Lost and Found(Closed for Shy_Girl)

[raiguy]

Lost and Found(Closed for Shy_child)

Aaron Peters was successful man. He taught what he loved. He was a college professor, teaching genetics. He loved to teach the young men and women who took his classes, loved to see their expressions change as he explained a hard concept, or showed them something interesting.

He had followed a friend's advice and invested part of his savings, providing a comfortable fallback for retirement. He was beloved by his students because he cared. He took grade disputes and tried to judge them fairly. He tried to keep the students engaged. He made the extra effort.

And yet, he wasn't happy. If you asked a student what Dr. Peters did, they would probably say he was either out on the town, or on a date. The females at his college seemed to flock to him. He was unfailingly courteous, treated the women like a true "southern gentleman". Yet, he never dated, hadn't dated for close to 12 years, if anyone had asked.

If anyone made it past his dating history and asked why he hadn't dated in 12 years, his answer was a simple one.

"I lost the girl who still has my heart"

~~~~~6 years ago~~~~~

Aaron Peters had his hand on the door of the church, fighting between his head and his heart. Finally, deciding a course of action, he opened the door and stepped into the church. He saw the pastor and the guests, the bride and groom standing at the altar. He kept walking, hearing the words he needed to hear.

"I object!" he said, nearly shouting it as loud as he could. He saw everyone turn their face. The groom looked pissed, the bride, surprised. The guests all shot him venom-laden glances. He could tell he was not welcome, but he had to say it.

"I'm sorry for interrupting this service, but I have to say something first. Kay, I'm in love with you. I have since the second grade when we first met. I tried to tell you multiple times, but you never seemed to understand how I meant it. I know I have no right to say this, but you needed to know how I felt, honestly for once," Aaron said, shaking like a leaf. He could feel the hateful glares from the groom and the congregation.

When he saw that Kay wasn't going anywhere, his heart felt like it was crushed. Here he was, a 26 year old man, crying in front of everyone. He did the only thing he could think of. He turned around and ran.

~~~~~Present~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dr. Peters was in his office, going over a research plan one of his grad students had submitted. Everything seemed to be in order. He would have to talk to the young man, try to direct him in a new way. He had seen something like this experiment before, but wanted the young man to enjoy the research he was doing.

Aaron pushed himself back from his desk and removed his glasses. He pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to relieve the pressure. He wasn't sure why he was still working this late, but knew that he had nothing else to do today. It was just early enough that he could catch dinner, but knew that eating alone today wasn't what he wanted to do. It was 6 years to the day that, as a 26 year old, he had told his best friend Kayla that he loved her, even though she was getting married.

Aaron never really understood why he told her. She was his best friend growing up, even though he was two years older. They had done everything together, and it showed with how close they were. Then he went off to college. They drifted apart, but still kept in tough. Unfortunately it wasn't as much as he wanted.

Aaron was in love with Kayla, and she didn't know it. He was working on his doctorate when he got the invitation to her wedding. He had gone, said what he did, and then left. From there, he had disappeared, finally taking his job as a genetics professor where he currently was.

Aaron leaned back in his chair and then shook his head. He leaned forward again, and his head fell into his hands. God he missed Kay. He knew that he missed his chance now. She was probably married now, living happily. He knew he should get out, but couldn't stop thinking about her whenever he was asked out. He sighed and pushed himself away from the desk, then grabbed his coat to head to the Union to get a coffee.

 

[Shy_child]

Kayla Rose was in the process of moving her entire life to not only a new city but new state. Leaving her life behind and everything that went with it. She was leaving the past in the past, the lonely nights, the tear felt moments curled up with ice cream and a spoon on the couch by herself. She wasn't going to be the same broken hearted girl she once was. She hadn't dated since the event. Hadn't looked at another man, unable to get the words and look of her best friend from her minds eye.


******* 6 years earlier*******

"Who the hell was that!" Hands gripped hers at the alter as she stared out at the man she had known all her life. She could hear her mother cursing and repromanding him for ruining such a day. She could feel her groom squeezing her hands. But everything felt as though it was off in the distance. A mirage that wasn't entirely there.

"Kayla. What is your response." It was the Priest who held the bible tight in his hand. Looking around at the many guests she thought about everything in that moment. None of this was what she wanted. How could she have not seen the writing on the walls. The way Aaron had always laughed with her even if it wasn't funny. How he had doted on her, cared for her always with a smile on his face. The way he hugged her when she was down. Tears touched her eyes as she stood at the alter.

