~~~~~~~~~Aiden's POV~~~~~~~~~

"Victims stuck in water?"

"In an dark bunker?"

"And you were able to see not just Iv, but yourself as well?"

I nodded as Lola, Gia, and Ben each repeated a part of my explanation, trying their best to understand it. I couldn't blame them for being confused, I didn't even know that myself.

"If it really is her memory, then you guys were right, she did save my life.."

"But you didn't see what happened to her after she left that room?" Noah asked as he raised an eyebrow.

I shook my head. "Unfortunately not, the memory ended as soon as I opened the doors."

"You were muttering something before you fainted."

I turned to Victor as he spoke, confused to what he meant. "Huh?"

"After you kneeled down from the pain, you stood back up, took a look around, and muttered a few things before passing out. That's why we didn't call the hospital right away."

"Your eyes were also red all that time too." Lola added to Victor's explanation. "As if you were in some sort of trance."

Ben then put his glasses on, which he only ever used to read and write, writing something on a small notebook. "So for reasons still unknown, Aiden was able to connect with Iv's mind and see her memory of saving you. You were inside a talk with water wearing the body suit you had when you were found in the woods, and had an oxygen mask that let you breathe in the water while you were asleep."

I could feel the pit of fear filling up in my chest; hearing him describe it in that way, and remembering that sight of me, it was disturbing..

He then turned to me once more. "Before all that happened, what were you doing? And be specific."

"I was with Vic, Noah, and Lola in the forest. I was feeling down, so.." I took off the necklace from around my neck. "I looked down at this which was on my hands at the time."

"And you already mentioned the necklace doesn't have any sort of magic."

"Not that I know of, anyway."

"Well, as much as I wanna continue this." Victor turned to me. "We gotta get you home."

"What?! But-!"

"No buts, you're in bad shape, A. You try to hide it, but it's obvious seeing that memory tired you out a lot, you need rest and that's final."

I had to argument against him. I knew he was just being a good friend, but I didn't want to just lay on my bed and do nothing for God knows how long!

Still.. I couldn't be helpful if I was tired..

Letting out a sigh, I nodded. "Alright, I'll stay home and rest, just for today."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And so, Victor drove me back home. Mom and Dad had fallen asleep on the couch with Alyse in their arms, and Ashley beside them. I was relieved to see that they were okay.

... well, I say okay, but I just mean alive.. none of us are okay right now..

Heading up to my room, I sat on the edge of my bed with a sigh. I hadn't realized how exhausted I was until now, all the weight on my shoulders getting a lot heavier the moment I sat down.

Is this what life would be now..?

For how long..?

...

There was a small knock on my window, and my eyes widened a little as I saw Sage outside. I walked over and opened the window for her, seeing her float inside and land on the ground. "Hey.."

"Hey, I thought you couldn't leave the house since you were sick.."

She grew a little pale at that, but smile nonetheless. "I just wanted to see you.. I mean, I haven't seen my boyfriend in two months, heh.."

"... I'm sorry about that.."

"You still haven't changed, huh..? I've told you many times, don't apologize for things that are out of your control, you didn't choose to be kidnapped.."

"I know, but it hurt a lot of people.. I-if I hadn't been so weak, I might've.. I could've-"

She interrupted me by placing a soft kiss on my lips, and although my memories feel like they all happened yesterday, it did feel like I hadn't seen her in a long time..

Cupping my cheek, she gave me a small but warm smile. "I'm just happy you're back.. I-I missed you so much.."

"Don't worry.." I leaned into her touch, letting a smile grow on my face. "I'm not leaving ever again.."

She then wrapped me in a hug, which I gladly returned as we both sat on the bed. It had felt like we hadn't been together in such a long time, and neither of us wanted to let each other go.

"... Sage..?"

"Yeah..?"

"I love you... with all my heart... even if I'm gone, that will never change..."

I could see the tears in her eyes as I spoke, along with a gentle smile. "I know, I never forgot... I love you too, and no matter how long I have to wait for you, I always will..."

"I still wouldn't want you to wait too long, if you want to move on, you can..."

She puffed her cheeks. "Shush, I'm trying to be romantic.."

I let out a chuckle, snuggling against her head. Even if everything seemed to be upside down, it was nice to have at least a moment of peace with someone I deeply care for..

Thanks for reading!!! 'Till next time!!!

❤️❤️❤️