/pɛtrʌɪkɔ/

●●●

I asked for you on rainy days.

●●●

It was a quiet Tuesday morning.

Little dews of moisture slid down Aaron's window as he watched them roll down, before many others joined; almost racing down his window.

The air seemed tense today, almost suffocating as Aaron thought.

He was going to miss school today.

It was something inevitable, something that he knew had to happen.

He needed to see his brother.

His blue eyes glanced at the morning rain outside, wondering whether one day, he too, could be a rain drop.

Falling down from the heights of the heavens, a rain drop always sounds like some angelic - utterly sacred as it descended onto the Earth.

He shook his head - he knew he never was going to be one.

H̶e̶ ̶w̶a̶s̶ ̶s̶t̶i̶l̶l̶ ̶t̶h̶i̶n̶k̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶o̶f̶ ̶R̶o̶s̶e̶.̶ ̶

Aaron was always queasy when this time of the year came around, disturbing his mental state almost a week before -what he might do was probably illegal too- but somehow, this year his mind seemed less disturbed.

B̶e̶c̶a̶u̶s̶e̶ ̶o̶f̶ ̶R̶o̶s̶e̶.̶ ̶

It was never something new for Aaron to be thinking, but it was something interesting when he was thinking of someone.

S̶h̶e̶ ̶c̶o̶u̶l̶d̶n̶'̶t̶ ̶l̶e̶a̶v̶e̶ ̶h̶i̶s̶ ̶m̶i̶n̶d̶.̶ ̶

Remembering her warm gaze send a rush of warmth through him, loosening the tight knots in his gut while calming his racing heart.

H̶e̶ ̶w̶a̶s̶ ̶g̶o̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶m̶i̶s̶s̶ ̶h̶e̶r̶.̶ ̶

And he thought of Rose - he really did.

He thought on how she was going to be alone in English today, and how she wasn't going to have anyone to talk to in Literature and Chemistry, a̶n̶d̶ ̶h̶o̶w̶ ̶h̶e̶ ̶w̶o̶u̶l̶d̶n̶'̶t̶ ̶b̶e̶ ̶a̶b̶l̶e̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶s̶e̶e̶ ̶h̶e̶r̶.̶ ̶

Rose was indeed a mystery he could never unravel, but somehow thinking of her always seemed to make his mind less...catastrophic.

He could never seem to wrap his brain around the little blonde, wondering what her thoughts were, and even questioned whether he would ever be able to understand what her eyes were whispering to the world around them.

Aaron then glanced at the clock, 9 am, it read and Aaron thought he still had a few more hours before he had to go.

He knew the ride alone was going to take about 3 hours, and then there was 45 minutes to wait for classes to be over, so Aaron obviously still had a lot of things to take care of before he left.

Luke already handled the case of getting a car since the only one who had one was Aiden, and Aaron was in desperate need of one, Luke did it for him.

Aaron would never understand how Luke did it, but he somehow always seemed to pull it off every year, and Aaron was grateful - immensely grateful to him.

He knew he could tell Luke what was wrong, not that he didn't trust the other guys, but he knew Luke would understand.

H̶e̶ ̶h̶a̶t̶e̶d̶ ̶b̶e̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶j̶u̶d̶g̶e̶d̶.̶ ̶

Luke knew Aaron well - not well enough like the back of his hand, but perhaps he knew Aaron like the tips of his fingers ; subtle and smooth.

And Aaron always liked to think that when this time of the year came around, Luke would always leave before he wakes up, knowing that Aaron would like to be alone to think.

Aaron grasped onto the handle of his cup more tightly as his blue eyes flickered to the clock, and he quietly got up and went to get ready.

It was 11 am.

✕✕✕

Aaron let out a little sigh as he honked his horn again, gritting his teeth the further he looked at the traffic ahead.

He had no idea why there was this much traffic at 1 in the afternoon, and it was bundling his nerves in anxiety as he slowly moved.

It never occurred to him on how cool the Canadian air was, whipping his hair from side to side as he passed along high ways, tickling his arm on the steering wheel as he drove.

Aaron has been driving for about 2 and a half hours now, and he was slowly going to lose his patience.

But he didn't.

