Glitches (Ben Drowned x reader)

Ch.2 Alex

-Your pov

I never thought summer would get this hot. No wonder there's so many people at the river today. Alyssa, Jade, and I walked across the busy parking lot towards the shore. We didn't dare take off our shoes on the pavement. The three of us felt awful for the dogs walking across the steaming hot cement. We finally reached the shoreline. The water reached out to us over and over. My heart was beating faster. I took a step back to try and calm myself down. Jade and Alyssa noticed how nervous I was and held my hands to try and calm me down.

"Y/n, it's really hot out. Are you sure you don't want to join us? We're not going anywhere near the Scarlet Trench." Alyssa asked. Her words were starting to win me over. But my fear was too much. I sighed and painted a fake smile on my face.

"You two go ahead. I might join you if I get too hot." I replied. Jade and Alyssa looked concerned which is understandable. People pass out in this kind of heat. But that's why I brought extra water. Alyssa and Jade smiled back and walked into the river. I sighed and wandered around until I found an open spot and set my towel down. About ten minutes went by and I was getting low on water and getting really hot.

"Hey, are you doing ok?" A familiar voice asked me. I looked up to see Alex. I smiled at him a little. 

"Oh hey Alex. I-I'm fine. Just a little hot." I replied. Alex smiled. 

"I just noticed that you were the only one out of the water. I was getting nervous since it's so hot out today. Are you going in the water soon?" He said. I was quiet for a second. The sound of cool water was really tempting.

"To be honest, I've never set foot in the river. I'm terrified of even crossing the bridge." I replied. Alex looked at the river and then back at me.

"Do you want me to go in with you?" He asked. He sounded a little shy about it. I've only known him for a few days and we're already friends. I smiled a little and nodded my head before standing up and walking toward the river. I froze the moment my feet touched the water. It made me feel like death was watching me. Waiting to drag me into the depths. Never to be seen again. Alex looked at me slightly concerned.

"Sorry. I just-" I whispered before he interrupted.

"It's ok. I understand. We don't have to go far into the water. We can just sit if you want." Alex replied. We sat down in the shallow water and he held my shaking hand.

"Don't worry. I'm here." He finished. I smiled a little before closing my eyes to block the view. There was a peaceful silence for a while. 

"Y/n?" Alex asked before I nodded my head. 

"I'm glad I met you. I never had a friend before." He said shyly before I smiled. 

"I'm glad to call you my friend Alex." I replied. We sat there for a while longer before Alyssa called out saying that it was time to leave. I sighed as I got up followed by Alex. 

"Sorry, but I got to go." I said before Alex smiled and shrugged his shoulders. 

"It's ok. I need to get home anyway." He replied before I got into the car. Jade looked back at me smirking. 

"It's not like that. We're just friends. That's all." I stated before Alyssa smirked. 

"Ya. Sure." She said as we left the parking lot. I rolled my eyes and looked over at the bridge to see Nolan and his friends confronting Alex. They were talking before Nolan got in Alex's face. Alex pushed him back before it broke into a fight. I got nervous as they got Alex on one knee. I looked at Alyssa hoping that she'd stop the car. She kept driving as if she didn't see anything. 

"Stop the car." I stated before Alyssa looked at me confused. Jade sighed. 

"Y/n, there's nothing you can do. They'll beat you if you even try. It's not worth it." She said as we passed them.

"STOP THE CAR!" I screamed before Alyssa slammed on the breaks out of shock. I immediately jumped out of the car and ran straight towards the three assholes. 

"Let's help you get a tan shall we." Nolan said with a sinister grin. The other two started pushing him down attempting to press Alex's face and chest against the burning pavement. I managed to push one over the bridge into the water before helping Alex up. I was the only thing keeping Nolan from hurting him. Jade was right, I don't stand a chance against them. Not physically anyway. I know what needs to happen. They have wanted me to do it for years. 

"Fine!      Fine you win. I'll do the Scarlet Dive. Just leave Alex alone." I said reluctantly. Nolan smiled in victory. 

"I was hoping you'd say that." Nolan said as he took out the list. I took the pen out of his hand and sealed my fate. Nolan stepped closer. Too close for comfort. 

"You have no idea how long I've wanted you to sign up for this." He added as he smiled in satisfaction before walking the other way. I sighed as I lead Alex towards the car. I don't know why I didn't ask him if he wanted a ride home. It would have saved us both. Why didn't I ask him?

"You are my only friend Y/n. I don't want to be alone again." He said before grabbing my hand. I snapped out of my thoughts and looked at him. Alex and I are friends. Nolan knows that we are. If I do the thing I fear most, perhaps he'll leave Alex alone for good.      I can't let Alex down.

"You won't Alex. I promise."