Protecting Alice

Chapter 2: Living In Fear

Alice had not been to sleep because she was scared of the threatening texts she kept receiving. Several days without proper rest can make anyone paranoid. It had been 4 months and there were still no leads in Carly's murder case. Asher had been very supportive and was always there for her. He also added extra classes that she took to make sure he could be with her at all times. Jeremy had been acting like a jerk towards Asher every single day because he felt that he was taking Alice away from him. When he came to ride with Alice to class, Jeremy commented, "You are such a boy scout, Asher! It is quite painful to watch actually. I don't appreciate the way you look at her. She will never be yours! Alice is mine. Got it?"

Jeremy grabbed Asher by the collar of his red and blue plaid button down shirt. Asher replied, "She isn't yours, Jeremy. I am no boy scout and nobody is perfect. You remind me of myself before I changed. If you actually care about Alice, then you would stop flirting with other girls. You are playing with her heart." Jeremy let go of Asher and tried to punch him, but he ducked.

Alice witnessed what they were talking about and intervened. She said, "Jeremy! Stop it now! What is wrong with you?" She got in between the both of them and spoke, "Asher is trying to help protect me and he has been nice to you!" Jeremy glared at Asher and said, "I will put up with him for you." He bumped into Asher's shoulder and went to get on his black motorcycle. He sped off fuming about Asher.

Asher shook his head and said, "He definitely has an attitude and is in love with you." Alice replied, "If he did, then why does he like all the attention from other women?" Asher spoke, "He is definitely stupid to do that because you are truly beautiful, Alice. Any guy would be lucky to have you." Alice blushed and whispered, "Thank you, Asher! You are so very sweet!" She opened up to him on their way to class finally about the threatening texts.

Asher gave her the best advice, "Tell your parents at least. I can tell you haven't been sleeping because when you were telling Jeremy to stop it you looked like you were going to faint. You need to sleep, Alice. I am here for you and it may help to talk about it. I hate seeing you cooped up in your bedroom and only talking when spoken to.  It's okay to let out your emotions." Asher hugged her for awhile. She said, "I would like to talk about it but it is hard since Carly's murderer has been haunting my dreams." Alice told him that the guy that killed Carly was wearing a black hoodie with a red baseball cap.

She said, "I am scared that he will come after me and my family, Jeremy. I don't want you getting hurt or worse, either." Asher replied, "I promise he won't come near you! You have nothing to worry about since I won't leave your side." His words seemed to always put her mind at ease. She had a decent day and stopped worrying about the threats.  Jeremy was always flirting with Penny Penbrook and it made her heart shatter every time. Penny was considered a mean girl that nobody liked because she put others down.

Asher noticed Alice's face change from looking happy to feeling lost. He said, "Let me take you out tonight to the amusement park. It can get your mind off of everything that has happened." Alice's face lit up and she said, "Yay!  That's a great idea, Asher! You are the best!" Asher spoke, "I will clear it with your dad first.  Give me a second." Jeremy stopped talking to Penny and went up to Alice. He said, "I can't believe you are going on a date with Asher!" Alice stood there shocked at what he was saying. She smelled pot on him and replied yelling, "I thought you only smoked cigarettes? I guess bad boy Jeremy is back. I expected more from you!" Jeremy replied, "You shouldn't be going out since the guy that killed Carly is still out there. I am coming with you guys."

Asher came back and said, "Your Dad said that it would be okay since I will be with you. You can come too, Jeremy since I am sure Alice would want you to come."  Before Alice could say anything, Jeremy said, "See you guys at 6pm! Have to jet!" Alice noticed Asher grabbed her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. He said, "Jeremy is just acting out. He will calm down. I know his type since I made the same type of wrong choices." Alice pushed her thoughts aside about Jeremy and his crazy mood swings.

When they arrived at the Townsend residence, Alice went to her Mom and said, "I have something to tell you and Dad. I have been getting threatening texts to not say a word about seeing the killer run from Carly's apartment.  I didn't even see his face. I am just so scared!" Tara hugged her daughter and said, "I am glad you told me honey! Don't worry we will catch this guy and the police are on it as well!" Nick arrived and said, "Please be careful at the amusement park. I just want you safe sweetheart. I trust Asher and Jeremy to protect you."  He gave Alice a hug and said, "We all love you and we will catch this guy!" Tara informed Nick about the text messages when Asher and Alice left the room.

Asher said, "I am proud of you for telling your parents. I hope you have a little peace of mind now." Alice replied, "Thank you for encouraging me to do that! I do feel better!" Asher spoke and smiled, "I am happy to hear that!" They decided to finish up their homework and noticed it was time to go. Jeremy was waiting downstairs and said, "Let's go boy scout!  You can drive since you are a bore." Alice replied, "Nobody likes a jerk, Jeremy! You are my best friend but lately it seems you aren't acting like it!" She stomped off with Asher close behind. Jeremy rolled his eyes and thought she always takes his side. Asher whispered, "Dang kitten, you are feisty! Thanks for having my back." Alice replied, "Of course, you did nothing wrong. Friends have each other's backs."