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NSDHOVAHIUSBKJBGJKNPSJO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OMG guys, I could not, for the life of me, remember what Aiden's mom's name was. I'm so dead. I searched every chapter before this one twice and could not find a single hint to what her name may be. FML.

Soooooo, I made up a new one! However, if ya'll happen to remember what her name was, or something, then plssss tell me and I will hurry and edit her name in the chapter to the correct one.

Anyways, new chapter, yay!!!!! o/

*sweats* Why is it so hard to write nowadays. :v

P.S. Sorry I couldn't post it last week, too much going on, but at least I managed to post it this week instead, and not a month from now or something, lol. *cries* ;-;

Whelp, enjoy the chapter! 

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Nathan's P. O. V.

The faucet handle creaked as I slowly twisted it right into the off position, my hand slipping lightly off once it reached its destination, unhindered by the slick surface of the knob. The rain of water from above me which poured down onto my naked body in a warm bath sputtered to a reluctant stop, and soon only the drip of remnant water could be heard splashing onto the tiled bathroom floor at my feet. It echoed in a constant low beat, steady and calming to the mind.

I stood there for a good minute, staring vacantly down at the drain as the water flushed down it in small rivers, gently brushing along my feet in a seemingly unceasing current as it made its way towards the drain. The swirling sound of the clearing water coaxed me into a trance, like a sweet children's lullaby sung from a mother's mouth. My eyes clouded over as I surrendered to the sound, and soon the noises around me seemed to grow distant, as if they were coming to me from a far off place as I drifted off into an endless void.

I felt like I was floating, and if I were to glance around me, I would find myself in a sea of white, fluffy clouds. It was a relaxing feeling, one that soothed me and settled my nerves.

I felt like I could go on like this forever.

And then, just like that, the sensation was gone.

I blinked back into reality and ran a hand slowly through my soaked hair, the soft texture of my locks tickling the palm of my hand as I wringed out some of the excess water from it and took a deep breath, then released it gradually as I furrowed my brows thoughtfully.

Throughout the day I've had the same unpleasant feeling nagging at me, causing my chest to become tight and uncomfortable, as if something was stuck there, blocking my airways, preventing me from breathing properly. I despised this feeling very much, but I had no references at to what was causing me to feel this way. I even took some medicine in order to get rid of this nuisance, but it did no good to lessen the feeling. Which only led me to believe that it was not caused by my body itself.

Due to this, I began to worry. I wondered if this feeling was a prequel to upcoming events, as if, for some reason, a storm was coming. Like a hurricane was approaching, one that strived to rip trees from the ground and leave behind destruction in its wake. My thoughts couldn't help but to zoom in on the possible reason for this feeling being Aiden.

So far, anything and everything that could cause me to feel this way pertained to him, but this was just assumptions on my part. Unfortunately, I had no way of actually confirming this notion of mine.

I could neither contact Aiden casually, as that phone I gave him was only for emergencies, and I would rather not put Aiden at risk by calling or messaging him; and it would not be wise of me to just go visit his home, as his father would no doubt be there and start something at the mere sight of me. In fact, the latter would be the worst option I could choose, as his father could potentially cause harm to either me or Aiden, which was something I feared for the most.

Shaking myself out of my thoughts, I focused back in on the present. I pulled back the shower curtain and scrunched up my eyes, steam from the heat of the shower water had filled the bathroom and fogged the mirrors up, blurring my vision. Grabbing my towel off the rack, I began drying my body off, even though most of the water had air dried while I had been lost in my thoughts. I then stepped out of the shower after drying my hair and got dressed into my sleep clothes.

As I walked out of the bathroom I glanced over to my clock that sat on my nightstand and saw that it read 09:20 p. m. I had at least a good hour before I would attempt to ease my mind into a restless sleep, as my mind was too active for its own good at the moment.

Eager to distract myself, I pulled my laptop out and turned it on.

While I let it load, I fiddled about my room, my worry growing ever more present until it strived to consume me whole. I felt like the final hour was closing in on me, and that the reason for my worry would appear at any minute.

As if to reinforce this realization of mine, the sound of my phone ringing pierced through my head with a start the next second.

I jumped and spun around to face it, my heart pounding in my chest.

It was rather late at night and few knew this new number of mine, as I had gotten a new phone before moving back to this area, my hometown. Plus, I've only given this number to a small group of people I know, including: Aiden and his mother; so the thought that someone was contacting me so late at night left me feeling uneasy.

I wondered who it could be as I made my way over to my phone, but even as I laid eyes on the number, somewhere in the back of my mind, I somehow already knew who would be contacting me.

The caller ID read: Mrs. White (Aiden's Mom).

When I saw this, my face drained of what little remaining color had occupied it as I turned as white as a sheet of paper. Sweat gathered on my forehead and I furrowed my brow, worry crashing into me in endless waves. My hand shook and I nearly dropped my phone onto the ground.

