Below The Surface

Making Plans

A week later, Caroline was sitting on the couch watching tv, when Alex walked in the door. "Hey Caroline," Alex said as he was holding a piece of paper in his hand "check this out." He handed the paper to Caroline who began to read the paper. "This is a missing persons report about me" she said. "Yeah," said Alex "personally, I was wondering when your parents were going to file that. They probably know about what happened, so going home is definitely not a wise idea now." When he said that, Caroline began to look down at the floor. "I know" she said.

"Now I also have some good news too" said Alex. "Oh what is it?" Caroline asked me. "I talked to Taylor today. I don't know how it happened. But her cancer became stable. She's going to be okay." When he said that, Caroline jumped up and down and hugged Alex as she began to cry tears of joy. "Oh my god," she said "its a miracle." "Yeah I guess it is" said a mysterious voice. Caroline looked to the front door to find that the voice came from Taylor. When Caroline saw Taylor, she ran towards her and hugged her. "Okay okay," said Taylor "I'm happy to be alive. But not really to live it. I want to right the wrong that I've made. After all, if I hadn't given you the dumb idea confess to Alex then none of this would've ever happened. I'm so so sorry Caroline." "It's fine really" said Caroline.

"Caroline," said Alex "I want to ask you something. But I warn you. It's risky." "What is it?" asked Caroline. "I heard Naomi's funeral is next Saturday," said Alex "I'm going to go and so is Taylor. Do you want to come with us? I ask because I know how you are and I'm guessing that you want to pay your respects. Just be aware that if you want to, then there are two rules. One, stay with either me or Taylor. And two, understand no circumstances can you attract any attention to the three of us." When he said that, Caroline looked at him and back at Taylor and then thought about it for a moment. "Yes," she said "I want to go. After all, you're right. I want to pay my respects to Naomi."

"Oh by the way," said Taylor "the cops here are gullible. Let's just say, I bought you some time." "What do you mean?" asked Caroline. "After what happened," said Taylor "they questioned me. I told them that you said you were going to meet up with some friends in Florida." "Oh yeah they'll believe that" said Alex. "Well thanks I guess" said Caroline. "No worries," said Taylor "well I'm gonna leave you two love birds alone. I'll see you guys later." With that, Alex walked Taylor to the door and the locked the door behind her when she left.

After Taylor left, Caroline sat back down on the couch and continued watching tv as Alex sat down next to her and put his arm around her. "I never thanked you Alex" Caroline said. "For what?" asked Alex. "Helping me out of the bathroom after I got raped by Naomi's brother," Caroline said "letting me stay here with you while the police are after me." When she said that, Alex leaned closer to her and gently kissed her lips. "That's why I'm here" Alex said as he smiled. "I love you Alex" Caroline said. "I love you too Caroline" Alex said. With that, Caroline climbed onto Alex's lap and continued kissing him. Eventually, still kissing her, Alex picked up Caroline and carried her upstairs into their bedroom.

TO BE CONTINUED........