Loving Aaron

-I did it all for you. You deserve it. I love you, Lily. But I still never managed to say those words to you. He was always in the way. You chose him over me. What haven't I done for you? I helped you pay rent, bought you gifts, and clothes. I even let you stay at my place until you sorted things out with your father. That bastard did nothing but hurt you. But you decided that a man with better looks, fame, and money was a better suit for you than the one who cares. I walked away from you with the beautiful sunflower in my hand as you told me you were getting married next month. I have had enough. I'm done being tossed around like your little toy. I'm done trying to change myself for you. I'm worth more. And I'm done with you.

"Aaron! Wait please!" She screams. I turn around and look at her one last time. "I thought you'd be happy for me? Isn't that what friends do?"

"Have you thought about my happiness Lily? Have you taken a second to call and check up on me? After everything we've been through?" A long, and painful silence stuffed the air.

"I didn't think of it like that."

"That's exactly it. You don't think. As long as your prince charming comes and picks you up from the ground. I can't believe I let myself fall for you. I can't believe I was so naive!"

"What? You liked me?"

"That doesn't matter. Go have fun with your Fiance. I'm done."

"Aaron, wait please!" She screams as I close the apartment door. I was hurt by Lily. I didn't want to cry. It was just a simple thing that needed to happen. No need to get emotional. I need to restart my life. Take control over what does and doesn't happen to me. I need to become my own person. I accidentally bumped into someone on my way out. I gave him a small 'sorry' and headed out. I got in my car and headed to SlyGuys, a small bar near my apartment. It's usually crowded but I needed a drink and a moment to think. The bartender, Khloe, was still on her shift and would be for the next few hours. She always serves me my drinks wherever I come in late. It's like she has a little schedule for me. A smile appeared on her face as she saw me enter the bar. She grabbed a 2 beer bottles with 2 glasses and headed over to my table.

"I know that face."

"What face?"

"The breakup face. You just got dumped, didn't you? Never knew you had a girlfriend."

"I don't have a girlfriend Khloe, and I didn't get dumped. I'm just...stressed."

"Well good thing I'm here. The bar isn't busy so let's drink and talk about it."

"It's nothing serious. I just want to work on myself and start over. You should go back to work. I'm fine really."

"Jules is still here, so we'll be fine. Now come on, let's talk."

I told Khloe about what happened with Lily. How I've had feelings for her and how everything ended. It sounded a bit stupid, and I didn't know why I didn't stop. But still, it felt nice to have someone care and listen to my rambles.

"Aaron...Why didn't you tell me sooner? I know how hard it is to understand love and everything about a person. Shit's tough around here. I've been trying to move out of here and head somewhere more people friendly. More fun, more me." That is exactly what I've been trying to explain. Worded so perfectly. "Have you had dinner?"

"No. Haven't had the time. Why?" She takes the beer from my hands and looks at her watch.

"Give me 30 minutes. During that time, I need you to head over to the supermarket and grab me a few things. A nice walk you could say. Meet me back here by then."

"What?"

"Just do it. And be quick. Customers are coming in so I have to go. Catch ya later." She stands and runs over to the bar to serve the typical white men who would come around this time to get away from their wives and avoid their responsibilities.

I got up and walked over to the supermarket. It was only a 5-minute walk away and the night sky was beautiful. I started thinking about Lily. As much as I've tried to forget about the pain she's put me through, the thoughts wouldn't disappear. Will I ever be okay again? A sudden bump and pain in my toe alert me as I look behind me. A young lady bumped into me as all her books fell on me.

"I'm so sorry! I wasn't focused."

"It's alright. Are you ok?"

"I'm fine. I should be asking you the same. Seems like you took a hit with one of the books."

"No worries. Nothing serious." I help her pick her things from the ground as he puts the others in her bag.

"Thank you. I was in a bit of a rush to get home. Big plans tomorrow."

"Is that so? Well, be careful around this part of the neighborhood. I live a couple of blocks down if you ever need help with anything. Apartment 12D at the new complex."

"Really? I'm in 13D! The Complex near the bar right?"

"Yeah! How coincidental. I guess I'll see you around then."

"See ya!"

I felt a buzz in my pocket and saw a text from Khloe. The text read,

 "Aaron! Shift is ending earlier today. Be back in 10 minutes. And here's the list of things to get." I quickened my pace and bought the things she needed. The price was shocking but I still got them and hurried back to the bar. I found Khloe standing there with her coat waiting for me.