I bit at my lip hard and took a deep breath as I tried to calm myself down and think up rational reasons as to why Aiden's mother was calling me so out of the blue at such a timeframe. However, even as I thought up plausible reasons, I couldn't help but dismiss them all as false.

I knew, that no matter what, this phone call, was not going to be good.

Fighting back the urge to just let the phone ring until it went to voicemail, I pressed the answer button and slowly brought the phone next to my ear.

"Hello?" I asked, my voice cracking from how dry my throat was.

"Nathan, thank god you picked up! Its Caitlyn, Aiden's mom. Listen, I need you to do me a huge favor and get over here right away," Caitlyn said urgently, startling me with the intensity with which she urged me, causing my stomach to lurch as endless worry poured into it.

"What's wrong? What's happened? Is it Aiden?" I sputtered out, my grip on the phone tightening as I anxiously waited for her response. 

"Nothing, I hope," she said, sounding unsure of herself, which didn't help to calm me down one bit, "but Aiden wanted me to tell you that he's going to stay at your place for a few days. Things are becoming unsafe over here for Aiden, and I'd feel better if he stay with a friend for a few days, until things calm down over here, that is. Is this alright with you, if not I can-"

"It's fine," I quickly interjected, cutting her off mid-sentence. "Do you need me to come over and pick him up right now?" I asked, whilst scrambling about the room to gather up my keys and wallet and anything else I might need, also making sure to snatch up my sandals along the way, sliding them on as I staggered about.

"That'd probably be best," she whispered quietly.

"Alright, I'm on my way, be there soon." I informed and was about to end the call but paused my finger over the hang up button when the tone of her voice stopped me in my tracks.

"Nathan....," she began hesitantly, almost with uncertainty.

"Yeah?" I questioned.

"Is Aiden really gay?" Her voice trembled as she asked this, and my heart nearly stopped when she did.

My eyes widened and my throat went dry as a lump formed, blocking any words from escaping through my mouth. I trembled once and squeezed my eyes shut as a darkness spread through me and I finally came to understand why all this came to be.

So it's finally been revealed to her, I thought sorrowfully.

Who told her?

Aiden?

No, from the sounds of it, it wasn't him who revealed it, as his mother wouldn't be asking such a question with so much uncertainty and confusion. The only other person who I could think would do such a terrible thing as reveal someone's deepest, darkest secret, was Aiden's father, and I wouldn't put it past him to do so. 

He loathed Aiden because of this quality of his, this preference that can hardly be controlled or stopped. He wished to never see Aiden again, and if it weren't for the fact that Aiden is his son, then he would have long gotten rid of him.  

So why wouldn't he do something so despicable, if it only meant causing Aiden trouble? I'm just surprised it took so long for him to reveal this secret to Caitlyn. I had almost believed, no, hopped, that he would let the secret be and just mind his own business. Just cut all tie with Aiden and just ignore him or something. It would have been better that way.

But this desire of mine failed to become reality. 

As my heart swirled with anger and hatred towards Aiden's father, becoming filled with darkness as thoughts of wanting to destroy that man where he stood flickered through my head, another realization popped up in my head that had me holding my breath.

I found myself wondering about the most important question that should be asked, and that is: What are her thoughts on this matter? 

Does she despise such a concept as being true, or will she still accept Aiden even after having learnt the truth?

I hoped for the latter, as the thought of her rejecting Aiden for who he was left a bad taste in my mouth. She was the one person whose opinion really mattered to him. If she did come to hate this part of him, then I don't know if he will ever recover from the shock of it all. 

Even as my mouth opened to ask, I couldn't bring myself to say the words, too afraid to hear her answer.

Instead, I opted out to letting her settle her thoughts first on the matter before I start asking her such a sensitive question. If I put too much pressure on her when the shock of finding out was still fresh in her mind, then she may feel as if she was being backed into a corner and retaliate negatively, and in no way did I want to be the cause for her coming to despise Aiden.

I shuffled down the stairs and towards the front door as awkward silence filled the space between Caitlyn and I, and I found it increasingly harder to hang up the phone as time progressed. 

Finally, after what seemed like a long time, but was only just a matter of seconds, enough time for me to unlock my car and hop into the driver's seat, I spoke up. "Look, Caitlyn, I know this probably came as a great shock to you, but now I need you to do me a huge favor."

"What?" Caitlyn asked, startled by my forceful tone.

"I want you to chew on this information for now, don't say anything to Aiden about this subject. Just think about it all and what this discovery means to you, not what it means to others, or your 'reputation,' but you as a person. Think about your priorities, about what you could lose, or more specifically, who you could lose, because of the choices you make from here on out. But just know, it's not as big of a deal as you may think. Just think," I repeated, hoping that she will listen to me and actually do what I say, instead of judging based off the beliefs or biased opinions of others around her, or even the ones she's thought to be 'right' all her life. 

