Chapter Twenty-Four
When Mia woke up, she was tucked in bed and dressed in Aurelio’s white shirt, which smelled like him. She felt the bed beside her. Empty and cold. She sighed. He was gone; the fleeting time she had with him was over. She knew she wouldn’t be able to see him again for a while, but she could at least send him a message. Even if he didn’t respond, she could pretend he was just out grabbing coffee or something. She could do that for a week, right? Mia inhaled his shirt; the smell of new leather mixed with pine and grease made her feel as if Aurelio was holding her tight.
Sliding out of the bed, Mia stretched her arms above her head, and her pantieless bottom caught a breeze. She reached for her plugged-in phone next to her glasses, which were carefully folded. It was exactly like how she did it each night; Aurelio must have noticed. There was a note sitting next to her phone. Aurelio’s clumsy scrawl was easy to identify.
Morning, beautiful,
I wish I was able to be there when you wake up.
Soon, you will wake up in my arms every day.
I love you.
Please eat something. Rest, relax, and unwind.
See you at graduation.
Yours forever,
A
Mia clutched the note next to her heart, wishing graduation was the next day.
With a slight feeling of panic, she remembered she still had to submit the paperwork for her dissertation. Grabbing her laptop quickly, she settled onto her bed, covering herself in the blankets again. The computer chimed to life; her email was still sitting there, waiting to be sent.
“Thank God,” she sighed, relieved she hadn’t lost all the filled-out forms.
Clicking send, she checked the time. It was almost eight. She wondered what time Aurelio had slipped out and if he had slept next to her at all. Mia wanted to fall back asleep, but her body was wide awake, so she moved to the fridge. On the island was a vase with three little sunflowers, each a varying shade of yellowy orange. She smiled; clearly, Aurelio remembered they were her favorite. She leaned over, smelling sunshine on a warm summer day. She pulled open the fridge, which was much fuller than before. Aurelio must have run out after she fell asleep, risking being seen just to make sure she woke up happy and full. Her heart swelled as she reached for a bottled smoothie and took a drink as her stomach growled. It was sweet, with blueberries and other fruit blended to perfection.
She hoped she hadn’t been heard the previous night. The scream she released had helped her let go of all her emotions, but she hoped no one was wondering who was making her yell like that. She especially hoped Oliver hadn’t been home. She really didn’t want to see him ever again, not even in passing. She didn’t know if the cops would find anything to tie him to the break-in or if they would even arrest him if they did because he was one of their own.
Her eyes caught the completely bare door; the wood had several small holes and a few pins still pushed into it. The stacked memories were on the coffee table, ready to be put back up. Or packed and moved . She looked around her small loft, no longer the haven she had known for 6 years. It was cramped, the walls closing in on her. The windows were too big, and the door was not secure enough. She felt her heart beating faster as she whipped around to look at the loft, feeling her body beginning to react to the growing fear. Her chest tightened, and her mind ran wild. By some miracle, she heard Aurelio’s voice in her head, telling her to breathe. She hugged herself; the smell of him on the shirt let her close her eyes and imagine it was him embracing her. Eventually, the panic attack passed. Once she could breathe easily, her chest relaxed. The walls remained where they had always been, the door was locked as it always was, and the windows were regular-sized, closed and covered as she had them since she moved in. She was okay for the moment. But she needed to leave. She knew the place would never feel right after the kind of violation that had happened. Her lease was up a week after graduation; she could stick it out till then.
Mia’s phone chimed, drawing her attention to it. She hadn’t checked it yet since the note from Aurelio distracted her. She unlocked the screen, revealing a message from Mac.
Mac: Sorry for running off. Cops, man. They set my nerves on edge.
Mia: All good. Thanks for being here when you were. You doing okay?
Mac: I should be asking you that. Aurelio ran off when I got to the safe house. Thought he would beat my ass for leaving. But he said he got it and took off on the bike.
Mia: Yeah, he was here for a while. I mean, not like that. Well, kinda, I guess. He made me a sandwich.
Mac: Please stop. I do not need to picture you two alone together. Glad he fed you. The sandwich, I mean. Now I’m doing it. And I’m picturing it. Thanks, Mom.
Mia laughed; Mac joked a lot about Aurelio and Mia being like a mom and dad, especially since the night they helped him ask Amy to prom. She did love the teen like a little brother, but she was definitely too young to be his mom.
Mac: Aurelio said to check in today. See if you need a ride. Or just some company.
Mia: Sure, no plans. Stop by. Bring coffee.
Mac sent a thumbs up, and Mia clicked over to her messages with Aurelio. The last message seemed like another lifetime ago. Her fingers hovered over the screen. What should she say? She was acting like they had just met. Like he would care. She could send him a picture of her fridge, and he would find it sexy or hilarious. She shook her head, typing a quick text and hitting send.
Mia: Good morning. I miss you.
Almost immediately, the three little dots appeared, meaning he was typing back.
