Chapter Fourteen-The Balcony Scene
As the hotel elevator ascended to her ninth story suite, Alice dried her eyes, for what she thought would be the very last time. She was going to jump. A bell rang and the doors of the elevator parted for the girl. The light in her eyes long gone, she made a beeline for the room and went straight through to the balcony. Elegant wrought iron railing made it difficult for her to climb over but her small, nimble feet were up to the task.
For moments, she lingered, looking down at the street full of racing cars and busy people. Reflecting on her life, she was almost hesitant to go, was she afraid? Though her fingers loosened their hold on the rail, her heart was pounding. But before gravity could take its hold, she felt two strong hands wrap around her arm.
"I'm sorry, I do love you!"
Alice looked up with red, teary eyes, "No you don't Derek."
"But I do!"
"You're just saying that so I won't kill myself."
"Why won't you believe me?"
"Because you're an idiot and I hate you! When we first met I thought you were a big fat jerk but that day you saved me from Hoggar changed me. It felt like, like I had a real friend. But it was when you tried to stop me from dropping off of Teldrassil, did I realize that I loved you. And though I knew you like Sahar better I never stopped hoping that maybe you like me back. And now that I'm finally confessing my love for you, you give me the brush off!"
"I know, I'm a stupid, idiotic jerk. I don't learn things fast, but I do love you and know that you have to believe me!"
"It's all about you isn't it? You don't care about me!"
Though she struggled to free her arm, Derek held fast. Exhausted at last by the drama and the wear and tear on her hanging arm, Alice was eventually pulled from the balcony by Derek.
"You big stupid jerk, why don't you let me go?"
"Because I love you!"
Alice dropped her head on his shoulder, sobbing heavily. Awkwardly patting her head, Derek reminded her, "You can't rez once you fall in this world, you know."