Five

Aiden's house was large, wooden, and completely welcoming. There was something so earthy about it, so spiritual. I felt at peace as soon as he led me through the front door and started giving me an unofficial tour. I don't know what the feeling was exactly…it almost felt familiar. But I know I've never been in Aiden's house before.

Like my house, there were animal skins on the backs of chairs, animal related paintings or artifacts, and even more so than my house quite a few woven baskets here and there, especially on anything with a flat surface. My favorite was the kitchen; there was a collection of multicolored dream catchers hanging next to the window.

I was walking by the fireplace and on top of the mantel there were old pictures, and I loved looking at those. There were a few discolored, old photographs of what I assumed was Aiden's dad and friends, all grouped together smiling. Then there was Aiden as a little kid, holding up a fishing rod with one hand and an actual fish with the other. I laughed when I saw this. The other picture was more recent, it featured a large group of people who all seemed related, clustered together smiling at the camera. There were a few beautiful women at the edges, but in the center were mostly all guys, with Aiden and some other kids sitting on the ground looking up. I figured he must have been eleven or twelve when this was taken. I assumed he was in Washington, and realized it had been awhile since he's been there, like he said.

Aiden was behind me, watching me look at the pictures. "That's my family," He explained. "See the background?"

"It's very…green," I replied, not really knowing what else to say.

"Yeah. It's very pretty down there, forests like you've never seen before," Aiden described.

"I can't wait until you go back," I told him, smirking. He shoved me lightly, jokingly, and said I shouldn't be wishing him away just yet.

It's only been a week since we've been going out, after all. I loved saying that, by the way; 'Going out' or 'together' or even 'item'. But my favorite was saying 'my boyfriend'.

"Show me more," I urged him, tugging on his arm. Aiden took me to his room. He had red wine colored walls, a very big bed, a wooden dresser. He also had a computer on a desk in the corner, a guitar in the other, CDs, DVDs, and school stuff strewn about. An average guy's room, really. I jumped on his bed, on top of what looked to be a Peruvian rug laying on top of the sheets and comforter. I admired how comfortable his bed was. Just like its owner, I thought. I lay on my back and reached up a hand, fingering the dream catcher that swung just above the headboard.

"Comfy?" Aiden wondered, grinning. I nodded.

"You, my dear, have a really comfortable bed," I let him know. I looked down at the rug I lay on, feeling the finely woven colors with my fingers. "I could live on this bed."

"Hey now, don't give me ideas," Aiden joked, walking over to the chair he used to go on his computer. I smiled and looked around some more. Among the band posters on the walls, there were framed, native looking paintings hanging. A closer inspection led me to see he had a pretty nice stereo to my right.

I jumped off the bed and walked towards the stereo, where there was a neat pile of CDs right next to it, begging me to peruse through them. "Let me take a look here," I murmured to myself. I turned around and saw that Aiden was watching me, scratching the back of his neck nervously. I smiled over at him and returned to my task.

"I can't believe we like all the same music," I told him. I couldn't help the surprise in my voice, because I usually expected guys to listen to mainstream rock and what not. But Aiden had a huge, and good, variety.

Aiden walked over to me just as I put the CDs back. He put his arms around me and nuzzled his face against mine. "Did you want to stay here or get something to eat?" He wondered, kissing me on the cheek.

"Um," I thought, leaning my head back and on his shoulder. "I don't know. I guess we could go out," I pondered.

Just then we heard rustling, and someone calling Aiden's name feebly. "Aiden? Aiden?"

Aiden let go of me and opened his door wider, looking into the hallway. "Grandma, I'm over here!"

I watched as an old woman appeared into Aiden's room, beside him, looking me in the eye over his shoulder. She was small, hunched over a bit, and wore her long silver hair in two braids resting down her front.

"Who's this?" Her cute old lady voice wondered. I stepped forward, and Aiden placed a hand on my back.

"This is Charlotte, Grams," He introduced. I gave her my hand, not knowing what else to do.

"Hi!" I said cheerfully, feeling a little dumb. "It's nice to finally meet you."

