HIDING BEHIND THE SHADOWS

Chapter 6 - Flashback 1 "Whisper"

THIRD PERSON’S POV

Harry finished chopping woods outside and clearing the bushes near the cottage. They both checked for fresh vegetables and fruits in the area, going back inside the house with basket full of supplies enough for both of them.  He placed the basket in the kitchen and check the gas lamps since the sun starts to set and in a few minutes, the outside of the cottage will soon be dark and cold.

Moments later, he set up torches outside the perimeters in case some campers might be lost in the night he said, Aaron remembers what his dad told him, it was the easiest way to drive wild animals away from the cottage. Harry went back inside to prepare the fresh veggies from the garden prepared dinner for both of them.

Aaron lit up the fireplace with holding a bottle of beer in his hands throwing one to Harry after dinner.  He was holding again Jessie and his picture frame in his hands maybe trying to remember things with her and Jessie.  Tears are forming at the side of his eyes holding “You and Jessie were inseparable…” Harry said “I was nine years old when we came to town, I was welcomed by you and Jessie. It was Nana who helped us come settled in this place. You and Jessie helped me find a home here” Harry’s right despite Jessie never spoke a word but her smile melts Harry’s heart. “I find comfort in her smile… she’s beautiful and she has a warm heart” he said. “If only…” he paused…. “if only his stepmom….” Harry cut off his words “What did her stepmom do?” he bows her head. “Harry what did Emily do?” Harry’s heart sank in oblivion and never spoke a word.

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Aaron’s POV

Emily Stuther. When Jessie’s mother died in a car accident, her Dad was devastated. Finding solace in the arms of Emily the bartender who serve her Dad on his drunken nights in the bar. Jessie will stay with me and Nana during her Dad’s night out which is almost every night. While Emily take advantage of what seemed to be Edmund’s weakness. 

A year after Edmund went home with Emily saying that they were in love and will live together in Edmund’s home. Jessie cried her heart out. Her situation is getting worse, he never look at his Dad.

Her Dad will sent her off to school every morning dropping by the house to pick me up because that’s the only time he would see Jessie smile, is when she’s with me and Nana. Her Dad will pick her up after his work and bring her home. He would set her off again to school in the morning, literally telling Jessie and Emily never had a good relationship.

Her Dad loves her so much, but he also needed Emily in his life.  A few years later her Dad had to travel frequently on a business trip which left Jessie alone with Emily.  Jessie would lock herself in her room never wanting to spend time alone with Emily. 

As for Emily, she never tried to reach out to Jessie to make her a family. A Year after that Emily never stopped budging Edmund for marriage.  She wanted to have full rights with Taylor properties and get involved with Edmunds Business. Edmund was blinded by her love for Emily which Emily took advantage of.  She had forced him to make a decision and threaten to leave him if he will not agree to a marriage.

On her sixteenth birthday her father Edmund announced the engagement of her and Emily.  Jessie shocked with the news she ran off, I tried to catch hold her and comfort her but she resist and ran as fast as she can. We searched to whole town for Jessie but went home empty handed. 

I went home to change when Nana said Jessie was up in my room.  As I went inside, I find her sitting in the corner hugging her knees, crying her heart out.  I kneeled in front of her and comfort her my hands on her knees.  “I love you Jessie… I will always be here for you no matter what…” she opened her eyes and looked at me and smiled. She sighed holding my cheeks and crushed her lips with mine.

I tried to resist not wanting to lose control but she snaked her hand behind my neck and deepened the kiss. Sucking and pushing her tongue in trying to gain access to mine, I was stunned by her reaction but I too wanted to kiss her, waiting for this moment to tell her how I felt for her. We both stop to catch our breath. “Jessie… we shouldn’t do this…” I said but she shook her head and stand up.

She holds my hand and let me stand in front of her.  She looked me in the eyes with tenderness and reached to the inside pocket of her dress… a pack of condom? She planned this all along… she pointed out the card on my bedside table. I pick it up and read.

                “Aaron,

                            My love for you will never end… and today on my sixteenth birthday make me yours… promise there will be no regrets.  I love you to eternity…

                                                                                                                                            Love, Jessie

When I turned to look at her she unwrapped herself from the dress she’s wearing from the party with only her underwear left.  She came near me to unbutton my shirt. A smile on her lips and she reached to my ears and whispers “ I love you Aaron…” I heard it… she whisper to me, I was very happy back then. I hold her waist and look her in the eyes…. “You? –“ she nodded her head and kissed me. I was carried away with overwhelming happiness. My Jessie she spoke. We were both inexperienced but that night changes everything in Us… she was my first and I was hers.

I still remember how we laugh at ourselves that night.  We were naked as a newborn baby holding each other after lovemaking.  It’s as if we built a wall around us, protecting ourselves from the outside world, with only the two of us.  We both know our parents will not understand but we promised to strong, holding on to each other.