Change of Heart

Chapter 26

**

A week had passed since the whole excursion to hell. So far, things have been quiet. As assuring as it seems, it still scares me just thinking about it. Sitting on Alex's bed, I wrapped my arms around my legs holding them close to my body.

"Hey." Alex walked in with a glass of water in hand. "I see that you're awake."

"I've been awake." My voice was groggy from my lack of sleep. "I tried going to sleep but it didn't work out so well."

"Well, here. You look like you could use it." Handing me the glass of water, Alex took a seat next to me. Taking a drink, Alex started again. "Are you...still-"

I cut in before he had a chance to finish. "Doesn't matter." I knew what he was going to say, and I just didn't want to be reminded any more. "I'm going to get some air." Standing to my feet, Alex took a hold of my hand.

"I'm coming with you." He demanded in a soft tone. Pushing my lips together, I narrowed my eyes a bit.

"I'm sorry, but I'm going alone. I just need to-"

"What? Be alone? You've been alone all this time, not letting me in, so I'm-"

"Im sorry..." I cut him off just as he did to me. Pulling my arm away, I walked to the door leaving him behind. "Just, for a little while."

**

Walking around, my arms were crossed, and my eyes stared down at the sidewalk. I don't know why I shot Alex down, if anything I should've let him come. What if I ended up breaking down again? Or if something happened...no! I can't think about this! I came out here to clear my head, relax and forget everything.

I sat on a bench in the park, surrounded by nothing's but positive energy. Kids laughing and playing tag on the jungle gym. A small smile appeared on my face, and suddenly...I actually felt a little peaceful.

Something hit the bottom of my foot catching me off guard. A soccer ball. Leaning down, I picked it up, and started looking around.

"Hey! Over here!" A voice called out to me from the right. Turning my head, someone started running toward me. He looked like a college student, almost as tall as Alex, maybe a little taller, with short spikey brown hair. He had on a white t-shirt with a pair of gym shorts.

I stood and walked a little until he approached me. "Here." Holding out my arms, I handed him the ball.

"Thanks." He grinned. I returned a smile just before turning back around. I stopped as he started talking again. "What's your name?"

Letting out a small breath, I turned back straight forward in his direction. "It's Serine."

"That's a nice name. The names Nikolas." He held out his hand. I didn't want to be rude, so I took it and we shook. "I've never seen you around here before."

I shrugged. "I don't come out often."

Nikolas nodded. "I see."

"Well, I'm sure you've got to get back to your...uh, game. So, I'll be going now." Turning around, I started walking away. It wasn't long before Nikolas came running back at me. He took a hold of my wrist causing me to stop.

"Wait." Letting go of my hand, he continued. "How about we hang out?"

Wait...what? My eyes shot open. Did I just hear him right? "Umm...I don't know, right now's not really the best time..."

"Come on. It'll be fun. We can at least walk around the park." He took a hold of my hand again and started walking.

"Hold up, I didn't say-" I tripped over a sprinkler falling forward. My shoe came off my ankle. Nikolas took a hold of both my arms catching me in the air and helped me to my feet.

Nikolas looked in my eyes, a little concerned. "Are you alright." I nodded fixing my shoe. "Sorry, I kinda caused you to trip." He let out an uncomfortable laugh. What is it with this guy?

"It's alright...but seriously, I should be getting back."

"I'll walk you home."

"No, you don't-"

"I know I don't have to, but I want too." He interjected me. This guy isn't going to quit, is he?"

Pushing back my hair, I gave in. It would be easier that way rather than argue pointlessly. "Alright."

**

On our walk back, Nikolas did not let a second pass. One after another, he asked a different question trying to get to know me. Even all this time, I still don't get his deal. I mean, why did he stop playing with his friends just to walk me home? Not only that, he kept trying taking a hold of my hand. I kept pulling away but he just wouldn't stop.

Finally reaching Alex's house, we said our goodbyes. "Well, thanks for walking me back." Though it wasn't necessary and kind of unwanted.

"No problem." Nikolas smiled. "I had fun." He closed the distance between us.

"What is it?" I asked instinctively taking a step back. Nikolas stepped closer and placed his hands on my cheeks. I started to pull back, but he pulled me toward him and pressed his lips against mine. I tightly gripped his wrists pulling them away as I shot my body back. "What are you doing?"

"What do you think I'm doing?" Nikolas put his hands down to his side.

I stepped back again. "Look, I'm sorry but I don't see you that way, ok? I mean, we just met...and besides, I'm already seeing someone." Before he could answer, I stormed inside slamming the door behind me. I placed my hand over my lips. I can't believe he just up and kissed me...

Walking around the house, Alex was no where. He must've went out. Dammit...what do I tell him when he gets back? I don't even have the slightest clue! For the first time, my mind was starting to be at ease and now it's back to being lost and confused. Leaning against the wall, I slipped down to the floor. Grabbing my hair, I wanted to pull it out. I ended up just sitting there with my elbows resting on my knees doing exactly what I've been doing for days.