Aiden's grandma looked at me and smiled sweetly, but I felt like she was scrutinizing me. Well, she probably was. I didn't mind. Her hand felt soft and fragile in mine.

"I've heard so much about you, dear," Aiden's grandma said, and looked up at Aiden. "I was going crazy listening to him go on about you all day." I couldn't help laughing, and looked up at Aiden, but he had turned away to hide his face. Before I could make fun of him, Aiden's grandma took my hand. "Follow me," She said quietly.

I followed her back into the living room. Next to the dining room table there was an old, glass-fronted display cabinet I had overlooked. Inside were little vases and pots made of clay, a small wolf figurine, and about a dozen old photographs within even older looking frames.

She handed me one after slowly opening the cabinet. A young man who looked like Aiden was standing there with two other guys. He was in the middle, had his arms around the other two. "Aiden's dad?" I guessed. Aiden's grandma shook her head and pointed to herself.

"My husband," She explained. I nodded and thought how funny it was that Aiden's grandpa looked identical to him. She put that portrait back and handed me another, this time it was a young woman holding a baby. She looked like Pocahontas.

"You?" I guessed. Aiden's grandma nodded, smiling. I looked over at Aiden, who had followed us. He was sitting at the dining room table, and shrugged when I looked over at him.

"Grandma likes showing people all this stuff, I don't know why," Aiden grumbled.

"I like it," I told him, and turned back just in time for a new picture. This one showed a little boy curled up next to a huge dog, sleeping. "Wow. Is that a husky, or what?" I wondered. Aiden didn't get up, but seemed to know what picture I was referring to.

"He was a mutt. I guess you can say he was part husky," He replied, staring out his living room window.

"I always pegged you as a dog person," I laughed, handing his grandma the picture back. "But am surprised you don't have one."

I walked over to him and placed my hands on his shoulders. He leaned back and looked up at me. "We aren't allowed," He said.

"Really? Why?" I wondered curiously.

"Um…my grandma has allergies, I guess. That's what my dad says anyway," He replied. We both looked up to Aiden's grandma, who just shrugged back at us.

"No need for a dog here," She simply stated. Her small, old hands shut the cabinet doors. Her little feet shuffled towards the kitchen. Soon, she was gone.

"Your grandma is fun," I told Aiden.

"She likes you, I can tell," Aiden replied, getting up. Unexpectedly, he hugged me, holding me close. It had been getting dark, which meant it was cold. I didn't even realize how cold I was until Aiden held me, and I've never felt so warm in my life.

"Let's go out," He murmured in my ear. "Get something to eat."

I wanted to reply, but Aiden started to kiss me all over, starting on my cheeks, making his way over to my nose, then finally my mouth, kissing me passionately. I don't know what brought on such an abrupt act of romance, but I didn't complain.

When I was free to speak, I smiled at him. "Let's go eat!"

**

In North Pole, we have our own share of tiny, quaint restaurants that scream out 'small town'. I love them though, because it feels special every time you go to one; the meals have that home cooked, motherly touch.

Aiden and I arrived at a particularly cozy restaurant moments later. The front yard was covered in mini pine trees and there to greet us a smiling, wooden bear statue at the door. "This place looks good," I told Aiden, who had been here before.

"It's really good, you'll see," He replied, placing a hand on the small of my back. We entered the dimly lit waiting area, then had a waitress lead us to our table. The place was small, and there were a lot of old people. But I was used to this. A cozy fire crackled in the corner, giving the whole room a natural warmth and glow.

As soon as we sat down, Aiden reached for my hand. I sighed happily, loving this moment. Being here, with Aiden. It was perfect. This past week had been so perfect, I was scared. Things were going so well that I hoped nothing happened to cut this bliss short. It's been only a week, but I feel like I've known Aiden forever. I looked up at him and wondered what caused a person to feel so strongly about someone else, for no apparent reason at all. Sure, there were looks and personality. But attraction itself doesn't constitute as love. Not that I loved Aiden, but I felt like I could love him. That it would happen. For now, I definitely care about him. I was gradually falling for him…

"What are you thinking about?" Aiden wondered. "You always put that face on when your mind starts to drift." He laughed and I shook my head, focusing on him.

