We All Fall Down •An Aidan Gallagher Fic•

•A Disappointment•

I woke up and stretched my back. I sat up in bed and tried to massage my tense neck, but it didn't help.

The last few days with Betsy have been a roller coaster. I truly appreciated Betsy and all she was doing to help me... she was very upfront about the situation and addressed it constantly. I felt this to be helpful... almost desensitizing me from the trauma.

I remembered that Craig, my foster father, was coming home today. I was going to meet him and have another friendly presence around the house.

I heard the house phone ring and waited for Betsy to pick it up. "Hello?" She said in her friendly voice.

There was a pause before she exclaimed, "Oh wonderful! So nice to finally hear your voice." Another pause. "Oh, so soon?" A longer pause. "She'll be delighted. Twelve you said? I'll tell her. Yes, goodbye."

I stumbled out of bed and poked my head into the living room. "Who was it?"

Betsy beamed. "Aidan! He's coming back to California today and he's coming over at noon!"

I've kept in constant communication with Aidan during my time here. I told him my new address and everything about Betsy and the house. In turn I told Betsy all about him... all but our intimate last night together.

My heart thudded at the memory. Maybe... maybe it can happen again.

I ran over and hugged Betsy. "I'm so happy." She rubbed my head.

"We do need to have a conversation though, Cecelia."

"What?"

She sat on the couch and patted the cushion next to her. I sat quickly. "A few things. First off, we haven't talked about school yet." I grimaced and she nodded. "I know. But if you agree to this other idea I have, we might have a solution."

"What other idea?"

"I was thinking... now that you live in California you can try to make it as a musician."

"Wow..." I Said slowly. "That could work! It could work!"

"I know. You could try to act as well, just because that's a quicker way up the ladder. But with that comes the difficulty with school... there wouldn't be time. So I propose you enroll in an online course."

I nodded vigorously. "That would be perfect. Amazing!"

Betsy got up. "Why don't I make you waffles? Like your mother used to make?" The mention of my family brought some anxiety, but the way she was normalizing them made me feel calm.

"Sure. Sounds good."

I went back into my bedroom and texted Aidan. "You weren't gonna tell me you were coming back!?"

"I wanted to make sure Betsy knew."

"Fair. U know I was thinking you could make me a social media account? Like a public one? I decided to try to pursue music."

"!!!! Omg! Yeeeessssssss"

"Lollll stoppp"

There's was a pause in the playful conversation. I blushed when Aidan sent, "I've missed u and I can't stop thinking about our last night. Do you think we could get privacy when I come over later?"

"Mhm very forward I see..." I sent, feeling stunned and trying to remain composed.

"I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to be weird" He said. My face fell.

"NO NO NO I agree 10000%. I could get us a few minutes alone. And I've been thinking about it too."

"That's good ;)"

"Jskkaakakak I'm getting excited just thinking about it"

"I can't get too excited"

"Wdym"

"U know what happens when mY KiNd get excited lmao"

I dropped my phone and felt my face burn at his innuendos and what it implied. I giggled maniacally to myself as I thought I give Aidan a b-

My thoughts were interrupted by a knock at my door. "Waffles!" Said Betsy. I rubbed my red cheeks and went into the kitchen.

We ate and chatted, mostly talking about my new career. After a while the doorbell rang.

Betsy jumped up. "That must be Craig! I'll go get it."

I quickly adjusted my hair in preparation for his arrival. I heard some mumbling from outside before he walked in.

Craig had a thin layer of brown hair on his head. He wore wire glasses and a red plaid shirt about a size too small for him. I smiled and waved.

"Hi there." He said.

"I'm Cecelia, it's nice to meet you Craig!" I said standing up to shake his hand. His grip was halfhearted and he sat down at the table.

"Waffles? Since when do I like waffles?" He said, looking at the plate.

Betsy turned away from the dishes she was washing. "Cecelia likes them dear, it was a treat."
    
"Maybe make something else for me next time?" He asked, more sarcastic than aggressive.
   
"Craig, Cecelia is in one of the most difficult times of her life-"
    
"And we are already helping, she has her own room!" He looked at me and sighed. "I'm sorry. I just... I just don't like big changes. Or waffles."
    
I chuckled and he looked surprised to see me laugh at his joke. He loosened his black tie before saying, "I'll eat lunch. I'm going to our room."
    
Betsy sighed dramatically. After he left, I stood next to her.
    
"What was that all about?" I asked quietly. "Does he not like me?"
    
Betsy pursed her lips, and scrubbed harder on the glass she was rinsing. "It's not you. It's not you dear."
   
I took the hint and retired to my room.
    
I felt upset at the way this man ruined the dynamic of our house. We had a system, something pleasant, and now everyone was unhappy.
   
I glanced at the clock and saw it was nine thirty. I hopped into the shower connected to my room and washed myself, thinking about Aidan. I'll finally see him again.
    
I got out and wrapped one towel around my torso and used another to tie up my hair. I rummaged through my drawers until I found something I deemed suitable.
    
A white tube top my mother never let me wear, high waisted light wash jeans, and a pale pink headband. I blowdried my hair and examined it in the mirror, enjoying how it looked full of volume.
    
I got dressed and found my make up, still stuffed in the bottom of my suitcase. I applied a rose gold eye shadow and mascara before adding some highlighter. I felt confident and hot in these clothes... something Aidan would like. I hope.
    
It was eleven forty five and I waited patiently on my bed for Aidan. When the doorbell finally rang I bolted. I took a deep breath, smiled, and flung open the door.