Aurelio: Miss you, too. Good morning, beautiful. How’d you sleep?
Mia: Fine. Better because of you. Worse because you were gone.
Aurelio: I couldn’t stay.
Mia: I know.
Aurelio: But soon, I will be able to sleep by your side all night.
Mia liked the sound of that; to be in his arms all night, to see his smile first thing in the morning. It sounded like heaven. Another message popped up before she could respond.
Aurelio: Last job tonight. It’s a big one, so no contact for a couple of days. Mac’s not coming; he will stay with you. Please don’t push me on this. Let him sleep on the couch or out in the hall. In the café for all I care. But let him stay close.
Mia: Fine. Maybe I will let him sleep at the foot of the bed since he is my watchdog. ??
Aurelio: No one is allowed to be in your bed except me.
Mia smiled, shaking her head lightly. He needed the comfort of someone else here with her. She was honestly a little afraid, too, if the panic attack had been any kind of indication. She sighed, deciding to hold off on her revelation about it being Oliver who had broken in. Aurelio had enough to worry about.
Mia: Had a panic attack again or almost did.
Aurelio: Shit. I’m sorry, beautiful. You okay?
Mia: Yeah. Your shirt helped me calm down. So, thank you. ??
Aurelio: Wish I could have been there, but I’m glad some part of me was. Do you know what triggered it?
Mia: The walls were closing in. The loft was too small. Too exposed. I couldn’t breathe. It felt like someone was watching me.
Aurelio: I understand; we need to get you out of that place into a new, better apartment. Maybe one we can share…
Mia: Aurelio…
Her fingers paused, and her heart pounded. Was he saying what she thought but not quite asking all the way? Did he want to move in together? She didn’t want to be the one to say it; she couldn’t. Mia waited, but no dots appeared on the screen. Aurelio was apparently gone.
Mia: Aurelio?
Nothing. Mia set the phone down on the coffee table. The couch was stained and damaged from all the glass and water that had been spilled on it. She had tried to get all the glass out, but she felt more pieces even after every clean swipe. She rolled her eyes at the furniture and grabbed her phone again, heading back to the bed instead. Looking through her messages, she clicked on her brother’s, realizing she had never sent a response.
“Shit,” she said, realizing it was Friday. Were they coming that day? Or the Friday before graduation? She hit send on the response that had sat there for a full day.
Mia: Woohoo! Can’t wait to see you guys! Do you mean this Friday?!
It was almost ten, 1pm where Mikey was, so he must be awake at the firehouse. Sure enough, there were the blinking three dots until a new message came through in all caps.
Mikey: AT THE AIRPORT NOW!
A picture followed of her three brothers grinning wildly, in a security line, dragging bags behind them. They looked amazing; she couldn’t believe they were on their way!
“Shit!” If they were at the airport, they would be landing around 4. She needed to figure out where they were going to sleep.
Mia: OMG!! I can’t wait to see you guys! It’s been so long since I had a hug from my big brothers! ??????
Her smile was starting to hurt her cheeks. Mia quickly stood up, ready to really clean the loft. Eying the couch, she considered buying a new one for at least one of them to sleep on. She didn’t even know how she would do that, but she had to do something. There was a knock on her door. Mia felt a shock of anxiety; she had been so focused she forgot to get ready. She couldn’t answer the door half-naked.
A voice called from the other side of the door. “Mia? I have your coffee.”
Her head fell back; she had totally forgotten. “One second, Mac!” She spied a pair of black yoga pants partially hanging out of her dresser, pulled them free, and quickly tugged them on.
“Good morning,” Mac greeted when she opened the door, reaching out a hand with a steaming coffee cup. She accepted the offering gladly, ready for a caffeine rush to boost her motivation.
“Morning. Shit, Mac.” She remembered promising Aurelio she would let the teen stay with her over the next couple days. “My brothers are flying in today.” She looked around for space for all the male bodies about to occupy her little loft. “I know Aurelio said to have you stay, but I think I will be fine with them here.”
“Mia…” Mac massaged the back of his neck, stress rolling off him like a bad cologne. “Aurelio will be pissed if I don’t stay.”
“I’ll talk to him. I mean, they are three big dudes,” Mia said, sliding open her phone and showing Mac the photo Mikey just sent her.
His eyes grew large. “Those guys are your brothers? You’re their little sister?”
Mia laughed, “Yeah.”
“Aurelio better not piss you off while they are here.”
Mia smirked. That was right. Melvin alone was equal to Aurelio’s height. And Mikey, although the shortest of the three, having topped at 5’11”, was the buffest. Matty[HF22] was strong, too, but he always said he was the pacifist of the family. “They are good guys. But they will do anything to keep me safe.” As time has already proven .
“Well, call Aurelio and if he says fine…” Mac’s phone rang, interrupting his train of thought. As he answered the call, he darted outside.
