Race to the Finish

Race to the Finish chp.41

“You can’t say anything!” Aliana exclaimed urgently.

“Why? You can’t let a man threaten you like that.” I said back as my blood boiled from how weak she was being.

“You don’t understand! If you say anything they will go after the only people I care about! They will go after Jason and Andy! If they did, I don’t know what I would do! Please don’t say anything!” She begged me with tears rimming her eyes.

Jaiden. 

That’s the first thing that popped into my mind. Because I understood Aliana completely. If I were in her position, I would do anything to make sure Jaiden was safe. Anything.

I nodded. “I understand. Just know, if you need anything, don’t hesitate to come to me.” I told her in all honesty.

She nodded her head vigorously wiping away her tears. Then she embraced me in a hug.

“Thank you so much Alex.” She said as she pulled away and bit her lip trying to sustain the tears from spilling out.

“No problem. But can you tell me what’s going on?” I asked her carefully.

She looked away from me not responding.

“Please, Aliana. I want to help. I know what’s it’s like to-” I cut myself off not wanting to share too much.

She turned to me, her eyes red with unshed tears. “Know what what’s like?” She asked in a shaky voice.

“Look, my sister’s and mom’s life hasn’t been the easiest.” I cleared my throat. “I’ve…” I stopped not wanting to say more. “I just want to try to help you out, even if it’s just letting things off your chest. You don’t have to tell me everything because I know it’s none of my business, but I know what it’s like to worry about the only people you love.” I said just above a whisper.

I was looking down at the ground by the last sentence. I worry about Jaiden and my mom 24/7. I’m so scared to one day come home and not find them. I’m afraid that I’d come home and one if not both be de-de… 

Tears brimmed my eyes and I couldn’t even finish that sentence. I swallowed the lump that formed in my throat and looked up to find Aliana already looking at me intensely.

“What have you been through?” Aliana whispered still staring at me with a perplexed look.

I gulped and look away. “Uh, are we going to go back inside now?” I asked clearing my throat.

I looked back at her and she seemed to snap out of her daze. “Yeah, yeah sure.” She said shaking her head.

I nodded about to head back inside when her voice stopped me. 

“Why did you come out here?” She asked.

“Oh, right! I was going to get my phone from the car. I’ll be back.” I told her.