Damaged Mate

10

His mom was the first to notice our arrival, catching us out of the corner of her eye. “Oh, Aiden, sweetheart!” Leaving her husband’s side, she was quick to pull Aiden into a warm embrace. “It’s so nice to see you here. I didn’t think you’d be coming.”

I gave him a curious look, only to get a sheepish grin in reply. “I had a reason to come, I guess. Ma, this is Aria.”

Mrs. Lowell’s expression brightened more than the lights on the string. “Ooh, you’re Andy’s daughter! Well, now, we’ve been meaning to come and say hello. Haven’t we, dear?”

Mr. Lowell gave us a quick glance and a nod before returning to the judging.

“Don’t mind him.” Mrs. Lowell beamed. “He’s very committed when it comes to the pie-tasting contest. Here, why don’t I get you two something to drink and we can get to know one another?”

“Ma, you don’t gotta—” Aiden began.

“I’d love some hot cider, if you don’t mind,” I cut in, flashing him a smirk.

“Oh, lovely! Mr. Kanswell has a little stand just over there.”

Without any hesitation, Mrs. Lowell took my hand and dragged me across the park, Aiden tailing behind with a face redder than a beet. I stumbled to keep up with the woman’s pace, surprised at how spry she was for someone her age. The gray streaks in her hair apparently didn’t mean anything to her.

Soon enough, we were all settled on one of the fold-out tables, cider cups in hand. Aiden looked like he’d rather be anywhere else, but I was personally ecstatic to dig up some personal dirt on him. Mrs. Lowell seemed like the kind of person who filled the house with embarrassingly cute baby photos; it was a shame we were stuck outside.

“So, Aria,” Mrs. Lowell began, “how’re you liking our lil’ old town? I can’t imagine it’s as grand as the city, but we do our best here.”

“I wouldn’t compare yourself like that,” I insisted, blowing some steam off my cider. “City life has nothing on this place. I can actually ride my bike without worry.”

Mrs. Lowell let out a boisterous laugh. “Riding your bike—ooh, you’re a funny one! Aiden, don’t she just tickle you pink?”

“Ma…” Aiden’s face flushed horribly.

“Oh, don’t you, ‘Ma’ me.” Mrs. Lowell chuckled. “I’m just saying you’ve made a lovely new friend.”

“Ma!”

“Unless my son got enough courage to ask you out?”

“So, Aria’s going to help coach the basketball team, Ma!”

Holy crap, but the smile on Aiden’s face was so desperate. He looked ready to fall back and let the earth swallow him up. I felt bad for the guy, so I decided to keep on the topic.

“Laura suggested I tried it out,” I explained. “Laura Lim?”

“Oh, Dia’s niece!” Mrs. Lowell said. “Yes, she’s such a sweet girl. A bit quiet, but so polite and helpful whenever I visit. I swear, that girl’s read the entire library twice over; she could find anything you need!”

Aiden looked considerably more relaxed now, taking his own cup in hand before having a sip. I gave him a reassuring smile, drinking some cider for myself as Mrs. Lowell continued talking. It seemed to be her favorite thing to do.

“Well, I’m glad you’ve taken such an interest in sports,” she said. “I don’t know what it is with this town, but we simply go wild for basketball. Made it to States a few years in a row with all that dedication.”

“We’ll make it this year,” Aiden reassured her. “Just as long as Clyde and his goons remember we’re all on the same team.”

A surprising darkness fell over Mrs. Lowell’s face. “Yes, well, we can’t help it if trouble likes finding us. I swear, you and your father need to take care of whatever business you have left with the Ayers.”

I blinked, surprised to hear the name. “Wait, as in, ‘Ayersville’?”

“Oh, yes,” Mrs. Lowell said. “It’s a large point of contention in our little town’s history. The Ayers family tree helped found this place, but I suppose they never got over my husband’s rise to office.”

“They always blame Dad for what happened,” Aiden added coolly. “But he had nothing to do with it.”

“Do with… what?” I couldn’t even believe I’d asked. The question alone filled the air with so much tension, like at any moment, it would snap and slice through anyone dumb enough to be in its way.

Before Aiden or Mrs. Lowell could speak, I felt a heavy presence suddenly appear, looming over me like the shadow of a storm cloud. With sweat running down my neck, I slowly tilted my head upward, finding myself face to face with the pale blue eyes of Aiden’s father.

“Pop,” Aiden began, only to fall silent as Mr. Lowell sat directly beside me. My whole life flashed before my eyes at the sight of this massive man; I felt like a rabbit scared stiff.

But when Mr. Lowell finally spoke, I was surprised at how soft his voice was. “It’s quite alright. This isn’t some closely guarded secret; everyone in town knows what happened, and you are now part of this town.” He shifted slightly in his seat, as if uncomfortable with the subject matter.

“Oh, it’s okay,” I said. “If it’s something you don’t like talking about, I understand.”

A small smile crossed Mr. Lowell’s face. Judging by Aiden’s expression, I was certain that didn’t happen often. “I appreciate your concern, but it really isn’t all that dramatic. Clyde’s father was once appointed as Ayersville’s leader, and he died very unexpectedly. I took it upon myself to take his place, and the Ayers have always seen that as… disrespectful.” He let out a heavy sigh, as if a weight was being removed from his chest. “It was never my intention to do so; I only saw to what was best for Ayersville and its people.”

Wow. This was… quite a bomb to drop on a virtual stranger. Still, Mr. Lowell looked as if we’d just discussed the weather together. If anything, Aiden looked more upset than he did.

“We’re gonna head to the hay hill, now.” Aiden stood abruptly, taking my hand as he went to move. “Thanks for the drinks, Ma.”

Mrs. Lowell only nodded back, a heavy sadness overtaking her face. I couldn’t help but stare at the pair as I was pulled off, trying to think of something profound, something helpful, to say.

“It was nice meeting you,” I finally got out.

Mr. Lowell didn’t say anything back. He only watched us leave.