It's been a week, yet my heart aches more every day.

I look around the unfamilar room taking in the warm décor and rich floor to ceiling wood planks. I suppose you're supposed to feel calm in such a nice place but it makes me feel cold.

We've been in the safe house for a week, I'm not sure where it's located but I know we're in a remote area. The safe-house is luxurious, in true Aiden fashion. It's also large enough to fit all of us inside. Me, Howard, Ricky, Ashley and a few more guards.

I leave my designated room for only a few reasons. To spend time with Ash, we cry together, or I play with her hair. Something we've always done, I braid hers... she braids mine. Only now, we don't speak while we play with the strands, there are no words anymore.

To visit Aiden's grave every night. Leo comes with me, he objected the first time he caught me sneaking out until he realized I wouldn't give up. Now, he stands guard at a respectful distance while I mourn. I like when he smokes while we're there, the rich oaky smell is comforting.

The only other time I leave is to get coffee in the morning. I drink it all day long, the nightmares are too fresh and real to sleep. I always fix a cup for Leo; I don't know why. I think to show him my gratitude for listening to me about Howard and how he needed to go to the hospital.

We still don't know who... killed Aiden. Nothing seems real anymore, like I'm living someone else's life. My thoughts are constantly circling around my tired head, I can't escape my own mind.

I make sure to call my mom every few days. She thinks me and Ashley are on a summer retreat for a month. I would be worried about her since we don't know who came after Aiden, but it can't be the Matarazzo brothers, they're dead. Besides, Ashley told them my name was Claire so they wouldn't know who my mom is to begin with.

I opened the blood-soaked box shortly after we arrived. My fingers trembled as I pulled out a ring, white gold and diamond encrusted. On the face was a simple yet beautiful design, An A with an E, written in cursive showered in diamonds. I clutched it to my chest, sobbing. Engraved on the inside, "6-12-19." That's the day I first saw him, the day school let out.

I had something important to tell Aiden that night, it seems so miniscule now, but I received a full ride at Portland State. They have a really good culinary program. I know how much he wanted me to follow my passion and I wanted to surprise him with the good news. I don't know if I'm going anymore.

I have no dreams now.

No desire to do the things I love because the thing I love most isn't here.

I haven't left the unfamiliar room.

Today though, I almost get dragged out.

Leo walks into the room, his expression stoic.

"I need you to get up, there's something you need to see." He says, his heavy accent filling the room. From our nightly walks I've learned a few things about Leo. He's Twenty-One, born in Greece. He moved here five years ago for some sort of training, but that's all I know. He doesn't talk much, but I pry when I'm trying to take my mind off Aiden on our walks back from the gravesite.

"I'm fine." I tell him, this is the fifth time today he's tried to get me out of my room. Normally I think Howard would be the one trying to cheer me up, he doesn't use the stairs since his injury. He'll be back to normal in no time.

Leo's gray eyes look amused, "You can walk, or I'll carry you." He shrugs, "Your choice."

I roll my eyes, walking past him even though I don't know where he wants to go.

I'm guided to the large living room; leather couches sit against the hardwood floors. Floor to ceiling windows showcase the lush scenery outside the cabin. I wonder how many times Aiden came here. I miss him so fucking much.

Leo nods to Howard once, before he leaves my side he leans in and whispers in my ear, "Be strong, okay?" before retreating towards the kitchen.

With a grunt Howard puts a DVD in and gestures for me to sit. I get under the blanket with Ash. Ricky on the other side of her. She holds my hand as we wait.

"You okay?" I ask her, she gives me a weak smile and I feel awful for not being able to be stronger, but we all grieve at our own pace, so I know she doesn't blame me.

"I'm okay, how are you holding up?"

I go to respond but the flat screen clicks on.

Then I see Aiden.

The sound that escapes my chest is so violent that Howard turns the TV off. He comes over to me and hands me water, Ashley cries into Ricky's chest.

Howard places is hand on my shoulder, "Ms. Emilia, I'm sorry. But Aiden made this tape for the three of you after he got shot the first time." He looks over at Ashley, "Please tell me when you're ready to watch, okay?" He ask us and Ash nods silently.

I grab her hand; how hard it must be for her to lose her brother. Ricky his friend. Me my heart.

Once we all take a moment to breathe. Ashley has the courage to turn on the video herself.

The grainy picture comes into a clearer view. Aiden sits at his desk, it's nighttime. He's wearing his suit but it's after work hours. His hair is a disheveled mess and his cufflinks are undone. He looks perfect, but his face looks... sad?

Hearing his voice almost spins me out of control, but I stay calm as I hold onto every word.

Then his velvet voice bleeds through the surround sound. It's almost unbearable having his warm voice everywhere. I let it envelop me.

"In the event of my downfall, I've made this video." He runs a hand through his hair. "If you're watching this. I'm sorry."

Leaning back against his chair he continues, "I leave my business to Ricky. My money to Ashley and Emilia. Howard, I don't know if you're okay. If this tape is being played it's because I've been killed or had an accident. You're so loyal that I am afraid you're gone too. If you're not, which I hope you're safe. please watch over the girls, you've been like a father to all of us."

Aiden nods at the camera, his eyes directed forward. "Ricky, you've been a loyal friend."

He grits his teeth, his eyes softening. "Ash, I'm sorry I haven't always been there for you but I hope you forgive me." I look over at her, she smiles through her tears. "There's nothing to forgive. I love you." She mutters under a shaky breath.

"Emilia, I." He stops talking, bowing his head. "I need you to live, baby." He lifts his head slightly, looking at the camera through thick lashes. "I... I love you."

The screen goes black.