"Hey," I called softly as Amayah descended down the stairs. Her seemingly dull dark-brown eyes met mine, tugging at my heartstrings. "I made breakfast." I swallowed the lump forming in my throat as I said the words.

Amayah glanced at the table where the breakfast I made was placed, her favorites. "I'm not hungry," she said after a few seconds of silence.

"You don't have to eat it now, I can pack it for you," I tried again, knowing that she hasn't been eating well since Aaron found out. It's been 9 days already and I hate seeing her like this. She's not eating properly, overworking herself and I know she's not sleeping enough. And I know she may be using her work as an excuse to avoid me, but it's not partially a lie as we really are busy. Considering the number of classes she's handling, I know it's adding to her stress.

"I said I'm not hungry, Aiden," Amayah said, firmly this time. I relented, seeing the irritation on her face.

"Okay." I played with the spoon I'm holding, looking down at my plate. Trying to think of anything else to say. Anything. Just anything to hear her voice again, even if it's not the same lovely and sweet tone she uses.

"Is he... Is Aaron talking to you?"

"No," she answered briefly. "I'm going first, lock the door on your way out."

Before she could take another step, I called her name. Without uttering a single word, Amayah turned her head to look at me questioningly. "I love you."

"I love you, too," she replied and went out soon after, not waiting for anything else I'm about to say. I frowned at myself, blinking away the tears wanting to form in my eyes.

With a heavy heart, I cleaned up after myself, not having the appetite to finish my meal. I went to the university, way earlier than I should because I decided to go at Amayah's place before she's even awake to make breakfast, so we could eat together, but unfortunately for me, that didn't happen.

I met my friends who are all waiting for me outside the dorm, oblivious to what's happening, except for Julius. He's the only person I confided in. Julius raised a brow at me, silently asking how it went. I shook my head with a slight smile, not wanting to show how much it affected me.

Considering it was still early, we hangout in campus park for a bit. Zoey and Vera do their respective tasks, while Lexie's busy reading a book. Julius and I mostly stayed to ourselves, with him comforting me still and listening to me talk about what happened.

"Maybe you can try talking to Aaron tomorrow again?" He suggested.

"Maybe," I replied. "Yeah no, I should."

"Why do you need to talk to your step-son?" Lexie butted in our conversation, leaning her chin on her boyfriend's shoulder. I couldn't help but chuckle and shake my head at what she called Aaron.

"Nosy bitch," Julius pinched her nose affectionately.

"Says the nosiest bitch of them all," Lexie smacked his hand. "Anyway, so? Why?"

"None of your business," It was Julius who spoke again, earning another smack from his girlfriend. I sighed as I watched their banter, missing the way I would do the same with Amayah.

"Fine, I won't ask," She rolled her eyes, but I knew it was playful. Lexie understands and respects my privacy. "Anyway, we should get going. Ours starts at 8."

"Ours too," Julius said, checking our schedule. He still doesn't have it memorized and it baffles me because it's been over 3 weeks since class started. "We'll get going now."

After bidding our goodbyes, Julius and I went to our first class. My morning was pretty uneventful, swamped with activities and only Julius to bother me. I didn't even get a call or a simple text from Amayah all throughout the morning, and even when lunch came. Ignoring the hurt I felt, I composed a message for her.

It took exactly 3 minutes and 46 seconds before a reply came.

I'm pretty sure that's a lie. It's either all she did was drink her coffee or is still working in her office.

Before I could compose a reply, another message popped up with her saying she needs to go.

I sighed to myself, burying my face in my hands as I racked my brain for any ideas on what to do and how to fucking fix this. G-d, for a kid, he sure does hold a grudge.

That was our last message for each other today. I didn't send an I love you, take care or even asked what time she'll be home. I was hoping she would, because it's what I've been doing these days of being neglected.

I'm not sure if I'm overreacting, but I do feel hurt, useless and neglected. Hurt because she's avoiding me and acting cold. Useless because she's not opening up to me. Neglected because quite frankly, I don't feel loved right now and I don't know if that's just me being childish.

