Aiden's Black Rose

“Hey, Oldie! Happy birthday in advance!” Asher shouted, clapping his older brother Aiden on the back with a playful grin. Aiden chuckled, rolling his eyes. “I’m not old, Asher. I’m only turning 30 in a few days.” His voice was light, but there was an edge to it. Being called old didn’t sit well with him, though he allowed it from family. Asher’s laughter faded when he noticed Aiden’s expression shift as they passed their mother’s portrait. Bianca Brooke, the most beautiful woman in all of Caerleon, had died when Aiden was just 18, leaving their father to raise three children alone. Aiden’s thoughts drifted back to the memories of his mother, her gentle smile, and the way she could light up a room just by being in it. She had been a rare beauty, not just in appearance but in spirit, with a kindness that had drawn people to her like moths to a flame. Their father, Alexander Brooke, had fallen hard for her the moment he saw her at a carnival, where she had been singing under a tree in his yard. He had been a notorious playboy, but Bianca had changed him, made him want to settle down. Their love story was legendary in the town, the kind of tale young couples dreamed of replicating. But that fairy tale had ended abruptly. Bianca had suffered complications after giving birth to Brittany, Aiden’s younger sister, who was now 12. Though she had recovered initially, her health had quietly deteriorated, and one evening, she had complained of a stomachache and collapsed. The doctors couldn’t save her. The loss had crushed their father, who now spent his nights weeping quietly, unable to move past his grief. Asher noticed Aiden’s somber mood and tried to cheer him up. “You know she wouldn’t want us to be sad, right? She’d want you to be happy... maybe find a nice young lady to marry.” Aiden turned to his brother, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he gave Asher a playful shove. “Of all things, you had to bring up marriage. I don’t want to get married, you dimwit! Why don’t you get married yourself?” Asher rubbed the back of his head, laughing. “But you’re the oldest! And I’m too young to be tied down.” Aiden’s smile faded as he thought about marriage. It wasn’t that he hadn’t considered it; he was the eldest son, after all, and there were expectations. But the thought of losing someone he loved, as his father had lost his mother, terrified him. He had watched the life drain out of his father after Bianca’s death, and he didn’t want to experience that same pain. Brittany, their 12-year-old sister, was a constant reminder of their mother. She was the spitting image of Bianca, right down to the way she moved and spoke. Their father had distanced himself from her, unable to bear the resemblance, but Aiden couldn’t blame him. The memories were still too raw, the wound too deep. With a sigh, Aiden decided to head into town. He needed a distraction, and visiting Alana Miller, the town’s belle, seemed as good a plan as any. Alana was the most beautiful woman in Caerleon, and Aiden had asked her to be his betrothed. Not out of love, but because it seemed fitting for the town’s most handsome man to be with its most beautiful woman. The townspeople had always hoped they would end up together, seeing them as a perfect match. Alana was kind and sweet, but she was also spoiled, relying on her looks to get what she wanted. Aiden admired her beauty, but he didn’t love her. Still, she intrigued him because she was one of the few people who didn’t bore him. She was spoiled and used to getting her way, but she couldn’t control him, and that made her curious. When Aiden arrived at Alana’s home, he was led to the patio where they often sat for tea. As usual, she prattled on about her friends, fashion, and the latest romance novels she was reading. Aiden nodded and smiled where appropriate, his mind wandering as she spoke. He knew he should be paying more attention, but his heart wasn’t in it. He just couldn’t see himself marrying her, or anyone for that matter. After what felt like an eternity, Aiden excused himself, planting a polite kiss on Alana’s cheek before leaving. He needed something stronger than tea, so he headed to the local bar for a drink, hoping to drown out the thoughts swirling in his head. He didn’t notice Brian Walker and Paul Edinburg, his closest friends, sitting at the bar until Brian slapped him on the back. “Earth to Aiden! What’s got you in such a serious mood, huh?” Brian asked with a grin. Paul, always more perceptive, shot Brian a look before turning to Aiden. “It’s his mom’s remembrance in a few days, Brian. Give him a break.” Brian’s grin faded, and he nodded, understanding. But he quickly switched gears, launching into a story about their escapades with some girls the night before, hoping to lighten the mood. Aiden couldn’t help but laugh as the conversation shifted, the heavyweight in his chest lifting just a little. He didn’t know what the future held, but for now, he was content to lose himself in the company of his friends, where the burdens of responsibility and the pain of loss felt a little less overwhelming.