Protecting Alice

Chapter 3: Amusement Park

Alice was excited when they reached the amusement park.  She grabbed Asher's hand and pulled him along saying, "Let's go on the teacups! Please!"  Jeremy interrupted saying, "Alice, ride with me on that roller coaster."  Alice nodded and rode with him.  Asher called out, "I will meet you at the tea cups!"  After the ride Jeremy asked, "Do you like Asher?  I mean it seems that you two are inseparable lately and it's like you have replaced me."  His eyes looked sullen. 

Alice said, "You haven't been around very much and kissed me out of nowhere several months ago.  I did like you, Jeremy but you would always flirt with so many girls!  Yes, I do like Asher.  He is very sweet and kind."  She didn't realize when she talked about Asher she would blush and become giddy.  Alice saw Asher wave her over.  He won her a stuffed penguin at the test your strength game.  Jeremy noticed Penny by the cotton candy stand and said angrily, "I see you made your choice so have fun with boy scout !"  He left before Alice could say anything to him.  She went to Asher smiling. 

He said, "This penguin is for you, kitten!"  She replied, "Thank you, Asher!  You shouldn't have!"  They rode the teacups and then the ferris wheel.  She forgot all about Jeremy's outburst.  Alice enjoyed every moment with Asher.  He gave her his jacket because she was cold.  They sat on the bench looking at the stars.  He looked into her eyes and said, "You don't realize that you're caught in a love triangle. I care deeply about you and so does Jeremy in his own way.  You captivate me, Alice Townsend."  Alice replied, "I think it is less of a love triangle since the girl is only interested in one guy.  He has been by her side this whole time." 

Asher leaned in to kiss her.  When their lips touched it was intoxicating.  It showed passion, love, and hope in one kiss.  Alice thought, "I may be falling for Asher Parker."  Jeremy noticed them kissing and punched the concession stand.  He decided that getting drunk sounded like a good idea.  Jeremy got Penny to drive and texted Alice, "You don't need me since you have, Asher.  I will be out partying so don't wait up!"  Alice got his text message and showed it to Asher.  She said, "He is being reckless and there is a killer on the loose."  Asher replied sweetly, "Don't worry kitten, I promise we will track him down."  They used Alice's phone to track him. 

Little did they know, Carly's killer had been following them. He was stalking them in the shadows.  They eventually found Jeremy an hour later at the bar making out with Penny. Asher said, "We all should go. It's not safe with a murderer out there, Jeremy."  Jeremy stumbled over to him and slurred, "Boy scout doesn't like to have fun and ruins it for us all!"  Alice was frustrated at Jeremy for taunting Asher so she went outside to get some air.  She saw the guy in the black hoodie across the street heading towards her.  Asher finally gave up talking to Jeremy.  He went outside to check on Alice.  She ran into Asher's arms and said, "He's here!"  The guy in the hoodie had a gun and pointed it at them.  Asher made Alice get behind him.  Asher fought with the guy while Jeremy stumbled out with Penny in tow. 

Asher told Alice, "Run! Get out of here quick!"  The gun went off and the guy with the hoodie ran.  Asher fell into Alice's arms.  He was shot in the stomach.  Alice said, "No!  Stay with me, Asher."  Asher replied, "I won't leave you, kitten."  Jeremy and Penny were too drunk to comprehend what just occurred.  Alice called 911 and when the ambulance arrived, she jumped at the chance to go with Asher.  She told the paramedics, "That is my boyfriend and I need to go with him. He saved my life!"  They relented and allowed her to go with them.  Asher smiled when he heard her say 'boyfriend'. Jeremy sobered up when he saw Alice go with Asher.  He called a cab to drop off Penny and he went to the hospital. 

Alice held his hand the whole time in the ambulance.  Asher was taken into surgery to get the bullet out of his stomach.  Jeremy finally got to the hospital and called Alice's parents.  Alice felt broken and realized she would lose a part of her if something happened to Asher.  She always thought it would be Jeremy that would have her heart but life works in mysterious ways.  When Jeremy reached Alice, she didn't say a word to him.  He hugged her and said, "Asher will make it!"  Alice asked him, "Why do you hate Asher?"  Jeremy said, "I don't hate him. I envy the relationship you both have.  I know now that you don't love me the way I love you."  She replied, "I did care for you like that in the past but now Asher holds that place in my heart." 

A few hours later, Alice realized that Asher could have visitors now.  She ran to his room and saw him laying in the bed staring at the wall.  Alice said, "Hey there, mister hero!"  Asher grinned when she came in and noticed her climbing into his hospital bed to give him a hug.  He held her tightly as his heartbeat was always loud when she was that close.  She said, "I thought I was going to lose you, Asher."  He replied, "Never, I am always here for you, kitten."  Alice sat up to ask, "Why kitten?"  Asher said, "Because you are a spitfire, very strong, kind, sweet, and a cutie."  Alice smiled and said, "I like that nickname."  They both went to kiss each other. It made both of their cheeks turn warm.  Asher said, "I love kissing you, Alice."  She giggled then replied, "Mr. Parker, why ever so?"  He said, "It's because I love you."