B̶e̶c̶a̶u̶s̶e̶ ̶h̶e̶ ̶w̶a̶s̶ ̶t̶h̶i̶n̶k̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶o̶f̶ ̶h̶e̶r̶.̶ ̶

Rose always seemed to calm him down, allowing the traffic not to bother his mind too much, because h̶e̶ ̶m̶i̶s̶s̶e̶d̶ ̶h̶e̶r̶ whining over traffic wasn't worth it.

S̶h̶e̶ ̶s̶o̶o̶t̶h̶e̶s̶ ̶h̶i̶s̶ ̶m̶i̶n̶d̶.̶ ̶

His grip on the steering wheel loosened as he exhaled a small breath, running a hand through his hair as he took a gulp of his water.

Aaron had only made a few pit stops here and there, whether it was to buy a small pack of crisps, or even a bottle of water or use the toilet, that was pretty much the only reason he left the car.

Aaron suddenly felt his phone beep in his pocket.

He let out a breath, if it was Luke asking-

H̶e̶ ̶c̶o̶u̶l̶d̶n̶'̶t̶ ̶b̶r̶e̶a̶t̶h̶e̶,̶ ̶h̶e̶ ̶c̶o̶u̶l̶d̶n̶'̶t̶ ̶b̶r̶e̶a̶t̶h̶e̶,̶ ̶h̶e̶ ̶c̶o̶u̶l̶d̶n̶'̶t̶ ̶b̶r̶e̶a̶t̶h̶e̶.̶ ̶

He stared down at the text he has just reached while h̶i̶s̶ ̶h̶e̶a̶r̶t̶ ̶w̶a̶s̶ ̶r̶a̶c̶i̶n̶g̶, his grip on the steering wheel tightened.

W̶a̶r̶m̶t̶h̶,̶ ̶w̶a̶r̶m̶t̶h̶,̶ ̶w̶a̶r̶m̶t̶h̶.̶ ̶

And perhaps it was then that Aaron thought that we didn't need actions to show care.

We didn't need to hold each others hand all the time, or to pat one's shoulder constantly to gesture ones presence or support.

One could use words.

The combination of simple letters, but yet, they seem to make the biggest impact on Aaron's heart.

H̶e̶ ̶m̶i̶s̶s̶e̶d̶ ̶h̶e̶r̶.̶ ̶

Because when he looked again at the text she sent him, and at the concern her words were whispering, he knew she cared.

A̶n̶d̶ ̶h̶e̶ ̶w̶a̶s̶ ̶s̶o̶ ̶h̶a̶p̶p̶y̶,̶ ̶s̶o̶ ̶h̶a̶p̶p̶y̶,̶ ̶s̶o̶ ̶h̶a̶p̶p̶y̶.̶ ̶

He shoved the phone back in his back pocket before he continued driving - he was going to reply to her once he was done with this, o̶t̶h̶e̶r̶w̶i̶s̶e̶ ̶h̶e̶ ̶w̶o̶u̶l̶d̶ ̶n̶e̶v̶e̶r̶ ̶s̶t̶o̶p̶ ̶t̶a̶l̶k̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶h̶e̶r̶.̶ ̶

When Aaron reached Ontario, he knew he had about 5 minutes left until he would see his brother again.

The cool Ontarian air cooled his flushed face, erupting goosebumps on his exposed arms as he drove.

He always admired how beautiful Ontario was at this time of the year, the chilly wind gently brushing against the leaves of trees, and a few humming birds could be seen ; frantically flying as he drove.

Aaron took one last sip of water before he parked the car, right across the entrance of the school. He then unbuckled his seat belt, rubbing his face with his fingers before he got out of the car.

Aaron then walked towards the entrance, his legs headed towards the gigantic iron gate (He reckoned it was about 14 feet tall), his fingers trembling as his nerves knotted themselves everywhere.

H̶e̶ ̶w̶a̶n̶t̶e̶d̶ ̶R̶o̶s̶e̶ ̶w̶i̶t̶h̶ ̶h̶i̶m̶.̶ ̶

The gates were big, but they were absolutely beautiful.

The iron gates were ganished with gold plating, the gold and silver swirling in different patterns around the rectangular gates ; making the most beautiful gradient of gold, silver, rose gold and copper.

