Stranded

Chapter 61

"Cass?" the red-haired girl stares at me. How does she know me?

"Yes." I confirm. Before I can blink, she rushes to the other side of the counter, ignoring the many protests as she does, and engulfs me in a hug.

"Oh my god." she breathes. I hesitantly wrap my arms around her. She seems so familiar, but I can't place where I've seen her before, if I actually have seen her before.

"Do you remember who I am?" she asks, pulling away from the awkward embrace. I slowly shake my head and her eyes, previously filled with joy, fill with disappointment and confusion. "It's me, Alice."

"I'm sorry but...I don't think we've met before." I nervously tuck a strand of hair behind my ears as she regards me shrewdly. "How do you know Harry? What happened?"

"I'll explain on the way to the gym." she says, taking my hand and tugging me out the door.

"Wait!" I say and she stops, turning around to face me. "I've got to let my boss and my friend know that I'm leaving." I explain.

"Okay," she agrees after a moment. "Just don't take long. We really need to hurry." I nod in understanding.

"What's wrong?" Adam asks as I approach his table. I shake my head.

"It's nothing I just...I have to go, I'm so sorry." I rush. His eyes show disappointment and determination and it fills me with guilt.

"Then I'll go with you." he insists.

"No, Adam. I think it would be better if I just go. By myself." his eyes turn towards the floor.

"It's him isn't it. He's in trouble and you're about to go save him." he assumes and I stay silent.

"It's not like that-"

"Dammit, Cassidy yes it is!" he yells, slamming his fist on the table and standing before me. His height combined with his brooding stare makes me feel small and vulnerable, two feelings I don't take very well to. 

"Why can't you see that he's no good for you? That I care for you more than he ever has?" his eyes are filled with tears, but they don't spill onto his cheeks. "I know this sounds insane considering we've only been on one date and I don't know you as much as I'd like to but...I'm crazy about you, Cassidy." his last words leave his mouth in a breathy whisper. 

I'm completely taken by surprise at his confession. I wan't expecting him to say anything close to what he did, and now that the words have been spoken, I don't know how to react to them. My mouth continually opens and closes, but no words come out.

"I...I don't know what to say." I eventually speak and my eyes involuntarily look towards the ground. Adam's thumb gently lifts my chin up, our eyes meeting.

"Maybe this'll help." he whispers. I close my eyes as he presses his lips to my own. Our lips move in a sweet, slow rhythm, savouring the taste of each other. 

"Cassidy, come on!" Alice's voice brings us both back into reality and our lips disconnect. With eyes still closed, Adam presses a soft, lingering kiss to the tip of my nose.

"Go on," he encourages. "Harry needs you." 

~Harry's POV~

"You okay?" I slowly turn my head to Will. 

"Yeah." he grunts, struggling to sit up. "I thought we were through with them." he admits and I nod my head in agreement. I try to take deep breaths and ignore the pain shooting all throughout my body.

"Harry, you've got to get Cassie out of here." Will advises.

"She won't go with me. I know she won't. She's stubborn as hell and will put up a fight if I don't tell her exactly what's going on."