True Love Is Always an Option

Chapter 1

BLAM! For what seemed to be slow motion, the bullet from Livvie's pistol flew into Rafe's back as blood quickly began to flow. "A-Angel. . ." Rafe held Alison tight as he collapsed to the floor. Alison gasped and held him tightly in her arms, beginning to cry. "Rafe. . .no! Don't leave me! Right after your memory returned. . ." Rafe breathed heavily, knowing he was going to die. "My angel. . .Rafe. . .I'll call a doctor!" ". . .No. . ." Rafe protested He knew a doctor could not come in time. "Good-bye Alison. . .my angel. . ." Rafe's eyes closed as death overtook him. Alison continued to hold him, saying, "This can't be happening. . .please, no. . ." She began to plead for Rafe to come back to life. The entire time, Livvie stood at the entrance to the barn, emotionless. Alison completely ignored her, but when she lifted her head, Ms. Locke was gone. Alison sobbed uncontrollably. Her guardian angel was gone. . .this had to be impossible.

Livvie entered her home and slumped on her bed, already disposing of the gun so no one would be able to find it with her fingerprints. "I had to do it, Alison," Livvie said to herself, "There was no other way."

Jamal and Marissa were at the bike shop, eating and flirting. "Jamal, no! You know I'm ticklish!" Marissa giggled. Jamal tickled Marissa's chest, smiling with delight. He eventually stopped. "Jeez, Jamal," Marissa said. "You sure are spunky today!" Spunky. . .Jamal stared off into space. His nickname for Alison, Spunky, made the cute blonde appear in his mind. He sighed. Marissa noticed; she had seen this blank look before. "You still love her, don't you?" Marissa asked. Jamal came out of his trance. 'It's just that. . .well, I made a really stupid mistake. I blamed Ali for Valerie's death. Valerie was trying to tear us apart. Then Angel Boy came and swept Alison off her feet." "Jamal. . ." Marissa said sadly. "I'm so sorry." "S'alright," Jamal said in his usual happy voice. He kissed Marissa, then his eyes fell upon the window. The figure saw that Jamal found him and ran. "Ricky," Jamal said seriously. "Damn," Marissa said, shaking her head. "He still thinks I'm related to that Casey girl." Jamal shrugged and got a mischievous look in his eye. "No!" Marissa said. But it was too late. He began tickling her again.

Alison sobbed in her room at Lucy's house. Lucy wasn't home. She was at work, dealing with cosmetics. Alison decided she had to see Livvie. Livvie had to pay. Livvie heard what sounded like a rhino ramming at her door. "Jesus, I'm coming!" Livvie said angrily. The first words Livvie heard were "You bitch!" All of a sudden, Livvie was slapped in the face and pushed backwards hard, tripping over the stairs that led to the door. Wow, she thought. I didn't know Alison was that strong. "You killed the love of my life," Alison said through gritted teeth. "I HATE YOU!" She lunged at Livvie, but this time Livvie wasn't caught off guard. She caught Alison's hands as Alison attempted to maul her. The two struggled until Livvie finally spoke. "Alison!" she shouted. "You have no idea what you're doing! Rafe's death was a solution! Not a problem!" Alison continued to resist Livvie, her eyes flaring with anger.