The Secret Between Us

Every person held onto the words the pastor spoke. Everyone except for her. She’s heard it all once before, a long time ago. Instead, she listened as the rain pattered on the umbrellas, keeping her eyes on the dark oak coffin.

It was a rainy day in New York City, and people were in color for things like this—black. Aria watched the people around her. Some stared at the coffin, not fazed by what was happing, while others dabbed at their eyes. But Aria doubted they were even sincere.

Aria looked up at the grey clouds as a crash of thunder erupted across the sky. What was it that her Aunt Evelyn said about rainstorms? That they were the tears of angels up in heaven, and the sound of their cries as they mourn the loss of someone here on earth? Her aunt always had a big imagination, telling Aria about fairytales and myths. But Aria never believed a word she said. She would always tell her aunt that her imagination and stories were for kids, and Aria wasn’t a kid anymore. Not since the death of her parents.

She was only nine.

“Let us take a moment to say goodbye to Miss Evelyn Hemmingway.” Aria’s ears picked up on the famous last words every pastor spoke at funerals. She exchanged a quick look and offered him a smile as she approached the coffin.

How many times has she done this? Three, four times? Aria looked down at the glossy wood. She couldn’t remember. All she knew was that she did it one too many times, and she was tired of the routine.

Aria twirled the green stemmed rose in between her fingers before placing it on top of the coffin. “Thanks for raising me when my Mom couldn’t,” she whispered against her breath. “I’m the woman I am today because of you. I love you.” She pressed her lips against her fingers then touched her hand to the coffin. A tear rolled down her cheek, but she was quick to catch it. Now wasn’t the time to show emotion. She needs to be strong in front of everyone. Don’t let them see you cry.

Aria took a step back to turn away, but the feeling of someone watching her made her stop. She looked through the crowd, her eyes searching each face until a pair of blue eyes grabbed her attention. He stood away from the group, tall with his hands buried in the pockets of his pants, his blond hair dripping from the rain. Aria squinted at him. Who are you? His blue eyes pierced hers, sending goosebumps down her arms. She didn't know why, but she felt like she saw him before. Why do you look so familiar?

“Aria? Aria?” She turned to the voice next to her. Grant Peterson, her high school best friend. “Is everything okay?”

Aria turned back to the mystery man, but he was gone. She smiled softly at her friend and nodded. “Yeah, I’m okay.”

Gently, he led her back to her spot, and she watched as others placed their roses on the coffin, saying their goodbyes to her aunt. After the last person put the final rose on the coffin, men came over to lower it down. “Come on. You don’t need to see this.”

Aria didn’t argue. She’s seen it all before. She let her friend lead her away from the scene and to his car. He drove them back to her house, where everyone was going to be after the funeral. She got out of the car, followed the cobbled pathway up to the front door, and quickly finished any last-minute preparations. In minutes, people from the funeral entered her home and found seats in the different rooms.

For the first time in weeks, the house was live with chatter. Some people laughed at stories they shared about her aunt, while others took the opportunity to discuss business. Aria, on the other hand, didn’t want any part of the conversations. She knew if she did, she would break. So, she busied herself, making sure there were no empty trays and there was plenty to drink.

As she was on her way to the kitchen, an older lady caught her arm. “Aria, dear,” her green eyes twinkled as tears filled them. “I want you to know that your Aunt Evelyn was a strong woman, but also very sweet and full of life. I remember when she first brought you home and—“ Aria tuned the lady out. No, not this story. Anything but this story. But the lady didn’t stop.

Aria forced herself to smile. “Thank you so much for your kind words. But I should go fill these trays.” Aria gestured to the dished she was holding and walked away.

Tears threatened to spill with every step she took. She pushed her way into the kitchen and reached to place the trays on the island but missed the marble top. Just as the porcelain crashed against the tile, so did she. She let the tears fall as she picked up the pieces.

“Would you like some help?” Aria jumped at the man’s voice. She wiped her tears away as she turned to them, meeting the blue eyes from the funeral. “Sorry,” he grinned. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

Aria let out a soft laugh. “It’s okay.”

He crouched down beside her, pulling a handkerchief from the pocket of his blazer. “Here, take this.”

She smiled, mumbling a thank you as she took the fabric from his hand. “I didn’t think anyone still carried these things.”

“Well, I guess I’m old-fashioned that way,” he winked, picking up the last of the broken pieces off the floor and throwing them in the trash.

Aria observed him. His hair was no longer wet from earlier, and he seemed relaxed, almost comfortable being around her. It was like he knew her, but she had no idea who he was. 