"What took you so long?" She asked.

"Why do you need this much?"

"Stop avoiding questions with questions. Just get in the car and drive."

"My place?"

"Of course! Geez." I laughed at how irritated she got. It was nice to see her in such a mood. I drove home and got the stuff out of the trunk. She helped me carry a bag to the elevator and we headed to my apartment. As we exited the elevator, she took the keys from my pocket and hurried to the door.

"What are you so excited about?" I asked.

"What we're about to do."

"Which is?"

"Cook, idiot. We're cooking dinner together. Plus, words out you're quite the chef."

"It's late Khloe. What's the point? You need to get home and rest."

"You kicking me out? Or is it you're expecting someone?" She teased, with a smirk on her face.

"What? No! I'm just saying. I don't mind the company. Let's just get in." She opened the door and turned the light on only to be greeted with furniture and a television. My apartment was pretty modern. I had all the needs you have in a home, and it was cozy.

"I love your place, you know. I'd move here if rent wasn't so outrageous."

"It's not that bad really."

"$1000 a month isn't bad for an apartment?!"

"That's only because the furniture was provided by them. Plus, I make more at work than I need."

"If you say so. Let's get to the kitchen. I'm hungry anyways." We took our shoes off and headed to the kitchen. I didn't know what she wanted to cook, but I just followed her instructions. I bought a lot of things from the store and most of them I already had.

We seasoned the chicken and baked it in the air fryer. I guessed she wanted to make Chicken alfredo as the ingredients corresponded with the dish. After a few hours, the plates were ready. Each of us had a plate with pasta, chicken, and sauce. It looks great. I got hungrier just by looking at it. We sat down on the sofa and watched some shows on TV. By the time we finished eating, it was already midnight. Night Shifts never help when it comes to waking up early for school or anything else in life. I took our plates and cleaned them. After I put most of the things away in the kitchen, Khloe fell asleep on the couch. It was a cute sight to see her rested. I decided to leave her there for a bit until she was fully asleep and carry her to the second bedroom. I didn't want to wake her as she must have been tired from working such long shifts.

I placed her on the bed and covered her with a blanket. I turned the light off and exited the room. I grabbed a soda can and decided to stay up for a bit. My job isn't easy either. Although I make enough to live in a house big enough to fit my whole family, I don't want to waste money. I live alone so there's no point in getting a big house for one person. The complex is pretty nice too. It's clean and my neighbors are pretty calm. Right as I was headed to bed. I ended up sleeping on the couch for a few hours. Suddenly I got a phone call. It was from Detective Beck. I sighed as I knew that there would be the only reason for her to call me.

"Hello?"

"Aaron! Pardon me for calling this late...or early depending on how you see it. We just got a new case. You need to see this."

"Can't it wait till tomorrow? I'm a lawyer, not a detective."

"This one is really important. You have to come down. I'll send you the address. See you soon." She hangs up with worry in her voice. I thought it must have been urgent for her to call me at this time of night for a case.

I wrote a note for Khloe to let her know that I had to go in case she woke up in the middle of the night. I grabbed my coat, keys, and bag, then headed out. I drove to the address which was approximately 20 minutes away. It was near Lily's house. I parked and saw multiple officers and analysts at the scene. The area was extremely familiar as Lily's complex was a couple of blocks down. I saw Detective Beck run towards me in panic and grabbed my hand leading me to a dark alley. There lay a body bag and blood covering most of the alley.

"What's so important about this that you couldn't call your partner?"

"The victim is...you have a personal connection with her."

"What are you talking about?"

"I think you should see for yourself." I felt anxious as it seemed to get tense in the alley. I unzipped the body bag and couldn't believe what I saw. I got up and ran to a corner. I felt uneasy and ready to puke my guts out. I sobbed and felt my body shake. I couldn't believe it. It just couldn't be! 

"What..." I managed to whisper.

" Sir? Are you ok? " Detective Beck asks. I couldn't manage to answer her. Millions of thoughts flooded my head. Memories after memories. The fights. "I need you to confirm her Identity, Aaron." She helped me walk to the body after a few minutes and shined a light on it. I didn't want to believe that it was her. But as the light shined on her face, I knew I was right. "Is it her...?" My lips twitched as I sounded the most painful words I have ever had to say.

"Yeah, it's Lily..."

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Full story will be making its way to Inkitt soon on a set schedule