H̶e̶ ̶w̶a̶s̶ ̶t̶h̶i̶n̶k̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶o̶f̶ ̶R̶o̶s̶e̶.̶ ̶

Underneath the iron gates were flowerbeds, blooms of life spouting in every colour, in every shape and size, and it was absolutely breathtaking.

They changed the flowers every year, Aaron noticed, but they were always beautiful nevertheless.

J̶u̶s̶t̶ ̶l̶i̶k̶e̶ ̶R̶o̶s̶e̶.̶ ̶

He pushed the gates open with a creak, letting out a little huff of air as he let himself in. He then closed the gate back with as much effort, sighing as he turned towards the entrance of the school.

It was time.

Aaron loosened the collar of red shirt (Obviously cringing) before he exhaled. He knew he couldn't wear black when he came here, he knew they would call him out on that for looking odd from everyone here.

And he desperately couldn't afford to do anything to drive him away now that he has arrived.

Aaron then messed his hair up a bit, running his fingers through his dark hair several times before he took in a small breath and marched right to the entrance.

No matter how many lies Aaron could make up, and how many excuses he could blurt, Aaron couldn't deny that this school was beautiful.

As Aaron entered, he could feel the clean air conditioned mist hit his face, running across his entire body as he moved along. He always took this time to admire how beautifully decorated this school was: with their milky white walls, the gold detailing on the side of the ceiling always seem to stand out to Aaron, along with the multiple large frames of pictures hanging on the streams of milk.

He could feel a small smile tickle his lips as he went along, his blue eyes immediately snapping to the older woman at the reception.

"Hello dear," She said warmly, giving Aaron a small smile as she asked. "is there anything I can do for you young man?" He even noted down the British in her tone.

"Yes," Aaron smiled at her, "you can help me Mrs. Claire." (He read her name off her name tag)

"What can I do for you?" Mrs. Claire smiled, tugging on the ends of her white gloves as she entwined her hands.

Aaron thought Mrs. Claire looked no older than fifty, noticing how her cloud white hair was set in a neat bun on the nape of her neck while her grey eyes held sincerity - honest care.

Aaron gave the elder lady a small smile. "I need to visit Class 2, Sector 5," Aaron said, letting the British accent that he has kept hidden for so long, glide freely across his tongue.

"Very well then," Mrs. Claire said, nodding her head as she adjusted her coat. "Name please."

"Aaron, Aaron DeGarner." Aaron replied, rubbing his hands together in anticipation as Mrs. Claire cocked her eyebrow.

Her gaze then turned soft, her eyes resembling a beautiful grey sky as she said softly. "Are you James DeGarner's brother by any chance?"

Yes

"No, I'm his cousin." Aaron said, the white lie slipping through his lips as it did every year.

"Well what business do you have with him?" Mrs. Claire asked, and Aaron stifled to roll his eyes.

He knew Mrs. Claire was just following protocol, but she was taking more time from him than the last receptionist did last year.

"I have something important to tell him personally," Aaron reasoned, nodding his head in confidence as he added. "It is of utter importance."

Mrs. Claire gave him a small smile, her gentle grey stare making something stir within him as she whispered. "James never gets any visitors, I'm glad you came."

Of course he doesn't.

Mrs. Claire then shuffled with a bunch of papers in her hand, getting off her chair as she told Aaron, "Well you're in luck, I'm already headed to Class 2 Sector 5, so come along."

Aaron nodded his head, stuffing his hands in his pockets as he quietly followed her lead through the halls of the gigantic halls.

Mrs. Claire's heels tapped against the orange granite floors, Aaron's blue stare still glued to the beautiful walls of the school as he walked along.

Mrs. Claire then turned to him, giving him a sad smile as she said. "I'm glad James has someone he could talk with," She said that all with sadness embedded in her eyes. "It's been so long since someone last asked for him."

H̶e̶ ̶w̶a̶n̶t̶e̶d̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶c̶r̶y̶.̶ ̶

Aaron set his jaw, both his fists clenched in his jean pockets as he said firmly. "Well I hope he's going to be happy to see me."

Mrs. Claire gave him a wistful smile. "Of course he will be dear, he'll be delighted."

