Not so Natural

Chapter Twenty- One -Liar, Liar, Towel on Fire-

"What's up beef bits?" Cecilia asked from inside the shower. Alex made a questioning noise. "You know, following me to the bathroom?" she clarified. "Oh. I don't know really," he replied. She snorted which in turn made Alex crack up. The water suddenly shut off. "Son of  bitch!" Cecilia swore from within. "Water go out on you?" Alex asked quirking an eyebrow. A small 'yes' came a moment later. "I have to get out, just close your eyes," Cecilia said stepping out. Alex covered his eyes just in time to not see anything but a slender shin. "Where's my towel?" she asked looking around. "I may have left it on your bed..."he said timidly.  "Shirt," she commanded. He gladly handed the article over. Once she was all covered they went back to her room. Alex hesitated at the doorway, “I need my shirt before I go downstairs.” Cecilia stood in front of him and took the top off, “Take it and go.” When she had turned away Alex stared in horror at her scarred back. “Stop gawking at me and get the hell out!” she snapped making him scurry away.

He rejoined her and held her close while they slept. The day was spent doing chores and messing around.

Later while at dinner Cecilia made an announcement, “I’m going into town with Cassie and Daniel later.” “Alex, why don’t you accompany my eldest?” Tom inquired cheerfully. “Sure, I’ll go,” Alex responded. Once they were all ready the group left. They went to a well-known bar and laughed and talked. A young man walked up to where Cecilia was sitting and started to chat her up. She soon agreed to go with him, but Alex grabbed her arm, “You can’t go with this punk!” “Alex, let me go!” she snapped. “Listen to me, I won’t allow it!” he yelled. She practically snarled at him, “Who do you think you are!? You’re not my boyfriend, you have no right to tell me what I can or cannot do!” Alex just tightened his grip on her arm. Cecilia gently took him hand and dislocated his thumb. The young man backed away, “Sorry, I have a girlfriend.” Cecilia held back tears as she dragged Alex out with Cassadee and Daniel not far behind. She pushed Alex into an alley roughly. Cassadee held a hand out to stop Daniel from following with a shake of her head. Cecilia pushed Alex against the wall, “I can handle myself, now let me see your thumb.” He held his hand out with a flinch. She pushed his joint back into the socket, “I’m sorry.” “What did you get off the kid?” Cassadee asked from the street. “I got a wallet, sunglasses, and ooh score, a pocket knife!” Alex stared up the girl in horror, “You two steal?” “Yes, I could have gotten stuff from his house if you hadn’t stopped me!” she snapped.