled.
Aaron laughed. "Are we ever going to talk about that night?"
"Hopefully not."
"Oh, c'mon. Would you rather talk about the first time we met, Miss Oh-is-it-my-line?" He asked with a high pitched voice.
Kelly gasped. "I thought maybe you had done me a favor and forgot about that."
"Forgot? Ha. I could never forget that. Or the fact that you said no to me five times!"
"Well, I am sorry about that," Kelly laughed.
"I bet you are," Aaron teased.
Kelly smiled at him. "Was I worth it?"
Aaron looked at her for a moment, emotion pouring from his eyes. "You are," he stated, no hesitation in his voice.
Kelly smiled at him before slowly leaning forward to catch him in a kiss. His hand slid down toward the middle of her back while the other cradled her head.
After a moment, he whispered, "Is this okay?"
"I was about to ask you the same thing."
Aaron chuckled into their kiss. "It's fine by me."
Kelly giggled. "Good," she said before kissing him again.
Once they couldn't kiss any longer, they talked. Before they could run out of words, their eyelids became heavy and they slept.
Kelly had work the next day so she and Aaron woke to her alarm and made breakfast together.
Much like Aaron had been a few mornings prior, Kelly was pulled away from breakfast by a phone call from her mother. She placed a finger over her mouth, signaling for silence, which Aaron mimicked with his own hand. Kelly walked into her kitchen and began tidying as she spoke to her mother.
"Do you have work today?"
"Yes. It won't be for a little while though."
"Oh. Okay. Well, before I forget, would you get your aunt that makeup concealer stuff she likes for her for Christmas? You know I won't be able to find it up here."
"Please, Mom. You could; you just won't. There is a difference," she teased.
"Well, guilty as charged. Anyway, would you do that for me?"
"Of course."
There was a moment of silence before Kelly's mother spoke with a sudden surge of energy.
"Okay. I can't stand it anymore."
"What?"
"Guess who I talked to yesterday," she said excitedly.
"I have no idea," Kelly said, unsure about her mother's tone. She didn't get this worked up often.
"Peter. He is such a nice man."
Kelly's throat tightened and her ears got hot.
"Why did he call you?" Kelly asked, too quickly and too defensively.
It was too suspicious. She had just told Peter about her mother's lack of knowledge about Aaron. Next thing, he calls her?
"Well, I'm obviously not supposed to say anything…"
Kelly held her breath.
"But he'd like to surprise you with a party. And he wanted me to be there as well. As a surprise. But I know you don't particularly care for surprises."
"I really don't."
"I didn't think you'd mind this one quite as much."
Kelly realized that her anger with Peter was unintentionally hurting her mother.
"It's not that. It's just…" Kelly swallowed her guilt. "I'm going to be busy and if you're here, I'm going to want to spend all my time with you and I won't be able to. Besides, I'm coming home for my birthday and Thanksgiving anyway."
"Well, that's true."
"Exactly. And Peter…" she sighed. "Is bound and determined to make life difficult."
"Oh, sweetie. Don't be so hard on him. He was just trying to do something nice for you. He's always so sweet."
Kelly rolled her eyes at her mother. She wondered if Peter had this effect on all of her female relatives. Maybe it was in her genes to be played by him.
After hanging up with her mom, Kelly got dressed and ready for work. She gathered her bags on the table by the door where Aaron met her.
"You look beautiful."
Kelly shot him a look. "I'm going to work, Aaron." She smirked. "They make me look beautiful there."
"No," Aaron argued as he stepped closer to her. "You are always beautiful." He put his arms around her and she put her forehead on his chest. He pressed a kiss in to her hair as she chuckled at him.
"You've never seen me sick."
"Well, someday I will and you'll still be beautiful."
"Promise?" She smiled up at him.
"Promise." They smiled at one another before sharing a soft kiss.
"Have a good day," he smiled at her.
"Doubtful but thank you."
"Why 'doubtful'?" He asked amused.
"One word: Peter."
"Ah," Aaron said as if he understood, though he didn't. "What's he done?"
"Something that he knew would upset me." Kelly knew she couldn't tell him everything.
"Well, don't be too hard on him."
Kelly stopped what she was doing and stared at Aaron.
"That's exactly what Mom said."
"Well, I'm sure he wouldn't ever do anything just to hurt you." Aaron reasoned. "Mainly because if he ever dared, I would have to hurt him." He finished with a smile.
Kelly smiled back. "Alright. Well, I'll see you tonight?"
"If you want to," he grinned.
"Always."
Kelly arrived on set and resolved to take her mother and boyfriend's advice. She simply wouldn't talk to Peter.
Peter, however, was not compliant with this plan.
"Hey, Kelly," he said at lunch as he stood at the fridge, filling her cup with ice.
They hadn't talked all day.
"Hi," she responded.
"Are you okay?" Peter asked, cheerfully oblivious to Kelly's hostility.
Kelly gritted her teeth, willing herself to stay calm.
"Have you still not worked things out with Aaron?"
She spoke quietly. "Things are wonderful with him. Much to your disappointment, I know."
"What?" Peter tired to sound innocent but he had a feeling he knew what she meant.
"You called my mother. You tried to get her to LA without my knowledge. She thinks you are just being sweet. But I know you a little better than that, don't you think?"
"Kelly, I have no idea…"
"Don't lie to me."
He paused and looked at her. "Kelly, I'm worried." She rolled her eyes at him. "You barely know this guy. He's giving you trouble and you're lying to your mother about him. That's not you."
"Okay. Number one: I told you why Mom can't know yet. The same reason he hasn't told his family. Number two: If I have problems with Aaron, that does not give you license to go running to my mom or anyone else. Aaron and I are adults and we worked through that problem ourselves."
"Which was?"
"None of your business," she snapped defensively. "Number three: Your motives are very transparent."
"Oh, are they? I'm concerned for my friend. Since when is that such a sin?"
"Why are you so concerned, Peter? Huh? How threatening is Aaron really? What do you think you are protecting me from?"
Peter was silent. Kelly had never spoken to him like this.
"Are you going to say anything? Nothing legitimate to excuse your attempted sabotage?" He still didn't say anything.
He couldn't tell her how right she was about his motives. But he couldn't lie to her and tell her he was innocent.
"You know what? This is perfect. We just won't talk."
"Kelly…"
"No, Peter. The next time you see me, don't talk to me."
"How are we going to do that, Kirsten?"
"Sandy and Kirsten are on speaking terms, but Peter and Kelly aren't."
She calmly walked out of the kitchen, just as members of the cast and crew walked in.