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Chapter 11
Aria
Walking away from Caleb was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. The fact that he offered to be my baby’s daddy tells me everything about him. He’s kind, he’s generous, and he has a huge heart. I don't know any other man that would have offered what he did. It only proves to me that the boy I fell in love with all those years ago is the same person today. Nothing has changed with him, he's just grown into a man's body. The way he was brought up shines through every day, even when he’s hurting. He manages to smile and tries to make everyone else feel better, even when I know he’s breaking apart deep inside.
The simple thought of the way we were brought up has me thinking about how different our parents are now. I never once thought I'd be ashamed to say who my father is, but his shame and disappointment towards me were evident. I thought I faced the most pain and hurt when I was captured, but my father's reaction towards me and the baby was the biggest hurt of them all. His actions and words are ingrained into my body and soul. I won’t ever be able to forget it. Is this what I've got to look forward to from now on? Once people know who I am, will I see that same shame or pity? Why can't they all be like the Shawland family? Not one of them has looked at me any differently to the person I was as a teenager. In their eyes, I am still that person. If only we could erase everything in between.
Caleb’s mom, Angela, really helped me today. She has this easy-going personality, and she’s so easy to talk to. I used to love baking cookies with her way back when. It was something Caleb used to roll his eyes at and tell us to call him when they were ready to eat. He never had any interest in cooking. He never had any interest in any chores. Now, here he is in his own house, looking after himself.
"Aria." A soft knock on my door startles me, but I remain lying on my back.
The door opens with a creek, and out of the corner of my eye I see Caleb leaning against the doorframe.
"Can I come in?"
I nod. I feel like I have no words left within me. My energy is gone. I feel empty and void of anything useful to say.
"I'm sorry. What I said out there earlier, I should have been more sensitive. I just didn't think. I want to protect you, and I wasn't thinking clearly. If you'll allow me to, I'd like to make it up to you."
Caleb sits on the edge of my bed and takes my hand in his. The warmth from his touch spreads through my body. The simple act of kindness warms my cold heart.
"You don't need to make it up to me, Caleb. You’re already doing more than enough. I'm sorry for reacting the way I did. I'm just so fucking tired all the time, and then seeing that detective… I wasn't in the right frame of mind." I sit up slightly, leaning my back against the headrest. “I’m exhausted.”
"What do you say that we get out of here for a few days?"
"What? Where?" I’m excited and nervous all at the same time. I feel safe and secure here. Maybe that won't be the same if we leave the compound, but I'm sick of feeling like a prisoner.
"Can you remember the cabin my parents bought when we were kids? Well, it's ours if we want it. We'll take a security detail with us, but they'll be in the background mostly. Clay and Chris will stay here and run with the detectives and our remaining tech guys."
I clear my throat. I can remember going to his parents’ cabin out in the middle of nowhere. It was beautiful and peaceful.
"Why?"
Caleb shrugs his shoulders. "Because, a wise man once told me that people change. I want to get to know you now. And I think a break away from everything and everyone will do us both the world of good. You can relax and try to regroup."
"And we'll be safe?"
My hands start sweating at the thought of being out of this compound.
"I won't let anything happen to you." He places a hand on my tummy. "You're both safe with me, sweetheart. I promise. "
I close my eyes. Without overthinking things, I say, "Okay."
"Good. Get packed. We'll leave at four p.m., and we'll arrive just after six. Just in time for dinner that my mother is packing for us as we speak. "
I laugh. I love Caleb’s mom. She always treated me like a daughter. Even today, she listened to my fears without questioning me. She offered advice if I wanted it, and she's offered to be here anytime I need a chat. The guys are great to me, but sometimes you just need another woman to talk to.
Now, I need to get packed. It shouldn't take me too long, but I get off the bed with a little more enthusiasm than I've showed in weeks.
Maybe this is exactly what Caleb and I need.