"You're funny," I replied sarcastically, smiling. "I was thinking…I was think about love, and how does it work," I told him. "I mean, what makes someone love another being so quickly? And let's say the other person was bad in some ways. What makes someone love another who is bad? Or bad for them? What makes a couple last years and years…," I wondered, looking past Aiden at an elderly couple near us.

"I can't answer your questions. But I believe that love isn't just a feeling, it's an action. And…I guess wanting to do that action to someone else because you're drawn to them…that's love," Aiden mused, putting on a thinking face. I thought about his theory.

"But it can't be an action," I argued playfully. "Love happens involuntarily."

"Your heart pumps involuntarily to keep you alive. Even if you wanted your heart to stop, it wouldn't," Aiden pointed out. I sat back and smiled at him, shaking my head slightly. He shrugged, grinning at me. I was glad to have a new debating partner. I'm one of those weird people who like arguing (as long as it doesn't get nasty). I'm also addicted to watching couples fight in movies, TV shows, etc. It seems more real to me when actors who are in love argue, than when they spew out Shakespeare love quotes.

Not that I wanted to argue with Aiden. And here's hoping we never get in fights.

We ordered, and small talked until our food came. "I love your house," I told him.

"I feel like it's got too much of an old feeling to it," Aiden complained, eating a bit of his pasta. "When I get my own house, it's going to be super modern. And artsy."

I shrugged, taking a bite of my Caesar salad. I chewed thoughtfully and decided this place was good after all. "I'm torn between having a modern house, or a house that feels homey and familiar. You know, like a home. Modern houses can seem a bit cold," I confessed.

Aiden laughed. "I feel like you've taken into account everything that has to do with your future. So, what kind of car will you drive? Do you know how many kids you're going to have?"Aiden joked.

I waited until I swallowed, then quickly replied, "Mercedes convertible. White. About two kids, but I could make room for three. And one wouldn't be that bad. Less of a mess."

Aiden looked up and shook his head at me. "You're really interesting," He finally said. "But very charming."

I laughed, hoping that first part was a compliment. Aiden smiled over at me, and my heart melted. I was so lucky to have him. I couldn't wait for all the memories we'd share. My life, at the moment, was perfection.

**

Marlene and I were hanging out in my room the next day, and while she searched something on my computer, I was fiddling on my phone, looking over all the pictures of me and Aiden I had. "You don't even know Marlene," I was saying. "He's so perfect for me. Like, this is it. This is one of those relationships I'll remember forever."

Marlene sighed. I knew it must be hard, me talking about Aiden all the time. But I liked him so much and that's the only thing that ran through my head all day. What did she expect?

"Charlotte, if you mention Aiden's name one more time…," She threatened. She shook her head menacingly, not being able to come up with a punishment. "I swear."

"Whatever. Me having a boyfriend and you not having one isn't working out. We have to talk about our men together!" I proposed. "Let's go through our yearbook and find you a match." Marlene and I loved doing that.

"There isn't anyone for me at our school," Marlene replied quietly, typing something on my laptop.

"For a bubbly girl, you can be awfully pessimistic at times. Of course there is! I felt the same way. But then Aiden came out of nowhere, and now we're in love. Your turn!" I exclaimed enthusiastically. I walked over to where she was on my laptop. "What are you looking up anyway?"

"I want to see if they have any idea of what the serial killer looks like," Marlene replied serenely. Marlene liked death in a weird way. She wasn't suicidal or anything, it just always fascinated her. While my favorite thing about Shakespeare were the love scenes, Marlene liked how he portrayed death.

"I completely forgot about that!" I cried in shock. It amused me that I think about Aiden so much I forgot there was an 'alleged' serial killer on the loose.

North Pole doesn't experience much when it comes to exciting things. Christmas is about it. But, with Halloween around the corner, some kook has decided to murder someone. And now, he's a serial killer. And everyone's being warned to stay at home, lock their doors, etc. The classic teen thriller drill, you know.

"They don't have anything. Damn," Marlene muttered. I shrugged, and leaned against my wall.

