013

AARON

After the incident where Georgina and her gang tried to rob him, Aaron stayed in his library to fix the mess they undoubtedly left behind. Of course, that same night police officers came to him to ask for his side of the story and he answered as best and as honestly as he could. He did feel sorry for Georgina but he had an inkling she voluntarily agreed to be here that night. Everything was returned to him so there was no issue. Georgina and the others were charged with attempted theft on his part but Aaron knew to himself Georgina stole even before. He just didn't know when she started.

It had been approximately a couple weeks since then and Aaron knew Georgina was in jail serving her sentence. He didn't know how long she would be there and though he wanted to go and visit her himself, he still felt a little hesitant. Why? He also couldn't understand. He somehow feared the cold fury he would be faced with and he didn't want to be on the receiving end of her glare. She was a mystery he could not understand and yet he is drawn to her. She is spiteful and full of energy and brimming with passion. But she is also a flawed human being just like everyone else, with her kleptomaniac tendencies and unwillingness to leave behind the life she had grown comfortable with.

He wanted to help her, really he did. But he knew for the change to happen, Georgina would have to want that change and start making steps toward a better life. And how could she when she was stuck in a rotting jail cell?

Aaron wanted to visit and talk to her again but something was holding him back. He knew what it was but he refused to acknowledge it. And so he hid in his cozy haven, reading thick books of fantasy and non-fiction and going about his duties as the librarian.

"Uncle you're spacing out."

Aaron blinked and looked up from his book to be met with the sight of his niece Donna, daughter of his cousin from his father's side of the family. He smiled and set down the book, adjusting his spectacles.

"What brings you here today, Donna?"

Her excitement faded and she gave him a deadpan look.

"Uncle you're only in your twenties. Are you really forgetful or what? I told you I'd be hanging out with you today!"

"Oh right, right forgive me, Donna. I do tend to forget things."

Donna brightened up again and hopped on the table, swinging her legs about. She was dark-skinned with curly black hair and freckles on her nose. Round glasses enlarged her almond eyes and made her look younger. If Aaron remembered correctly, she was fifteen or sixteen. She was also techy and had a knack for insects, often taking photographs of them and pasting pictures in her scrapbook. She had a somewhat sassy demeanor but overall she was lovely and Aaron adored her so.

"So what book is that?" Donna asked, peering closer and squinting.

"It's from the book called One Day. The two main characters face hardships and meet up in the same day of every year. You know it?"

"Nah I don't know that." Donna's face took on a sly look as she commented, "I didn't know you were into romance, Uncle Aaron."

"Well you should start expanding your reading lists and read a book or two," Aaron advised, marking his page and closing the book shut. "I reckon it would be good for you. And well I rather like its theme and there's nothing too racy so it's okay."

"Yeah but I'm not much into reading."

Aaron frowned. "Adjust your mindset into something more positive and you'll find yourself reading long novels in no time."

Donna frowned, her nose scrunching up adorably. "Nah I don't think I wanna."

Aaron's face fell and Donna laughed in mirth.

"Okay, okay since you insist maybe I'll try reading a book or three when I get in the mood."

Aaron brightened considerably and nodded enthusiastically. "Good, good. There's always a first time for everything, do you agree?"

"Yeah you're right Uncle."

"Oh yes I am."

"Don't get too cocky now," giggled Donna.

Aaron liked her. Donna wasn't afraid to speak her mind, something he admired about her. And yet another person with a fiery spirit and a mouth on her came to mind, and suddenly he was shaking his head to dispel that image. No, he didn't want to think of her right now.

Donna hummed and walked along the library, looking around. Aaron watched her for a few moments before he went back to reading his book, glasses slipping off his nose every once in a while.

Aaron Miller grew up in a stable enough family, having a younger sister along with great parents. His sister was in another country studying sociology abroad, and sometimes when he was able he sent her money to help in her studies. Kiana usually complained about how he sent her money but Aaron always assured her she should take it. Aaron, on the other hand, was quiet and usually kept to himself but his parents knew he was brimming with intelligence. He spoke less but valued connections with people, however few they were.

He lived above the library he maintained, the second floor solely used as his home. He had a mini-kitchen and small but quaint living quarters. After all, he didn't need much but the necessities. Chip also had his own space, free to run around and lay down. He didn't cause messes much and usually he was obedient and kept to himself, sleeping curled up like a ball and barking when he was hungry.

The sun had already begun to set and Donna bid her goodbyes, promising to visit again when she had time. Aaron waved her off with a few cookies, Donna rolling her eyes at the hospitality but taking them nonetheless.

And soon he was alone.

Aaron went about his nightly duties, writing on the logs to ensure he knew the books returned and borrowed, also keeping the date in mind.

