Chapter 7: I Keep Doing My Own Thing

I was sitting on the fire escape outside of the living room window, looking down at the people below. I had been out there pretty much all night. I could barely sleep at all thinking about Aaron. During my restless night, I had realized a lot about our relationship. One of those things being that I wasn’t making anything easier for him. I mean the guy was risking his job for me and what was I doing? Sitting around an apartment doing chores every now and then?... I felt like a f*****g freeloader with both Aaron and Deborah. I had decided that something had to be done on my part. When it came to living with Deborah, I decided that I would talk to her once she woke up since she was off today. That only left Aaron to talk to, but then I remembered him saying that we wouldn’t see each other often and truth of the matter was, I didn’t know when I’d actually see Aaron yet alone talk to him. With that thought in mind, I started thinking about what I could do to make Aaron’s life easier. The two options I came up with were to either start my inquiry on proving my innocence ASAP, or simply break things off with Aaron. I didn’t particularly like the latter of the two, but it seemed like the only other option that could make Aaron’s life easier and not put his job at risk.

            The last thing I wanted was to lose Aaron, I knew that much. Throughout the time I’ve been with Aaron, I learned that he was something that could rarely be found. He was funny, sweet, caring, smart, a complete goof-ball, not to mention completely good-looking and just an overall fun guy to be around. I felt at ease around Aaron and just thinking about it made a never fading smile spread on my face. He was a guy that I could honestly see myself with in the future. I could almost say I loved him…Almost.

 

“Ria?”"I heard Deborah say with sleep thick in her voice. I turned to see her with her head poking out the window."“What are you doing out there?”

 

“I couldn’t sleep.”"I said turning my head back to the ever-moving people down below. I was about to restart my thinking process ‘till I felt someone next to me on the fire escape. I didn’t have to turn my head to know Deborah was sitting next to me and looking down at the herds of people too. There was a moment of comfortable silence. Deborah knew something was wrong with me but didn’t bother to pry, knowing I would tell her when I felt it was right. What she didn’t know was that I wasn’t waiting to tell her, I was thinking of how to explain everything I had just thought of."“Deborah?” I said still not looking at her.

 

“Hm?” She asked still looking forward too.

“I wanna do something.” I said plain and simple. I turned to see her reaction. She seemed to be trying to find a response yet alone understand what I even meant.  

 

“Depends on what something is…” She finally replied. I turned fully to her and started to explain myself.

 

“I mean something as in stuff to help you out. I feel like I’m taking advantage of you, being around here doing nothing…I want to do something.”

Deborah looked at me nodding her head understanding where I was coming from. I waited for her response.

 

“Well I get what you’re saying Ria but I don’t really know what there is that you can do…”"She finally spoke after a few minutes of silence. I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion at her"“I mean you help out with chores, but I can’t think of anything else for you to do. You can’t do any errands because you don’t have a license or really can’t get one. Plus you’re being hunted so it’s not like you can get a job or anything, so I don-”

 

“What if I change my appearance?”"I asked cutting Deborah off. She cocked her head to the side with a confused look."“My appearance. What if I changed it up like dyed my hair, got contacts or something, maybe even some glasses?” I said actually excited by the idea. It seemed to be the perfect solution that could help both Deborah and Aaron. If I was unrecognizable, then maybe I wouldn’t need to be stuck inside, I could actually help out and maybe even get a job.

 

“Whoa…hold on there, Ria. Are you sure that this will work? I mean what if someone recognizes you by your dragon or something?”

 

“Then I’ll try to cover it with makeup…I mean technically my dragon is exposed, it’s just not fully visible because it’s clouded over with makeup.”

Deborah let out a sigh. She looked down toward the people then to me.

 

“I guess it could work…but I think the contacts are too much. Stick with glasses or something, I know I have some old reading glasses that I don’t use anymore, you can borrow those and punch out the lenses.”"I completely lit up at Deborah’s idea, nodding my head off. She laughed at my eagerness and stood up."“Well c’mon, what are you waiting for?” She said reaching her hand out to help me up. I took it and stood up smiling.

