Chapter 70: Chapter 70:

"What truth Nikki?" Aaron asks confused with tears flooding his green irises.

"Aaron I...I didn't mean to hurt you this way but I..." I trail off.

"Enough Nicole! You have been playing with me all along" Aaron says and it pricks my heart.

"No its not that"

"Then What? I should have known! I fucking caught you making out with him!" Aaron yells at me and I shudder.

I can still feel Aaron's pain as I sit in my bedroom thinking. I wipe the tears on my face. I hurt my best friend.

"Look Aaron! I love Nikki and she loves me! What's the big deal? Just stop acting like you are about to have a heart attack" Jake spits and I glare at him.

"You swine!" Aaron yells and tries to attack him but I stop him yet again.

"Leave me alone Nikki! Don't come near me again! You hurt me!!! I was willing to fight for your love but you let me down! You deceived me" Aaron says with hurt evident in his voice. Then he walked away. I called him back with tears running down my cheeks. It hurts me that I hurt him.

"Leave him alone! He would get over it" Jake tells me.

"Why did you tell him that?" I scold

"Damn he needs to know! He was being too dramatic"

"He loves me Jake! And he is hurt!!"

"I know! But he will be alright! We are finally together"

"How can you be so insensitive?"

"I'm not! I'm just stating the obvious! I promise I'll talk to him"

Jake convinces and he hugs me as I cry into his shoulder.

I pick up my phone and try calling Aaron again but he doesn't pick up. I've called him like twenty times but he doesn't want to pick up. I only got his voicemail.

"Hey its Aaron! I'm sorry but my phone is out of coverage area right now so please record your message and I'll get back to you" it said when I called the twenty fifth time. Hearing his voice alone hurts me. I hurt him. I knew I would! Why didn't I stay with him?

"Nikki?" Trina says at the doorway. I didn't notice she was there. She walks towards me. I told her what happened yesterday and she feels sorry for Aaron too.

"Has he finally answered?" She asks and I shake my head.

"I didn't want him to find out that way" Trina admits.

"Me too Trina!"

"Well I think yesternight was really a bad night cause there was a road accident on the highway. It was between  a black Toyota land cruiser and a double decker bus" Trina rattles as she pats me to comfort me.

"They said the guy in the Toyota land cruiser was wearing a Captain America outfit" Trina says and I get up.

"Oh my God Trina! It could be Aaron! He was wearing that outfit"

"No I don't think so! What if its another guy?"

"I don't think its another guy"

My phone rings and I hope its Aaron but its Danny instead.

"Nikki! Aaron had an accident" he says as soon as I pick up.

"What? So where is he?"

"They are taking him to a hospital nearby! I'm on my way there"

"I'll come with you! See you there"

I hang up and I'm horrified. Aaron got into that accident. Because of me! I'm sure he was drunk!

"What did they tell you?" Trina asks me

"It was Aaron! He was in that accident! I gotta go! Look after puppy"

"No! I'm coming with you"

Trina and I leave. My little puppy was left all alone. Mom and dad were in the hall listening to the news on the accident.

"Mom dad! Aaron had an accident" I tell them.

They are astounded.

"I'm heading to the hospital" I tell them.

"We will go with you"Dad says and they follow me and Trina.

I call Jake and tell him Aaron is at the hospital and he tells me he will be there.

" I hope nothing happens to him sweetheart! He was such a nice kid and he was your boyfriend "Dad says as he drives on the road.

" He will be alright sweetheart"mom coaxes and I wipe a few tears. We get to the accident scene and my heart bleeds.

💔💔💔

" have you heard anything Danny?"I ask when we get there. Troy, Kimberly, Jenna, Claire and Alec were here.

"Nothing yet! Melissa is also in there" Danny spits and my eyes grow wide.

"Melissa was also involved in the accident?" I ask and they all nod.

"Oh My God"

"We are all hoping for the best Nikki! The accident was terrible" Kimberly says to me and I nod.

"Nikki! Any news?" Jake asks coming towards us.

"Nothing yet"

"What are you doing here?" Kimberly barks at him.

"Yeah! You are our enemy" Troy adds up.

