Hide And Seek ( Alex Goot Elle Fowler Sam Tsui )

Chapter 14

Elle reached back home at noon the next day, to find that the only people there was Chrissy and Pinecone. She felt her smile fade slightly, she wanted to see Alex.

" How's Finn? Did you do anything I should know of, last night?" Chrissy asked.

A false smile pulled at the corners of her lips. Elle could sense a bit of strain in her voice, as if she was only asking Elle all those questions out of politeness. Chrissy was unable to hold her gaze on Elle while she spoke either, eyes darting around.

" Did something happen when I was away?" Elle wondered.

Chrissy also had eye bags under her big brown eyes, her skin paler than usual, an unhealthy skin tone. Her purple hair was not springy and wavy, it fell flat against her shoulders. Her equipment was not all placed in her vests, like it should be, but sloppily placed around. Very un-Chrissy like.

" No, nothing happened. Why did you ask? I just slept late last night, because I was on a mission, " Chrissy said, not even bothering to look at Elle while she spoke, playing with Pinecone.

Elle nodded, placing her vest down on her and Alex's corner. She sat down, and begun to clean her weapons.

After ten minutes, Elle heard people coming down the staircase, to their hideaway. She heard Alex and Sam's voices, and felt herself sit up straighter. She had to ask Alex why he had left her alone at Finn's house last night.

There was silence as Alex reached the landing, with Sam behind him, carrying a huge bag of food. Sam had his sunglasses still perched on the top of his nose. Elle watched Alex, waiting for him to say something. He just stared duly back, as if thinking of what to say.

" Alex."

" I should get my things away from your corner, sorry," Alex muttered, walking over.

He took his thin mattress up and placed it near Chrissy, which was by far the furthest away from where he had originally been. Elle was not expecting him to do that. She was at a loss for words, mouth opening and closing a few times before she decided there was no point in questioning that move.

" Why did you leave me alone at Finn's home?" Elle asked.

Alex welcomed Pinecone into his lap.

" New couples should get to know one another better. I shouldn't be third-wheeling or whatever. Just giving you two space," Alex told her, playing with Pinecone's fluffy white tail.

Elle let out a frustrated sigh, her fingers brushing over her lip ring, and then her hair. Alex recognized that movement, it showed that Elle was close to the end of her limit. The limit in question was her patience towards Alex. Finn did not know that, not even Chrissy, only Alex.

" Aren't we family?" Elle questioned, her voice and gaze softening visibly as she went over to Alex. He brought his long legs towards his chest, keeping a good distance away from her. Elle squatted down in front of him, as if trying to find the right words to say. Alex waited.

" I can't, I can't lose you," she continued, reaching out to touch his hand gently. She felt his muscles stiffen under her touch. Elle tried to subtly pull away.

Alex shook his head, racing his hand through his hair. His other hand played with his knife in his belt strap. Elle waited, she wanted him to speak up. Speak up and talk to her, instead of making her keep guessing what was going on. She had to admit, no one seemed to want to talk to her anymore. What was wrong?

" You haven't lost me," Alex said slowly, looking Elle straight on. Her breath hitched, her heartbeat racing. Their faces were only mere inches away from each other. Elle felt something urge her to go closer.