 

            After taking care of our morning routine, we headed to the nearest pharmacy to buy a hair dye and some natural colored makeup. I was already wearing the glasses Deborah gave me and was now waiting in line with her to buy our items. As we waited, my eyes started to wander outside. I stopped to look over a store across the street. It had some pretty nice clothes and I hadn’t really shopped in a while. I wanted to go in and take a look inside but knew it would be pretty stupid of me. I turned my attention away and looked to see how many people were still in front of us. I counted about three more and they had a few stuff with them. I looked back over to the store again to see a hot dog stand now in front of it. Just at that moment, my stomach started to growl. I looked down at the source of the noise then back over to the hotdog stand. I guess getting something to eat wouldn’t hurt…I thought to myself.

 

“Hey Deb, you want a hot dog?” I asked her. She gave me a look of disgust.

 

“Ughh no thanks…I can’t stand hotdogs.” She stated looking forward again. I looked at her in disbelief and debated on asking why but shook my head dropping it instead.

 

“Well do you mind if I get one? I’m kind of hungry.” I said. Deborah shrugged and took out four dollars from her pocket book. She handed them to me and asked for a bag of chips. I nodded and went outside of the pharmacy and walked to the corner to cross the street. When the light gave the “ok” a herd of people and I crossed. I walked up to the hot dog stand and ordered the food. As the man behind the stand took care of my order, I turned to look at the store again. I caught a glimpse of a men’s section towards the back with a few things Aaron would’ve liked. I was snapped out of my trance as the hotdog man gave me my food. I nodded a quick thanks then started to head back to the corner to meet Deborah. Waiting for the light to change again, I ate my hotdog and looked back at the store.

 

“Ahh f**k it.” I said turning back and heading toward the store. I inhaled the last of my hot dog and walked around sipping on a soda I had also purchased. I looked through some of the feminine clothes. Everything was decently priced and if it wasn’t for my new self-pledge to not be a freeloader, I probably would’ve asked Deborah to get something. Deciding to not tempt myself I went to the men’s section and looked around at the shirts. I came across a blue shirt that would’ve been perfect for Aaron. Thinking about him caused a smile to spread, but of course it was ruined.

 

“I think you should go for the brown one. It’ll bring out the blue in your eyes.”"I turned to find the only most annoying person in the world, Griffon."“You’re partner might like that.” He added with a smirk. I let out a sound of disgust. I still hadn’t forgotten his dinner the other day. He let out a laugh and leaned on a nearby shelf.

 

“What are you doing here Griffon?” I asked with complete annoyance. I put the shirt down and started to look over at the other clothes nearby. Griffon stood in his place with his smirk never fading.

 

“I work here.” He said smugly. I didn’t know why he would be so smug about working in a department store. I mean not that there was anything wrong with it; Griffon just didn’t seem the type to actually have pride in working for said type of store.

 

“Great.” I said sarcastically. I rolled my eyes and started to head out knowing Deborah was probably waiting for her chips and probably me.

 

“So what are you doing here?” Griffon asked walking up beside me as I walked toward the exit. I let out an annoyed sigh.

 

“Nothing, I just thought I saw something I liked.” I said trying to speed up and get to the exit. Griffon moved in front of me with his smirk still evident.

 

“Easy there,”"He said with a nervous laugh. I simply glared him down. Griffon then changed his smirk to a regular smile sliding his hands in his pockets. He looked away from me with a slight tint of pink on his dark skin."“Look I know my behavior wasn’t the best, and you probably hate me right now, but how about I take you out to dinner or something so that…you know I can make it up to you?” Griffon looked back over to me and began searching my expression for any sign of a yes. I gave none.

 

“Well Griffon,”"I said still not happy with him."“that sounds a lot like a date.”

 

“It kinda is.” He responded rubbing the back of his neck.

 

“Well if you weren’t being an a*****e the other day and making fun of Deborah and I, then you probably would’ve found out that I have a boyfriend.” I said sternly. I knew I was pretty much acting like a b***h but, this was Griffon we’re talking about. The f****r joked about my orientation; that isn’t easily forgotten in my book. Griffon’s face fell. Not too long after he stood up straight and crossed his arms.

