Wronged

? 38 ?

Finally, Hayley sighs. "Look, Anna, this is different. You're not hiding anything about your past or about anything dark. It's more of a surprise, really. Like a birthday gift."

Nico nods, smiling. "Only it's not his birthday, and this gift is a living, breathing person who just so happens to be his long-lost sister."

I glare at him, and his face falls awkwardly as he looks away. Hayley slaps his chest, to which he whines and rubs it. She rolls her eyes and then gazes at me sympathetically.

"He'll be overjoyed, Anna. I promise. He just can't know we're doing this. He'd go bizzerk if he found out Lily is on the same mountain as us and in the same state. This is Operation: Undercover. And I promise he'll love you even more - if that's even possible - after we get her back."

I sigh, heart rate increasing the slightest. I have a feeling that's not going to dissipate until we retrieve this little girl.

"Okay."

~

Aiden takes my hand as he further leads me away from the campsite, our fingers clasping together perfectly. His hand is a mold for mine. I stare at the both of them with a soft smile, even though I can only see the blackness of them due to the darkness.

Night had fallen two hours and thirteen minutes ago. Aiden announced he would be "whisking me away on a lovely stroll" to everyone before grabbing me and doing just that. But then four minutes ago he told me he was going to feed me to some cougars. I slapped his arm. He laughed.

And now silence.

It's not awkward or anything. It's nice. Usually we are bantering with our own wit and whatnot. But I always like to savor this quiet moments with him. A lot is said without saying anything.

Our feet crunch against small twigs, dirt, and rocks as we continue walking on. But then he links my arm with his, and he steers me right.

I have the nerve to speak. I figure since we're alone, it would be a good time to bring up the whole Owen getting fired thing.

"Aiden..." I start.

"Hm?"

I sigh. "Did you turn in security footage to the police? About Mr. Owen?"

We stop by some trees, and Aiden scratches the back of his neck before he too released a long breath. "Yeah. I did. They're not involving me any further. He's just...going to be thrown in prison or jail I guess." He quirks a brow. "How did you find out?"

"Lyma got a message from the school saying a threatening teacher was 'let off,'" I answer immediately. "The real question is: were you ever going to tell me, or were you just going to let me find out on my own?"

"Anna," He begins.

"No," I say strictly. "Answer."

He looks at me in my eyes, just staring. His hands are in his pockets. He isn't angry or sad or anything. Just neutral. And I hate it when he's neutral. It means I'm confused as to whether or not he's feeling. And around me.

"I thought you'd know it about soon enough," He eventually replies. "And I didn't want to ruin the trip."

I roll my eyes. "I wouldn't of been mad, Aiden. I thought we agreed we would tell each other everything."

Hypocrite.

"I know," he admits. "No excuses. I should've told you. I'm sorry."

I smile a little as his brows crease. A sign of pleading emotions. "You don't have to apologize. When people say they're sorry it usually means they will try to never do it again. Trust me, I can guarantee we will go through more secret patches."