The rise of the White Widow

"I said i'm fine!"

Nat's pov

After finishing my meal, I clean my plate and place it in the dishwasher. With a sense of concern, I decide to check on Alex, so I make my way upstairs to her room.

Upon reaching her door, I gently knock, making sure not to startle her. Giving her a moment, I then slowly push the door open and step inside. Alex is sitting on the floor, completely absorbed in her drawing. From where I stand, it appears to be a beautiful landscape featuring a majestic herd of horses galloping across an open field.

Curious and worried, I tiptoe over to her and cautiously crouch down beside her to get a closer look at her artwork. There's real talent in the lines and shading she has created. As I rest my head on my knees, I take a few moments to simply observe, enjoying the peacefulness of her focused efforts.

Eventually, I softly voice my concern for her by asking if she's okay. She responds with a silent nod but says nothing more.

Gently, I reach out and place my hand over hers as she intently focuses on her drawing. She looks up at me, her eyes filled with a mixture of pain and surprise.

"Alex, it's okay to not be okay," I say softly, trying to provide comfort.

With a sudden jolt, she wrenches her hand away from mine and snaps, "I'm fine!"

Those were the first words she had uttered since the terrible incident at the mall. My heart aches for her as I try to break through the walls she has put up.

"Alex, please," I plead in a subdued tone.

"I said I'm fine!" she shouts angrily, her voice cracking with frustration.

Startled by her sudden outburst, I take a step back and gather my thoughts before responding. "Please don't shout at me like that," I say firmly but softly. "I'm only trying to help."

Her expression hardens as she retorts, "Don't start mothering me now. I've lived my whole life without you. I don't need you now."

My heart sinks further as her words sting like a dagger. Despite the tension in the air, I remain determined to bridge the gap between us and help her through this difficult time - even if it takes time and patience.

"Alex, I'm trying to help you! Please, don't push me away," I plead, reaching out for her hand.

"I never asked for your help!" Alex shouts back, yanking her hand away.

"You don't need to ask for help, Alex. Sometimes it's okay to let someone care about you, why can't you see that?" I say gently.

"Because... Because every person who's ever cared about me has either left or died!" Alex yells, her voice cracking with emotion.

"I'm not going to leave, and I'm not going to die," I reassure her, attempting to maintain eye contact as a tear rolls down her cheek. "I promise, Alex."

She shakes her head, disbelieving. "You will. Trust me, you will. Everyone always does."

"Alex..." My voice cracks as I desperately search for the right words.

"Just go!" she screams abruptly, interrupting my thoughts. "Leave!"

As I stand there in front of her, I refuse to move an inch. It's important that she knows that I won't abandon her like the others did.

"I said leave! Just- just go already!" Alex shouts again as tears freely flow from her eyes now.

Despite the pain in my heart from hearing those words, I know she needs this moment of vulnerability and that maybe someday she'll trust me enough to let me stay by her side.