Alone 2

Chapter 10: Again and Again and Again

Aria's P.O.V

I stand up from the cabinet, heart racing.

I look to Allyson, her hands are shaking hard. She still has the gun pointed to where the man was.

"Ally?" Cade crawls out from under the couch and rushes towards Allyson. He puts his hand on her shoulder, and she collapses, she just falls to the ground. I rush over to her and pull her up on my shoulder.

"Allyson, honey wake up." Cade says, shaking her head. She suddenly regains control and walks over to the dead man. He shifts his arm. She stares at him, as if using magic on him to reincarnate him, or bring him back to life. I stay still, afraid he'll lash out and grab me.

Cade turns on the lights and I see the man's face. My chest rises and falls faster. My nose starts to burn as I try to keep tears in. I'm shocked, just standing there, unable to move. I watch Allyson turn around.

She smiles at me. "I fixed him." I tilt my head at Chandler. A smile reaches across my face as I fall to the ground and crawl to him. His hand reaches for mine and I grab it. I put it to my face and I feel his hand carress my cold, wet face.

He smiles, and I almost die inside. His bright smile flashes at me. He opens his mouth to speak, but he doesn't. He pulls my ear to his lips and I wait for a sound.

"I wanna give you something." I nod my head. He pulls back and reaches into his pocket. He pulls out a wilted and crushed rose. "I meant... to give this to you. Before it all, happened." I slowly take it from his hand.

I turn to look at Allyson. I mouth the words thank you and she nods. My eyes go back to Chandler who is on the ground. He starts to stand, and he pulls me up with him. He wraps his arms around my small body. I feel the comfort of his arms support me as my legs feel weak.

I pull away and look into his deep blue eyes.

"How did you find me?" I ask him.

"I saw Firess run away, and thought you might be here." He says.

"Why did it take you so long then?" He chuckles.

"I wanted to see where she was going of course." I roll my eyes and hug him again.

"Is the reunion over?" Cade asks in an annoyed voice. I laugh and nod my head.

Everyone stops and we just all sit there. In the quietness of the night. Cade claps his hands together and it makes me jump.

"Let's get to bed?" We all mumble and head to our sleeping spots again. I feel Chandler follow me and lay beside me. I feel his breath on my back. His hand pulls me closer to him. His hand lingers there for a moment before it slips away. I try to fall asleep, but I can't stop thinking about Firess.

Is she okay? Is she dead? Is she in danger? Is she being held hostage? I shake my head free if all the stupid questions.

I open my eyes in the darkness. I let out a small sigh, and Chandler's hand finds my side again, but I'm pretty sure he is asleep. I look over to Allyson and Cade. They are both asleep soundly.

My heart stops beating as footsteps reach my ears. They are coming from outside.

I turn to face Chandler and shake him awake. His eyes open slowly and I put a finger to my lip to show that we should be quiet. I point towards the door, and he stands. Gun in hand.

He creeps towards the door, and finally opens it. I smile with tears of joy dripping down my face.

Fires is standing in the doorway, face bloodied.