Chapter 62 - Feeling guilty (1/2)

They reached Vivian's home late in the afternoon.

Vivian went to her room to freshen up before dinner. Aiden and Sarah went to the guest room.

”Go and shower first. I still have work to do.”, Aiden told Sarah while pulling out his laptop and powering it on.

Sarah observed that he started working again and could not help but feel guilty. 'He spent so much time with me instead of working. I need to give him space.' She went to take a shower without a word.

When she came back, he didn't acknowledge her presence. His gaze was focused on the screen and the only thing moving were his fingers which danced over the keyboard.

Sarah didn't want to disturb him. She took her phone and went out. She ended up in the family room, which was empty, and decided to call JoAnna.

It was ringing for some time, Sarah thought it will go to the voicemail, when she heard JoAnna's voice: ”Hey, how are you doing?”

”I'm fine. How are things on your side?”

”It's still fresh.” JoAnna is not the person who will beat around the bush.

”Not good, a?” Sarah understood what her sister wanted to say.

”That is a simple way to put it. Three of us tried talking with dad on few different occasions, but he does not want to listen. Dad even got angry and started yelling at us. He is very stubborn.”

Sarah sighed. She was prepared that it will take some time, but it still hurt hearing about it.

JoAnna knows that her sister is hurt. Besides moral support there is one more thing she can do. ”I will send you money next week.”

Sarah rejected her offer. ”No need. But I really appreciate the thought.”

”Are you sure? With dad being like this, how will you cover your expenses?”

”Don't worry. I got it covered. Tell Sophia for me that I'm not short of money.”

JoAnna was silent for few seconds before giving in. ”OK. But if your bank account starts running low, think of me first, promise?”

”Yes, I promise.” Sarah could not help but smile. It made her feel warm and fuzzy thinking how much her sister cares about her. She thought of telling JoAnna that she accepted a job, but she decided not to. The idea of her working at White corp. with Aiden still didn't sink in, so until she settles in her new role, she will keep it a secret from her family, if possible.

JoAnna remembered that Sarah went to visit Gabriel. ”Did you visit your friend in the hospital?”

”Yes, we did.”

”And?”

”He is better. His family is there, so after visit we came back. I'm at Vivian's place now.” Sarah kept it short. JoAnna does not need to know the details of Vivian's love disappointment anyway.

”I see... What will you do for the New Year's?”

”I will stay in Fairfield. In next few days I plan to go and check out the apartment. If I like it, I will move in… If I don't, I can always stay in dorms.” Sarah is happy that while she is a student at Tesla University, she does not need to worry for a place to stay.

”I talked with Sophia about this. We can come and give you company for New Year's.”

Sarah was touched. ”No need. Just stay home or do whatever your plans were before all these crazy happenings. If you come here, dad will get even more mad.”

”Will Aiden be with you?”

”I don't know what his plans are.”, Sarah admitted.

”Just don't be alone. OK? It's sad to be by yourself on New Year's Eve. Make sure you have some company, or I will come.”

”Thank you.” Sarah felt lucky to have such loving sisters. 'They would even cancel their plans and come to give me company.' She could not help but smile.

When Sarah returned to the room, Aiden was not there. She could hear the shower running. Sarah plopped on the bed and stared at the ceiling for some time before drifting off to sleep.

…

It was dinner time. Aiden sat on the bed next to Sarah and ran his fingers through her hair before kissing her cheeks gently. Sarah woke up after few kisses, but she didn't want to open her eyes. Aiden noticed that she is awake and stopped kissing her.

”Mmm, I'm still sleeping. Keep going!” Sarah protested without opening her eyes.

Aiden laughed and pinched her nose. ”It's dinner time.”

She opened her eyes and looked at him. He is super-attractive with his hair damp and slightly messy after shower.

'I can't believe my luck, to have such a man next to me!' Sarah admired him while thinking: 'He is perfect, and his loving gaze is directed at me…'

Sarah remembered that he was working last time she saw him. ”Did you make progress with your work?”

Small frown appeared on his face. ”I made some progress. But there is still a lot to do.”