An Everlasting Relationship

Chapter Seven

                      The next day, I hunted for Aaron in the library, where I found him studying. He raised an eyebrow at me as I marched up to him. "Weird to see you approaching me," he commented. "But I think I like it."

            Typical. "I've got a question."

           "If it's about chemistry. I have no idea. It's kicking my ass already."

          I shook my head. "No it's not a school question."

          "Yeah? You finally want to go out on a date with me?"

           "I want to know if you've talked to Shawn lately."

          Aaron seemed surprised to hear Shawn's name come out of my mouth. His eyes grew wide and his face paled. Then after a moment he seemed to recollect himself and he shook his head. "Nope."

            Figuring he was lying, I decided to not let it drop. I had to be assertive. "Are you sure? It'd be really helpful if you were talking to him."

          "How would it be helpful?" Aaron asked, looking suspicious. "Trying to extend his jail sentence?"

          "If I could..."

          Aaron's face hardened.

          I sighed. "No. I just need to talk to him, okay?"

          "Why?"

          I chewed on my bottom lip. Could I tell Aaron? Was it a smart idea to? What if it was Shawn moving behind the scenes again and Aaron was a part of it? Could I trust him?

          Aaron seemed to notice my hesitation and he rolled his eyes at me. "What's that expression for? You think I'm going to attack you?"

           "No," I answered immediately. No, I could trust Aaron this time around. I was just being paranoid. "Isaac— professor Isaac used to be a part of the gang Shawn and Chris were in and he seems to think that someone's trying to get it back together."

         "Really?" Aaron responded dubiously. "What is up with you and teachers who are ex-gang members? You're so weird, Holly."

           "Aaron, seriously. I just want to talk to Shawn to see what he knows."

           "You expect him just to spill everything because you go and see him? Are you forgetting you and Heywood are the ones who put him in the jail cell he's currently rotting in? Why would he want to help you at all? A guilty conscience?"

          "Well..."

          "Is Heywood okay with you doing this? Does he know you're doing this?" When I didn't answer right away, Aaron smirked. "Oh ho ho, you're going behind his back aren't you?"

          I clenched my fists. "I'm not going to stand by and do nothing."

          "I like that," he nodded. "Heroic Holly. Alright, I'll go with you."

           "You don't have to go with me," I replied, pushing my hair behind my ears. "I'm sure I'll be fine alone."

         Tsking, he shoved his hands into his pockets. "I'll feel calmer if I go with you."