Demons From the Past novel Chapter 26

I watched as Skylar absentmindedly rummaged through the dresses hanging on the racks. Skylar had insisted that we go shopping, we were currently in some expensive clothing store in the mall.

Skylar loved shopping but I could tell her heart wasn't into it today, then again, her heart didn't seem to be into much these days and I knew why.

"How are you holding up, Sky?" I asked her softly.

She shrugged, "Okay I guess."

I snorted, "Don't give me that bullshit answer. How are you, really?"

She sighed, "Fine, I'm not okay. Are you happy now? Is that what you wanted to hear?"

I wrapped my arms around her and gave her a tight hug. The incident with Aiden had impacted her the most. She'd known Aiden for a long time, she'd trusted him and cared for him. Finding out that he was actually part of a drug heist and that he'd killed an innocent girl had completely shattered her. She was trying to put on a brave face and be strong but I knew better. I knew how much betrayal hurt, especially if it came from someone you loved.

"I'm sorry Sky, I wish it wasn't real."

She sniffed, "It's okay Ver. I just have a hard time believing that the guy who taught me how to drive and bought me flowers on my birthday is actually a criminal."

"It's going to be okay." I murmured.

She gave me a small smile, "Thanks Verena. And for the record, you don't need to worry about me. I'm doing pretty well actually, better than most people would if they found out that the person they were in love with was a murderer."

I rolled my eyes at her but I couldn't hold back a chuckle.

She eyed me pointedly for a while, "So, how are things with Nate?" She finally asked.

I sighed, "Honestly? I have no idea. It's like he's bipolar or something, one moment he's warm and the next he's colder than Antarctica."

Skylar rolled her eyes. "Guys are so exasperating. Let's just forget about our boy problems and focus on ourselves for now."

"So, do you wanna go check out shoes next?" I asked grinning.

"You took the words right out my mouth." She grinned back.

I couldn't hold back my laugh, "There's nothing a cute pair of shoes can't fix, right?"

Skylar gave me a wink. "Shoes over dudes has always been my motto."

I laughed again.

Shoes over dudes.

It felt good to have my friend back.

*************

Three hours later we were finally walking out of the mall, our arms loaded with shopping bags.

"Verena Skylar! Wait up!" A familiar voice stopped us.

My lips broke into a smile when I saw Ethan jogging towards us.

We'd grown close to Ethan in the past few weeks. The more I got to know him the more I grew to like him. He'd apologized profusely for his attitude towards me and Nate and I'd forgiven him with all my heart, I knew he did it all because he had been hurting after losing his girlfriend.

Also the fact that he and Nate had both risked their lives to save mine that day. There was no doubt in my mind that Kade would have killed me if it hadn't been for these two.

"Hey Ethan!" Skylar and I shouted together.

I eyed the single shopping bag in his hand and smirked, "I didn't know you like to shop."

"I don't. I'm only here because I really needed some stuff. Allison used to take care of all the shopping before. . ." His shoulders slumped and I could see the sadness etched across his face.

My heart went out to him.

"I'm sorry." I whispered as I squeezed his hand gently.

He gave me a small smile as he squeezed back, "I can't believe it's only been four months since she died, it feels like an eternity."

I nodded.

I'd moved here four months ago but I felt like a lifetime had already passed since I did.

"I should get going." Skylar's voice broke into my gloomy thoughts.

"You sure you'll be okay?" I asked seriously.

She rolled her eyes at me.

"I'll be fine. You need to stop babying me Ver. See you at dinner best friend." She gave us a final wave before walking away.

Ethan chuckled, "I think it's nice that you moved back in with her. You both need each other right now."

"You're right. We're lucky to have each other I turned to look at him, "You know Ethan. If you ever need anything, you should know that I'm here for you. You can count on me."

"Thank you Verena. That means a lot to me." He gave me a sad smile, "I know I'm not an easy person. People tend to stay away from me, I don't have many friends. In fact, you're the first person after Allison who's actually made an effort with me."

"You're a good guy Ethan, trust me. I'm sorry I didn't see that sooner." I told him truthfully.

Ethan scratched his chin. He hesitated a few seconds before finally speaking.

"I was wondering if you wanted to get something to eat right now, if that's okay with you?" His voice was light and friendly.

I gave him an apologetic smile.

"I'd love to Ethan but-"