Looking to her groom she shook her her head in silence. She hadn't wanted this wedding. She had wanted something small, a simply dress a simple wedding. Now she was standing there in a dress that not only was to tight and covered in glitter but was so filled with fluff she wouldn't be able to sit down. There were hundreds of people sitting there, gawking at her. This wasn't her life!

Taking a step back she shook her head again. "I... I'm sorry. I just." She looked around one last time. "I can't." Turning she pulled up her dress just enough to run down the stairs and out of her own wedding and into her own life.

******Present*******

She had taken the red eye flight to her new home, making it in just in time to begin unpacking enough to find her suit and work things. She was a marine biologist waiting on her next grant to come through so she could continue her research off the coast. She barely managed to tame her bright red hair as she walked out the door. She was scheduled to have a tour of the her new 'office' before sitting down to do paperwork.

The university was not only big it looked rather old to her green eyes and her tour guide seemed just as old as the school. The poor old man worried her as he showed her up and down the halls, speaking of the history and sharing stories of his youth. "Now this is where you will be teaching. This is our science wing. Down the hall is the labs. This is the chemistry rooms. Then we get into the psychology rooms, next is Genetics." The old man waved his hand. "After Genetics is Biology where your room will be."

She smiled hugging her things to her chest. "Thank you. This is such a beautiful school." Looking around she wasn't taking any time to watch ahead of her. Before she knew it a door was opened in her face causing her to topple on her heels. She barely had time to keep her skirt from revealing to much.

 

[raiguy]

Aaron wasn't paying attention as he pulled his coat on and wrapped his scarf around his neck. The scarf had been a gift from his niece. His sister was the only person who knew where he was. After he had gotten home, his parents were furious for him ruining Kayla's wedding. He grabbed his overnight back and left then and there. He went home and packed everything, before scouring the job market for something completely across the country.

That was how he wound up in the office he was leaving. He opened the door and stepped out quickly. Without warning, he ran into something. Or someone, to be exact. He shook his head before quickly locking his door and starting to pick the materials the person dropped up off the floor.

He had everything gathered into his hands when he extended a hand to help the person up. He was surprised when he felt a feminine hand. He looked down to the woman he was helping up, and almost dropped her in surprise. "Kay?" he asked quietly, surprised to see the woman who stole his heart in front of him.

 

[Shy_child]

Kay had spent her time in solitude since her wedding day or what was supposed to be such. Her family hated her for running out and well.... her ex? He wasn't exactly happy either. She had lost what few friends she had including Aaron which hurt her more than anything else.

Looking at the hand that was offered to her she smiled. "Thank you." She said quietly, taking it before being pulled to her feet. She was in the process of straightening her skirt when the gentleman spoke her name. She knew that voice all to well. Looking up at him her eyes widened for a moment before she began to tremble. Could it really be? "Aaron?'" The name was almost foreign on her tongue. "Is it really you?" She asked touching his arm carefully before pulling back. What should she say? What should she do. She was complete at a loss for words and for brain cells as she stood before the man who had changed her life in so many ways.

Finally she forced herself to use her words and her mind swallowing hard. "I... didn't know you worked here." She could have smacked herself. Didn't know he worked here? It sounds as if she didn't want to be around him. It was the complete opposite. She managed a smile as she scolded herself silently for being such a spastic woman.

 

[raiguy]

Aaron tried to keep from shaking, but knew that it probably wasn't working. His mind was just going back to what he had done all that time ago. He didn't want to keep going over and over the event, but he couldn't help thinking about how he had told her that he was in love with her, and then walking out on her. He had left her, when he had always told her he wouldn't do that.

"What are you doing here? I thought you'd be married and doing something with your kids by now," he said softly, not at all offended by her tone. He could tell that she was as taken by surprise as he was. "I'm actually a genetics professor here," he said softly, walking with her to her office.

Without thinking, he suddenly asked, "Do you want to go grab a coffee and maybe catch up?" He closed his mouth, wondering why he had just asked this. He shook his head, knowing the ball was in her court now. He didn't mean to force her like he just did, but didn't know any other way to get it out in the open that, even though he was surprised to see her, he wanted to catch up with his best friend and love.

