Forgotten Fates

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Finn

The trek back to the road seemed to go a lot faster than I was expecting. Maybe it was the adrenaline rush I was currently experiencing, but the ten minute walk felt more like ten seconds. Even the extra weight of Alice in my arms didn't seem to slow me down, and before I know it we are at the road. In my haste to get here after hearing the engagement news, I didn't bother locking the doors to my car. So, I don't have to try and reach for my keys while holding her, and I can just put her straight into the passenger seat.

"What about the truck?" she manages to squeak out. While she was talking to Tyler her voice kept cutting in and out, and when it was present it was extremely raspy. Speaking had to be causing her so much pain. Thanks to me.

"I'll tell Tristan where it is and he can do that popping in and out thing he does and pick it up," I tell her. She chuckles at my terminology, which then turns into coughing and wincing.

Pulling the car out onto the street, I lock the doors and drive faster than the limit in hopes to outrun Callie. Which is stupid since she could just appear in the car if she wanted. So, I slow down to a more reasonable speed and think about the one and only good thing that came out of my otherwise colossal decision to run away. Alice kissing me.

I don't want to bring it up right now, bigger problems and all, but with her siting next to me and us actually being alone for once, I can't hold it in any longer.

"So.... About that kiss," I say, sneaking a glance at her before turning my eyes back to the road.

"It was a mistake," she croaks out the best she can.

I sigh out in frustration before slamming my fist down on the steering wheel. "Damnit Alice!"

I see her flinch at my sudden rage and instantly soften my tone. "I'm sorry," I say. "It's just-" I try to think of the best way to explain it, "It's just frustrating."

"I know," she barely whispers and I'm not sure if it's intentional, or all she can manage right now.

"And here I am yelling at you while you can't even speak because of what I did to you."

"It's no-" her voice cuts out.

"I know, I know. It's not my fault. But I still did it. I still have to live with the fact that I hurt somebody I love," I tell her. "Not to mention none of this would have happened if I wouldn't have left like I did. So, I guess it is actually my fault."

We turn onto Alice's street and I know this is my last chance to talk to her before we are surrounded by other people. Her fiancé being one of them.

I pull the car over before we reach the house, and she looks at me confused. "Please don't marry him, Alice."

She opens her mouth to speak and I hold up a hand to stop her. "Don't. You are only going to make your throat hurt more, and I don't really need a response. I just need you to hear me," I say and she nods her head okay.

"I love you, Alice. If you marry him, if it is really what you want to do because he is the love of your existence or whatever, then I will be okay."

She raises her eyebrows like she knows I'm full of shit. "Fine, I won't be okay, but I could pretend to be. If I knew it was what you really wanted. But if you are doing it because you think you are supposed to, or have to. Then please, Alice. Don't marry him," I plead.

I put the car back in drive but before pulling away add, "I was hurt to hear that you had been dreaming of him while we were together, but I know you lied to him too." She looks at me warily and I fill her in on what I know. "You talk on your sleep, love. I know it was me you were dreaming of last night. Even if you won't admit it."