 

“Alright then.”"He shrugged"“I respect that, but I still feel bad about instigating you…so can I at least buy you some lunch or something? My break is in about fifteen minutes.” He said still keeping himself confident. I let out a sigh and looked over him to see Deborah outside the store waiting for me. Once she noticed me it was like she already knew that I needed her help. She entered the store and I returned my attention back to Griffon.

 

“I don’t think now’s the best time for that Griffon.” I responded not as harshly. He gave me a weird look.

 

“Why not?” He asked. I opened my mouth to talk when Deborah appeared next to Griffon.

 

“Ria, you ready to go? I need you to help me with the timing stuff on this stupid hair dye…Oh hi Griffon.”"Deborah said actually looking to see who she was saving me from. I prayed that she didn’t change her mind. Griffon smiled at her and said a quick hello."“What are you doing here?”

 

“I work here.” He said shrugging it off. Why wasn’t he so smug now? I thought to myself. Deborah nodded and then looked between me and Griffon.

 

“I’m not interrupting anything am I?” She asked innocently.

 

“No you weren’t…Just saying a quick hello to Ria.” Griffon said playing it off as if he didn’t ask me on a date.  Deborah nodded.

 

“Ok then…you ready to go then Ria?” She asked me. I nodded, walking toward her for us to exit. Griffon stepped in front of me again.

 

“Your number.” He said taking out his cell phone and handing it to me. I looked at him then at the phone.

 

“Why?” I asked. Man I was being a real b***h.

 

“To hang out of course…friends hang out right?” He argued. I sighed in defeat and took his phone to give him Deborah’s house number considering I didn’t have my own phone. After imputing the number I looked up to Deborah letting her know that it was her number I had given. She nodded back understanding. Handing Griffon back the phone I said;

 

“There…happy?”

He smirked.

 

“Very.” He returned. I rolled my eyes and waved good-bye to Griffon as Deborah and I exited the store.

 

“Why did you ditch me?” Deborah hissed at me. It caught me a little off guard.

“Sorry, the store looked nice…well that was before I ran into Griffon.” I responded handing Deborah her chips from earlier. She took them from me and began to munch on them.

 

“Well then that’s what you get when you ditch me like that.”"She said smiling now at my misfortune. I shook my head with a smile. Deborah was something else."“Alright now get in the car so we can color this bad boy.” She said lifting part of my hair. I chuckled and got in the car with Deborah not too far behind.

            Once we arrived back at the apartment Deborah read the instructions and ordered me to take a shower before anything. I did as I was told and while in the shower, I took it upon myself to just relax. I started to think of my next goal. With this new look, what could I do? That was when I realized I was still stuck. Even if my appearance was changed, I had no means of identification. If I went to try and get something new, I’d be caught in no time. The only thing I gained was freedom to go out in public, which even that was an understatement. I knew the only other means of hope I had was to talk to Aaron as soon as possible. He knew the system, maybe he knew a loophole. With that thought reassuring me, I stepped out of the shower. After drying and clothing myself, I took a minute to soak in my features. I was never crazy about changing my appearance, I always had too much pride for drastic changes, but when it came to the situation I was in, pride would only put me and everyone else I come in contact with in danger.

            A few hours later I stared in the same mirror but with a lighter shade of brown hair. My hair was still wet, but dry enough to show the difference. I then thought maybe I could put it to the test. I looked at the clock hanging on the wall. It read 4:30 pm. Biting my lip I looked back in the mirror. Aaron doesn’t have exact working hours…I thought to myself. Should I even try going to his house? I really wanted to talk to him regarding my “bum” situation. I walked out of the bathroom and saw Deborah sitting on the couch watching her shows.

 

“Hey Deborah, can I use the phone?” I asked. She looked up at me first approving my hair.

 

“Sure you can.” She answered. I smiled and thanked her for the permission and complement. Taking the phone from the kitchen, I was starting to get really nervous. What if someone else picked up his phone? What if his phone was on speaker? What if someone just saw the caller ID? Did he even have my name as the caller ID? Point was that I didn’t want Aaron to get in trouble. I took a deep breath and began dialing the number. It’s important…I convinced myself and pressed the call button.

