Next Door Neighbor

CHAPTER 23: TIME

STEPHANIE'S POV:

We're awakened by the sound of the door opening. Spencer sits up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. He pushes me behind him, even though he's the one in danger, not me. Lance comes in, and when he sees Spencer close to me, he frowns. "You shouldn't be near her. She's mine." he hisses. Spencer doesn't move, his eyes narrowed. "Move, Spencer. Or I will make you move." Lance orders. Spencer refuses. "Spencer, please. I don't want you getting hurt again." I whisper.

Spencer bites his lip and shoots me a sad look. He moves away. I sigh in relief. He's been hurt enough, and he shouldn't get injured more for protecting me. Lance comes over and kneels down next to me. "Today's the day." He tells me. I don't reply. "We can get rid of him, once and for all. No one can keep us apart ever again." He murmurs. He presses a kiss to my lips and I shrink back, but the wall stops me from escaping.

"Get away from her!" Spencer yells, pulling at his chains. Lance pulls away and I fight the urge to wipe my lips. "See, this is why we have to get rid of him. He wants to keep us apart, keep you all for himself. Don't you understand, he's bad for you. I'm the one you're supposed to be with." Lance murmurs, his hand cupping my cheek.

"Please. Don't hurt him. I'll stay with you, just let him go." I say. Lance shakes his head. "We can't risk him coming back to steal you. No, he has to be gone for good." Lance tells me. He moves away, heading towards Spencer. "Please, I'll do anything, just leave him be!" I beg. Lance ignores me. He grabs Spencer's hair and pulls his head back, forcing him onto his knees.

"You can't keep us apart anymore." Lance says, pulling out his gun. He cocks it and points it at Spencer's head. "No, you don't have to do this!" I shout, tears rushing down my face. My wrists are raw from pulling at the chains. I know I can't break free from them, but I have to try. I can't just sit by and watch Lance murder Spencer.

Spencer turns his head to look at me. "I love you, Stephanie." he says. He turns to face Lance. He closes his eyes, accepting his fate. I'm screaming, pleading, shouting for Lance to stop. Lance levels the gun. His finger is on the trigger.

BANG.