 

[Shy_child]

Looking up at him she blinked. "Genetics that's amazing." She said quietly before pointing towards her office. "I'm.. the new Marine Biology proffessor." She mumbled staring up into the eyes she had missed so much. He had mentioned her 'family'. How she was supposed to be married with children by now. Trying to think of a good way to put it she took a deep breath. "Well..." Holding up her hand she revealed no ring and no indentation of where is had been. "There is no husband... or family." She said quietly before looking at her office.

Coffee? Catching up? So he didn't hate her. "I would love to!" She grinned before her expression fell. "Wait... I have to go to the office and fill out paper work... and well...I just got in this is the only clothes I have." She mumbled looking down at her skirt suit. She didn't have any make up on and her hair was a bundle of curls and friz. "But maybe we could take a rain check?" She asked blushing brightly.

 

[raiguy]

Aaron just shook his head. "We can get your papers to go, and we can grab some coffee. Besides, I can help you fill the papers out, as well as catching up," he said. He thought back to when they were younger. "There was a time when you didn't need make up around me, and we just hung out," he said, smiling that special smile that was only for her.

He grabbed her winter coat for her and stood by the door, waiting. He knew that she'd end up going with him, but decided to lay on the flaky charm he had used on her when they were in high school. "If you come get coffee, we can get your favorite kind, and maybe a snack," he said, his smile reaching his eyes.

He didn't know why, but the past six years seemed to just melt now that they were finally able to talk. He wasn't sure if it would be the same when they started talking, but at the same time, he wanted to clear the air at the very least. He smiled again and waited patiently for her to get her new office in quick order so they could get coffee.

 

[Shy_child]

Looking up at him she was silent for a long moment his smile making her heart flutter. with a small smile and a nod she let him take her things. "that was over 8 years ago Aaron. now I need makeup to look even remotely close to what I did 4 years ago." she mumbles running fingers through frizzy hair. quickly getting what she could into place she turned smoothing her skirt. she was nervous. he loved her so long ago. Had admitted in front of so many his love. Now... other had been years since they had talked let alone seen each other. He still looked as handsome and sweet as always. Still held that smile that always tagged at her heart.

Stepping out into the hall she looked up at him. "I'm glad to see you Aaron. I...was worried. Its good to know you are ok." she felt a lump in her throat as the wave of happiness washed over her. other was true. the had missed him more that she wanted to admit. she should hate him. she should want to slap him for what he Diablo her but all she wanted was to hug his neck like she used to and to play fight the was they had as kids. "lead the way " she said softly a smile she hadn't smiled since she glad learned he was coming to her wedding.

 

[raiguy]

Aaron smiled and lead the way to the Union. He still couldn't believe that Kay was here now. He was happy, and at the same time scared. He was worried about her feelings now. He didn't know if she was okay with him, or hated him for ruining her wedding. He just hoped things would work out for the best, and maybe he would finally have peace in his heart and mind.

He looked over Kay again. She had aged well, and honestly didn't look any different than the last time he saw her. He could tell that all the activities she did kept her in great shape. She had amazing eyes that lit up whenever she truly smiled, and her hair was still a mess. It was one of the things he liked though. She could be so organized, but her hair never chose to cooperate. She was still beautiful.

They got the the Union, and Aaron smiled. "What would you like to eat and drink?" he asked as he grabbed a table and set his coat and scarf on it.

 

[Shy_child]

Smiling she placed her things down before turning to him. "Coffee." She chuckled walking with him towards the counter. "I took the red eye here so I'm a little jet lagged." looking at the food in the window she touched her stomach as other began to growl. She had a horrible habit of forgetting to eat regularly.

"what's good?" she asked bending over to look at all the food they had. smiling she stood once more her hand brushing his before pulling back shyly.

 

[raiguy]

Aaron smiled and then thought about it. "Two coffees, and a loaf of lemon bread," he ordered, before finally going to wait for everything. It didn't take very long at all before they finally had their food and drinks, and could go back to their table. He took a drink and then took a deep breath.

"What happened? I know that I told you I was in love with you. I still am, but I though you were married. I didn;t think things would turn out like they would. What happened, and why are you here?" he asked. He knew that his tone wasn't mean, but he genuinely wanted to know what happened.

