Is this destiny?

~ Los Angeles, Cliffside house ~

Aiden is not sure how long he sat in front of his laptop, alone in the room… and alone in that conference call.

He was thinking how is it possible that he messed up so badly. Just previous day Sarah looked at him with eyes full of love and admiration. And he had four more people on whose support he could count anytime. And since his blunder, Sarah looked at him handful of times, always with eyes full of tears and fear. And those four people who supported him now are giving him disapproving looks.

Aiden can't deny it. He deserves it. But still… it hurts. If he has the power to turn back time and do-over this day, he would do it. But what would he do differently? He would still want to protect Sarah. What was wrong with that? Except for the way he said it.

It's not only Sarah to whom he needs to prove himself all over again, but to her sisters, to his brother and to Felix.

He feels all alone. Aiden shook his head in disbelief. Why is the feeling of 'all alone' suddenly bothering him? He was always by himself, doing his own thing… not getting attached to anyone. This should not be such an uncomfortable feeling. But now it's different. He depends on others; he needs their approval. And he wants to fix this, starting with Sarah, but he does not know where to start… it would be nice to have someone to talk to… Someone who understands the situation... He took his phone and made a call.

He counted phone rings… one… two…

"Yes?"

"Hi, Stella… I mean, mom. Hi, mom.", Aiden corrected himself.

After some silence, Stella spoke. "I am listening."

"I messed up, and I hurt Sarah… and I don't know how to fix it."

"What did you break that it requires fixing?"

Aiden was not sure if Stella is more hostile than usual, but if she is, he would not be surprised. After all, Sarah is her daughter. But Stella is the only one who can understand the situation, and provide some guidance, and he has no choice than to be honest. What did her break? "Her trust."

"Are you going to tell me what happened? Or do you expect me to pull it out of you word by word?"

"I have reasons to believe that one or more of my fellow disciples are trying to find me. They are setting traps for everyone who was at the camp that year. I panicked and I told Sarah that she should stay away from me."

"Are you compromised?"

"No." He didn't hesitate with this answer. The people Enrique hired were total amateurs. There was no need for anything more than few slaps and punches, and even that was too much.

"How did Sarah take that?"

"Not good." Aiden exhaled and rubbed his forehead.

"Are you still considering to keep her away from you?"

"That… I don't know.", he admitted.

"What do you want to do?"

"I don't want to be away from her." This came out of his heart.

"What do you think you should do?"

"Keep her safe." This is logical. He needs to keep her safe no matter what.

Stella paused for a second before raining questions on him: "Do you think that one excludes the other? Why can't you be with her and keep her safe? Are you doubting your capabilities, or hers? I think you already have answers to these… and I don't know why you called me. You need me to boost your morale? A pep talk?"

"Uhm…" Aiden was confused. What morale boost? What pep talk? Maybe that is what he needs.

"Aiden, making a mistake is human. I'm sure that she is not oblivious to your intentions. It's not that she does not trust you. She is hurt about your decision that it's better to split up, when she would brave through any storm just to be with you. Think of what she did for you from the beginning, and you will understand. Start with the fight she had with her father. And don't forget how she confronted me while holding onto your hand back in the Cabin... I am glad you are reconsidering your options, and I support you. But if you break her heart… I will find you."

Aiden sighed. Why is everyone threatening him? "I know… and I won't."

Stella didn't want to scold him or sound too harsh, since she can tell that he is distressed. But she can't let him off easily either. Sarah is her daughter, and no matter how much Stella approves of Aiden, if kids have a fight, Stella knows which one of them will get her support.

"Good. Good night, son."

"Good night, mom." He ended the call.

Aiden thought about his talk to Stella. He remembered that Sarah confronted Edward and they were not speaking for two months, because she stood up for their relationship. And when Stella thought of him as an enemy, Sarah was by his side; she held his hand and told her mother that if she does not support him, they will leave. Aiden felt crappy. Sarah confronted both of her parents, biggest authority figures in her life, for him. And he considered pushing her away because of some stranger.

Stella is right. He can fix this. He only needs to prove that he wants to be with her, no matter what. He captured her heart and convinced her of his intentions once. How did he do it? Aiden flipped through his memory about their time at University. They spent time together, worked on projects together, he cooked for her… Cooking, yes! It's getting late, and Sarah is sleeping for a while. She will wake up soon and be hungry. She will be happy to see that he cooked for her.

Aiden used Eve to confirm that Sarah is still sleeping.

About one hour later, kitchen was filled with a mouthwatering aroma. Aiden was happy with dishes he made for Sarah. He boxed the food and kept it in the oven on warm. Now anytime she wakes up, she can come and eat.

Aiden was content with himself. He knows she will like it, and his heart was a bit lighter. After tidying up the kitchen, he went to the bedroom.

…

Sarah woke up, half-dazed.

She felt that her cheeks and eyes are puffy, and her nose is blocked. She remembered that she cried. Why did she cry? Oh! Aiden said that they should split up. Now she felt like crying all over again.

She scolded herself internally. Why is she crying so much? She never cried like this. It's… embarrassing. She should think about the situation and come up with a solution. That is the right thing to do. Not to break down in sobs like a toddler.

Sarah looked around and realized that she is by herself in the bed, by herself in the bedroom. Did Aiden leave? It's in the middle of the night, why wouldn't he be in the bed next to her? Did he really leave?!!

Sarah felt panic rapidly consuming her. She was about to ask Eve where is Aiden when she heard some rustling in the master closet. She swiftly hopped of the bed and headed there.

To her horror, she saw Aiden squatted next to the suitcase, packing clothes. He is leaving?!!

She is not sure how long she stood frozen at the door, before Aiden noticed her.

He lifted his head and met her eyes.

Sarah could see that he is not comfortable, afraid maybe… that confirms it. She found it difficult to breathe. He is leaving!

Sarah closed her eyes and felt that everything around her is spinning.