There is much trouble in Paradise

Chapter 35

Not long after the Whites reached home, Alisha phoned no other than Doug.

"Is it important, Alisha? I'm not in the mood."

"What happened, Douglas? Please tell me. I can't relax knowing you are unwell."

"It doesn't matter."

"If you don't tell me, I'm telling dad and we're going to break your door to check on you."

"It's Val."

Alisha stopped at Doug's sudden confession. Did he know? If yes what? And how? Did he saw Shane flirting with her? No, he wasn't there. Someone else must've told him.

"What's going on, Douglas?"

"I asked her out and she rejected me. She didn't even text me. We hadn't talked in like a week and she didn't even check on me once."

"Douglas... do you love her?"

"Of course I do! I've loved her for longer than I know."

"Douggie... Douglas... I really don't want to break your too kind heart."

"What's it, Alisha? Do you know anything?"

"Well, first of all, I didn't even try to snoop, I found out only coincidentally. Then, I'm sorry for the pain I'll be causing."

"Tell me!"

"I went out with Morgan at Marquise and, as we were eating, Shane and Robert came too. Shane flirted with Valerie. She ignored him at first but... well... let's just say she wasn't very very bothered. Then, I went to Morgan's place and Holly and dad came to pick me up. As we were driving home we passed by Shane's house. Wanna know what I saw? Your love, Valerie, ringing his doorbell and entering his house."

"..."

"Douglas? Are you still there? Douglas? DOUGLAS!"

"Yes, Alisha... sorry... yes... I'm here."

"I'm sorry, Douglas."

"Don't be. I don't want you to be sad over that woman. Forget about that. Is that all?"

"Yes... and Douglas... don't let it affect you too much."

"Thanks, Alisha."

"You are welcome here anytime you need us."

"I know. Thanks for everything. I'll leave you now."

"Take care, Douglas."

"Bye."

Doug hung up at the other end.

"Did you talk to him?" Albert said from the living room couch as his daughter came downstairs.

"Yes."

"How did he react?" Holly came from another room.

"He was pretty sad. Turns out he asked her out today and she rejected him. Do you think she and Shane are on again?" The girl asked.

"At the funeral they didn't seem to. But some time passed after that so they might as well be." Albert said.

"Did our Hawkeye miss anything?" Holly said looking at her stepdaughter

"I don't know! I'll ask around." Alisha smiled. "You both should do the same. I want to know at all costs if that woman used Douglas and for how long!"

"Me too. I'll find out!" Albert said slightly angered. "Douggie is like my brother!"

"Chill! We shouldn't stick too deep in this. After all, we only need to support Doug. What Valerie and Shane do it's none of our business." Holly spoke.

The three returned to their business ready to discover the truth as soon as possible.