Him?

Chaptet 22

Alexis's pov

"So I made a deal with one of my friends who just got out of prison. A crazy idea, but I was desperate! I need this baby. At first, we were just making calls, selling stuff that we didn't even have. Then we had meetings and deals and some idiot shot Jeff last week and nobody has heard from him after that and now I need to get the hell away from here before they find you and Sofia, the girls! I am so f'cked! I can't lose you! I can't! I'll go crazy! Just know, that whatever happens to me, I love you and I will never stop loving you, baby."

I couldn't take it anymore. I pushed him away and headed for the stairs. Every time he told me this was the last time, he goes back and does something even more stupid, not to mention risky. I didn't know what to make of this whole mess. I tried all I could to help Ismael, but each time he promised to change, he goes back on his words.

I left the room feeling like whatever the hell he was up to, he had a whole lot to sort out before he leaves. He must've been planning this for a long time. His footsteps told me he was following me, probably not finished with his 'story' but I was sick of it. I wanted to get as far away from him as possible.

"Alexis." He said, and my anger rose. Once upon a time, I used to love hearing my name being called by his voice. Now it just makes me feel like I'm capable of strangling someone.

I turned around to face him, angry tears streaming down my face. "I can't take this anymore," I said, "it's over Ismael."

"What!" He screamed incredulously, "are you leaving me? You can't leave me!"

He drew closer to me and I backed away until my back hit the exit of this horrible room. I swallowed my panicked scream and met his eyes. "I thought that staying and helping you through your mistakes would make you a better person." I replied softly, "but I realize now that it only made you worse because somehow you got it your head that I will always be there to do damage control whenever you f'ck up. But I'm tired of all this."

I swung the door open and stepped out but Ismael held me by the hand and pulled me to his chest, wrapping me securely in his arms. "I love you." He said pleadingly.

"Who are you?" I asked. He was definitely not the Ismael I fell for all those years ago.

***********

I felt myself being shaken lightly, a familiar male voice saying my name over and over. I drew a shaky deep breath and sobbed some more, tasting my salty tears. I clutched on a soft, comfortable piece of fabric with my eyes shut tight, afraid to open my eyes.

Was I still in my memory/dream or have I woken up? I wasn't quite sure and I didn't wish to find out. I tried to breathe properly and convince myself to open my eyes as my comforter kept rocking me, his voice having a soothing effect on me.

"I'm going to kill that son of a bitch if I ever get my hands on him." The same voice threatened and recognition came to me as my eyes finally opened.

"Destiny!" I cried, relief flooding me as I saw that I was only reliving the past in my sleep. The thought, though somewhat comforting made me afraid to go back to sleep.

"You okay dear?" He asked with concern.

I looked down at his tear soaked t-shirt that I had, still tightly gripped in my hands. Then I took in my surroundings and saw that we were still on the couch, the TV screen blank, indicating that someone had turned it off.

It took a while for me to realize that the DJ asked me something. I nodded my reply but I felt horrible. "What time is it?"

"Around nine," DJ said.

His words caused me to sit up in alarm. "F'ck, I'm late!" I was standing up to run to my room when DJ grabbed my arm.

"Are you sure you want to go to school today?" He asked. It was the first time he asked me something like that and it made me stop and think about it.

It was on Friday. I had a particularly stressful week and I feel like I was going to faint with each move I make. I used to be able to tell exactly what my day would be like when I wake up. It was usually a bath, a bite to eat, classes, lunch, assignments, classes home. And then the cycle would repeat depending on my schedule. But these days, I had no idea what sort of shit was going to happen. Would I run into him again? He'd probably kidnap me next time. Would he really?

I shook my head no, "what do you have in mind?"

"Let's go home and spend the day with your mom and dad." He suggested and it sounded like a great plan. I haven't been in Lake's Town in what seemed like years but was only about two months.

"Okay, if you promise that you won't tell them anything. I don't need them to start worrying about me." I replied with a tired sigh.

Destiny grinned widely at me, clearly happy with my answer. "Oh boy, I can't wait to see my grandma!" He said, jumping up and racing to his room.

I shook my head as a similar grin appeared on my face. I went searching for Christina and found her in the kitchen washing her cereal bowl. She hummed softly to whatever song was playing through her earphones, bobbing her head as she did so.

"Hey, you!" She said cheerfully when she noticed me.

"Hey." I tried to mimic her good mood.

"No school?" She asked.

I shook head. "I need a break so I'm going home for the day."

"Okay. I totally get it." Chris answered, taking up her backpack from where it was sitting on the floor.

"Will you be okay here by yourself? I mean, you gonna spend most of the day at school, but I'm not sure what time I'll be back..."

"I'm a big girl Lexi." She said, rolling her eyes at me, "I promise I won't burn the house down till you get back."

"And absolutely no parties," Destiny warned jokingly as he joined our conversation.

"Sure," Chris nodded, "just a sleepover then."

DJ frowned at her, ready to start arguing when Chris and I burst out laughing. "Lighten up old man. I have way too much work to do, so parties are off my list for a while."

"Hmm!' he huffed, turning on his coffee maker and heading out of the kitchen again.