 

[Shy_child]

Smiling she looked up at him before following him back to their table. taking a seat she crossed one leg over the other as they waited. once the food was there she took a sip off coffee sighing happily. she listened to his questions her fingers holding her mug in silence thinking about how to answer. taking a deep breath she looked a him.

"it's a long story Aaron." she mumbled. taking a sip of coffee she leaned back. "after you left the church I woke uo from the nightmare I was in. I realized that I didn't want the wedding or the dress or the groom." chuckling she smiled. "you did me a favor. I ended up running out of my own wedding and all the way home. I went to college and got onto an amazing search team for marine biology. I put my nose to the grind stone and really made something of myself. I haven't seen Mark since that day and I don't talk to my family any more. I realized that I was settling in my life. I was settling for a groom I didn't love. I couldn't talk to him or laugh the way I did with you " a blush tipped her cheeks when she finished.

"I did such a great job on the team that the university offered me a grant and a fill time position. so here I am." she smiles running her finger along the rim of the mug. "what about you. ever since that day I've been so worried. you just vanished. I called you but the phone way disconnected." she said pure sadness touching her eyes

 

[raiguy]

Aaron shook his head slowly. He had worried that this would pop up, but knew he owed Kay an explanation. "After I left, I went home. When my parents tore into me, I just packed up and left. I started looking for a great science program, and found this college. Luckily I was starting my doctorate, and just transferred over to this institution. Then, once I graduated, I was given a position here, mainly because of my research at the time. I started teaching and when my genetics courses became the most popular science classes, I was given a full time position as an instructor. My sister is the only one in my family I speak to, or who knows where I am," he said.

He realized that he had unconsciously taken her hand during his explanation. He had wanted to say so much at her wedding, but just knew that he could never get all of it out. He wanted to be open again, but for some reason, his throat seemed to constrict and stopped him from saying what he wanted. He sighed and looked at her finally.

"I've been working here for close to 4 years now. I'm slowly trying to gain peace. What about you?" he asked softly, wondering if things were bothering her, like they were him.

 

[Shy_child]

His touch made her heart soar and her fingers lightly squeezed his. She didn't want to let go, afraid that if she did he would vanish again. "You could have called me. There were so many things.." She said quietly. She wanted to say so much. To tell him how she had missed hims. Missed his smile and his jokes. How she had wanted to badly to run away with him. To hold onto him and tell him how she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him and no one else but all that came out was a simply. "I missed you Aaron." Looking down she squeezed his hand.

"I want to thank you." She said quietly. Her hands were shaking as she held his. "If it wasn't for you I... I wouldn't have realized what I wanted in life and what I wanted....in a husband." Blushing she smiled. "But enough about the past." Looking into his eyes she slid a piece of hair behind her ear only to have it frizz and fall back against her forehead. Ignoring it she continued. "How do you like this university? I'm a little nervous. The last place I taught at there were only about six people in a class."

 

[raiguy]

Aaron thought about it for a minute, mulling over what she had said, as well as what she had asked. Finally he answered. "You'll like these classes, but you need to be engaging. You can't just teach and move on. You have to engage the students for them to really respond to you. If you can do that, you'll be good," he said, squeezing her hand softly.

"I missed you too. I haven't dated in 12 years because of you, but that actually didn't bother me. I just knew that no one would compare to you. I guess I didn't want to deal with the heartbreak of knowing that they would fall short," he said quietly. He had missed her like crazy, and everyone could see it. He had told a friend about her, and the friend could see that he missed her and was still in love with her. He had missed her as his best friend, and the girl she was in love with. He just wasn't sure what would happen now that she was here.

 

[Shy_child]

She listened in silence her fingers soon twining with his. "I'm sorry. I should have seen. I was so oblivious to everything." She said quietly before looking down at their hands. "I always wanted you to have someone who cared about you so much. You deserve someone who is perfect. I looked up to you so much and I thought." Sighing she looked at him again. "I was a kid when you went off to college. And Mark..... He reminded me of you in some ways." She mumbled quietly trying to make herself and him feel better though it wasn't exactly working.

Smiling she thought for a moment. "What is there to do around here? I really don't want to go back and unpack tonight." She laughed. "I haven't even put my bed up yet." Squeezing his hand she scooted closer to him wanting to be close like they used to be.