"Come on! He is also concerned" Alec tells them and they tut.

I spot Mr Smith walking towards us. Aaron lived with his dad only. His mom abandoned him a long time ago.

"Nicole! What happened? Where is he?" Mr Smith asks me and tears run down my cheeks. I feel so guilty.

"I don't know but he is in here somewhere"

Mr Smith looks crestfallen.

"I didn't believe it! But its true" he says and everyone looks at him blankly.

"Don't worry! Your kid is a strong guy! He will be alright" My dad convinces hugging Mr Smith

"Where is Aaron?" I ask Danny.

"In the operating room! We are all hoping for the best"

"And Melissa?"

"She is alright! She is just getting her wounds treated"

I sigh as we all wait anxiously for some good news at least.

°~•~•°

It takes long enough before a doctor comes out.

"How is he doctor?" Mr Smith says first.

"He might not survive sir! He has only a few hours to live" the doctor states and we are all in shock.

"Doctor! Can't you save him?" I ask horrified

"I'm sorry but we have tried all we can"

"What about the lady?" Jenna asks this time around

"She is recovering quickly! She will be back on her feet in a few days"

We are happy for Melissa but we are all sorry for Aaron.

"Can I see my son please?" Mr Smith says. His voice is shaky as tears roll down his cheeks.

Alec is also crying. Troy is hugging Kimberly and Jenna was with Danny. Claire stood far off with tears rushing.

Mr Smith leaves with the doctor. My parents look sad and disappointed. Trina cannot hide her sorrow too.

I hug Jake.

"Its all my fault Jake" I tell him

"No! Don't blame yourself. This is exactly the same thing that happened to Helen"

"I'm going to lose my best friend"

It takes long before Mr Smith comes back with his cheeks soaked with tears.

"Aaron wants to see everyone before... before he goes"Mr Smith tells us.

" He said he wants to see Danny and Jenna"the nurse behind Mr Smith says. Danny and Jenna go to his room following the nurse.

I wonder if he would see me. Mr Smith is still emotional as he watches people go into his room and come back. Even my parents went. Troy and Kimberly had already gone and Claire too. Trina too had gone and they were all shedding tears.

"Nicole and Jake! Mr Aaron Smith wants to see you" The nurse finally calls and my heart freezes.

Jake and I follow the nurse slowly into the room. Aaron lay there looking pale. He smiles at us weakly.

"Aaron....I'm so sorry" I say heading to his side and brushing his hair slightly.

"Its okay Nikki! You couldn't love me back! There was no need to waste time on me"

"I tried Aaron! I swear I didn't play with you! I didn't deceive you"

"I forgive you Nikki! It hurts me but I will always love you" Aaron tells me. His green eyes shimmering in the light.

"Aaron! Please don't go! Please fight for your life! Fight for me"

He smiles

"I can't! Its just not possible....Aargh!" He screams and I flinch.

"Why?" I ask

"Its just a bolt of pain" Aaron says through gritted teeth.

"How is Melissa?" He asks.

"She is recovering"

Aaron smiles.

"Tell her, I will be with her" he says to me weakly.

I nod wiping a tear.

"Don't cry Nikki! I got myself into this! I should have known I can never win your heart! But what matters is that you were my girlfriend and that is an achievement."

"Yes Aaron! But please don't go"

"Aaarghhh!!!" Aaron yells again squeezing his eyes shut and I'm scared.

I look at Jake and he has tears in his own eyes. Aaron stops yelling and looks at Jake.

"You are lucky to have Nikki! Please take care of her ...Aargh.....don't hurt her! " he says to him.

"I promise you Aaron" Jake tells him full of sincerity.

Aaron smiles and yells again.

"I....I....." Aaron trails off and he stiffens falling back.

"Aaron? Aaron!" I yell as he doesn't respond.

"Aaron No! Don't go please!!!" I yell crying. Jake is crying too.

I tap him repeatedly but he doesn't respond. No he cannot die now! I need him more than ever!

"Aaron please wake up!" I plead looking at his face which had no emotion. It was just blank.

"He is gone Nikki" Jake tells me

"No! He is alive!!! I know he can hear me! Aaron! Aaron please wake up! Don't leave me"

I check his heart beat but I don't hear anything.

