A/N HI fellow Aarsonists, can you please tell me know if you are still enjoying this story and want it to continue?
At best New Year's Eve was a celebration of optimism, a holiday for the hopeful - for Aaron it was an excuse to get completely wasted in an attempt to silence his inner voices for a brief reprieve.
He had started drinking early, just after 6pm. The Woolpack had been quiet enough, just his Uncle Zak, Rodney and Doug had been propping up the bar. When they had asked him to join them, the 18-year-old turned his nose up, insulted at the suggestion that he was suitable company.
Lamenting over the years ups and downs and planning 2011 with the three 'old boys' wasn't exactly how Aaron planned to spend the night. The only company he wanted was lager and plenty of it. That was a lie, he wanted Jackson, but he was at the airport now and Aaron was facing a whole month without him.
Sitting in the corner, alone, Aaron replayed yesterday's events in his mind. He was furious with himself for not having the guts to tell Jackson he loved him, what the hell was his problem?
Jackson had been as understanding as ever, letting Aaron off the hook and saying their goodbyes last night. He told him that it was best to stay away from the airport as his parents would be under pressure and he didn't want his dad clashing with Aaron again. Even though he knew Jackson was giving him yet another easy way out, Aaron took it.
His flagellation was disturbed by the beep of his mobile phone. His heart skipped, maybe it was Jackson, asking him to make a quick dash to the airport.
The text message was from Adam, wondering what time he wanted to meet for drinks.
Aaron sent a one word reply, which was his usual style, 'Now'.
When he looked up his mother had just made her entrance through the pub door.
Chas: 'Hey, what are you doing here? Thought you'd be gone to the airport, the flights in two hours isn't it?
Aaron: 'Yea it is, but I'm not going on it am I?
Chas: 'What..are you not gona see him off?
Aaron: 'No...
Chas: 'I duno Aaron, I can't make you out, one minute you're telling me you love the guy, then you can't even be bothered to wave him off as he goes for a life changing operation.'
Aaron: 'We don't know that.'
Chas: 'What?'
Aaron: 'If it'll be life changing.'
Chas: 'Ah you know what I give up, gay, straight, you blokes are all the same. I really thought you were getting somewhere Aaron, growing up a bit and facing things head on.'
Aaron: 'Just stop going on about it will ya.'
Chas: 'Yea...I wouldn't want to gatecrash your pity party for one, Happy New Year and all that.'
Being relatively new to the though love brigade, Chas hated walking away from her son. She wanted to throw her arms around him and tell him it was ok to feel sorry for himself. But she knew Aaron needed a kick up the backside, he was miserable without Jackson and she had to do what she could to make sure he didn't lose him for good.
Aaron stared at his phone, he read old text messages from Jackson, ones that had either been too sweet or sexy to delete, he looked at photos of the two of them, happy and oblivious as to what lay ahead. Before he had time to chicken out, he had pressed the dial button on Jackson's name.
Meanwhile at the airport, Jackson almost dropped his phone when he saw Aaron's name pop up. He's here, he thought, he's come to say goodbye and maybe so much more.
Jackson: 'Aaron?...where are you?
Aaron: 'Hey, you alright, I'm just in the Woolie.
Jackson: 'Oh...well you've started early.'
Aaron: 'Yea, you know me life and soul of the party.'
Jackson: 'So you gona head into Bar West later then?'
Aaron: 'No...why would I do that?
Jackson: 'Aaron...you are allowed to enjoy yourself you know.'
Aaron: 'Well I wouldn't, would I, without you.'
Jackson let a moments silence linger in the hope that Aaron would fill it with the words he longed to hear.
Aaron: 'Jack...
Jackson: 'Yea...
Aaron: 'Happy New Year.'
Jackson: 'Yea...you too, I gota go now Aaron, they're calling us, talk soon yea.'
As Jackson hung up the phone, Hazel couldn't help but inquire as to their conversation.
Hazel: 'When you said, 'you too'...did he say...you know...
Jackson: 'Relax mum, it was Happy New Year, that's all.'
Once again Jackson's smile hide his disappointment as he made his way to the departure gate, leaving one place of confusion and uncertainty for an infinitely greater one.
Aaron wasn't alone for long, Adam was only too happy to start his own New Year's Eve celebrations away from Butler's Farm and Holly's never ending ordeal.
But his company wasn't exactly full of the joys of the occasion.
Adam: 'Bloody hell Aaron, are you gona have a sulk on all night?
Aaron: 'Go run off to Scarlett if you don't like it,'
Adam: 'Oh don't worry she's coming, just takes her two hours to get ready...at least that's not a problem you'll ever have eh.?
Aaron: 'You what?'
Adam: 'Calm down mate, what the hell is wrong with you now, you should be happy Jacksons going to America, getting the help he needs, this is what you want isn't it?
Aaron: 'Ah yea, it's top mate... he's gone for a month, Hazel has no idea how's she's gona pay for the rest of the treatment and I'm some use to him arn't I?
Adam: 'Yea course you are, you've been amazing with him since you got back together, what's all this about.'
Aaron: 'It's my responsibility, it's up to me to get him the money he needs.'
Adam: 'Don't be stupid, where the hell are you gona get that kinda money,'
Aaron: 'You know where.'
Adam: 'No way Aaron, don't be a bloody idiot.
Aaron: 'It's the only option I have, so don't you say a word to anyone alright. I'm doing this for Jackson'
Adam: 'Do you think Jackson would want this, you getting messed up in that world again, getting yourself locked up or killed.'
Aaron: 'If you're not gona help me Adam then just do one.'
Adam: 'How can you even think about this, after what's happened to Holly'
Aaron: 'Holly's a dozy cow and if other muppets want to get wasted on that muck them I'm happy to give it to them...for the right price.'
Adam: 'I can't believe I'm hearing this...
Aaron: 'I don't care what you do as long as you don't breath a word, alright'
Now filled with aggression Aaron grabbed his jacket and stormed out of the pub into the frosty evening air.
It didn't take Adam long to gather his thoughts and formulate his next move. He knew he had to stop Aaron making the biggest mistake of his life, going back to drug running for the McFarlanes. He too grabbed his coat, left the pub and braved the night, but instead of running after his best friend, Adam turned in the direction of Cain's cottage.
Knocking on the door, Adam knew his betrayal of confidence was best thing he could do for Aaron.
Cain: 'Mr. Barton, what can I do for you...that heap of junk pack in on you again, it's triple time on New Year's Eve you know.'
Adam: 'Cain...I need to talk to you, can I come in?'