Her Chosen Love

Layla's pov

Aaron ended up staying with me the whole night. I was grateful for his support, but also slightly embarrassed. He saw me at a vulnerable state, and that was a part of myself I never wanted to show anyone. I wanted people to think I am strong and brave, not weak and fragile.

I had woken up this morning feeling groggy and tired. My mind was slow and my body was stiff, which made a horrible combination. Aaron left shortly after I woke up, so I could take a shower to help me feel better, and it did a little. It made my face unsticky and helped wake me up. I wasn't sluggish anymore which persuaded me I was ready to get out of my room.

I walked slowly to the kitchen, but hesitated as I heard the hum of conversation. I didn't know if I was ready to face anyone, especially Adrian. I didn't know whether it was his feelings or my lack of, but it was just awkward now. All I thought about was the memory I saw yesterday, and I still didn't know how to process it.

I knew I had to face it soon, but this was too soon to my liking, but with us living in the same place, it was bound to happen sooner rather than later. I just wish it didn't have to be this soon.

I took a deep breath to calm myself then pushed the door open. Everyone's eyes were glued on me, but I ignored them. I walked to the corner seat away from everyone with my head down. I sat down as quickly as I could, and I was surprised when I made it to the chair without tripping over anything.

I convinced myself that it was better not to look up, so I just looked down and fiddled with my fingers. Deciding that continuing what they were doing would be better than staring at me, they slowly started talking again.

Suddenly a plate was placed in front of me, and I looked up and saw Aaron staring at me with a sad smile and concern in his eyes. As I took the plate, I tried to give him a smile, but from his expression I knew I was not convincing anyone.

"Did you sleep well?" he asked. I only nodded while avoiding his gaze.

"Did you want anything to drink?"

I decided to finally say something to make everyone relax. "No, I'm good."

Aaron nodded, but continued to looked at me concerned. I was starting to feel really uncomfortable under gaze, and I ate faster than normal. My plan was to hurry up and get through with my food, so I could go back to my room.

All the information that I have gotten has started to take its toll on me, and I just needed time to think. All I wanted to do was think about how to take in the information and what to do with it when I finally processed it.

After I got done, I walked to the kitchen. I knew someone followed me in, so I took my time washing and rinsing the plate. I put the dish in the drain and dried off my hands. I now had no other choice but to face the person, so I turned around slowly.

"Layla," the person said. At first I was regretting turning to face the person, but then I saw his green eyes.

"Aaron," I breathed out.

"Are you sure you are fine?" he asked cupping my face in his hands.

"I'm fine. Just a little tired." I said giving him a small smile.

"Oh." He looked down with a disappointed face, and dropped his hands from my face.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing really, I was just going to ask you if you wanted to go somewhere with me, but if you're tired I will just leave you be." His turned to walk away, but I grabbed his arm.

"Wait!" I cleared my throat then continued, "I would love to go somewhere with you."

His face broke into a smile, and I started to smile too. I don't know why, but I always got a funny feeling in my stomach when he smiled. Just him being happy seemed to make me happy too. I loved how just a few words could make his face glow with happiness. It was one of my favorite looks from him.

Snapping out of it, I asked, "When do you plan on us leaving?"

"We could leave right now if you want. You don't really have to change, so . . . . whenever you are are ready, I guess." I smiled at his ramblings, and grabbed his hands.

"Well then let's go." He gave me a big smile and we walked out to his car.

We had been driving in his car for almost half an hour when he pulled over. I looked out the window to see where we were, but all I saw was a huge black gate. As I looked, I didn't notice Aaron had already opened my door until I heard him chuckle behind me. I blushed and stepped out the car.

His hand pushed against my lower back as he guided me through the gates. I was confused until I saw a small park ahead. He brought me to the swings and stood behind one.

"Your chariot, my lady," he said holding the swing so I could sit down.

"Why thank you, my kind sir," I laughed sitting down.

He pushed me, and I closed my eyes as I felt the wind blow across my face. It was quiet, and as I looked up at the sky, I noticed the full moon.

Aaron's pov

I was pushing Layla in a swing when she looked up at the sky. I followed her gaze, and the sight made me freeze. A full moon was glowing bright in the blue sky, and without even counting them, I knew which full moon this was.

I stumbled back from Layla as a sharp pain went through my whole body. I yelled out in pain, and I heard Layla yell out in concern. Remembering she was really close to me I ran off into the woods. She couldn't be around me while I was like this. I just hoped she would leave me and go.

I have been through this twice before, but this time would be different. I would not come back from this one. I would never be the same Aaron again. I would never remember my friends, my brother, and most heartbreaking of all, I would never remember the love of my life. I would never see my Layla's face the same anymore.

All this made me run faster, and soon I reached a small lake. I went to the edge of the water and peered into the crystal clear water. As soon as I glimpsed my face, I knew the transition was happening. My eyes were already starting to turn darker, and my veins were starting to turn black.

I heard a twig snap behind me, and I sounded around only for fear, guilt, and anguish to go through me. I tried to tell her to run, but as the transformation was completed I couldn't control my body. I could only watch as the darkness that I was born with, surrounded by mind and took over my body.

The darkness lulled me to sleep, and the last thing I saw was my Layla being attacked by my own body.