Flowers and Darkness

Chapter 26

I stood outside the door. Debating on whether to knock or just barge in.

As we were walking over here I was determined  to give him a piece of my mind. He's living in luxury after what he did. No care in the world. Now however as I stood outside his door, I was scared and anxious. Who is he? I feel like after everything I knew and have come to know he's just another stranger.

Alyanna pushed past me and walked straight in, head held high and hips swaying. I stood back by the doorway watching her confidence. Everything she touched, everywhere she went it was as if she owned it. Like she was in control and it was hers. Meanwhile here I stood my the doorway, afraid to go in. This was her world, more than mine.

Alex was lounging on his bed, leaning his back against his bedpost and typing rapidly onto his phone. He wore a black T-shirt and matching black joggers. He looked carefree, like a regular boy just lounging around in his bedroom. If only.

The last time I saw him in person was the night at my house that Dean took me. That feels like forever ago now. Seeing him in person rather than through Henry's messages feels surreal. I felt like I was back home again.

He jerked up when Alyanna burst in, making his messy hair flick in the progress. His surpise turned into irritation.

"Can't I have a minute in peace?" His voice husky as if he'd just woken for a 18 hour nap.

She smirked and turned to look at me standing by the doorway. My eyes were trained on his as he followed her movements and finally noticed me standing here.

His eyes widened. Our eyes met and I faltered. Without breaking eye contact he slowly slid off the bed and walked over to me. His eyes on mine felt captivating, enchanting. And for a second it felt like that day in the classroom when I first met him. How he hooked me in so easily.

"Vi?" He whispered in disbelief as he faced me, raising a hand to my cheek.

I slapped him without hesitation. This wasn't the classroom, I'm not naive and I know better.

I suppressed a smile when I saw his cheek reddening. Based on the satisfying sting in my palm I knew it hurt, but he didn't react. Nor did he move. His eyes just held mine.

"I deserve it. I know." His voice was low, just loud enough for me to hear.

I moved away from him, unable to look at him any more, and joined Alyanna by his window. Right now I just needed him to get me out of here.

"Alyanna said you can get me out of here?" I looked out the window and into the gardens.

He was silent, probably dissecting my casual tone, so I turned to look at him. He'd made his way closer to me to lean against a nearby wall. He tried to play it off as relaxed, but I saw through the stiff peaks of his shoulder.

"Well yes technically I know a way for you to get out." He turned to check the door was still firmly shut.

"Why technically?" I asked cautiously, straightening up.

"Well..."

"Spit it out already." Alyanna spat out impatiently.

"What's got you all riled up?" He asked inquisitively.

I thought back to Alyanna nude in Dean's room on the night of our engagement. She wanted this more than even I did. She kissed her teeth and looked away.