A/N: Apologies for the slow turnaround of Chapters, I've been quite busy recently but hopefully I'll have more free time from now on so updates should be faster. Thanks for sticking with the story, I've got exciting plans for it! Wx

Chapter 11

The next morning, Aaron didn't know how to feel. He felt almost numb; like the stress of the last few days had finally taken it out of him. He didn't text Dan back. Dan didn't text him. Again, Aaron wasn't sure whether he was disappointed or relieved by this. At lunchtime he managed to drag himself into Dale Head. He spent half an hour idly chatting to Jackson about nothing. Jez was 'out' somewhere and Hazel was busying herself in the kitchen preparing their lunch. Aaron had walked through the door wound tightly with tension but it felt good to talk rubbish with Jackson again. As time lapsed, Aaron began to feel more and more comfortable again. There was no strain, no talk of 'open relationships', no talk of Jackson's disability. Just chatting.

Jackson was pleased Aaron seemed more at ease that afternoon. The day before he'd seemed so troubled and upset. Jackson could only put it down to the introduction of Jez. It would explain why he never turned up the other night after weeks of bedside (and chairside) vigils. Aaron never did well with change, Jackson thought. In a way, his jealousy was cute. For Aaron to still care was more than Jackson felt he could ever ask for.

Aaron left the cottage with a renewed spirit. He had no idea where him and Jackson stood relationship-wise, but that was nothing new recently. It just felt so good to be able to talk to him again. Aaron knew that even thinking it was corny, but it made him feel warmer inside.

The rest of the afternoon at the garage was uneventful so when his phone chimed with a new message, Aaron jumped on it. He was less enthusiastic as he read who it was from.

Hey, me and a couple of mates are heading to Bar West again tomorrow night if you fancy it? No worries if you've already got plans. Dan x

As fantastic as it was to spend some quality time with Jackson, Aaron recognised that, really, he did want to see Dan again. The other night was so great. It felt so good to be able to feel close to someone again; to get that tingly feeling at every brief touch, that feeling of excitement for the future, where things could possibly go. But of course, all of this was laced with a thick, oppressive guilt for Jackson. However, as there would definitely be other people on this night out, Aaron convinced himself that it was more acceptable for him to take up the invitation. Dan could be just a new mate, someone to get out of the village with every now and again. He replied with a short but sweet:

Yeah, sounds good. Will give you a text tomorrow. A x

His and Dan's exchange was brief, especially considering this was the first time they had spoken since their kiss but it made Aaron feel better that things seemed to be slowing down. The last week had been mental; he more than welcomed a little respite. Still, just that one text message played on his mind and caused Aaron to bypass dropping in on Jackson on the way home from work. It was a gusty evening and it had already fallen dark. The swaying of the trees seemed to make the streetlights flash angrily. There was rain in the air but it was yet to completely materialise. It was times like these Aaron was glad he only had a short walk home. Almost as he was stood directly outside it, the door to the B&B slammed shut. It made Aaron jump and he turned at the noise. His blood ran cold.

There was a swish of red hair, its curls falling around the perpetrator's face with a practised swagger. The woman smirked. Sharp shadows of swaying branches crashed over her face. Even in the darkness, it was unmistakably Lydia.

'Aaron! I was wondering when we were finally going to bump into eachother!' she chimed over the wind.

'Lydia.'

'Yeah, small world isn't it?' The wind roared through the trees above them. Lydia stood unperturbed, balancing her tiny handbag on her right wrist delicately.

'What are you doing here?' Aaron asked as she made her way towards him.

'Oh, I work here, started today. It's only cleaning the rooms and that, but hey, needs must!'

'You work at the B&B?'

'Yep. I really need the money. You know what it's like -being a student.' She stopped and, completely undisguised, looked Aaron up and down; no doubt taking in the overalls, the dirt and the grime. 'Then again, you probably don't.' Her smile had vanished and her expression verged on open disgust.

'But why here?'

'Why not? I only live in Robblesfield. It's convenient.' She raised her eyebrows. 'Oh...oh, this isn't going to be a problem for you is it Aaron?'

She was mocking him. Aaron refused to drop to her level. He had better things to think about than witty retorts to some stuck up cow's massive delusions.

'No, no problem at all.' Aaron replied with forced control.

With no other response, Aaron continued up the road. Without looking back, Aaron heard the unlocking of a car followed by the thud of a door. An engine started up and as Aaron unlocked the door to Smithy he turned to see Lydia turn at the village junction. As she passed, the streetlight briefly crossed her face. She was smiling. She even raised a hand and wiggled her fingers as she moved off. There was no mistaking the piercing intent in her eyes. Unfortunately for Aaron, he didn't know what that intent was.