Blind

chapter twelve

There was a bang and Alina was awake. She heard the door next to her open and two hands pulling her out and gently lifting her off her seat. She heard some distant voices and then the car was gone.

Her eyes were still closed. It didn't make a difference if she opened them anyway so why not use it wisely? She heard Noah let out a sigh when they reached the stairs.

"A blind girl living in a building without an elevator." She heard him mumble under his breath. "Of all the stupid things..."

Alina tried to suppress a smile, letting Noah continue talking to himself while he started climbing up the stairs with her in his arms. After a little while they reached the door and she opened her eyes.

"You can put me down now." She said and felt him jump a little.

"Holly crap Alina." He was clearly surprised. "You were awake?"

"Yeah." She answered snickering.

Noah sighed and put her down holding on to her hands till she could stand on her own. He handed her, her cane and searched for the keys. The door opened after a while and they walked in.

"Wait a minute. Did you pretend to be asleep so that I would carry you up the stairs?" He asked in a incredulous voice after they entered.

Alina smiled as she made her way to the couch.

"Wow, You're quick." She said and she heard him gasp.

"I feel used." He whispered in a broken voice.

"You'll get over it." Alina  smiled and threw herself at the couch letting out a breath. She removed her heels and tucked her legs beneath her enjoying the warm sensation of the pillows. She let her head fall back sighing. Noah came and sat beside her.

"You feeling better?" He asked letting out a breath of his own.

"Well, considering I was almost raped, I think I'm doing pretty okay." She said with an empty smile but felt his body tense next to her.

"I'm sorry." He said and Alina sat up straight frowning.

"Why are you sorry?"

Noah stayed silent for a second.

"I wasn't there, there was three of them. Three Alina. They could've hurt you and I-"

"Noah stop it." She  reached
out and she tried to find his hand. "Don't do this," she said in a soft voice squeezing his fingers. "Please."

She heard him let out a breath.

"I just..." His voice faded and he ran a hand through his hair.

"If anyone is to blame here that's me."Alina said in a reassuring smile. "I Just needed some air. I didn't think something like this could happen."

Noah scoffed.

"Clearly."

Alina pinched his forearm and he let out a pained cry. She smiled leaning back on the pillows.

"I'm gonna make some tea, want some?" He asked after a while and Alina nodded.

Noah headed to the kitchen and as soon as he left she felt Debra shoving her knee lightly. Alina smiled and reached her hand out patting the dogs fluffy head. Debra made a pleased sound and rested her head on Alina's lap.

She let out a breath. Her arms were numb and really heavy suddenly and her feet were killing her. She could still feel Jason's hands wrapped around her. Shivering, she stood up and headed towards the kitchen. She stopped at the door, leaning against the wood and folded her arms across her chest.