Whispers of the Heart

Chapter 16: Alisha

Chapter 16 Alisha

"No!" The scream tore through the night, piercing the silence as the image of that man swam in front of my eyes. "No. Please. No."

My eyes darted in the darkness as I searched for him. For anyone. But there was no one. I was alone. Safe.

My shoulders rose and fell rapidly as my heart slowed to a normal pace. This was the sixth day in a row. Ever since I went back there, the memories constantly resurface. I knew he was still out there. Ready to find me and kill me. I knew that it was a matter of time before he was here but I couldn't help but hope that he wouldn't come. I wanted this life, with this family. I wanted to be happy, to be able to love someone without fear that someone's gonna kill them. Why? Why did everything have to be so complicated for me?

My hand reached out and grasped onto one of the pillows and yanked it close to me, clinging it against my body as the tears attempted to wash away the darkness.

The shrill beeping of my alarm broke through the serenity of sleep, calling my attention to focus on the day ahead. I wasn't ready. I wasn't nearly ready. I wanted to stay here and sleep all day but I knew I had to get up. I had to go to the store and get groceries.

Groaning softly as I pushed myself off the bed and onto my feet, my eyes scanned the room with its morning glow. It was beautiful in its own way. The orangish tint that danced on every surface on the room. I walked towards the dresser, soft thuds sounded each time my feet hit the floor.

I didn't want to be alone today. I wanted someone to be with me, to remind me that I was safe, that I wasn't alone. But I was to be alone. Forever. That was my destiny and I knew that and, yet, I wanted more. I quickly slipped into my light blue tank top and jean shorts, and then pulled a brush through my hair to remove the knots.

A knock on the door caused me to freeze, my shoulders tense, and my grip tighten. Who was it? What did they want?

The brush flew through the air as I tossed it on the bed and I rushed down stairs, my hair flying behind me before whipping forward as I skidded to a stop and glared at the door.

"Mira, I know you're standing there. Open the damn door." Lucas's voice shouted from the other side, muffled slightly, but there none the less. The breath that I didn't know I was holding, slipped through my lips as I stepped out and glanced up at the all too familiar and comforting face staring down at me.

"How'd you know I was there?"

"Saw your shadow pass by the window." He shrugged as he gave me a cocky grin. "You're going into town today, right?"

"I need to get groceries."

"Well, why don't you get groceries after we get breakfast?" His arms crossed in front of his as his eyes twinkled mischievously.

"I was planning on just eating here and going a bit later."

"Well, where's the fun for a date when you don't leave the house?" Lucas chuckled lightly as my lips parted slightly in surprise.

"W-we shouldn't do that."

"How come?"

"I don't want to hurt you, Lucas!" I shouted, my arms shooting up and clinging to my sides.

"Mira, I can take care of myself and you, you just have to let me." He stepped forward, his arms slipping around my waist and pulling me closer, his chin resting on the top of my head.

"It's not fair to ask that of you."

"It's not fair for you to be a target for a psychopath."

"Lucas!" I hissed, my hands shooting up and covering my face from humiliation. I couldn't believe he'd say something like that, something so cruel.

"It's true!" He laughed slightly as he pulled away, his fingers sliding underneath my chin and pulling my face up to look at him. "Let me worry about me, alright?"

"Are you sure?"

"Deathly." His lips pressed against mine as his hands caressed my cheeks and I gave in and kissed him back.