Aaron gave her a tight lipped smile, his eyes stuck to the ground as they walked along the marvelous corridors.

It was at times like this when he couldn't help but think about Rose.

S̶h̶e̶ ̶n̶e̶v̶e̶r̶ ̶l̶e̶f̶t̶ ̶h̶i̶s̶ ̶m̶i̶n̶d̶.̶ ̶

There was just something about her warm gaze that he deeply missed, and another thing about her gentle smile that he yearned for it, yearned for it, yearned for it.

He never thought something as simple as her smile could astound him as much, could swirl around every corner of his thoughts as he walked along.

C̶o̶u̶l̶d̶ ̶m̶a̶k̶e̶ ̶h̶i̶s̶ ̶h̶e̶a̶r̶t̶ ̶a̶ ̶s̶m̶i̶l̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶m̶e̶s̶s̶ ̶i̶n̶ ̶h̶i̶s̶ ̶c̶h̶e̶s̶t̶.̶ ̶

"Alright here we are," Mrs. Claire gave Aaron a small smile, her thin lips stretching into a subtle smile. "Just sit there and wait for the children to finish."

He smiled at Mrs. Claire, and he could see her eyes widen at the sight. "Thank you Mrs. Claire," He then saw her shuffle with the papers in her arms, h̶e̶ ̶c̶o̶u̶l̶d̶n̶'̶t̶ ̶h̶e̶l̶p̶ ̶i̶t̶, "Do you wish for me to carry those with you?"

Mrs. Claire smiled as she shook her head, a few wisps of snow white hair settling on the nape of her neck, her eyes shimmering with gratitude. "It's quite alright Aaron, nothing to worry about. I can handle it myself, but thank you for the offer."

Aaron nodded his head, his blue eyes gleaming this breathtaking midnight turquoise. "If you insist."

Mrs. Claire gave him one last smile before she said. "Well I better get going then, these papers aren't going to get themselves delivered." Mrs. Claire turned on her heel and took a few steps away before she turned her head back to Aaron and uttered. "Good luck Aaron," And off she went.

Aaron grimly nodded his head, walking towards the seats right beside the class rooms before he took a seat on one.

He now needed to wait 45 minutes before class was dismissed, and his eyes couldn't help but take in everything around him.

Everything was still the same.

The same pictures were hung on the wall as they were 8 years ago, and the same decorations were put out, except they seemed more shiny and polished than the last time he remembered.

It was hard walking along these halls and not thinking of any memories ; after all, this was his school once too.

He knew almost every path this school had, memorised every shortcut he ever found, and by hearted all the quotes on the wall.

H̶e̶ ̶m̶i̶s̶s̶e̶d̶ ̶R̶o̶s̶e̶.̶ ̶

And Aaron did wait around for the next 45 minutes, his blue eyes mindlessly wandering about the hallways as time seemed to tick.

And then, the bell rang.

It made Aaron jump in his seat, just slightly as the doors to the classroom across him opened.

B̶r̶e̶a̶t̶h̶e̶,̶ ̶b̶r̶e̶a̶t̶h̶e̶,̶ ̶b̶r̶e̶a̶t̶h̶e̶.̶ ̶

Children then started pooling out of the rectangular door - children of all sizes and colour and cultures emerging from that door made Aaron stand on high alert.

His desperate blue gaze kept inspecting every child that passed along, the prayers whispered themselves in his heart as more children passed.

And then, he saw him.

He grew tremendously, at least 6 inches from the last time he saw him, and even his hair grew, but he would know that back pack anywhere.

B̶r̶e̶a̶t̶h̶e̶,̶ ̶b̶r̶e̶a̶t̶h̶e̶,̶ ̶b̶r̶e̶a̶t̶h̶e̶.̶ ̶

Every nerve in his body restricted as he blue gaze met the back of the boy's head, the ball of agony rolling down to his guts as he watched him.

B̶r̶e̶a̶t̶h̶e̶,̶ ̶b̶r̶e̶a̶t̶h̶e̶,̶ ̶b̶r̶e̶a̶t̶h̶e̶.̶ ̶

He seemed glued in place, his breathing becoming shallow as he let out small breaths every now and then, his blue eyes anchored on the boy right across him.