"No! You can't go! You can't just leave me alone Aaron" I yell hitting him harder.

"Let's go Nicole! He...he is gone" Jake convinces dragging me out of the room.

"Leave me alone! I need to talk to him! He is not dead" I yell at Jake but he doesn't oblige. Three nurses and a doctor go to his room.

"No! Aaron can't die! No" I cry out as tears run down my cheeks.

"What happened?" My dad asks as soon as he sees us coming.

"Aaron....Aaron is gone" I squeak and my dad hugs me horrified.

"I'm so sorry sweetheart" he says rubbing my back to comfort me.

Alec hugs Jake and they cry into each other's shoulders. Everyone is sad. We lost an important person who's heart was made of gold. He was one in a million. We will forever miss him.

💐💐💐💐

A few weeks later

Aaron's funeral was very simple yet so sorrowful. I cried a lot. His dad too did. Everyone cried. I couldn't believe I lost my best friend. Kate was even present with Cody , Caden and Aurora. A few students and teachers. The soccer team and basketball team players were here as well with their coach.   Melissa too was here weeping. She had recovered a long time ago and was also shocked by the news. They were all in black holding white flowers.

Aaron forgave me and that is what matters! I'm glad he did but I still didn't want to lose him this way

Mr Smith stepped up stage to read a tribute. He wiped his tears with his hand and sniffed.

"Aaron Smith, my dear son! I know I haven't been there for you most of the time but you always proved to be a good and patient son to me! (Cries)  You..you have always been there for me and you always understood me! I hate to lose you at  this time. You were my only son! (Cries)  l am going to miss all the times we shared together as father and son! You are the kind of son any father would wish to have. You exhibited many good qualities and i am so proud of you. I know I cannot bring you back to life, but I know we will meet in heaven someday. For now, I will continue to love you and you will forever remain in my heart son! Farewell and Goodbye! "

I watch as he walks away crying bitterly. His face is as red as hell and it makes me cry harder.

"Next is Tribute from his first friend, Nicole Anderson"

I walk onto the stage still sniffing and crying as hell. Everyone looks at me expectantly.

I take out the little piece I wrote about Aaron.

"Aaron Smith...." I begin.

"You have been such a wonderful and caring friend since I met you! You were always there for me and you always understood me. (Cry)We did so many things together and we have so many memories together. I would always remember them. I would never forget you Aaron! (Cry) You always forgave me when I did wrong and I really appreciate you! It hurts to see you leave like this. But you will always remain in my heart. You have been everything to me, from being my best friend to being my boyfriend.  I know I hurt you a lot and I know you have forgiven me but I'm still sorry Aaron. I will really miss you Aaron! Fare well and Rest in peace"

I get off the stage crying buckets now. Jake hugs me as I cry into his shoulder.

"I miss him already Jake"

"Its okay! Shhh"

He looks me in the eyes

"That was a beautiful tribute! I'm sure Aaron would be smiling from heaven by now"

I nod."yeah you're right"

After a few tributes from friends and teachers, Aaron was buried and we lay our flowers on his grave. I couldn't believe it. I really lost him.

I couldn't move an inch from the grave. It had began to drizzle and people began to disperse but I was still glued with Jake by my side and a few others watching Aaron's grave. I wipe my tears but they don't stop flowing. Aaron is gone and that is the reality.

°~•~•°

"So you are naming the puppy Aaron?" Trina asks me as I design a tag for it.

"Yes Trina! Aaron will be the name of my puppy" I reply as I colour the name wiping a few tears as I do. We just arrived from the funeral.

"I think that's good! I still can't believe he is gone" she tells me as she plays with the little puppy.

"Me too! I feel like he is still alive"

"That is the reason why I am naming him Aaron because I want to remember him" I reply putting the tag around the dog's neck with a smile.

"Fits perfectly" Trina compliments.

"Aaron!" I say and brush the fur of the puppy. It barks. The tag looks good on it and I smile.

I feel better now that I named it Aaron.

I stayed up all night looking at all the pictures I took with Aaron. I couldn't stop the tears from flowing.