 

[raiguy]

Aaron smiled and decided something. "We are going to dinner, and then we can do whatever you want to do. That would be movies, dancing, or home for coffee. We can go to dinner wherever you want as well. Consider it my treat as a small part of your welcoming gift," he said, smiling and wrapping his arm around her lightly. Things jut finally felt right. He just hoped they would last, and she wouldn't disappear from his life again.

"What sounds good to you?" he asked, lacing his fingers through hers, happy that they finally seemed to be back to normal. He missed this, missed being so close to her. He just wanted them to be close again. Even if he couldn't be with her, he still wanted to be her friend.

 

[Shy_child]

Looking up at him she blushed, leaning into his hold smiling. "Dinner would be nice though do you mind is I run back to my place to change. I could probably manage to find a box with clothes on it." She smiled before standing, smoothing her skirt. "You're welcome to come with me." She said sweetly. "If we are gunna hang out more you're gunna need to know where I live." She teased offering her hands to him when he got up.

She felt like the teenager she used to be with him. Her hair fell around her her shoulders as she smiled a little bigger. "I'm so happy I'm around you again." She said hopeing she didn't sound odd.

 

[raiguy]

Aaron smiled and then stood up, taking her hand as he walked to the parking lot behind their offices. He was happy that they were going back to being so relaxed. He wanted them to go back to how things were, or maybe closer now. He was just wondering how things would end up working out, but figured that it was best to just let things run their course. He smiled again at Kay, then stopped.

"I don't know which car is yours, but I can follow you to your place and we can take my car out to eat and whatever else you'd like to do," he said.

 

[Shy_child]

"I'm the green rental car." She said softly before turning and sliding her arms around his middle. Hugging him quietly. "I'm so happy I can see you again." She mumbled again before pulling away. "I'll lead the way." She said sweetly backing up and unlocking her car.


******Pulling into the drive of the small house she sighed. Her new home. Opening the two car garage she left room for him to pull in if he wanted. Hopping out of the car she stretched before looking over at him. "Home sweet home. Though it's a little big for lonely ole me." She giggled.

 

[raiguy]

Aaron smiled. "It's better than the apartment I live in. It doesn't have nearly enough room for me, but it's cheap and I didn't want to have to sell a house if I needed to pick up and leave," he said, following her inside.

The inside of the house was exactly what he'd have expected from her. It was feminine, but wasn't over the top. There was plenty of scientific material around, showing her clear love for Marine Biology. The large tank of exotic fish didn't surprise him, as it showed her love for marine life still continued to go strong.

 

[Shy_child]

Smiling she looked over at him. "Ignore the thousands of boxes." She laughed. "Hey can you start opening boxes?" She called over her shoulder. 'Look for anything that has clothes in it." She began to open boxes bending down carefully as she did. "So what kind of food are we going to get?" She asked glancing over her shoulder once more before opening another box.

"Have you made many friends here?" She asked curiously. "If you want we can start having movie nights like we used to." She said quietly thinking about all the times they spent cuddled up on the couch watching funny and scary movies.

 

[raiguy]

Aaron smiled and started opening boxes. He was a few in, listening to what she was saying, when he started laughing. He had just opened a box of her underwear. He quickly put it in front of her before thinking. "I made one real friend, otherwise I just kept to myself. As it stands, I'd love to have movie nights like we used to. I really miss those. We could have one after dinner if you want?" he asked.

He finally found a box of clothes, and handed it to her. "As for dinner, what sounds good to you?" he asked.

 

[Shy_child]

"Hey!" She laughed pulling the underwear box away. "You weren't supposed to see that box!" She laughed before standing and pulling out an outfit. "I'll be right back." She grinned. "I would love to have a movie night tonight!" She smiled.


*******

Stepping out of the bathroom she smooth her short black skirt and adjusted her deep green halter. Pulling a bag over her shoulder she smiled. "How do I look?" She asked spinning sweetly. Her skirt flared to reveal her long legs. Smiling she moved over to him. "I'm up for anything to eat." She said quietly.

 

[raiguy]

Aaron was stunned by Kay's outfit. She looked breathtaking. "I'd rather just go somewhere that isn't going to be packed," he said, a local restaurant coming to mind. "This local place has plenty of selection, and it's close to where you are. How does that sound?" he asked, really just thinking he could also order pizza and watch movies. He was happy he wore something that was dress casual, since it would be comfortable as well.