 

“Hello?” He answered after three rings.

 

“Hey Aaron.” I said breathless from nerves.

 

“Hey babe what’s up?”"He asked actually cheerful. I didn’t really know what I was expecting besides a possible ‘hold on I’m working’."“Babe?”

 

“Oh sorry…”"I laughed nervously"“Um…where are you right now??” I finally asked.

 

“Oh I’m home…or well just got home…Why, something wrong?”

 

“Um…well yeah…kinda. I wanted to talk to you…preferably in person?” 

There was a slight pause on his end.

 

“Uhh sure Ria…I’ll pick you up in twenty.”  

 

“Okay Aaron, see you when you get here.”

 

“Okay…I…I’ll see you later.”

The line disconnected. I stared at the phone wondering why he was acting so weirdly. I pushed that to the back of my mind and instead went to go get ready.

 

            Just as Aaron said, he was here in twenty minutes. I told Deborah good-bye and went down to meet him. His car was across the street from the building. It seemed like he was still waiting for me to come down. Smiling to myself, I knocked on the passenger window. He turned to me and looked completely confused. I just laughed at his expression.

 

“Ria is that you?” He asked after unlocking the door. I got in still laughing.

 

“Yes Aaron it’s me.” I said now giggling. He smirked and started to pull out of his parking spot.

 

“Hmm…are you sure about that?”

 

“Yes…I’m very sure.” I replied with a smile.

 

“I don’t know…I guess I believe you…for now.”Aaron said looking over at me still smirking. I rolled my eyes. The rest of the ride was fairly quiet until we reached the condo. Aaron was unlocking the door when he broke our silence."“You want something to drink?”

I shook my head and took a seat in the living room. Not too long after he sat down next to me.

“What’s wrong Ria?” He asked sincerely moving some of my hair away from my face. I took in a breath.

 

“Aaron I want to do something…anything…I feel like I’m freeloading off of you and Deborah.”"I said. I turned to him to see his reaction. He didn’t really have one. I figured that he was still trying to see where I was going with this, so I continued."“I spoke to Deborah about it and she said that I really couldn’t do much with me basically being a fugitive and all, and I know that I have to be careful and all but I don’t want to just stay all cooped up. I want to contribute in some way…any way that I can. And when it comes to you Aaron, the risk you’re making is a huge one and I completely appreciate it but there has to be something I can do to make things easier for the both of us. The only other option I could come up with was us simply not being together anymore but I don’t want that. So Aaron please tell me you have some kind of an idea that can help. Anything will be fine Aaron…please. I want to do something.”

Aaron looked down and rubbed his eyes. He ran a hand through his hair and then looked back at me.

 

“I understand where you’re coming from Ria, but there really is nothing you can do. The only thing I can advise is to keep laying low. Anything you try to do will require a new identity and right now Kristine has us monitoring systems for any little abnormity. You will get caught again if that pops up in the system. And Ria, when it comes to us, I think you’re doing fine. You’re not doing anything to make my job harder, if anything it’s on me for trying to look normal but also throw everyone off at the same time.”"He then took my face in his hands."“You mean so much to me Ria, that I don’t care how much protecting  you takes out of me…All that matters to me is that you’re safe, and that you still want me around just as much as I do. I-I love you Ria, and nothing is going to change that.”

I couldn’t help the smile that was settling on my face. All the worry and need to work something out literally evaporated away. My attention was on the three words he had just said.

 

“I love you too Aaron.”"I returned. He smiled at me glad that I felt the same as him. It was then that he engulfed me into an over flowing passionate kiss. Any possible doubt was melted away from it. All the truth in his words were poured out into one single action. I kissed him back not helping the exploding butterflies inside. Soon after there was a mutual hunger added to the kiss that seemed different than the other’s I’ve had not just with Aaron but those before him. It wasn’t a type of hunger that made you want more of someone, but the type that made you want to give more to someone. Even though the events thereafter were the same as any other intimate action with Aaron, it still felt different. Aaron pulled back looking me straight in the eye. They held so much emotion and love, a new set of butterflies erupted in the pit of my stomach."“I love you.” I whispered.   

