Aaron & Jackson

How To Save A Life - Chapter 38

Been a while, so just a short one to get back into it.

With Open Eyes...

Aaron dreamt all night of Jackson. His first love Jackson, his everything Jackson. Not the Jackson who had left him; then again Aaron knew he had his reasons and those reasons were himself. Aaron Livesy yet again making a mess of things to the point where the man he loved, just couldn't cope with his behaviour and addictions. He needed the old Jackson back in his life and with a smile as he thought back to the events of their conversation the previous day where Jackson gave him hope, that he'd be there for him and if he promised to sort himself out with the alcohol problem that there could be a chance for them. That was what Aaron needed to hear all along but he was scared, scared of facing his issues alone because at the end of the day when it all came down to it, when he closed the curtains at night he was alone.

Aaron let out a deep breath as he got up out of bed and pulled open those curtains; before him was a bright day but the signs of a wild wind was clearly evident on the trees and bushes around the village; not to mention Edna holding her hat down with one hand and holding tootsie in the other as she was forced down the footpath on her way to the church. Aaron chuckled to himself as he watched her when there was a knock on his door.

At the sound of the knock he suddenly remembered his awful outburst at his mother in front of a pub of punters, he sighed and hung his head, he knew it would be her and he also knew he had to face her at some point.

"Come in" he called out as he turned and grabbed yesterdays t-shirt from the floor. The door quickly swung open and Chas stood with her arms folded across her chest and a rather unimpressed look on her face. Once Aaron had put his t-shirt on he stood still simply looking at her.

"Hung-over?" Chas asked.

Aaron shrugged "Can't tell the difference anymore"

Chas slightly nodded. "Now see...that's the problem right there"

"Yeah I'm getting that a lot"

"Good! This has to stop alright, this addiction, everything. It has to stop Aaron"

"I know"

"Well do something about it because you've got everyone worried sick and you're treating those closest to you like crap"

Aaron nodded and lowered his head out of guilt. "I'm sorry for yesterday and every other day before that"

Chas was frustrated and she shifted her weight onto her other foot and placed a single hand on her hip. "I-I don't know if I believe you Aaron. You know as well as I do that actions speak louder than words" she spoke quickly as she kept her eye on him. "And as for Jackson, he loves you. Sort yourself out, your HIV isn't a death sentence, the people who matter don't care and those who do, well they don't mean anything. Don't make him leave again...he spoke to me after he talked to you yesterday, fix all this Aaron, for your sake."

"I'm trying"

Chas frowned. "Oh really?"

Aaron rolled his eyes, not surprised by the bite in her voice. "It's Day one" he explained. "I'm going to try my best to fix this, just like you said, and funnily enough I'm not doing it for me, I'm doing it for Jackson because he deserves better"

"Too right he does and thank god you're doing it for somebody" Chas replied firmly but then a warm smile crossed her lips. "I'm here for you whenever you need me"

Aaron nodded. "Just do me a favour please?"

"Sure..."

"Will you ask everyone to lay off yeah, step back a bit, Cain, Charity, Zak, Tom...everyone...please" he spoke almost pleading with her.

Chas knew what he was asking for was the best thing for him if he was going to fight through his demons, but still she was dubious. "Alright, I can do that"

"Thanks"

"It's ok..." she replied and took a deep breath. "Right, anyway get your arse downstairs, I'm making breakfast"

"I'll be down in a sec"

"Good" Chas said and turned to walk away but stopped again and turned back to face her son. "You can do this" she told him with a nod then quickly walked away.

"Let's hope so" he whispered to himself then walked out of his room to the bathroom. He closed the door behind him and took out his phone from his pocket and started to text Jackson; which read. Thank you for opening my eyes, I'm doing this for a lot of people, but mainly you and when I'm done I'll see you then, Love Always x

TBC...