Heartless Betrayal

Chapter 24

Chapter 24

Alex’s POV

I almost spat my coffee back into the cup as I watched Ari emerge from her bedroom, surprised that she’d even set foot out of the doorway after five days without human interaction.

                “Hi.” She said quietly, while reaching for the coffee pot and pouring herself a cup.

                “Hi” I replied, the shock of her being here still clear on my face.

                “I figured I can’t hide in there forever.” She said, answering the question I had been wanting to ask but was afraid of her reaction. “I’m moving out.” She said quickly, the words tumbled out so fast I almost thought I’d imagined it, but the way she bowed her head confirmed that I’d heard correctly.

                “Why?” I asked softly, hurt clear in my voice. How could she just leave after all we’ve done for her?

                “I can’t keep putting you and Keegan’s lives at risk. You’ve seen how Toby is, if he finds out I’m still with you guys he will kill you.” She said, not looking me in the eye.

                “I don’t care, Ari. We can keep you safe!” I promised, searching her eyes for any emotion, but there was none. She was still just as broken as before.

                “No.” She whispered, “I can’t let you risk your lives like that. I shouldn’t have dragged you all into this, I should have moved out when I knew he was back. I’m sorry.” She said, turning her head quickly, but I had already seen the tears beginning to fall from her eyes.

                “Please, don’t.” I said softly, walking over and placing my hand on her arm. She immediately jumped back, shaking. “Oh shit, I’m sorry.” I stuttered, watching her look at me, fear clear in her eyes.

                “I can’t.” She whispered, then turned and ran back into her room.

Ari’s POV

I clumsily wiped at my cheeks and concentrated on not spilling my coffee as I ran back to the comfort of the small room. I was glad when I went out to break the news that it was Alex, I knew Keegan would have taken it a lot worse. I knew I had to leave, I couldn’t keep them in the middle of this.

I grabbed my laptop from the desk in the corner of the room, turning it on and opening google. ‘Single bedroom apartments in Birmingham’ I typed in, pressing search. I had to live alone. I couldn’t just keep dragging more people into this.

I clicked the first link, looking through the photos of the place, it looked pretty good. I then saw the price: £695 a month. I sighed and clicked out, I didn’t have that kind of money. I clicked on a link titled ‘Cheap studio apartments, less than £400 a month,’ this was more me.

After scrolling through apartments for just over an hour I was interrupted by Alex walking into my room. I quickly slammed my laptop shut, regretting it as soon as I realised how obvious that was. He looked at me sceptically and placed a plate of food in front of me.

                “It’s been five days, Ari. You need to eat.” He said softly.

                “Thank you.” I said, avoiding his gaze but picking up the fork and spearing a piece of broccoli and placing it in my mouth. I shifted uncomfortably as I felt the broccoli hit my empty stomach but I pushed myself to keep eating. Alex left the room and I finished the plate, putting it on the bedside table next to me, opening the laptop again.