To Infinity and Beyond

Calm before the storm

Alice's POV

My biggest nightmare was coming true, demons of past were hounding my present again. What I tried to move on from, circled back and caught up; and something told me, this time it won't be easy to escape. This time it felt like the calm before a ferocious storm.

Britney's soft pat on my shoulders brought me out of my reverie. I had stayed the night at their place, and this was my second sleepless ordeal in a row.

"Alice, relax, we are here for you. He can't harm you here," Max crouched next to me and attempted to assure me with comforting words, if only he knew.

"Yes, don't worry. He won't be able to touch you. He has a restraining order on him, remember?" Britney saw how my unruly tears were beginning to creep out, she instantly leapt forward and gave me a gentle hug.

"When did he ever care about law or order before? He is a psycho, a loony who loved playing with people's lives. He does what he wants." My lips quivered at his mention, and sobs filled the room again.

"How the fuck did he manage to find your number or come to the States? Who let him out in the first place? Did you speak to your parents?" Max grunted in anger and was now pacing across the room.

"No, I didn't find the time. I came running here. My phone is switched off since then."

"Relax sweety, you talk to Aunt Jenna first and let her know. Who knows where he is? They need to be cautious too, and they need to investigate further." Britney handed me her phone, gesturing me to call my mother.

I nodded and took the phone from her.

"Yes, we need to know more. And until all this gets sorted, and we get rid of that asshole, this time for good, you are going to stay with us." Max concluded after heaving a deep sigh.

"No guys, thanks a lot but I cannot impose on your lives and cause you trouble. This is my problem and.."

"Shut up, Alice. You are my sister, and you will always have my back. This is very much our problem too. You are staying with us, and that's final."

"Thank you so much, guys. You have no idea how scared I felt about living alone right now." I jumped up and gave both of them a tight hug.

"Come on, Alice, you know you are always welcome here. I will take you to get your stuff later in the evening today. Just pack your essential things." Max offered, and with that, we all headed downstairs.

I video called my parents and informed them about yesterday's events. Their voice lost it's cord the moment they heard his name. Once they calmed a bit, they assured me that they would investigate further and let me know more. Exhaustion took the better of me, and I eventually drifted to sleep.

"Alice, wake up."

"Alice, get up sweety, you are fine."

Britney was caressing my cheeks as she managed to wake me up finally. I didn't realise, but I had dozed off on their living room couch.

"Shit. I am sorry I didn't know when I slept." I frantically woke up and tried to shrug away my creepy thoughts. For the first time in months, I dreamt about those deadly green eyes, which eventually became the reason for my downfall. I dreamt about Dan.

"It's fine. You were mumbling and crying in sleep." Britney gave me a worrisome look as her soft eyes attempted to scan my face.

"Oh.."

"Calm down. I have cooked your lunch and Max bought you a new number. Go freshen up, and we will eat together" Britney helped me up the couch and gave me a convincing smile.