Alice II

Part II

“Alice” a voice yelled and then someone hit the guy with the tattoo in the face.

The other two guys release me and I fell to the ground, stilling crying. I looked to see Drake punching one in the stomach and kicking the other one in the face. None of them got up.

    I sniffed and cry some more. I didn’t even see when Drake came over and helped me to stand. He buckled my belt and zipped up my coat. I just stood there crying in silences, staring at the ground. I was too shame to look Drake in the face.

I’m such a loser, wimp, weakling. I couldn’t even protect myself. What the hell is wrong with me? I failed at everything.

    I wiped the tears off with the back of my hand. He must think I’m stupid and worthless and probably wants to leave me.

    Suddenly, Drake’s arm wrapped around me. He pulled me into a tight hug. My head rest on his chest. I was so shock, I suddenly stop crying. My heart beat like Thumber. Why didn’t he hit me?

    “I’m so glad you’re safe,” he whispered into my hair. He’s emotion was relief. I don’t know what I was thinking. Drake would never lay a finger on me. I should know that by now. He’s the only one who really cares.

~*~

We got home almost an hour after. I didn’t want to worry my mom so I recollected myself the best I could. She doesn’t need to know what happen and I prefer to forget it too. We put our coats in the closet. My mom was in the living room. She was sitting there with a suitcase and a business suit on. Her face was covered with her hands.

“Mom,” I whispered. She raised her head up and gave me a stressful smile.

“Alice, you’re home. I see Drake is with you,” she smiled at Drake. He gave a half smile back.

“Please, you two, have a cookie” She handed us the platter. I watched Drake carefully, as he picked up a cookie and bite into it. I minick him.

“Alice, I have some bad news,” my mom started, setting the platter down and gestured Drake and I to sit. We did what we were told.

“Alice, I have to go to London for a business trip tonight and I won’t be back until three days after New Years,” she explained, fidgeting with her fingers.

“But mom, Christmas is in four days,” I muttered, shock. Since I was born, I’ve spend Christmas and New Year with my mom. She’s never miss one with me for a business trip.

“I’m sorry. I want to be here. Gosh, life is so hard,” she cried, tears coming from her eyes. I went over to her and touch her hand. She looked at me.

“Mom, it’s okay. I’ll be fine,” I told her, smiling and wiping her tears away.

“But-but you’re going to be alone,” she whispered to me. I suck in a breath. I was just about to answer when I felt a hand on my shoulder.

“I’ll be taking care of Alice,” Drake told us. I looked up at him and he had his usual serious look. He looked back at me. I smiled and we both looked at my mom.

“See, I’m fine,” I told her, grinning.

~*~

We lay down on my bed, with only the night light on, blinking different colors. Since my mom left, we been in my room for almost an hour. The sky outside got dark quick.

Drake was staring through me, not even at me. Whatever been on his mind, it’s bothering him now.

I sat there, concern. If Drake can’t talk to me about it, how am I suppose to help? I feel like I can’t do anything for him.