C̶a̶l̶l̶ ̶h̶i̶m̶,̶ ̶c̶a̶l̶l̶ ̶h̶i̶m̶,̶ ̶c̶a̶l̶l̶ ̶h̶i̶m̶.̶ ̶

His vocal cords seemed to tangle themselves together, knotting in the middle of his throat the further he stared.

B̶r̶e̶a̶t̶h̶e̶,̶ ̶b̶r̶e̶a̶t̶h̶e̶,̶ ̶b̶r̶e̶a̶t̶h̶e̶.̶ ̶

He couldn't breathe.

Aaron then wheezed out a small breath, his wide stare still settling on his brother before-

"James!" He tried to say it in the loudest voice he had, but it came out as a small whisper.

But he heard it.

He couldn't breathe, couldn't breathe, couldn't breathe.

James' green eyes widened as he stared at his brother.

And then he smiled.

And Aaron then, fell on his knees.

H̶i̶s̶ ̶h̶e̶a̶r̶t̶ ̶w̶a̶s̶ ̶g̶o̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶e̶x̶p̶l̶o̶d̶e̶.̶ ̶

"Aaron!" James then rushed towards Aaron, wrapping his little arms around Aaron's neck as he embraced his elder brother. "I knew you would come!"

"Of course I did," Aaron replied, wrapping his arms around James as he pulled his little brother closer. "We made a promise didn't we?"

James nodded his head against Aaron's shoulder. "Yes,"

James' grip around Aaron tightened, holding his elder brother as though he never wanted to let him go. "I missed you Aaron," He croaked, burying his face deep in Aaron's neck.

Aaron then held his brother tighter, closing his eyes t̶o̶ ̶s̶u̶p̶p̶r̶e̶s̶s̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶t̶e̶a̶r̶s̶ ̶t̶h̶a̶t̶ ̶w̶a̶n̶t̶e̶d̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶e̶s̶c̶a̶p̶e̶, before he whispered. "I miss you too James, always."

Aaron could feel moisture on his shoulders now. "Then why did you leave?" James asked, pain embedded in his voice as he spoke. "Why did you leave me all alone?"

H̶e̶ ̶w̶a̶n̶t̶e̶d̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶c̶r̶y̶.̶ ̶

"You wouldn't understand James," Aaron said softly, patting James' blonde hair. "You know I wouldn't have left you if I had a choice."

James sniffled, a small whimper escaping his lips as he asked. "Well was your other choice worth it?" James then let go of his brother, wiping away some stray tears as he looked up at Aaron. "Are you happy?"

I̶ ̶f̶o̶u̶n̶d̶ ̶R̶o̶s̶e̶, "Yes," Aaron whispered, noticing how James' emerald stare resembled their mother's so much.

James nodded his head. "Then that's all that matters." He then smiled, revealing a few missing teeth before he said. "I guess I'll be going home a little late today."

Aaron grinned. "Yeah you are. Do you need a phone?"

"That's quite alright Aaron," James grinned, his childish buzz radiating from him again before he reached into his back pocket. "We got walkie talkie for that." He replied, the British rolling off his tongue just like Aaron's.

"Very well then," Aaron nodded his head, watching as James turned the black piece of metal on.

"Hello?" James said into the long rectangular piece of old technology.

"Yes sire, how can I be of service?" Aaron knew that voice.

"I won't be coming home soon George," James was smiling, his cheeks puffing out while his eyes turned excited.

"Is that so sire? And why is that?" George replied, and Aaron could sense the concealed panic in his tone.

James eyes became gentle - almost subtle like the colour of damp mint leaves before he whispered. "It's that time of the year again,"

Aaron heard George wheeze out a breath, immediately clearing his throat as he said. "Is it? Well then, hello there Aaron,"

"Hi George," Aaron replied, slightly smiling. "How have you been?"

"I've been alright boy, same as always. How have you been though?" George asked, a slight edge to his tone. "Have you been eating properly boy? If not, then God so help on what I am going to do to you,"

Aaron let a little laugh slip through his lips. "I'm alright George, nothing to worry about. And yes, I have been eating properly." He hoped that one piece of toast counted as breakfast. "but I still do miss your amazing stir fry."