Love Over Friends.

Chapter 11 - Guilt.

Aaliyah's Point of View:
A sudden guy walked towards me and squatted down, looking cute, but I knew I shouldn't be talking to him.

"I'm—I'm fine," I stammered, trying to sound more composed than I felt.

"Are you alone?" he asked, his eyes darting to my backpack and the condition I was in. I wondered if he was going to mug me.

"I can tell that you've run away," he said, his tone surprisingly gentle.

"Why did you?" he asked, curiosity evident in his eyes.

"I don't really want to talk about it," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

"What if I told you I've been through a similar situation?" he asked, sincerity in his gaze.

"I don't know you, and you don't even know me," I said defensively.

"So, let's get to know each other," he suggested, a friendly smile spreading across his face. "Hi, I'm Neel. And you are?"

Neel extended his hand, and after a moment's hesitation, I took it and shook it.

"I'm Aaliyah," I replied, feeling a small blush creep up my cheeks. I hoped he didn't notice.

"I like your name," Neel said, and I felt a warmth spread through me.

"I know you're just a stranger, but—" I started, but Neel cut me off.

"Let me quickly clarify: I'm not gonna mug you, rape you, or kidnap you," he said with a playful grin.

I couldn't help but laugh. His lightheartedness made me feel a bit safer, and I ended up telling him everything.

"Shit. I wish I never had a cousin like that," Neel said, and I rolled my eyes, letting out a sigh.

"Well, I'm 18, gonna be 19 in a couple of months. I was supposed to be in sixth form or college, but I dropped out of high school to work because my dad left us—his money too. My mom and I were left with nothing. I ran away when I was 16, and I didn't know what I was supposed to do. Then I realised I still had responsibilities, and my mom has no one, so I went back. Here I am today, earning a good amount of money." Neel's words struck me; he was a really decent guy.

Neel's Point of View:
Aaliyah was beautiful, even in the state she was in now—her ripped shirt, cuts on her arms, and the sadness overshadowing her face. Aaliyah got off the swing, so I did the same, and we stood face to face. I noticed a red dot on her arm. My gaze flicked across the park, and suddenly I spotted a red car near the bushes. My stomach dropped as I realized what it was—oh shit, a gun.

I quickly pushed Aaliyah behind some rocks and hid with her, pulling out my own gun.

"Neel, what's going on?" Aaliyah cried, panic in her voice as I began shooting at the threat.

"Stay down!" I yelled, firing until I heard the wail of sirens approaching. The police eventually arrived.

Once the danger passed, I tucked my gun away and saw Aaliyah trying to walk away. I ran up to her and grabbed her shoulders gently to make her face me.

"Are you a cop?" Aaliyah asked, her eyes wide with fear.

I glared at her, caught off guard by the question. "Well, are you?!"

"No! I'm a security guard at a grand hotel," I replied, trying to reassure her.

"Aaliyah, it's my duty to capture criminals who use the hotel as a getaway and take them to jail," I said, watching as her expression shifted to one of relief.