Star: Take 3

Chapter 28

ALEX POV

It was a few days after Derek got shot. I sat by his side, watching over him as he rested, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. The story about him getting robbed didn't sit right with me. Derek's eyes held a flicker of something—guilt, maybe? I needed to know the truth.

Later, as I carefully cleaned Derek's wound, I could tell he was hiding something from me. His eyes avoided mine, and his body tensed every time I touched the bandage. "Derek, tell me what really happened," I said, my voice gentle but firm. He avoided my gaze, his eyes darting around the room. "I told you, Alex. Someone tried to rob me." I could tell he was lying. The way he couldn't meet my eyes, the hesitation in his voice. "You're lying," I said, my frustration bubbling over. "Why can't you just be honest with me?"

Derek's eyes flashed with anger. "Lying? You're the last person that should be calling somebody a liar," he snapped. His words stung, and I felt a surge of hurt and anger. "What is that supposed to mean?" I demanded, my voice rising. "You know exactly what it means," Derek shot back, his voice filled with bitterness. "You've lied to me before, Alex. Don't act like you're some saint."

I felt my heart clench. "Derek, this isn't about me. This is about you. I just want to know the truth. I want to help you." He sighed, his anger deflating as quickly as it had risen. "I'm sorry, Alex," he said, his voice softening. "I just... I can't tell you everything. Not right now."

I reached out, taking his hand in mine. "Derek, whatever it is, you can tell me. But I need you to be honest with me." He looked into my eyes, his expression conflicted. "I promise I'll tell you everything. Just... not now. Please."

I nodded, my heart aching with the weight of his words. "Okay," I said softly. "But don't shut me out. We're in this together."

Derek squeezed my hand, his eyes filled with gratitude. "I know. Thank you, Alex."

As I continued to clean his wound, I couldn't help but feel uneasy. Derek was hiding something, and I needed to find out what it was. But for now, I had to trust him and give him the space he needed.

"Just rest, Derek," I said, my voice gentle." He nodded, his eyes closing as he leaned back against the bed. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

I was running late for rehearsal. The girls and I were scheduled to perform a Christmas medley at this year's parade, and it was a big deal. I kissed Derek gently on the lips, promising to be back later. "Rest up, okay? I'll be back soon," I said, my voice filled with concern. "Be careful," Derek replied weakly, giving me a small smile.

I nodded and hurried out the door, my mind still racing with thoughts of what Derek could be hiding from me. But I had to focus on the rehearsal. The parade was just around the corner, and we needed to be perfect. I rushed inside, my heart pounding with a mix of anxiety and anticipation. I could hear music and laughter as I made my way to the dance studio.

"Alex, you're late!" Star called out, her voice carrying a hint of irritation. She stood at the center of the stage, her presence commanding and confident. "I'm sorry," I said, slightly out of breath. "I had to take care of something."

Star raised an eyebrow, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Well, we're all here now, so let's get started." I joined them, feeling a bit flustered. "Alright, let's run through the medley from the top," Star said, her voice taking on a more authoritative tone. "And remember, this is our chance to shine, so let's give it everything we've got."