#airdan

Later…

We spent the afternoon walking around downtown. It blew my mind how things have changed since I was here last. I was happy to see that Crass Records was still open. Maybe they’d take me back…

As we headed towards the crosswalk I was almost tackled to the ground.

“I knew it!” a familiar voice cried, “I knew you’d be back!”

“H-hey Tillie,” I winced, “I can’t breathe…”

“Sorry Aida,” Tillie released her grip, her eyes shining with happy tears. She paused a moment. “Wait! Shit! I left Airdan when I ran after you!”

“I’m here, love,” a voice said behind us, “it’s good to see you again, Aida.”

I raised an eyebrow at Tillie, who grinned coyly in response. It was then I noticed the massive rock on her finger. Holy shit, things really have changed.

Tillie invited Aida to join her weekly Grottos and Goblins meetup. It was not going well, Aida managed to get Zander killed and Sky kidnapped by an evil genie-wizard. Now she and Airdan must rescue her. 

“Zander, I’m doomed.”

"I said I wanted to see Tillie in the nude!”

The hospital lifted my visitor restrictions so I could finally have more than one person in my room. But, I wish they'd fucking release me already. I'm so sick of being here.

Tillie and Zander have been here a lot, probably to give Sky a break. Apparently she wouldn't let anyone else visit with me for days after I arrived, not that I remember any of that.

That guy Airdan came by to visit this morning and Tillie got really weird and giggly before excusing herself until after he left. I think she has the hots for him or something. I mean, I'm sure even Kole can tell the guy's a total fox.

Jace should be here by now, where is he? Tillie thought. Sky has refused to let anyone else in the room, so she and Zander set up camp in the waiting area. Tillie decided she needed a coffee, finding herself wandering down the halls on her way back from the cafeteria.

"Tillie?" an unmistakable voice snapped her from her thoughts. A voice whose accent was elusive and suggested a life in many different places.

"Airdan!" she exclaimed, "what are you doing here?"  Of course he had to see her like this, she was a complete mess.

"My colleague and I came across your friend," Airdan replied, "I wanted to ensure someone came for her."

"I see," Tillie said thoughtfully, "we've been so worried, thank you."

"Of course. She's been through an ordeal," he continued, "I hope she will recover."

"Me too..." Tillie said quietly, trying to contain the sob that wanted desperately to escape.

"I'm sorry, Tillie," Airdan shook his head, "I didn't intend to upset you. That is the last thing I want."

"I know that," she nodded, "Aida's tough, she'll be okay." Her pained expression told a different story, but she had to keep telling herself that. She couldn't bear to think of another alternative.

"She must be very strong to endure what she did," he gave a small smile, "she also has a wonderful friend like you to help her heal."

"Stop that," Tillie grinned in spite of herself, her cheeks turning pink.

"Okay Tillie," he nodded, "I will let you get back to your friend, she needs you now."

"Yeah, okay," she replied, "I've been gone long enough."

"It was nice seeing you again, as awful the circumstance" he said, "please let me know if you've considered my offer. I've missed talking to you."

"Finishing my thesis is my priority right now," Tillie shrugged, "but I'm considering it."

"I’m glad," Airdan said, "well, goodbye for now."

"Bye.."