In The Scenes

The Beginning

WARNING: May be mentions of abuse, panic attacks, trauma, blood, etc. If you are sensitive to these topics, please don't read.

Lia POV:

Peace and quiet. It's been a year, and I still can't believe it. No crazy scenes, no worrying about Alex's safety, no Viper Plan, no hospital trips. Nothing. Just normal life.

"I'm going to the store. Does anyone want anything that's not on the list?" I asked my friends as I put on my jacket.

"Lettuce."

"Flavored yogurt."

"Apples."

"Chips."

"Doughnuts."

"Sanity."

Yes, the last one was Alex's request. I grabbed my keys and walked to the store. I thought about the events of the past year. Alex, Bryce, Mattheo, and I graduated high school, and all got into the same university. I know. Bryce graduated. Still recovering from that heart attack. Mattheo and I are majoring in biochemistry, Alex is majoring in graphic design and minoring in computer science, and Bryce is majoring in computer science and minoring in acting.

"Lia," a familiar voice said.

"Hi, Mr. Crow. How are you?"

Mr. Crow recently moved in next door. He's been updating us on the security of Mr. and Mrs. Ramn, Alex's ex-foster parents. Currently, they have no added security measures, but Mr. Crow said that if they threaten us in any way, he would find a way for more measured to be added.

"Doing well. How's Alex? I haven't seen him for a couple of days."

"Better. Still some things I'm trying to help him through."

When Alex lived with his ex-foster parents, they forced him to give up independent thought and to listen to whatever they said. They would beat him until he listened to them blindly. Of course, it didn't completely work. Alex created The Viper Plan purely on independent thought. Sadly, parts of his ex-foster parent's beatings stayed with him. He forgets to eat meals, go to sleep, and, sometimes, shower.

"Poor kid has gone through so much. I hope your list idea works."

I created a list of things Alex needs to do every day. Then, at the end of the day, we go through it together and see what he did without me reminding him. On the first day, he only managed to shower without me reminding him. Now, he can do everything, only looking at the list a couple of times.

"It is. He's doing so much better."

"Good to hear. I hope I'm not stalling you from anything."

"No, of course not. I'm just going to the store. Need anything?"

"I went to the store yesterday. Well, I should be on my way."

"Bye."

I reached the store and grabbed a cart. I walked around, checking off my list as I grabbed items. The store is not well known, and it isn't massive, but they sell some of the freshest foods I've ever seen. As I shop, I notice a person in all black standing behind me. As I turn around, he walks away.

Odd.

I continued shopping and paid for my stuff.

I should've brought the car.

I called Alex and asked him to pick me up from the store.

"I'll be there in 5," he said.

As I waited, someone pushed me from behind, causing me to drop my bags of groceries. People around me helped me get everything back into my bags. I thanked them and looked to see what pushed me. There he was.

Oh, no. No, no, no, no, no. It can't be.

I blinked and rubbed my eyes. He was gone. I must have hallucinated for a second. There's no way he could've been there. Just then, Alex walked up and helped me with my bags. We put them in the trunk and sat in the car.

"You okay?" he asked.

I looked outside. He wasn't there.

"Yeah. I'm fine."