Twisted Love

Chapter 4

"Elena, Elena!" I heard someone calling my name, and instinctively, I started running away, trying to escape from the unknown pursuer. My heart pounded in my chest as I sprinted, but in my haste, I failed to notice the rock in my path. I stumbled and fell, pain shooting through my body.

"You can't run from me, Elena. Stop," a voice echoed, sending shivers down my spine. I struggled to catch my breath, fear gripping me. As I looked up, a hand reached out towards me, offering assistance. I strained to see the person's face in the darkness, but the moonlight revealed only a silhouette. Reluctantly, I reached out and took their hand, allowing them to help me stand.

"Edwards, Edwards," I mumbled, my voice trembling. Oddly enough, I felt a chill despite the absence of cold air. Confusion clouded my thoughts until a familiar voice cut through the haze.

"Damn it, Alice! What's wrong with you?" I snapped, frustrated by the interruption.

"I warned you," Alice replied casually.

"When? In your dreams?" I groaned, rubbing my eyes as I rose from my bed.

"No, when you drifted off to dreamland," she retorted, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"You're incredibly annoying, you know that?" I grumbled, standing up and stretching.

"And yet, you love me, huh?" Alice teased before leaving the room.

"I'm surrounded by idiots," I muttered to myself, shaking my head. I freshened up and headed downstairs.

Alice was already busy in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. I took a seat at the table, waiting for the food to be served.

Alice placed a plate of pancakes with maple syrup in front of me and settled down beside me with her own plate. I took a bite and couldn't help but appreciate the taste. "These are delicious, Ali," I complimented her.

"I know, right? I'm pretty awesome," she replied, a satisfied smile playing on her lips.

"Sure, whatever," I scoffed, but my playful response didn't deter her. She playfully punched me on the arm.

"Ouch, what was that for?" I protested, rubbing the spot where she had hit me.

"Huh," was all Alice said as she continued eating.

"Weirdo," I muttered under my breath, focusing on finishing my meal.

"So, what's the plan now?" I asked, breaking the silence.

"Shopping," we both exclaimed simultaneously, sharing a laugh.

"Yes! Let's go, my shopping partner. Let's get ready," Alice declared, and we hurried upstairs to prepare ourselves. After thirty minutes, we set off for the mall.

In just twenty minutes, we arrived at our destination, ready to embark on our shopping spree.

"Let's get started," Alice said, her face lighting up with excitement.

"Oh yeah!" I chimed in, a wide grin spreading across my face.

We eagerly began sifting through the racks, picking out clothes that caught our eyes.

"Hey, Elena?" Alice called out.

"Yeah?" I replied, turning to face her.

"Do you realize that out of the five items you've chosen, three of them are black?" she pointed out, raising an eyebrow.

"Haha, you know me too well, Ali. Black is my... happy color," I chuckled, acknowledging my inclination toward the hue.

"Happy color, I know. But that doesn't mean you should buy everything in black," Alice admonished a hint of amusement in her voice.

"Relax, my friend. I haven't bought them yet," I assured her, playfully distancing myself from her. Deep down, I knew I had a tendency to gravitate toward black attire, despite my intentions to diversify my wardrobe.

As I continued browsing, I stumbled upon a dress in a captivating shade of royal blue. It immediately caught my attention, and just as I reached for it, someone else grabbed it first.

"Hey, I want that," I protested, slightly taken aback.

"Excuse me?" the person turned around, revealing himself to be none other than Mason Anderson.