 

“I love you more.” He replied huskily.

After that things between Aaron and I were never the same. It was safe to say that, that afternoon was the best I’d ever had and that I never went back to Deborah’s that night. That night was what made me realize just how much I loved Aaron. I guess I always kind of knew but never really gave in to it until then. There was no question that I was in love with Aaron, and him with me, but it wouldn’t be until later on that I would regret it all.

 

            I woke up the next morning to bed movement. I opened my eyes to see him already dressed with a shirt and tie for work. He was currently putting on his shoes. I rubbed my eyes and stretched.

 

“Hey there sunshine.” Aaron said looking at me through his mirror. I looked to him and smiled with sleep still evident in my face.

 

“Hi.”"I replied sleepily."“You’re heading to work now?” I asked knowing the answer.

 

“Yupp…I was trying to wake you up before so I could drive you back to Deborah’s, but you were practically unconscious.” He said laughing and fixing his tie. I smiled back at him and sat up on the bed to fix the back of his collar. I looked up to him through the mirror and saw him staring at me with the same eyes as last night. I smiled.

 

“What?” I asked.

 

“Nothing, just thinking of how lucky I am…”"He then turned to bring me on his lap. I giggled at the motion."“And, how much I love you.” He leaned down and gave me a sweet kiss. I smiled back at him and then stood up.

 

“Ok…let me get dressed real quick and we’ll head out.” I said as I gathered my clothes and started to enter his bathroom.

 

“Wait you’re not gunna take a shower?” He asked preventing me from entering.

 

“In Deborah’s house I will…I don’t want to make you late for work. Plus I have to wash my hair again.” I said pointing to my newly colored hair. Aaron nodded and then moved out of the way. I walked inside and turned to close the door.

 

“Wait.” Aaron said holding the door.

 

“Yes Aaron?” I asked wanting to get dressed already.

 

“Just one more look.” He said smirking. I rolled my eyes laughing and closed the door against his strength. I quickly got dressed and soon after we were heading out the door.

“Man I can’t wait to take a nice cool shower.” I said sinking into the passenger’s seat.  Aaron looked at me with a smile.

 

“Well you could’ve taken one at my house.” He sang. I scoffed.

 

“Yeah then you would’ve gotten to work late because of your inability to control your hormones. I swear Aaron you’re hornier than a friggn teenager.” I said unsuccessfully hiding my smile. He smirked.

 

“C’mon Ria don’t act like you don’t love it.” He said still maintaining his smirk. I let out a sigh.

 

“Then it’d be my fault.” I said no longer joking. The whole reason I had asked to see Aaron yesterday came flooding back. I knew Aaron and Deborah had a point in that there wasn’t really much I could do, but the feeling of being a freeloader was still there. Aaron picked up on my mood. I saw him turn to me in my peripheral vision.

 

“Ria I told you, don’t worry about this…you’ll get your chance to do something…just right now still isn’t the best time. Trust me, I’d rather you be safe than anything else ok babe?” He said pushing some of my hair back. I nodded and turned brining my face more into his hand. He smiled down at me and pulled over in front of Deborah’s building. I smiled back and leaned up to give him a quick kiss good-bye.

 

“I love you.” I said to him. He returned the kiss sweetly.

 

“I love you too.” He said with all seriousness. I smiled as I got out of the car. I waved to Aaron as he left. I headed back upstairs for that long awaited shower. I unlocked the door and once I got in I heard laughing or more flirtatious giggling. Please tell me that’s not Deborah. I thought to myself. I turned into the kitchen to see Deborah making coffee sure enough giggling away and a guy rather close to her by the counter. Just one look at this guy and I didn’t like him. He seemed a little like Griffon…fake.