"We'll leave first, guys. You sure you two are okay here? I can give you a ride," Julius asked again as Zoey and Lexie went inside his car.

"We're good," Vera answered. "We'll just wait for a cab." Since Amayah's place is in the same route as Vera's, we decided to ride the cab together to lessen the fare.

"Okay, text me when you two get home," he reminded one last time before leaving.

"Come on, let's sit there," She took my wrist and guided me to a bench. Sitting down, I sighed as I glanced at my phone. Waiting for a message I know wouldn't be coming. "What's wrong?" Vera asked, noticing my mood.

"Nothing," I answered, smiling to ease her worry.

"Yeah, right," she rolled her eyes. "I'm your friend, Aide. You can tell me anything."

Another sigh escaped my lips as I contemplated whether I should also open up to her. I do feel bummed out and talking might help. In the end, I decided to tell her. From Aaron finding out, his reaction, how Amayah took it and how she's been avoiding me .

"I'm not sure what to tell you, but just... be there for her. I'm sure she's just on edge and worried about Aaron. She's a mother, so her son's opinion of who she's dating matters to her. I mean, if I'm in her position, I'd be paranoid that my son hates me and thinks I betrayed him."

"What do you think I should do?" I asked hopelessly.

"Talk to Aaron."

"Now?"

"Yes. Now," she stood up and took my hands, pulling me up as well. "Go."

"But what about you–"

"I said gooo," she pushed me lightly.

Smiling, I shook my head and jogged towards a cab that stopped just in time. It took only 15 minutes for me to arrive at Bianca's place. Swallowing down the nervous lump in my throat, I knocked.

It was Tristan who opened the door and without saying anything aside from a simple greeting, he led me to Aaron's room.

"Bud," Tristan called as he opened the door. "Someone's here for you."

"Who is it?"

Tristan didn't answer and instead pushed me inside, winking and muttering a 'good luck' before closing the door on us. Tapping my foot against the floor, I waved lightly at Aaron who's staring up at me with a frown.

"What are–"

"I love your mom," I cut him off, clearing my throat. "I love Amayah and I love you. You're basically a family to me at this point. I'm not asking you to see me as a parental figure, I can be whoever you want–need me to be. My relationship with Amayah doesn't change the fact that we are friends, bud. I'm not going to apologize for being in a relationship with her, but I am sorry for not telling you sooner."

"Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" He asked, eyes glossy. "I thought I was your friend. You and mom didn't trust me."

Sensing that he's much calmer compared to the previous days, I took the risk of sitting down beside him. "It's not like that, bud. It's just... it's still an adult matter and your mom and I... we were afraid you wouldn't be okay with our relationship. We thought it would be the best idea to keep this from you until we're sure that–" I paused, finding the right words to say. "That Amayah trusts me enough to be with the two of you until the end. Your parents just went through a divorce and she's just afraid that if our relationship doesn't work out, you'll get hurt as well."

"Will it not work out?" Aaron asked, staring up at me with teary eyes that broke my heart. "Your relationship with mom? B-Because I don't care if I get hurt, just don't hurt mom, Aide. I don't want her to experience that again."

I smiled and cupped his face, wiping away his tears. "I promise to never intentionally hurt her, bud. I'll be here until you two get tired of me."

"So, it wasn't because you didn't trust me?" I nodded. "And you won't make mom cry?"

I nodded again. "But, you are making her cry, you know," I said, adding a bit of playfulness in my tone. "Are you still mad?"

He shook his head, pouting. "I wasn't anymore, I just... I don't know, I was confused."

"Then why did you ignore us for literally 9 days?"

"I said I was confused and I needed space," Aaron frowned, making me chuckle. "I don't see it as a laughing matter, Aide."

"I'm sorry, I'm just really happy you're okay now."

"Is mom still sad?" Aaron asked, arms circling around my waist. I sighed, placing my chin on top of his head and wrapping my arm around him.

"She is, want to make her happy again?" He nodded. "Me too, bud. Me too."