His hand ran through his blond hair, his blue eyes locking on hers. “Do you want any help with filling up the trays or the drinks?”

“I’m sorry,” Aria shook her head, crossing her arms. “Do I know you?”

His smile made her heart leap. He leaned against the counter behind him, crossing his arms as he let out a chuckle. “I’m Lincoln. We knew each other a long time ago.”

Aria felt heat rush to her checks. “Oh, I—“ she let out a sound of a laugh, tucking a strand of her curly red hair behind her ear—“I’m sorry. I didn’t recognize you.”

“Don’t be sorry,” his blue eyes held hers. “I have a feeling that we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other.” What did he mean by that?

Lincoln’s phone buzzed before she can ask the question. He looked down to read the text on his screen. “Sorry, but I have to go.” He headed for the door but stopped and looked at her before leaving. “I’ll see you around, Aria.”

Aria watched as he left, too stunned to go after him. She looked away from the door and found a little black book. “Wait!” She grabbed the book and ran outside. She watched as a black sedan drove off down her street. “You forgot your book,” she muttered to herself, looking down at the book to find something embossed in it. She brought it closer to her face.

Aria Beth Hemmingway.

She looked up in the direction the black sedan went in. What were you doing with a book that had my name on it?

The rest of the evening, Aria thought about Lincoln and the little black book he left behind. She wanted to browse the book, see if it held any answers to the questions swimming in her mind, but she figured it was best to wait for people to leave. As the last person walked out the front door, Grant started grabbing his things.

“Are you sure you don’t need help cleaning?”

Aria nodded. “Positive. Plus, I think it’s important for me to be alone right now.”

Grant hesitated but nodded his head, hugging Aria before leaving the house. Aria locked the front door and quickly cleaned the place, leaving the dirty dishes for tomorrow before going up to her room. She turned on the light and opened the book to find a name of a bank and numbers written on it. Aria furrowed her brows. Montgomery Bank. That wasn’t her bank. She thumbed through the other pages, but they were all blank. Sighing, Aria turned back to the first page. Written at the top were: Go here, and you’ll find answers. She leaned back. Why would a bank have answers? Aria waved her hand in the air, dismissing the thought. A stranger left this book in her home. Why would she even go? Sure, he says they know each other. But he never told her how.

Days after the funeral passed, and no matter how hard Aria tried, she couldn’t stop thinking about the book. Caving in to her curiosity, Aria pushed through the double doors of Montgomery Bank and approached a teller, her heels clicking against the marble floor.

“Hello, and welcome to Montgomery Bank,” the woman smiled at her. “How may I help you?”

“I’m here to check my account.”

“What’s the number?” Aria read off the numbers to the woman and watched as she typed them into the computer. She placed a digital scanner in front of her. “Please place your right thumb in the middle of the screen.” Aria did what the teller said and watched as the light flashed green. “And now your signature,” she pointed to the electronic signature on the counter. Aria picked up the pen and signed her name on the screen. A few moments passed before the woman spoke. “Please, follow me.”

Aria followed the woman to an elevator in the back of the room and rode it down with her. They entered into a giant vault, and the woman walked Aria into a private room. She walked up to one of the safety deposit boxes in the room and pulled it out of the wall, placing it on the table.

“Please, take your time.”

Aria thanked the woman and watched as she walked out of the room. She stared at the metal box for a second before opening it. Inside, there was only an envelope with her name on it. Carefully, Aria tore open the envelope and unfolded the letter that was inside to find her mother’s handwriting covering the page.

My sweet Aria,

If you are reading this, it means that something has happened to your father and me, and your aunt. I wish that we were there to tell you this, and I’m sorry we’re not.

We have a family secret. We've kept it from you to keep you safe, so did your aunt. I cannot tell you what it is in this letter, but you will learn in due time.

Here, at this bank, you will find you have $20,000. This is only a fraction of what you now own. I know it's hard to understand, but you will soon. But I urge you, do not trust anyone with this. Only trust yourself and the man who gave you the little black book. He’ll be able to tell you everything you need to know.

I hope you know how much your father and I love you. Please, be safe, and keep this between only the two of you.

With much love,

Mom

Aria read the letter again and again. A family secret? What did she mean by that? She folded the letter. And what would Lincoln know about it? Her phone started to buzz in her pocket. She looked at the screen and answered the call. “Hello?”

“Hi Aria, it’s Lincoln,” he spoke through the other line. “I think it’s time for us to talk.”