 

“Ahem.” I coughed to get their attention. I was about to serve as the biggest c**k-block. I know that I was probably about to be a b***h to my own friend but the look on the guy seemed like he’d be way worse. Deborah turned her head to me along with the guy next to her. He had a mop of jet black hair and was somewhat dark, not like Griffon though. His features were not the greatest at all. Oh Deborah why? I asked grimacing a little. Deborah seemed to notice and shot me a look.

 

“Hey Ria, I thought you weren’t gunna be coming back until later.” She said actually meaning ‘Why the f**k are you here now of all times’. I smiled finding the fact that she actually wanted to be alone with this dolt amusing.

 

“Yeah I would’ve but Aaron had work…speaking of which, aren’t you supposed to be at work missy?” I asked folding my arms with a smirk.

 

“I was, but Alan here”"She pointed to the guy next to her."“came to tell me that Dr. Motts was free today and therefore gave me the day off.”  

I raised an eyebrow.

 

“Well that’s stupid. Who actually goes to someone’s house to tell them they have the day off?” I asked. Deborah, once again, gave me a reprimanding look. The guy, Alan, seemed to get defensive.

 

“I do.” He said sure of himself. I laughed taking his coffee from his hands and adding more sugar to it.

 

“Well then you sir are either desperate or stupid…”"I said turning to them as I took a sip of the coffee."“Personally I’d say both.”

 

“Ria…” Deborah warned. I smiled innocently and walked out of the kitchen and headed to Deborah’s room to get my clothes so I could prepare for my shower.

“Don’t worry about her Debbie…she’s just not down with the clown.” Alan said. As soon as I heard that my head popped back out of Deborah’s room.

 

“What?!” I asked shocked at the pure stupidity of his statement.

 

“You heard me.” Alan said putting on a tough act for Deborah. I stalked back to the kitchen.

 

“Oh I know I heard you properly, I’m just shocked that you actually meant what you said…’Down with the clown’"I repeated in disgust"“Man who f*****g says that, yet alone means it?!” 

 

“Ria! Stop it! Alan is our guest.” Deborah scolded. I raised my hands in surrender and calmed myself down.

 

“Okay…you know what? You’re right.” I said truthfully.

 

“Thank you now you can go ta-”

 

“But c’mon Deb, at least give me the satisfaction that I’m not the only one in shock that a…what? Twenty-three, twenty-two year old, said something as childish as that and actually meant it.” I said. Deborah death glared me and pointed to the direction of the bathroom. I sucked my teeth and walked out to go take my shower. I stepped inside with my selected clothes and turned on the water, but before stepping in, I overheard Deborah and Alan’s conversation.

 

“Alan, I’m so sorry about my roommate, she has issues with men.” Deborah said. My jaw dropped. I do not!

 

“Don’t worry about it Debbie, but I think I should be going ok? I’ll call you for us to have some coffee together or some lunch alright?” Alan said trying to be all Mr. Suave. I gagged.

“Sure I’d really like that.” Deborah said completely falling for it.

 

“Enjoy your day off Debbie.” He said now farther away. She said a small thank you and then the door was closed. Soon after, a bang was heard on the bathroom door. I quickly grabbed a towel and dunked my head under the shower to make it look like I wasn’t listening. Another bang was heard.

 

“Ria!! Open this door! I know you’re not taking a shower yet!” She yelled over the sound of the running water. I clutched my towel and poked my head out of the door.

 

“Yes?” I asked innocently. She glared at me with nostrils flaring. Deborah was never this upset, I couldn’t blame her though.

 

“Don’t. You. Ever. Do that. To me. Again.” She seethed. I let out a sigh.

 

“Look I’m going to be serious now…I don’t like Alan.-”

 

“No really?!” Deborah said sarcastically. I gave her a dull look.

 

“Sarcasm…really? I’m trying to actually be serious-”

 

“Yeah and what about the times I’ve been serious and you take it as a joke huh?!”