“Okay. Weirdo.” She sipped the coffee and decided to get ready while the teen was occupied. She would call Aurelio, but she felt like she needed a minute to find herself a bit. Grabbing a bra, a pair of jeans, and underwear, she decided to wear Aurelio’s shirt all day; the smell of him was a comfort she knew she would need. Heading into the bathroom, she closed the door and locked it. Not that Mac would try to break in, but her mind needed the reassurance she was safe. Getting dressed quickly, she tied the bottom portion of Aurelio’s large shirt into a little knot, fitting it snugly to her stomach. She applied some light makeup from the broken pallets she had managed to salvage. Sliding her glasses back on, she turned to the door and grabbed the leather jacket Aurelio had bought for her[HF23]. Thankfully, it had survived the onslaught, maybe because the perpetrator hadn’t seen it. She turned to look in the mirror, forgetting it was gone. Exhaling, she grabbed the doorknob and swung the door open.
Mac, who was leaning against the kitchen counter, looked up as she approached with a smile. “Well, look at you, Sandra D!”
Mia laughed. “Really, Mac? A Grease reference?” She slapped his shoulder.
“Oww,” he whined, feigning injury. “Yeah, everyone knows that classic.”
“Sure. I look okay then?”
“Like a perfect greaser’s girl.” He smiled. “You should send Aurelio a picture; it’ll make him run home.” Home . Mia liked that thought, but the loft no longer felt like home. Her smile faded a little, but Mac seemed too distracted by his phone to notice. Mac tapped quickly, his posture straightening as he frowned at the phone.
“Mia, I gotta go,” he announced abruptly. His phone was vibrating in his fingers.
“Oh, yeah. Aurelio?” she asked, but he didn’t respond. Mac looked up at her, the look he gave showed he was torn. Without another word, the teen dashed out the door and was gone.
Mia blinked a few times, confusion settling in her stomach. Moving to close her front door, she felt dread curl up with the confusion. As she slid the door closed, a hand popped in, pushing against hers. She stepped back; the hand was too big to be Mac’s. Oliver’s face appeared in the crack. He was smiling, like a wolf about to eat a lamb.
“Mia.” Her name rolled out of his mouth like a curse. “How are you doing?” He tilted his head slightly, making Mia uncomfortable. She kept a hand on the door handle, ready to push it closed. The dread sprung to life inside, striking like a snake in her belly.
“Fine.” She said through gritted teeth. “Bye.” She began to push on the door, but his hand was still in the way, knuckles white. She locked eyes with him and frowned angrily.
“What? I don’t get to come in?” Oliver pushed, testing the door. Mia held fast.
Mia frowned, searching his face; the glare he was giving her was making her skin crawl.
“No,” she said, her temper rising. “Didn’t you see enough when you broke in?” She cursed herself. Why was she provoking him?
Oliver’s face shifted; the smile fell, and his gaze suddenly matched his mouth, stern and angry.
“You have no proof it was me.” He pulled the door open more, the wood hurting Mia’s hand as she held on. “These doors are hard to secure properly. Could have been anyone.” He flashed that smile again, showing his teeth. Mia felt a sneer reach her lips, the desire to punch him in his cocky face. She knew that she was walking a dangerous tight rope.
“Oliver,” She said, keeping her voice calm, even, and hard. “Leave me alone.” She pushed on the door again, but still, his hand wouldn’t budge.
“Mia.” His shoulder rolled slightly as he spoke. “With all the male company you keep, why won’t you keep mine?” His tone was even, calm despite the words.
“Excuse me?” He was pushing her buttons; she knew she had to keep herself in check, but she was losing the fight.
“Fuck you,” She spat out through gritted teeth, eyes burning with hate. He gave a chuckle.
“Ah, I wish you would.” Stepping back, he kept his hand on the door.
“I will find Aurelio.” He leaned forward, his face inches from hers. “And then maybe…” he whispered for only her to hear. “…I’ll be granted that wish and fuck you silly.” His fingers tapped the door lightly. “Such thin walls here; sound really does carry.” He grinned. “And I know you are quite the screamer.”
Winking, he let his hand fall away, and Mia slammed the door closed. On the other side, she heard him release a deep, menacing laugh, before his heavy footfalls walked to his door.
Her heart was pounding; the room was closing in again. Reaching for her phone, she dialed Aurelio’s number, but before she could hit call, she froze. Oliver was playing with her, pushing her.
“No,” she breathed out, letting the smell of Aurelio fill her and calm the raging nerves.
Like gentle fingers, she could feel him around her, urging her to breathe. Her heart rate returned to normal; the calm she had felt earlier was long gone, replaced with a need to get out. Grabbing her car keys and bag, Mia threw open the door and slid it closed quietly. She did not want Oliver to hear and follow her. She ran across the street and slid her key into the old girl in moments. Her mind was spinning, but she took a breath and tapped the key, turning it and slipping in. As she exited the parking garage, checking both ways, her gaze passed over the entrance to the building. Oliver was standing on the sidewalk, waving at her with that same creepy smile on his lips. She shot off, going as far away as she could.