Alternate Endings

TIM 6

TIM (6): Scenario: What if Eve had stayed with Chris the first time he asked her to in chapter 8?

Eve had to start heading to class so she wouldn't be late. She stands, then reaches behind her and zips the back of her dress up again. Chris flops on his stomach and takes Eve's hand.

"Noooo staaaayyy." He whines before pouting.

Eve laughs. She bends down and quickly kisses Chris before standing up again.

"Believe me, Chris. If I could, I'd stay forever." She says, buttoning the front of her dress.

There's a pause as Eve gathers the rest of her things.

"So why don't you?" Chris asks.

Eve sighs, "Chris..."

"I'm serious, Eve. Stay here. With me...Please..."

Eve pauses, "Really?"

Chris nods, "Yes...Stay with me..."

Eve actually considers it a moment...

"Well...I mean, I have to go to class..."

"But...?"

Eve pauses, then sits down on the bee and takes Chris' hand, "You're seriously asking me to stay with you?"

Chris grows hopeful and nods, rapidly, "Yes. Just...don't go home after class today. Just come back here, and...and stay with me."

"Chris, think about what you're asking me here. You're asking me to move in with you."

"Yeah. I guess I am." Chris says, "Eve, your dad hits you. You're not safe with him."

"W-Well isn't it a little soon for you and I to be - "

"Screw soon! I want to be with you and I want you to be safe. I know your dad said he'd pay your tuition if you stayed with him but we'll figure that part out. We can...We can even make the spare room your studio! Just please, please, stay with me."

There's a pause.

Eve swallows, then speaks, "I'll go down to financial services today and ask them about my tuition."

Chris raises his eyebrows, "Really?"

Eve nods.

Chris then smiles and kisses Eve sweetly before resting his forehead on hers.

"This is gonna work. I promise."

Eve nods, "After class ends, I'm gonna go back to my dad's house and get a few things and tell him I'm leaving."

Chris' face falls, "But what if he gets mad? What if he hurts you?"

"I don't have to follow his rules anymore. I can hurt him back." Eve says, "Shit, I'm gonna be late if I don't leave now."

"I'll drive you. Let's go."

x

Eve walks into her dad's house, furious.

"Dad?!"

Paul walks out, "Eve? Is everything okay?"

"I'm on a scholarship?!"

Paul's eyes widen, "How did you find out about that?"

"Nevermind how I found out about it! I can't believe you kept this from me! I can't believe you lied to me!"

"Eve, listen - "

"No! I don't have to listen to a thing you have to say anymore. I'm moving out." Eve says before going to her room.