Chapter 7
Forever
Alice was awaken by Claire's touch. They placed her in one of the mall's home depot. She passed in the process of using her power to protect herself… and Carlos. She immediately rise the moment Carlos came to her mind.
"He's fine. Don't worry." Claire muttered.
Alice fell in silent, realizing how her obvious concern came noticeable.
"Just in case you forgot you're also injured… I would like to inform you that you're also fine."
That was the only time Alice noticed her wounds. The blonde slowly went back to bed. It was soft and relaxing. She tried to get him out of her mind and focus on the comfort of her bed but she just can't. Claire noticed the blonde's uneasiness.
"Second floor, third store to the right. The Mattress Store."
Alice was also surprised on how she reacted to the statement. Her body quickly got up; it was like she needed to see him badly.
"You don't have to hide it from me, Alice. Go now." Claire said.
Alice followed. She slowly went upstairs, and immediately noticed the store. She saw Kmart first, and then there he is, Carlos. The blonde froze in her track when she finally noticed what Kmart was taking care of. Carlos' back was badly hurt. She wasn't able to protect her at all.
"Does is hurt?" Kmart asked as she taps Carlos' back with a damp towel.
"No, it's okay. Thanks Kmart."
"You love her, don't you?"
"What? You little kid. What are you talking about?" Carlos responded, smiling.
"Why are you, adult people always trying to hide what you feel when it's already obvious?"
Carlos laughed in the girl's statement.
"There are just things that should be kept private."
"Well, I'm not asking you to tell me the whole story. I'm just asking what you feel."
"But if I tell you what I feel, that will start the story."
"Why?"
"Because the story is all about what I feel."
"Which is love?"
"Right."
"Got you."
Carlos laughed upon realizing how the kid caught him. On the other hand, Alice hide and listened to the conversation.
"You're good at this."
"Adults. If you only answer my simple yes/no question a while ago, the conversation wouldn't be that long."
"You're smart."
"Of course I am."
"You will be a fine young lady someday."
"Yeah, and I will never find a guy who hides what he feels."
"I'm not hiding it."
"Then what are you doing?"
"We didn't have a good past."
"Who cares about the past?"
"Well, the past affects the future."
"Because some people let it"
Carlos fell silent.
"Past is a nice place to visit, but not a good place to stay in." Kmart continued.
"Where'd you get that?"
"I read it from a book. Alice? Can you take my place now? I had enough of the grown-up talk. I'm going to play now."
Carlos and Alice were shocked. The kid stood up and gave the towel to the blonde.
"I can't believe you. You just let me have that grow-up talk. It sucks! I don't want to grow old anymore. I don't understand adults, the past, love.. ugh! Can I go now?"
"Uhm, sure?" Alice responded.
"Thanks! See you in a while!" Kmart said then she started to run to the other kids, downstairs.
"How are you?" Carlos broke in.
"I'm fine. Sit down. I'm gonna check your burns."
The soldier followed. Alice sat with him after taking some cotton balls and ointments. She began to apply the medication on his back.
"Does it hurt?"
"No. It's extremely fine."
The two were in silence for a couple of minutes.
"Thank you for protecting me." Alice uttered.
"I'm more than willing."
"I'm sorry if I wasn't able to do the same."
"I didn't know you have such ability when I used my body to cover you. I know the risk."
"And still, you did it."
"The pain this burns gave is nothing compared to the pain I can imagine I will feel if I let myself see you suffer."
Alice stopped upon hearing his last statement.
"I can protect myself…"
"I know. But I just can't help myself."
The blonde resumed in applying the ointment and finished it, soon. She stood up and put back the things she used.
"Take a rest."
She was about to walk away when Carlos grabbed her.
"Can you… stay, for a while?"
"I'll stay."
Alice sat on the floor.
"You can sit here… beside me."
"No. You should lie now."
"Actually… I have no idea how I'll be able to lie down with this back."
Suddenly, Alice stood up and went beside him.
"Here, you can put your head on my lap."
"Are you… but I can just use a pillow."
"Now."
Carlos was a bit hesitant but was scared he'll piss the blonde off so he just followed.
"A pillow can't make sure you won't fall on your back while you're asleep. I can."
Carlos just smiled. She's still that sweet, bossy lady she knew from back then. The same girl he fell in love with, five long years ago… and still keeps falling, over and over again.