"A-alright, I will," she agreed hesitantly, sounding just as unsure as she no doubt looked.

I'm positive that I may have only thoroughly confused her with my cryptic words, but I knew that I couldn't give her any more hints than this, as it would affect her opinion or decision too much, and it wouldn't be her choice anymore on the matter, but rather her appeasing someone else to make them happy.

I'm also sure that she has already been influenced by Aiden's father and his viewpoints for years now, so this may also play a huge role in whether or not she comes to hate or accept Aiden. However, regarding this matter, there was nothing I could do to get rid of that sliver of influence, I can only hope that she doesn't heed those ideals and follow her own path.

"Good, I'll be at your house in a few," I stated before promptly hanging, knowing that I wouldn't be able to handle conversing with her any more than this for fear of giving myself a heart attack. 

I released a long breath of relief as my shoulders slumped from the release of tension in them caused by our conversation and rested my head against the steering wheel of my car. I then closed my eyes and sighed as I tried to calm down my ragging heart that felt as if tidal waves were crashing along a cliffs shore.

I need to stay focused, I can't waver this late in the game. I've come this far, no point in backing down the moment things begin to heat up, I thought to myself.

With one last sigh I started the car and sped towards Aiden's house as fast as I could, while making sure not to get stopped by any police. I could only be grateful that his house wasn't too far away as I managed to arrive within 10 minutes.

I pulled into their driveway and parked my car, however, I did not shut off my car, in case I had to hurriedly take off. I waited inside my car for a few minutes, debating if I should just call Aiden's mom to tell her I had arrived, or if I should just wait for Aiden to come outside on his own, or just head on up to the front door myself.

After a moment's hesitation, I got out of my car and walked over to the front door. My hand hovered over the doorbell, and was just about to press onto it when I heard something that sent my stomach plummeting to the floor.

A high pitched scream of panic and desperation.

It sent shivers down my spine and I immediately reached for the doorknob, turning it, only to hear the faint click of the lock preventing me from opening the door.

I cursed underneath my breath and backed up a bit, then raised my leg up and smashed it against the door. My body trembled from the force of impact I made; however, the door didn't budge one bit. This was too be expected, as the door itself looked quite sturdy.

I frowned. I knew what I was doing was wrong and I could get into a lot of trouble if I broke into their house uninvited like this without there actually being something wrong going on. 

Unfortunately, desperate times called for desperate measures.

I had no time to contemplating whether or not that cry was one of danger or not, I just knew that I had to check for myself that everything was okay, even if it meant tearing down this house in the process to do so.

So, without further hesitation I rammed into the door with my full body weight. Once, twice, three times, until the door finally gave way to my force. By now, at least another minute or two had gone by, and for some reason, I had this impending feeling as if I was running out of time. As if there was a timer going off in my head and it was second away from going off.

I did not like this feeling one bit.

And accompanying these such feeling was one that I was vaguely familiar with. It was the same feeling from earlier, when I felt as if there was something preventing me from properly breathing. Each and every breath I took was with difficulty and an almost unrestrained desire to clutch at my throat coursed though me, but I shook off this feeling as I gazed into Aiden's house.

A deep throbbing pain ignited along the side of my body as the adrenaline I previously relied on left me, and the pain from slamming against the door flared into existence, causing me to hiss out a sharp breath. I cursed underneath my breath and gently rubbed my aching side, but didn't spend too much time comforting myself before I rushed through the opening I created and into the house, only to freeze as second later as I looked around, unsure of where I should head next.

Although I had finally been able to break in, I had no idea as to where Aiden or his mom was within this house. However, I didn't have to wait long before my questions were answered by loud shouts from upstairs.

Without a moments hesitation I sprinted up the stairs and followed the sound of yelling and only came to a stop when I entered what could be assumed to be Aiden's room, judging from the single twin sized bed and youthful look that the room had.

Unfortunately, my mind did not have time to process anything else, because in that next moment, my eyes perceived a scene that could only be described as gut-wrenching.

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Good/Bad news, depending on how you take it individually, there is about 2-3 chapters left to this book for sure, unless a miracle happens. o/

Also, I made a Discord server on my second account for the soul purpose of being able to communicate with all of you!!!

You all will be given frequent updates on the status of my stories, as well as linked to them when I post the stories. You all will also be able to talk to me and ask questions if you feel like it. You can also post your own stories in the server and have others be able to view or critic it, among other things.

I highly encourage you guys to join my Discord server, and even if you can't join, I'll give you my Discord ID so you can friend me and be able to ask me questions over private message. I'm on Discord every days, so this is the best chance you all will have in being able to talk with me. 

My Discord ID is: Blaze#7027 (Will never change)

Link to my Discord server: https://discord.gg/cnfeKSu (can also be found in my bio on Wattpad) 

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