"There's only been one murder. Why is everyone freaking out?"

"Charlotte, there aren't that many people who live here. This is serious," Marlene interjected, looking up at me.

"Yeah, you're right. But I don't want to psych myself out," I decided, running for my bunny blanket. I held it tightly and looked at Marlene in fear. She laughed.

"You're so weird."

"And you're not?"

"Just saying," Marlene replied chuckling. "Besides, what do you need a bunny blanket for? You have hunky Aiden to protect you."

"Oh!" I sighed dramatically, falling on my bed. "My hero!"

Marlene rolled her eyes. She walked over to my bedroom window. A few seconds later she cried out "Oh my!"

"What?" I wondered, jumping quickly and running towards my window. I looked outside but all I saw was Nate in the backyard. Shirtless again, and walking inside. What was it with the no shirt thing? Wasn't he cold? "My brother is such a freak," I grumbled.

"What in the hell was he doing outside without clothes on? It's October!" Marlene sounded surprised, considering how many times I told her my brother had completely lost his marbles.

"I told you he was being weird. Watch, we'll go downstairs and confront him. Even tell my parents. They're going to act like it's nothing!" I cried with the passion of someone who could finally prove she wasn't crazy. I ran downstairs, Marlene following close behind.

"Nate!" I yelled out, and there he was, in front of the backyard door.

"What?" He growled. He was shaking, of course. It was freezing outside. Once again, I noted the stupid tattoo he just got.

"You're freezing. Why were you outside? Without clothes?" I wondered. Marlene stood next to me, looking first at Nate, then me, with uncertainty.

"School project," Nate lied.

"Bullshit." I stared him down, determined. I had to know.

"Fine. I guess I had to tell you sometime…," Nate sighed, and placed a hand on his forehead in distress. Finally! I've been waiting for this moment. Now, why was he acting so strange? "I'm…I'm the killer, Char. I killed that hunter," Nate confessed.

There was a suppressed laugh behind me, and I looked at Marlene. She was trying hard not to smile. I looked back at Nate, who was cracking up. I can' t believe this.

"Nate, I'm not some idiot. Something is up! I'm not crazy!" I screamed, hoping that would somehow bring out the truth.

Nate shook his head at me, looked up one last time, and started to walk away. Not one word.

**

Later that night, I was making myself a sandwich for dinner in the kitchen. It was early, but I didn't want to wait until dinner. I had school tomorrow, and just wanted to sleep. My parents were watching TV in the living room, and I was feeling so stressed that I had to talk to them.

"Mom," I said, coming up to them. "Dad," I added. They looked up, Dad turning the volume down.

"What's wrong, sweetheart?" Mom wanted to know.

"I need to know…," I started, then looked down at my sandwich. I wasn't really that hungry, after all. "I need to know what happened to Nate."

Mom looked at Dad. "Honey, we're telling you. Nothing is going on," Dad told me firmly.

"You say that but-," I started, but all of a sudden my dad's head turned quickly to the door.

"Hun, what is it?" Mom wondered in alarm.

"Someone's here," My dad replied, confused. I looked at my mom, also confused. I hadn't heard anything. But soon enough, a doorbell proceeded to ring. "Sweetheart, won't you get that?" Dad asked.

I walked over to the door, thinking that maybe Marlene had left something by accident. As I got closer, I wondered if it was my Aiden, taking a break from his study session to give me a big kiss. When my hand neared the doorknob, I was still feeling normal. It wasn't until I touched it that the biggest chill I've ever felt in my life began to swarm over my body. I shuddered, hoping whoever was on the other side wouldn't take long so I could run up to my room and grab an extra sweater.

I opened the door and there stood Joel Graham.

"J-Joel?" I stuttered, completely stunned. I was not expecting this.

"How are you?" He asked pleasantly. I couldn't help but notice that he was looking quite handsome, sporting a rather vintage black coat, and accompanying his small smile with an intense stare.

"I-I'm good?" I replied. I sounded like an idiot. A fumbling, awkward idiot. I almost wished he would leave so I can act normal again.

"I need to talk to you for a moment, if you don't mind," Joel told me, and I sensed urgency in his voice.

