The Chase

Chapter 7.

Luke knocked on the door and I heard Ellen's footsteps coming towards the door. Luke bent down and whispered in my ear.

"Do you remember the story I gave you darling?"

"Of course...sweetie."

He kissed me on the cheek and I did my best not to flinch. It had been a week since the 'incident' as Luke called it. I didn't have a bruise on my cheek anymore but it still hurt.

The door opened and we were met by a smiling Ellen. Her smile grew even bigger once she saw Luke and she switched her gaze between the two of us.

"Oh Alice! I'm so glad you finally found someone. With your luck with guys, you could have found a real nutter."

I thought about how she didn't even know the half of it before shrugging and laughing.

"Look at him! So handsome, you must be the luckiest girl alive!"

We both smiled and Luke thanked Ellen for her compliments. She gestured us in and we walked over to one of the sofas and sat beside each other. He put his arm around me and I smiled nervously, nudging him away slightly. His grip only got tighter, making me sit up straight.

"So, Luke. What do you do for a living?"

"Well, I am currently unemployed but I'm working on art. It is a passion of mine."

I looked at Luke and smiled gently. This was the first signs of the Luke I'd met coming back but I knew it wouldn't last. Was it possible to love half of a person, even if it was fake?

"Oh, interesting. So, you think you could support my sister? She's a bit of a shopper, y'know!"

"I'm willing to do anything to keep her happy. I've loved her for quite a while now but only recently was able to show her."

I nodded but never looked Ellen in the eye. If I didn't look at her or speak, I wouldn't technically be lying to her. She was all I had, without her...well, I'd be nothing.

"Alice, are you alright? Is something bothering you?"

Ellen questioned me before I looked up at her and smiled.

"Sorry, lost in my thoughts. I was thinking about what we would do to the house."

Ellen laughed and continued on questioning Luke and occasionally, me. Her questions always revolved around him caring for me. I knew it was hard for her to let her little sister go. All I wanted was to leave so I wouldn't have to lie to Ellen any longer.