 

“I don’t take it as a joke it’s just the way I dea-”

 

“You know Ria, when you had your little dispute with Griffon that was one thing. I gave you some ‘ragging’ rights against him because he was really being an a*****e. But today Ria, you crossed the f*****g line! You saw that I had a thing for Alan and vice versa, yet you come in all rude and sarcastic trying to f**k it up! And why? Because you don’t like him?! Well here’s a newsflash for you Ria! No one asked for your opinion! Especially not me.”"Deborah yelled. I stood at the door speechless. She started backing away but then turned around to blow off more steam."“You wanna know how to help me Ria?! You really wanna know?! Try accepting my decisions. This is my apartment! I maintain it with my money! Therefore I can invite, date…f**k I can do whatever my f*****g heart desires. You are here only by my permission and if you wanna stay under my roof, then you need to calm the f**k down and learn to control yourself! You’re twenty f*****g five!...Same way you have your life, I have mine. I choose who’s in it, not you…”

I watched Deborah walk away and slam the door to her room. I stood there for a few more minutes and simply closed the door to the bathroom. I got into the shower and just thought for a while. Deborah’s right. I shouldn’t have acted that way. Even if I didn’t trust the guy and I got a kick out of it, it’s no excuse. I’m here by Deborah’s kindness towards me. I should at least show her some respect. That was when an idea hit me. I didn’t like who I’d have to go to in order to get the favor I was thinking of,  but I needed to swallow my pride. I was going to try and get a job through Griffon.

 

            After getting dressed and masking myself with makeup I put on the clothes I had brought with me. I peeked out into the living room to see if Deborah was there. She wasn’t. I assumed that she was still locked in her room. I fixed my “glasses” and headed to Griffon’s store. The store wasn’t too far. I would’ve preferred some form of transportation but I was comfortable walking. If I could travel by roof, I most defiantly can walk a few Manhattan blocks. Or so I thought.

 

“Jesus Christ I’m hot.” I said entering the air conditioned store. I bent over slightly trying to catch my breath.

 

“Well you know I wouldn’t bring Jesus into this but yeah I’d say you’re hot.”

I turned to see Griffon again. His normal fohawk was nowhere to be found. Instead his hair was down in a way that suited him. His facial hair looked trimmed and as always his smirk was still plastered on his face. I rolled my eyes hoping my slight blush would be hidden under my dehydration.

 

“Just who I was looking for.” I said swallowing dry saliva. Griffon’s smirk grew.

 

“Well, well, well, look who has a new look. I almost didn’t recognize you.” Griffon said ushering me to follow him. I started walking with him trying to match his pace in my state.

 

“So you hit on girls that you don’t even know?” I asked. He chuckled.

 

“No…if you noticed I said that I almost didn’t recognize you, not that I didn’t.” He said winking at me. I rolled my eyes again.  

 

“Where are you taking me?” I asked when he stopped at a door that said employees only. He swiped his work ID.

 

“To get some water, you look like you’re about to pass out.” He replied holding the door open for me. He led me to a water dispenser. I took the cup that was handed to me and filled it up with ice cold water.

 

“Thanks…”"I said chugging it down."“But you do know I could’ve just gone to the bathroom and drank from the water fountain.” I said with a smirk of my own. Griffon was the one now tinting pink under his dark skin.

 

“Whatever, you’re the one that got all tired out from…?”

 

“Walking.” I said shamefully. He began to laugh.

 

“You have all this kind of training and yet you can’t walk a few Manhattan blocks…Wow that is sad.” Griffon said sitting on a nearby lounge chair. I rolled my eyes.

 

“Shut up I haven’t been the most active in the past three years.”"I said getting lower with each word. Griffon raised an eyebrow confused as to what I meant. I shook my head to focus."“Any who I needed to talk to you…it’s really important.”

 

“Alright shoot.” Griffon said sitting back in his chair. I looked around and said;

 

“I can’t tell you here…let’s just say it’s somewhat top secret.”"I said with pleading eyes. Griffon stood up and nodded understanding what I meant. He again ushered me to follow him. We exited through the door we had just entered for the water. Griffon walked up to one of the registers and took out a clipboard. After writing down a few things, we were both out of the store."“Now where are we going?”

 

“To a diner.” Griffon said matter-of-factly.

 

“But that’s just as public as the employee lounge.” I said worried if someone might over hear.

