Comeback (Sequel to 'Before the Storm')

Chapter 14: Broken

Ally's POV

"Ally?" Kevin's voice sharpened with worry, "What happened? Are you ok?"

"I-I can't do this, Kevin," I choked out between sobs, "I thought I could handle it, but seeing him like that... I can't..."

"Whoa, slow down," Kevin said gently, "Take a deep breath. Where are you right now?"

I glanced around, trying to orient myself.

"I'm about a block away from Joe's building. In an alley."

"Ok, stay there. We're coming to get you. We'll try to be as fast as we can. In the mean time, take slow deep breaths, alright?"

I nodded, then realized Kevin couldn't see me.

"Ok," I whispered.

--

A few moments later

"Ally?"

I looked up at the sound of my name. It was Kevin. He stood at the mouth of the alley, concern etched deep into his features.

Behind him, I could make out Dani's silhouette rushing towards me.

"Oh, sweetie," Dani breathed, as she wrapped her arms around me.

"I'm sorry, Ally. I shouldn't have asked you to go there. It wasn't fair to put that on you." Kevin sighed.

"No, it's not your fault. I wanted to help. I would have gone either way," I insisted.

I take a deep breath, "I thought I could just waltz in there and fix everything. How naive is that?"

"You're not naive. You care about him. We all do," Dani reassured me, "Now let's get you home."

We had barely taken a few steps when a sudden, overwhelming wave of panic washed over me again.

The image of Joe, broken and alone in that apartment, flashed through my mind. My breath caught in my throat, and I stumbled to a halt.

"Wait," I choked out, my voice barely above a whisper, "We can't just leave him like that."

Kevin's expression softened. "Ally—"

"No, you don't understand," I interrupted, my voice rising with urgency, "He was so broken, Kev. There was glass everywhere. What if he hurts himself?"

I grabbed Kevin's arm, my fingers digging into his sleeve.

"Please," I begged, my voice cracking, "Please, you have to check on him. I can't bear the thought of him being alone right now."

"Ok," he said softly, placing his hand over mine where it clutched his arm.

"I'll go check on him. But I need you to go with Dani, alright? Get some rest and I'll call as soon as I know he's ok."

I nodded frantically, relief and guilt warring within me.

"Thank you," I whispered.

Dani gently took my arm, guiding me away.

As Kevin turned to head towards Joe's apartment, I called out one last time, my voice small and broken.

"Please tell him I'm sorry. And that I hope he'll be okay."

Kevin nodded, a sad smile on his face.

--

Joe's POV

The sound of the door slamming behind Ally still echoed in my ears, a finality to it that crushed what was left of my heart.