Protecting Alice

Chapter 8: What Is Happening?

Jeremy got off the phone and announced to everyone with a sad tone that Max was at the hospital fighting for his life.  He had been shot in the stomach.  Alice managed to say, "It must be the person who killed Carly. Poor Max!  That psycho won't stop until he kills me too."  She was shaking in fear as tears were going down her cheeks.  Asher whispered, "He won't touch you, kitten.  I will protect you with my life."  Ashton interrupted saying, "I am going to take Becca and the twins home.  Please keep me updated on Max.  Alice, please stay safe." 

The emotions were taking their toll on the Townsend family. Nick and Tara left the house first but not before they said, "Asher, make sure to keep Alice by your side at all times.  This maniac is getting more confident with his attempts."  Asher nodded and reassured them that Alice will be safe no matter what.  Jeremy took Penny's hand and led her to his motorcycle.  He said quietly in her ear, "We need to get to Max now.  Who knows if the killer knows he survived his gunshot wound."  Penny held on tight as they went fast on his bike. 

The black hoodie guy was crouching behind Asher's car.  He had no clue that Max was still alive.  His eyes went wild as he used some wire cutters to cut the brake line.  He said a soliloquy, "Now, it will end the way it should.  Max is dead.  You will be soon, innocent Alice along with your boyfriend.  Tell Carly hello from me."  He ran into the night and got into his black convertible car a few blocks away.  Asher and Alice finally went to his car.  They took awhile because he wanted her to bring some things to keep her mind off of the black hoodie guy.  She had her laptop, the penguin he won her at the amusement park, and an art kit to draw sketches. 

Asher gave her a kiss and put his jacket on her shoulders.  He said in a reassuring voice, "I love you and it will be all over soon.  Max will survive what happened and maybe he can identify who has been behind all of this." Alice tried to stay positive but the fear of being stalked and hunted by her friend's murderer made everything bleak.  Asher made her laugh and smile when he told her about his plans for a date night at the beach when this was all over.  One thing she loved about him was his way of making everything seem okay even when the situation was looking dark.  She was starting to forget about the black hoodie guy until Asher said, "Whatever happens, always know that I love you.  You are my true love, Alice."  He held her hand as tapped his foot on the brakes. He found out they weren't working. 

Asher didn't panic because he wanted Alice to know what was happening.  He needed to be strong for the both of them.  His thoughts were, "She won't die tonight.  Not on my watch.  That psycho must have cut the brake lines.  I have to stay calm and let her know how much I love her because my luck may have run out."  She noticed he was acting a little more tense than usual but she said, "Asher, I love you too.  Please know that I am going to stay positive through all of this because I have you."  Alice was shocked when he said, "Hold on, kitten!"  Asher avoid people crossing the street and several cars on the road.  He slammed his car into a building.

Alice saw all of the windshield glass fly in the air like in slow motion. The air bags were deployed and there was blood everywhere in the car. It all happened so fast. Asher leaned in front of her body to protect Alice from the glass and car debris. All she could do was say, "Asher!" Alice's ears were ringing and her vision was blurry. She was going to pass out at any second. She gathered strength to open her side of the car door. Alice noticed Asher was barely breathing but he softly choked out, "Are you okay, Alice?" She said, "Stay with me!" Alice squeezed out of the car and got him out safely. She dialed 911 but saw in the corner of her eye at the lamp post across the street, the black hoodie guy smoking. He eyed them menacingly then quickly sprinted towards them yelling, "Why can't you die already?"

Asher was in extreme pain, his bleeding was coming from his ribs and stomach. He had cuts all over his body as well. Asher made his body stand when he heard the black hoodie's voice. Alice held Asher while saying, "If I am going to die tonight, at least I will be in your arms." The ambulance got there in time.  The black hoodie guy didn't want to be caught so he ran like a coward. He jumped into his convertible with the license plate that read #1 teacher. Alice managed to read that when the black hoodie guy sped by the scene he caused. Asher passed out and Alice caught him. Her adrenaline kicked in at the right time. They rode to the hospital. Alice managed to only get cuts and bruises while the love of her life got the brunt of it. She stayed strong for Asher's sake but Alice was crumbling to pieces on the inside.

Meanwhile, Max miraculously woke up from surgery while Jeremy and Penny were at his bed side. He had short term memory loss because of the blood loss from his wounds. Max forgot the person who shot him. Nick was talking to the doctor while Tara was trying to call Asher's cell phone. She had no idea that his phone was totaled at the car wreck. Tara was pacing and felt in her heart that Asher and Alice were in trouble. Nick managed to get bodyguards to watch Max's room since the police were busy trying to track the black hoodie guy.