WHY MARRY?

SEVENTEEN

Aiden woke up the next day to a very painful headache. Everything came rushing to him from the past the day and he suddenly didn't feel like getting out of bed. He lay back in bed and groaned.

"Good Morning" Aiden heard. He lifted up his head to see his brother. "I came to wake up you but I can see you're already awake; mum said to come done for breakfast" he announced.

"Morning" Aiden muttered, as he got up from the bed; walking to the bathroom. He quickly got himself ready and when downstairs.

Good Morning son; have some breakfast" his mum placed a plate of breakfast before him, just as he sat down at the table. She reached to adjust his tie and then examined him as he ate. He looked so awful, but there was nothing she could do to make him feel better except comfort him. She watched as he took a few bites of his food and then played around in the rest. He then took three sips of coffee and stood up from his seat.

"I'm leaving for work now" he announced.

"When will you be back?" his mum asked.

"Whenever I decide to" he responded, heading out the door. As compared to the shouting, sobbing and tearful image of him yesterday; today he was calm, very calm and distant. He seemed to be mourning her absence in his heart; and she didn't like it. She would've preferred him to wail and scream and shout; revealing his emotions. That way, this heartbreaking phase in his life, would pass quickly.

                                                                   ~

"The meeting is starting in about a minute sir" Aiden's P.A informed him as he typed away at his laptop; once he was in his office. A blank expression was pasted on his face throughout the morning. He had gone back to being his cold usual self.

"I'll be there" he briefly stated as he flipped through a page of the file that was sat before him.

"Sir you should leave now; you can't afford to be late" she explained.

"GET OUT MY OFFICE RIGHT NOW!" he shouted as he felt a headache approaching. His P.A stumbled out of his office; shocked at how suddenly he had switched. He recognised the wrong in what he had done and calmed his self down; before calling his P.A back in.

"Yes Sir?" she asked, still shaken from his actions. He took a deep breathe.

"I'm sorry for yelling at you; give me second to prepare myself for the meeting" he apologised.

"That's okay; I will wait for you at the entrance" she replied.

Aiden walked out of the meeting room, as soon as it ended. He then received a message stating that Alexis was in the building. He wasn't too pleased to hear that, but there was nothing he could do; he had to tolerate her since she was having his baby. It was the right thing to do ; he thought.

"Aiden!" Alexis called out to him from down the corridor, as she saw him coming. He was looking at her as she approached him and all felt absolutely nothing for her. If he really loved her once, surely he should feel something towards her, yet he felt nothing at all.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, as she embraced him. He stood stiffly against her.

"I'm here to see you" she smiled.

"Why would you be here to see me?" he coldly stated.

"Because I wanted to see you" she responded. "C'mon, take me shopping" she pulled him down the corridor by his hand. He followed along, reminding himself that he must tolerate her for the sake of the child.

"What do you think of this babe?" Alexis asked him, twirling in a dress she was trying on.

"Do you want to buy it?" he responded bluntly; bringing out his black card.

"I asked your opinion" she stated, sounding disappointed. Aiden could care less about her feelings. It was nothing compared to what was feeling.

"If you like it, just get it" he ordered, dipping his hands in his pocket and walking away.

"Could you at least pretend to care" Alexis complained.

"I don't do pretense" he replied nonchalantly as he checked out the shirts on one of the racks. Alexis sighed.

They wandered around the store some more. By the time they stepped out of the mall, Alexis was carrying at least seven bags on each hand. He had always known to be this materialistic during their dating years, prior to marrying Jade; but being blind sided by love didn't allow him to realise that she wanted him only for his wealth. Looking at her carry all those bags emphasised that fact, even more. He had been completely lost in love with her. He dropped her off at her home and stepped out of his car to see her off.

"Good Night" he said, as they approached her door.

"Goodnight Aiden" Alexis leaned down to peck him on the lips. He turned his face and the kiss landed on his cheek. She looked unhappy once more.

"Goodnight" he repeated as he turned to leave. She watched him get into his car and drive off.

                                                                          ~

Aiden walked back into his home at 8 pm later that day. His brother and mother were still there when he arrived.

"Aren't you guys going home?" he questioned. "Mum, dad must be waiting for you; it's been two days" he explained.

"Don't worry he knows I'll be staying here for a while; Terry too" she replied. His father had not come back to the house since the confrontation they had a day ago and didn't seem like he was going to be coming around anytime soon; seeing as he was still angry.

"Would you like your dinner now?" his mum asked.

"No, I'd rather go to my room; I'm fatigued" he replied, heading to his room.

He loosened his tie and unbuttoned his t shirt, before plopping down on his bed. He kicked of his shoes and lay back on his pillow. Memories that he had shared with Jade the past few months engulfed his brain, and he began to miss her all over again . He remembered the party and how he yelled and screamed at her; he remembered how he professed his love to her and how they had made love that night; he remembered just how happy they were together. He took her picture out of his wallet and stared at it.

"You were right Jade; everything was too good to be true" he whispered. He then turned over and gave into sleep.