Aurora Miller

"I'll be fine. I'd rather be alone right now to be honest."

"Then I'll put you in bed after they change your sheets and you get a shower, and I'll sit outside. I don't want to leave you," I said quietly.

"Why don't you ever listen to me? You never, ever listen to me." I whispered.

"Because I'm a guy and it's not my best trait. I'll leave you alone, give you your space. I won't even be in the house if you don't want me to be. I just... I want to be close... in case you need anything."

"I need space, Quin. I need time to think about my life and what direction it needs to go in. I'm not sure about anything anymore."

"Like I said, I'll be outside. Won't be the first time I've slept on the ground. I won't bother you at all. I just don't want to be far in case you need anything. You need to rest as much as possible. I'll bring you food and everything."

"I needed you before and it didn't matter how far away you were did it?" I snapped, shooting him a look "I want some fucking time to myself. I have plenty of people who can help me if I need it, I'm not going to depend on you anymore. Do you understand me?"

"Yeah. I get you loud and clear. Next time someone rapes or kills someone I care about, I'll just let it go. I'll be around if you need me. God Aurora, I love you more than anything. You act like I would've left if I'd have known all this was going to happen. This isn't what I wanted damn it," I said quietly and carefully moved her to the couch, got up, and went outside.

There was a knock on the door and it was my brothers, bringing my new sheets back. Mom and Selma scrubbed the floor some more "It's good enough." I told them "You don't have to scrub it anymore."

"Can I help you to the bath before the water gets cold?"

I nodded "Yes, please." I said and took her hand, letting her help me "I hope you aren't mad at me for being at odds with Quin." I told her.


"Sweetheart, Selma and I learned when we were young that couples have enough trouble sorting out differences without others getting involved."

"Exactly what she said. You two will work it out on your own, and if you need help or advice you know we're right here with you," I said and squeezed her hand a little as I helped her undress then helped her in.

"Thank you." I said as I sank down into the tub. I washed myself for a few minutes, letting the water relax me.

I finished helping Erica clean up then set out her clothes and helped her up and to bed when she was done with her bath. "You should rest. Are you hungry?" I asked even though I knew the answer.

I shook my head "No, but I'll eat when I can stomach it." I told her and hugged my mom as she came over to me "I love you." I whispered and then she stepped away "I love you too, Selma. Thank you for helping me."

"Of course sweetheart. You know I'd do anything for you," I said and hugged her gently.

I hugged her "I know, you would."

"I want you to know... that no matter what happens between you and Quin... you will always be like a daughter to me. I just wanted you to know that," I said and kissed her cheek.

"I know, and you'll always be like a mother to me too."

"I'm glad you feel that way," I said and hugged her gently. "Do you need anything? Or do you want us to leave you alone so you can rest?"

"I don't need anything right now, you guys can go for awhile. I'll be fine."

"Are you sure?" I asked, still very worried about her.

"Yeah, I'm sure. Thank you two for everything though, I'll see you tomorrow. Tell Gabe and Chase to come by too."


"Of course they will, they're so worried."

"We'll tell them," I said and hugged her again. "We love you sweetheart. Get some rest."

"Thanks, I will." I said as they left. I knew they didn't want to but I really did want to be alone. I needed time to reevaluate my life now. I wanted to live without worry for once.