Secret Red

Chapter 41

Chapter 41

"How are you feeling?" Jason asked as he contemplated at Alison who was curled up on the couch with the tea cupped in her hands.

"Better. Thank you and... I'm sorry for... the whole scene back then." She said sheepishly.

"Don't be. Obviously, something happened. Want to talk about it?" He placed his hand on hers.

"I guess. I just miss my friend, you know. Sorry." She shook her head looking anywhere but him, she could not look him in the eyes and lied, the guilt was building from within. How could she hide the truth any longer when all he offers was comfort and compassion?

"I'll stay with you till your mom comes back. I won't be leaving you alone in the house." He asserted when she gave a questioning look. He grabbed the television remote control and sat back to the couch beside her. Wrapped his arms around her shoulder and she scooted to cuddle closer laying her head on the crook of his neck, taking his familiar scent and wrapped her arms around his chest. He made her feel safe, made her feel needed, made her feel that everything will be alright. Closing her eyes, her mind could not help but wonder at the terrible secret she kept from him. She felt selfish. But can I just be selfish and have this moment of peace?

Jason left as soon as he had dinner with the family after Mrs. Brooke's constant pestering asking him to stay for dinner. Later that night, Alison was turning the wheels in her mind trying to figure out who would place the sick letter in her locker. Worst, who and how did that person know about her secret past. The thought alone made her heart beat racing and was startled as her phone suddenly buzzed. She opened the message with cold hands.

Ally,

I'll be in town next week. Meet me?

-Liam-

Liam? He's here? When did he return? Why would he come here? She had not seen him since the funeral and was wondering how he knew where she had moved to and how she will face him again. She felt terrified and worried.

Okay.

-Ally-

She could not possibly decline but only hope that he might actually change his mind and decide not meet her. Hiding her face on her knees, she tried to catch her breath.

The next day, Alison was walking alone to the cafeteria with her eyes staring blankly in front of her while her thoughts were lost and scattered when she bumped into someone, dropping some of the books she was carrying. Tried to recollect herself, she shook her daze away and quickly bent down to collect her things on the floor.

"Sorry, I wasn't- Cole?" She finally lifted her head to see the person whom she bumped on accident or was it an accident?

"Daydreaming much, Red?" He teased helping her picked up some of the books which she snatched back and stood up at once.

"Jason told me everything and with that being said, I don't think we should be friends anymore. If you ever really were my friend in the first place." She said flatly, walking away from him before he caught her elbow turning her to face him.

"Did he really tell you... everything? Including how he humiliated her? How he basically made her leave town? Or the endless list of girls he screws just to get over her." He revolted letting go of her elbow as she paused.

"So, you really are using me to get back at him. Finally, you admit it. Now, stay away from me." She stated with disdain trying to pretend that what he said about Jason had not stirred anything.

"I wasn't... using you. I didn't even know you were with Jason, initially." He sounded guilty but it was difficult to believe any of his words now.

"Stay away." She seethed stomping away from him.