DEAD INSIDE

(14)

"Ali!?" Scott scooped me up in his arms and carried me bridal style to his car where he sat me in the passenger seat. "Shit, you're bleeding!" He exclaimed when he saw my scratched knees and elbows. "Let me take you home..."

The good thing about my current state was that my rage was gone. In fact, I seemed to be devoid of emotion as he drove me back to my street.

"Does it hurt?" He asked after a couple of minutes.

"It stings a bit but I'll live..." I thought I owed him an answer, at least for being there at the right moment.

Something occurred to me.

"Why were you parked outside my house?"

"I had come to talk to you..." He said in a small voice. "When I saw you sprinting away with tears running down your face, I thought I'd make sure you were alright..." He then added sheepishly.

"What did you want to tell me?" I asked coldly.

"That I was sorry for being a jerk once again... That I do like you back..." I frowned at that. "I always have if I'm going to be honest..." I was no longer numb as my heart, now fully alive, was thumping hard in my chest. "The only reason I've always made sure to stay away from you is that I'm not right for you, Ali..." And just like that the frown was back and my heart sank. "You deserve someone who will put you first no matter what, not a selfish coward like me who's been sleeping with Jodie for years just so my parents would let me play basketball..." I thought I actually heard the cracking noise his heart made at his admission.

And Damn! Did it hurt to witness it!

"Fair enough..." I muttered a full minute after, hoping he couldn't hear how hurt I really was. "It doesn't explain why you've suddenly been popping wherever I am since Friday..." I didn't think I'd ever be able to talk to him after that so decided to get it all out in the open.

"That's the other thing I wanted to tell you..." I could tell he was observing me and for a second, I started fearing for our safety but one glance out the window told me that we were parked outside my house.

When had that happened?

"A couple of weeks before the accident, Sam started getting threats similar to those you've received." The blood froze in my veins and I had to take a deep breath not to be sick on the spot altogether. "Until today, I'd always thought the Black Devils were behind them, especially with what happened to Sam... But tonight, I went to talk to Gregory and you were right, they have nothing to do with your car and the note..."

"So what are you saying?" My voice was so small I wondered if he'd even heard me.

"That it seems the same person that threatened Sam two years ago has now decided to play with you and I'm determined to make sure it doesn't happen."

"On one condition..." I didn't recognize my voice. "From this moment on, I don't want you to ever approach or address me whether in public or via texts or emails. In fact, I'd feel better if I never saw your face again..."

"Ali..." His murmur was all I needed to finally turn and look at him. I hesitated between gasping and laughing when I saw the purplish bruise around his right eye but then I noticed his unshed tears and I had to clench my hands not to resume crying on the spot, so I shook my head and opened the door before slowly getting out of the car.

"Bye Scott..." I mumbled, glancing at him one last time before limping to my bedroom window.

I let myself in, locked it and pulled the curtains.