Listening to her speak, Aiden couldnt believe the night she had. The terror she felt for her family and herself. He reached over and squeeze her hand for some support.
Tessa proceeded with all the details that weren't a blur in her mind.
"As soon as I heard the door I took the back staircase by the study to get back to my room. I knew if they saw me leave the bottom floor they could easily run after me and probably catch me. I made sure to be as quiet as possible as I opened my window and got ready to run.
I grabbed a book from my bookcase and started climbing down the lattice. Once my head wasn't visible I took a small step up and threw the book at my door. I heard people running as soon as it hit the door. I climbed down the rest of the lattice and ran to the closest tree to hide behind."
Tessa was looking at Aiden the entire time she was telling her story, except for the really emotional parts. He knew that she wasn't lying, and whats more is he wouldn't believe that anyone could make this up.
"I watched them run to my window. There were four men from what I could see. The man that was yelling was a tall mascualar man, maybe in his 50's? I tried to make as little sound as I could.
'I want this entire property searched. Call in our extra men, I want her found and I want her found tonight! No loose ends!' as soon as I heard him say that I knew I had to get out of there. I waited until they all left the windows view and I took off into the woods. I was no where near my normal trails so I ran as fast as I could ducking and dodging tree limbs and thorn bushes."
Tessa paused for a moment to let Aiden absorb the information she just gave him and to also collect her own thoughts.
"After I was so far into the woods and certain they weren't near, I started walking. I walked for hours thinking about my friends, my family, the men that were looking for me. At some point I broke through the tree line and walked along the road for a long time until I came upon your house. I hadn't seen another house for a while and was actually going to just keep walking so I wouldnt burden who lived here" Tessa looked down at her empty plate. Feeling like she is asking too much of Aiden and that she does not deserve such kind behavior.
"I don't know how you're still pushing forward. You are so strong and I am sorry that you had to deal with such a tragedy in your life. I will help you whatever you need. No one deserves that heartache" Aiden looked at Tessa in a whole new light. He knew she was in trouble, but after hearing her story and seeing her strength, he knew he'd do anything for this girl.