Escape

After the nurses left, Aaron barged into my room panicked. I could tell by the expression he was giving I worried him. I had tears in my eyes that fell down my cheeks as Aaron's hands soon whipped them away. With a shaky breath, I asked, "Where's Layla?" out of concern for his daughter. Aaron gave a warm smile "I have someone watching her, don't worry. I came because the nurses called. What happened?" he asked and then looked around the room before meeting my eyes "Where's your mother?". I let out another shaky breath before replying, "She left..." I said sadly. Aaron frowns and opened his mouth to respond, but I didn't let him, "I am a terrible son... I'm the worse boyfriend... I can't even be a good friend...". Aaron quickly responds with an angry expression, "Hey! You're not a terrible son. Is that what she told you? And who said you're the worse boyfriend?" he asked.

I went quiet as he continued, "Your a great kid. You may be dense but your smart and brave. You've been through more shit than other teens your age. Yet, you're still here and fighting every second. I'm sure Vincent would agree. You were told so many things, yet you fight to see him again. Others would have given up by now, which makes you the best boyfriend to exist. Anyone girl or boy would be grateful to have you by their side. Honestly, to me, you're like the son I never had but always wanted. If I was your father, I would be proud of you," he stated.

My eyes widen with shock, and it filled my emotions to the brim. I have never heard words such as that come out of a parent's mouth. It filled me with joy to hear such kind words, such empowering words. I now know where Layla gets her love from. It's sad, but I feel jealous of Layla, having such a loyal father to raise her. A parent that would never leave their child in the dark. I whispered, "I could say the same for you. You're like the father I never and will never have but always dreamed of having.".

Aaron smiled a little "I'm happy to hear I wasn't such an asshole" he chuckles, which makes me laugh a little. It's been a while since I've laughed even a little. I missed the feeling of happiness and love. I sat up once again and faced Aaron but with a more serious expression "You need to help me. You may think I'm going crazy but I really need you to believe me" I begged, giving him the pleading eyes. He nodded but with concern "What is it?" he asked. I took a moment before answering "Vincent is going to die soon, he told me to go back to the mansion. He's waiting for me in the woods. He said we are bonded and that if I don't find him, we will both die." I blurted, trying to get my point across. Aaron closed his eyes and pulled away as if he was in thought.

"You understand what you're saying, right? Do you know how crazy you sound?" he asked. I nodded "I know, I know, but please believe me! Just this once! Please, Aaron..." I begged. Aaron sighed "I might hurt you by feeding into your delusions... but why the hell not. Only this once though." He agreed. I smiled and nodded quickly and tried standing up but quickly fell back onto the bed "My legs are weak..." I frowned. Aaron stood "I'll be back," he left the room, and moments later appeared with a wheelchair. He gave a cheeky smile as he spoke "I noticed this empty on my way running here. Also, it's nighttime and they won't let patients out this late. I don't even think you're supposed to leave at all. So, we will need to sneak out. I'll pretend I'm taking you to the bathroom or to get food or something."

I smiled happily as he helped me into the wheelchair carefully. I couldn't believe that Aaron fully believed in me and was 100% ready and willing to help. He was truly a great man and someone my father could never be. He wheeled me out of the room and we slowly made our way down the halls. I was nervous that someone was going to catch us and get Aaron in trouble. After all, it would be my fault since it was my idea to begin with. We made our way down the long halls and it was empty than normal. I'm assuming because it's late and a lot of doctors probably went home. Either way, it was better for us since we would be less likely to get caught by anyone. Unfortunately, we ended up running into a doctor just when we were close to the exit. The man stared down at me before looking at Aaron "Excuse me, what is this patient doing out of bed?" he asked.

It was easy to tell Aaron was nervous, and the feeling of the situation became uncomfortable. I was afraid this was the moment we would get caught and sent back to the room. Luckily Aaron acted calm the entire time and not one word from his mouth sounded unsure of himself "We were heading to the bathroom, a cafeteria for a snack, and walking around to get him out of the room for a few. They have locked the poor boy up in there all day. As his father, I feel it is important for him to move around a bit. So, if you don't mind" he said sounding a bit intimidating towards the end. The doctor nervously nodded "Oh, uh, sorry, sir. Of course, please be careful and try not to get lost." the doc responded. Once the doctor was further away, I heard Aarons's relief sigh from the stress that built up inside him.

I chuckle lightly before saying anything "You really are a great liar"

Aaron grumbled a bit as he spoke "I feel like I should be offended"

His words make me let out another laugh, and I could hear his laughter. He wheeled me out through the back of the hospital and all we heard were sirens and lots of people towards the side of the hospital. We approached the corner slowly and spotted a bunch of people, police officers, and a tapped scene. It was like a full investigation. Confused, I looked up at Aaron and asked, "What's going on? What is all of this for?". Aaron gave the look as if he knew but just didn't want to say "An accident, let's just go." He turned me the opposite way, and we rolled all the way to the car, the long way. He helped me into the seat and buckled me in as if I was a child. He opened the back truck, and I watched him as he stuffed the wheelchair in it.

He slammed it shut and got into the car beside me with a small smile "Everything is packed and ready to go!". I furrowed my brows as I stared at him "Are you stealing the wheelchair?" I asked. Aaron looked at me as he replied, "It's not stealing, I'm borrowing it. I don't want to carry you into the woods." he buckled himself in and looked at me once more "anyway, where is this mansion of yours?" he asked. I went quiet as I thought. I had no clue where the mansion was. I just knew it was behind the city and covered in the woods. Ever since I got kidnapped, I had no clue where I was. Although the night I ran away, I found the mansion close to my home. I must go back home in order to find it. I looked at Aaron "It's close to my house but let's do everything possible to avoid my father. He would be home by now so let's not go near the house." I stated.

Aaron nodded "Alright... You do not understand what I want to do to your father after all the hell he put you through..." he spoke in a bitter tone. I gave a small sigh of sadness before telling Aaron my address. Without another word, we drove off to my home or what used to be my home.