Not Your Cinderella

chapter nineteen- Kinston

I was thankful that Chase's family didn't ask any questions but instead just handed me a plate for breakfast.

"I was thinking that we could go to the neighboring town like we usually do. Of course, Alli is invited to come along." Jeanette rambled

"Oh, I don't want to push my way into your family events. I can just go to Charlie's or go hang with Ash." I denied 

"No, you're coming along." Chase decided 

"Hm, but what if I don't want too?" I teased

"I don't care." Chase shrugged 

"I think I'll go call Ash. He owes me ice cream." I smirked 

"Ash is busy so go put your basic Ugg boots on and get your butt in the car." Chase demanded 

"Excuse me? I don't own Ugg boots. God, it's like you don't even know me." I scoffed dramatically before going to grab my shoes

I slid on my boots before groaning, realizing that I had forgotten my sweatshirt at the hospital. I huffed, walking back towards the kitchen and to the stairs.

"Wrong way." Chase mused

"Your sweatshirts are this way, correct? Up in your room? Yes? That's what I thought. I left mine with Blake." I retorted 

"The one you wore yesterday is on the bed." Chase informed 

I nodded, skipping every other step. I hummed a random song to myself while I slipped the sweatshirt over my head so I could join everyone once again. I smiled to myself as I mindlessly made my way downstairs. I grabbed onto Chase's sleeve, dragging him outside. 

"What the hell!" Chase exclaimed 

"Taking too long." I shrugged 

"You're impossible." Chase muttered

I could almost hear him rolling his eyes. I ignored him, climbing in the backseat where I'd be sitting in between the two brothers. The ride was fairly quiet for a while exempt for the radio host talking softly in the background. I grabbed Chase's hand, intertwining our fingers. I don't know why I was so nervous still but I am. Chase didn't say anything but instead, smiled. I watched as the familiar scenery disappeared. I didn't know how long it would take to get to our destination but I didn't care. 

I grew confused as my phone began to ring. Everybody texted me except Chase. Who could it possibly be? I pulled out my phone and answered, not even recognizing he number.

"Is this Allison Gray?"

"This is Alli." I assured 

"I'm Molly, one of your brother's nurses." 

"Oh no. This isn't good news, is it?" I asked softly

"I'm afraid not."

"What happened?" I whispered

"He's alive but he's been giving us scares lately. The doctor wants to perform some tests but it's going to cost a bit of money." 

"Do it. If it helps, do it. Just, save him, please." I murmured 

"We're trying our bests, Alli." 

I hung up and clung onto Chase, willing for the tears to stay at bay. Chase immediately unbuckled and wrapped me up in his arms.

"Buckle up." I stuttered

"No, you're not okay. I don't care about a stupid seat belt more than you being okay." Chase said 

"He's not going to be okay. You lied." I replied softly 

"What happened?" Chase asked 

"He's alive but they need to do some tests which is going to cost money because there's been some sort of issues where they think he's going to die but he doesn't and they don't know what is going on." I rambled, half of my words not making an ounce of sense

"He's fine. You're fine. Lets forget about this town for a bit. Focus on the new area. You can be anyone and nobody would even know who you are. A clean slate for a day." Chase suggested 

I nodded, taking a few deep breaths as I wiped away any stray tears. I pulled away from Chase and stared up at the roof of the car. I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up.

"I may not know what's going on but I hope everything goes okay. You're a pretty tough girl from what I've seen. You've got this and plus, Chase has got your back and if it comes down to it then you can talk to me as well." Henry smiled softly 

"Thank you." I replied 

"Anytime." Henry said

I sighed, running my fingers through my hair. This was not how I expected the day to start.

"Do you want to go to Denny's tomorrow morning before school?" Chase questioned

"Please." I answered

"I'll just call in later today." Chase informed

"Sweet!" I cheered

It wasn't long before the car stopped and the five of us climbed out of the car. I looked around, taking in everything.

"You guys are free to walk around. Cafe at noon!" Jeanette smiled before walking off

I began walking, ignoring the guys. I don't know why I was so intrigued by the town but it was just so calm and lovely. Due to how zoned out I was, I bumped into someone.

"I'm so sorry." I said backing up a bit

"It's quite alright, lovely." A man replied

"I'll be on my way now." I mused

"I haven't seen you before." The man stated

"Just visiting the town for a day. Live in the next town over." I explained

"I'm Kinston." He informed

"Allison." I replied

"Need a tour of the town?" Kinston questioned

"Nope, she doesn't." Chase answered harshly

"Cool it, man." Kinston retorted

"Lets just calm down, okay? I don't feel like dealing with any arguments." I sighed

"Okay, okay." Chase backed down

"C'mon, you can join Kinston." I agreed

"There's a park, nearby. We could go hang there for a bit if you'd like." Kinston suggested

"Yeah, that'd be great." I nodded

It was silent as we walked to the park. I looked around me; finding myself smiling as we passed by the town. Chase wrapped his arm around my shoulder, pulling me close.

"And, we're here!" Kinston exclaimed

"Woah." I mumbled

The park was different from what I was expecting. It was so large and extravagant. It was absolutely breathtaking. I smiled and ran off, heading for the swings. Man, I love this town.