Chapter 35: Chapter 35

Ivy, back then, continues...

I pushed open the back door of my house with one hand, keeping Aidan steady with the other. The night had draped everything in shadows, and I couldn't shake the fear that every rustle was someone—or something—watching us. My heart raced, but I forced myself to focus on the task at hand.

"Okay," I whispered, guiding him through the doorway, "we're almost there. Just a few more steps."

"Your parents?" Aidan's voice was a soft groan, filled with pain and reluctance.

"They are not home yet," I said.

"But they will be. Then what? Yes, your mom was nice to me, but I doubt they'd want me here," Aidan said.

"You are staying here and that's final," I said firmly. "You can stay in my room. Hide in there if you need to."

"Great plan, Williams. And at night, what if I have to go to the bathroom?" Aidan asked irritably.