Living Without A Heart

'S'

"FP..." Alice whispered whilst trying to stop her self from chuckling "you stink!"
"I've not left the hospital since I came in the ambulance with you! You stink!" He joked pointing at her with the hand that was still entwined with hers.
"Hey that's not fair! I'm not allowed to leave this bed... you didn't have to stay though; you could've gone home and got some actual sleep." She said softly "...and a shower..."
"Well, I don't want to leave this hospital until you do!"
Her face became suddenly serious as though what she had to say was of the utmost importance.
"FP... I-"
"Alice! He never said you were awake, how are you feeling?" He shouted interrupting her. He went to kiss her but as always she turned her face away, her smile disappearing as though it had never been there in the first place.

"I'm fine- a bit sore but that is obvious. "
"Yeah, you look like they really did a number on you!"
"I know, I look dreadful-"
"You look beautiful!" FP cut in forcefully.
Alice looked at him with a blushing smile whereas Hal looked at him in disgust.
"I'm going to wait outside Al, give you two the chance to catch up..." FP continued and was about to leave but stopped in the doorway when Alice called to him.
"FP!"
"Yeah?"
"Thank you... for everything." She smiled gratefully.
"You never have to thank me Smith," he smiled "just do me a favour... don't make this a habit, I'm not sure my heart could take it!"
"I'll do my best..." she replied laughing yet again.

"The sherif wants to speak to you." Hal said miffed.
"The nurse said in a few days!"
"Yeah well he is here now so you can tell us both."

So she did, she told them she was out on route 34 when a group of people hit her, put her in a van, beat her up and then left her on the side of the road after texting FP. She thought it best to leave out the bit about 'S' and the ghoulies.

"You didn't tell them something..."
"I've been getting messages and this happened because I didn't do as they said. I'm not scared of them, and FP is tracing the number to find out who it is!"

"Why did you not tell me? When did they start? And why on Earth is that snake helping you?" He snarled.

"You know green really isn't a good colour on you Hal! They started shortly before senior Prom and in total I received about 10 messages. As for FP- he's helping me because he is my friend and because he was only one who was here when I woke up!"
"I went home to get a shower and if this started a year ago- why didn't you tell me?"
"Because you were the reason they were messaging me in the first place-" she said raising an accusatory eyebrow at him. "They wanted me to leave you." She said menacingly.
"And you didn't, why?"
"...I'm tired Hal." She said turning away.

*****
Running her hands seductively over his shoulders, Gladys asked if her and FP could 'talk' since he'd not been home in three days. Alice had finally convinced him to go home for a bit and get a shower.
"I can't Gladys- I'm busy."
"Doing what?"
"Tracing this number..."
"So you're dropping everything for her again?"
"Don't start- this person almost killed my friend. I'd do exactly the same if this was Fred..." he said doubtfully.

Back in the hospital, Alice was alone. Hal had gone to work and she was on her phone.

Would I know you if I saw you?

Yes.

Are we close?

We had our ups and downs... I'm sorry, they were meant to scare you not beat you to a pulp!

Why are you doing this other than the reputation? Because I'm not afraid.

I know you're not- I just want you to be happy and you're not with Hal.

I'm sorry but I can't ever leave him no matter how much it hurts, no matter how much I love FP. All this pain would be for nothing and I'll end up blaming myself for what happened and I don't think I could cope with that.

What happened?

All I can say is that it was what happened at the SofQM...

"No way..." FP uttered in disbelief. "She's talking to them now and has no idea who it is!"

"Well, who is it?"

"I have to get him and take him to look her in the eyes when she finds out!"

"FP!" Gladys shouted after him as he sped off on his motorbike.

Ten minutes later he arrived at a house he knew all too well.

"I know what you did but why? You are meant to love her! She almost died because of you!"

"I know! They took it too far FP and wanted her to be happy and to salvage our reputation!"

"Is reputation all anyone cares about these days!?"

*****
"Dad?"
"Alice..."
"Ali, Thomas is the person who was sending the messages- I'm sorry..."
"Alice darling, I swear I didn't want them to hurt you!"
"Mr Ryder I think you should leave!"
"Shut it Cooper! You may have given my daughter a house and a business but you have ruined her life! She preferred talking to a stalker than spending time with you. She doesn't love you and she never will." He exploded "by the way darling, your mother told me what happened with the Sisters and I'm so sorry also Susanna didn't mean to shout at you, she just wanted you to come home away from this monster."

Then something surprising happened. Alice broke down in tears and flung her arms around her fathers neck. Each whispered apologies and I love you's and then he left the hospital not wanting to stay any longer.

"Forsythe... thank you for finding out who the person was. I guess the 'S' meant serpents which I should have know since he kept talking about 'our' reputation. I really appreciate all you've done for me..."

"That's okay- I'm just glad you're safe now and you won't be in any more danger..." he replied.

"We've got to commend your efforts FP" Hal announced suspiciously.

"I just did what any..." he hesitated looking up at Alice "... friend would do."

She watched as FP's back receded down the hall with tears in hear eyes until he turned back and looked over his shoulder at her. At this small gesture a relieved smile flickered across her features. Everyone knows that when someone looks back it means they love you!

*****
"We have a problem."

"I know, they're getting close again, on each others minds... I mean the announcement of your engagement was completely overshadowed because the witch went and got herself attacked."

"She still my fiancé Gladys! Maybe your sleeze ball boyfriend should get a grip of himself!?"

"Look! We need something that will drive a wedge between them..." Gladys ordered.

"I have an idea. I'm taking Alice to a lodge in 3 weeks for her birthday. You and FP could come too. If they both see each other with other people being all lovey dovey then they'll be hurt and drive a wedge between the two of them."

"Okay! That could work but what do we do in the mean time?"

"In the mean time I will be planning a wedding with my fiancé. You can keep your boyfriend entertained in the mean time can't you?" He said sarcastically.

"As long as we put an end to their childish dreams and sickening shenanigans I'll be happy..."