Touched (The Untouched Trilogy #2)(33)

I held the picture against my chest as I compared the happiness of the day in Disney to the sadness of this day. I looked around Mom’s room, remembering the nights so many years ago when I would crawl into bed with my parents, unable to sleep. Dad would tell me a story that led me to dreamland and the next morning I awoke in my own bed. I walked over to the dresser and there was a picture of Dad on the dresser; I stared at it. He was so handsome; he and Mom had made a beautiful couple. I stroked my fingertip across the image of his face and for the first time in years, I wanted my dad.

I turned and looked at her bed. I walked over and sat on the edge as I stared at the picture of us. I was emotionally exhausted. I pulled my feet up in the bed and lay back, curled in a ball as I grasped the picture tightly to my chest. I started to cry as the reality of the loss hit me again. I must have cried myself to sleep because I’d awaken with a bolt … screaming. Aiden was beside me in no time, holding me, rocking me in his arms, telling me it was going to be okay.

“April can you sit with her for a second, I need to make a call,” he said. I didn’t want him to let me go. I tightened my hold on his shirt; clutching it tightly in my fist. He gently pried my fingers away. “I’ll be right back Aria,” he said, peering into my eyes. Did he see the loss and bewilderment that I was feeling? I reluctantly released him as April came over to assume his spot near me on the bed. I watched Aiden; he didn’t leave the room. He pulled his phone from his pocket.

“Morgan, this is Dr. Raine. Please contact Dr. Grist to obtain information on any possible allergies or contraindications for Aria Cason for alprazolam. You have access to all of the necessary information they’ll need for a release of information. Call in the prescription. I’m headed to the jet now so I need this handled immediately.”

How did he know my doctor’s name? Was he leaving? I panicked; I needed him with me. He looked over towards me and then back at the others. “I’m taking her back to Boston. She can’t be here,” Aiden said, as he placed his phone in his pocket.





CHAPTER TEN

“What do you mean? We need her here with us!” Bianca exclaimed.

“Look at her. Have you ever seen her like this?” Aiden asked.

“No,” Bianca replied, looking anxiously at Aiden and then turning to Lia.

“Exactly. Being here will only make matters worse. I’m taking her home, end of story.”

“But–” Bianca began.

“I don’t mean to offend either of you but you haven’t been around her enough to know what’s best for her.”

They both looked at April for affirmation. “I’m inclined to agree. I don’t think being here is good for her,” she said.

I didn’t say anything. I watched and listened as they discussed me as if I weren’t in the room.

“I would like for the two of you to come also. We’ll buy whatever you need once we arrive. April, of course, you’re welcome to come. I think she’ll need you,” Aiden said.

“I think so too; I had planned on being here for the next week or so with her,” April said.

“Can one of you grab her things and meet me downstairs,” he said, as he walked over to me. He kissed me on the forehead and lifted me from the bed. He carried me downstairs and we were nearly out the door.

“Where’s the quilt? I want the quilt,” I whispered.

Aiden looked down at me, confused. “Are you cold?”

“No, I’m not cold. I don’t want to leave without the quilt,” I replied, as fresh tears began streaming.

“I’m not sure what you mean Aria. What quilt?”

“I know what she’s talking about, I’ll go get it,” Bianca volunteered.

“Everything is going to be fine Princess; Bianca’s getting the quilt for you.”

He settled me in the back of the limo as the others clambered in.

“What about the rental car?” Lia asked.

“I’ll have someone take care of that.” Aiden said.

“Here it is Aria,” Bianca said, passing me the quilt.

I reached for it and pulled it to my chest.

I stared out of the window watching the landscape twist and turn, recognizing nothing. Everything seemed distant; I felt Aiden’s presence beside me, and as necessary as his presence was, it wasn’t enough to diminish the pain that I was trying to process.

We arrived at the airport, the limo stopping a few feet from the Raine Industries jet. Aiden kissed my forehead and excused himself. I turned in the direction he was walking and saw him talking to a woman who passed him something and he returned to the car.

“The pilot has confirmed we’re ready to go. You all can board now. Aria and I will be directly behind you.”

Aiden carried me from the car, all the while my protesting that I was fine to walk but he insisted. Once at the steps to the jet, he lowered me to my feet and assisted me inside. He ushered me back to a seat and buckled me in.

“Mr. Raine is there anything I can get for you?” I looked up following the voice to see a tall statuesque blonde standing above me. Her name tag read Kelly.

“Yes, some crackers and a glass of water for Miss Cason.”

“Yes, sir. Can I get something for anyone else?” she asked, turning toward April and my sisters.