"Everything ok Charlotte?" My mom wondered back inside.

"Y-Yes Mom! I'll be right back. I have to check something…with the car!" I told them, and before they could protest, I shut the door behind me.

There we were. I shook slightly from the cold, for I was wearing only a white sweater. The heater had been on in the house. Joel stood unusually close to me, our visible breaths mixing in the small space between us.

"What's wrong?" I wondered, looking up at him. His eyes were dark. He wasn't smiling.

"I just wanted to see how you were doing," He told me. "Have you heard about the killer?"

"Yes, I've heard. What, you think he's going to kill me?" I joked, but Joel didn't budge. Geez, not even one side smirk.

"No, but you never know," Joel replied, completely serious. I stared up at him, looking extremely confused, I'm sure. "You told me I could check up on you," Joel reminded me.

"Yeah, I guess, but this is sort of creepy. I'm not going to lie."

"I know. I know, and I know you're with that other guy," Joel said, completely out of nowhere. He shook his head and stepped away, not facing me. He looked out at our front yard. "Are you happy? Are you happy with him?"

"Well, yeah, I guess I am," I replied, shaking my head in confusion, now wondering if I had turned on the oven by accident back in the kitchen, and the gas had allowed me to go unconscious. Surely I was passed out on my couch, dreaming this.

But I knew it was real. No dream of mine could create such a perfect manifestation of Joel Graham, with all his power over me and all the attraction I had for him.

Wait. What was I thinking? What was I saying?

"No," I added, firmly. "I'm seriously happy. There's no guessing. I am, I am happy," I told Joel. I like Aiden, I like Aiden, I like Aiden.

"Good," He replied, a little too loudly. Was he getting mad?

"Why are you here?" I wondered, now getting a bit mad myself. What right did he have, coming to my house and messing with my mind?

"I'm leaving," Joel confessed abruptly. "I don't know when I'm coming back."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"I don't have many friends here except for my family," Joel explained. "But I always felt that you were someone I could be friends with."

Why was he telling me this now? Now that he was leaving?

"I don't understand," I stammered, really feeling the cold now. "Why are you leaving?"

Joel saw me shiver, and took off his coat. He handed it to me, but I didn't take it. "Take it!" He ordered, quite rudely. I frowned, snatching it from his hands and quickly putting it on. He ran a hand through his hair. "It's not safe right now. With the killer and all. I'm going to leave," Joel began to explain again. "Before I left, I wanted to make sure you were safe. Make sure you were safe, and happy. With…"

"Aiden," I finished for him.

He sighed, looking down. "Aiden," He echoed, his voice with only a hint of disgust.

"I am, Joel. I don't want you to worry about me," I told him, to comfort him. I don't know why Joel would be worried over me. But seeing him standing there in anguish made my heart reach out for him. I decided to play along with this delusional scene, what surely must be an evil act of my own imagination.

"Don't leave your house at night," Joel warned. "Try not to be by yourself for too long. I'll probably be back. But I have to leave for now." He stood there staring at me, and I stared back. This went on for a good minute or so. As hard as I tried not to think it, I thought it anyway. He was so good looking, so handsome, so…beautiful…? There weren't even enough words to express what he looked like right then!

All of a sudden I realized I had been slowly inching towards him. Or maybe he had inched towards me. In any case, we were way closer than when I last remembered.

"I-I'll be here," I think I said. I wasn't quite sure what I was saying or even doing. I was in a trance. All I saw was his mouth, his perfectly shaped lips…

Kiss me! Some voice screamed in my mind. Surely this wasn't me talking. I had a loving boyfriend, I believed in true love, and I would never cheat. I didn't even know Joel. He was but a ghost to me, someone I saw sometimes in school. Someone who small talked me on occasion. Someone completely, and utterly, unimportant…

"I'm sorry," Joel whispered. I felt his breath on my face, that's how close we were. He backed up a little. "I didn't mean to come here and ruin your night," He added apologetically. "Keep the coat. It'll give me an excuse to come back."

There I stood, watching him walk away. The night engulfed him and soon I couldn't see him at all.