He couldn't understand the feelings and emotions running through him when he thought of Georgina and how he caught her red-handed. He's angry and disappointed, shocked and hurt. All of them meshed together into something indiscernible and he didn't know what to do with them.

He didn't want to break his friendship with Georgina either. Even if they led different lives he had come to look past her thievery and see more of her. For sure she wasn't just a thief. He knew she was more than that; if she allowed herself to be.

It wasn't until when another week flew by he decided to finally go and visit Georgina in jail.

He sat by a metal table, waiting for her arrival by counting the fireflies surrounding a lightbulb.

Aaron then heard the sound of metal doors, his attention snapping toward the noise and his brows rising as he caught sight of Georgina clad in an orange prison suit, her arm held by a male officer. Her wrists were cuffed and there were chains connecting the two circular cuffs, rattling with every move.

She was led to the seat opposite him and the guard wordlessly left to give them privacy.

There was an uncomfortable silence between them, Aaron's mind spinning as to how to properly address her. After all, he was the reason why she was stuck in jail.

But she spoke first.

"Why're you here?"

Aaron's eyes went to her but her gaze was directed toward the floor.

She slowly lifted her head to look at him, brows joined. "You shouldn't be here. You should be cursing me in every known language because I did something bad to you and I was too coward to accept punishment. But now I don't wanna run away; I wanna try and be better but… ah what'm I saying? I might never change."

Aaron's eyebrows furrowed in worry and concern, watching her degrade herself like that.

"You truly believe that?" he asked in almost a whisper.

"Huh?" She looked up, confusion in her eyes.

"You think your life is set in stone you're forever to be a robber?" he clarified.

She blinked. "I—well I…"

"You can change, if you will allow yourself to," he said. "Nothing is set in stone. Nothing is ever permanent, Georgina. You—"

"I what?" Georgina demanded, voice hard and rough. "I did the wrong thing and it's about time I got into jail. But don't go dictating my life like you're some kind of saint—"

"I want to help you but you are stubborn and afraid of change," Aaron cut evenly, Georgina blinking up at him. "As someone who platonically cares I do not want to watch you destroy yourself bit by bit. You can be more; stealing is what you are used to and you are comfortable in this zone so you stay. But there are much more things to learn in life."

Georgina frowned, gaze going to the floor again. There was tense silence then she smacked her lips together and stared at him.

"Okay let's say you're right. Let's say I can be more. Why do you think I should try?"

"So you're saying you don't want to explore your interests?"

Georgina curled her lips inward and exhaled through her nose.

"Somethin' like that, yeah." She pointed to herself. "I don't think I'm redeemable. I've made a lot of mistakes and I don't know how to live up to it. Yes I'm selfish and I've got a lot of bad habits. I know more faults about myself than good. I'm hot-tempered and run my mouth before I can think about it."

"But you're also passionate and you have morals," said Aaron. "You know things I don't even things not related to robbery. You've lived by yourself for more years than I did and you're independent. You're emotionally and mentally strong and you know yourself to an extent. You've been in countless situations and you've emerged victorious. What's not to like about you?"

Georgina pursed her lips. "We're going back and forth like this Aaron and I'm getting tired. Just what do you want?"

"Well for starters how long is your sentence?" he asked.

Georgina's gaze went to the ceiling and she hummed. Then she met his eye again and said, "About six or eight months I think. I'll be fine. My cell mates are pretty cool."

Aaron breathed out a relieved sigh and allowed himself a small smile. For reasons he couldn't understand, he felt better at knowing her cell mates were okay. And judging by her tone of voice she seemed genuine. So he didn't need to worry.

"Well then I'd like to help you in your life once you get out of here," he said. Georgina raised a brow and he continued, "I want to help you become a better version of yourself. And it's not out of pity or fear you will steal from me again but I wholly believe you can be more than what you are now. You just have to allow yourself to branch out."

She stayed silent, just staring at him. Then a tiny smile quirked the corner of her lips upward and she nodded minutely.

"Guess it sounds like a plan. If you can show me things and make me learn along the way maybe I'll try out things. But if it doesn't work then this is a failure and I'm going back to my way. This is just like a trial and error."

He shrugged. "Fine by me."

Her defenses lowered and she smiled broader. "Okay then. So what brings you here besides that self-righteous speech and promise of goodwill?"

He chuckled and also eased more comfortably into his seat. "Tell me about your cell mates."

Georgina's eyes seemed to gleam and she rambled on about her four inmates, Aaron's interest piqued as he sat and listened to her. In this light, she was animated and herself with her arms gesticulating and her eyes shining in something she knew about so well. Aaron decided he liked seeing her like this.