Find me

Chapter 43

Gabriel POV

“Aria!” I shouted as soon as I entered my house.

I closed the door behind me and looked around. The living room was empty. The house was way too quiet.

My heart started racing.

Where was she?

Oh, God, did something happen to her?!

I heard quiet footsteps approaching, and I looked in the direction of the kitchen.

Aria walked in with a small smile on her face.

“Oh, thank God.” I said as I rushed to her.

Relief washed over me. If something had happened…

I picked her up and pressed her as close to me as possible.

“Are you okay?” I asked as I buried my nose in her hair. “Where were you?”

I felt my heart slow down a little. I could feel it in my throat. I could hear it pumping my blood.

“I am okay.” she said softly, tightening her arms around my neck. “I was in the kitchen. Mister Henry and I are making lunch.”

Mister Henry?

“It’s just Henry, Aria.” I said as I caressed her cheek.

“I know.” she mumbled. “I’m still getting used to it.”

“It’s okay.” I said softly as I kissed the top of her head and put her back down gently.

She took my hand in hers and pulled me to the kitchen.

“Hey, bud.” dad smiled at me. “How was school?”

He was chopping some vegetables. Aria walked over to him and continued peeling the potatoes.

“Way too long.” I mumbled as I sat down on the bar stool opposite them. “What are you making?”

“Chicken, potatoes, and veggies.” dad said, looking up at me.

“Too bad it’s not a pizza.” I mumbled, making Aria chuckle.

Dad laughed and shook his head.

“What did you do all day?” I asked, looking at my sister.

I missed her so much. I wanted to take her to the living room, cover us with blankets, and watch Harry Potter. I wanted to wrap my arms around her so tightly. I wanted to be sure that she was here and that she was safe.

“We made breakfast, watched Friends, and talked.” dad said, looking up at Aria and smiling. “We had a very nice day, didn’t we, baby?”

Aria looked at dad and smiled.

“We did.” she said softly, before looking at me. “But I missed you.”

Oh, thank God.

“I missed you too.” I said, smiling. “So much.”

“Why don’t you two go to the living room and hang out?” dad asked, looking up at me. “I will finish this.”

He could hear the pain in my voice. The look he gave me made it clear that he knew how hard it was for me to be away from her.

“Are you sure?” Aria asked.

“Yes, baby.” dad said, leaning toward her and kissing her temple. “It’s almost done anyway. I will finish it and join you.”

“Okay.” Aria said, smiling at him.

“Come on.” I said as I stood up. “Let’s go watch Harry Potter.”