 

“Relax…it’s a diner, people are always talking in a diner, why do you think detectives need a microphone all the time when their undercover?” Griffon said with a smile instead of a smirk for once.

 

“Touché.” I replied with my own smile.

 

            When we made it to the diner, Griffon was able to get us a table almost immediately. I sat down in my seat across from him. I decided to start telling Griffon my situation right after we had finished giving our orders.

 

“Look Griffon, I know we totally went off on the wrong foot and that yesterday I was a total b***h to you.  I want to apologize for that, I really do appreciate what you did for Demi those weeks ago.” I started off. Griffon smiled and nodded for me to continue. I went on to tell him Kristine’s idea and how I had tried to stop it. I told him about the Detention Center, how I met Deborah and Demi, how I met Aaron and basically everything that had happened regarding my situation. Leaving out most Aaron related parts of course.

 

“Wow…you’re in some deep s**t.” Griffon said taking a sip of his iced tea. I gave him a dull look.

 

“Well gee, thanks for that observation captain obvious.” I said eating a french-fry. Griffon smiled and took a bite of his burger.

 

“Where do I fit into all of this now?” He asked with his mouth full. I rolled my eyes at him.

 

“Griffon you know what I’m asking of you.” I said.

 

“Yeah, I know…I just want to hear you say it.” He said now with a smirk. I glared at him and yet again swallowed my pride.

 

“I need you to get me a job.” I muttered.

 

“I’m sorry I didn’t quite catch that, what did you say?” He asked putting his burger down and smirking even wider.

 

“I said, I need your help to get me a job.” I said louder than before. Griffon pretended to turn on a hearing aid.

 

“Ok now I can hear properly, now do you mind saying that just one more time?”

 

“You’re such an a*****e.” I said taking a sip of my water. He laughed and put his hands up in surrender.

 

“Okay, okay. Yes I will help you get a job at the store…under one condition.”"He said emphasizing by holding one finger up. I nodded for him to continue."“This Aaron guy, he’s you’re boyfriend. What’s he like?”

I was taken aback by his question.

 

“Why would you want to know that?” I asked. I was actually really confused. Griffon shrugged.

 

“Just wanna know what I’m up against I guess.” He said confidently. I let out a sigh.

 

“Griffon I’m not looking for a Twilight-Triangle.” I said referring to the horrible vampire story. Griffon chuckled.

 

“Don’t worry you won’t get one…You see milady, I am not a werewolf nor a vampire…”"Griffon said leaning in closer across the table."“I’m better”

I rolled my eyes for the hundredth time since I entered the diner with Griffon. He was really something else.

 

“Doesn’t matter. I’m still not telling you about Aaron.” I said firmly. Griffon leaned back in his chair and folded his arms.

 

“Alright then, don’t tell me. I guess you’re not getting that job.” He said, looked down and his watch, then back up at me smirking. I narrowed my eyes at him.

 

“You wouldn’t.” I said challenging him. He simply nodded confirming his threat. I leaned back in my own seat and blew a piece of hair out of my face.

 

“Fine. What do you wanna know?”

 

“Everything.” He returned. I sighed and began to list traits about Aaron.

 

“Physically, he’s tall, he’s not exactly dark but has some color to him, he has green/hazel eyes, light brown shaggy hair, he’s pretty muscular, and has mostly stubble than actual facial hair. Personality, he’s sweet, adorable, a total goof-ball, caring, funny, understanding, hard-working and selfless. He works for Kristine unfortunately, but we still make things work and actually we’re better than anyone would think. He really doesn’t have a choice in the job he does since he works with a team instead of by himself. He means a lot to me and I mean a lot to him. I love Aaron, I don’t know what I’d do without him.” I said looking up at Griffon afterwards. He looked emotionless, like he was studying Aaron or more my perception of Aaron. It wasn’t ‘till a few minutes later that Griffon actually spoke.

 

“You said he didn’t have a choice in the job he does…so how is he choosing to protect you then?” Griffon asked. After several minutes of opening and closing my mouth, searching for an answer, I realized that I didn’t have one.