AN: Time to pick things back up, faithful readers. Enjoy.

Chapter Three: Birth of a Friendship

Alex was still in that fetal position after Ryan left her room. She was in mortal fear of this man, who was her legal guardian. She was in mortal fear because this man could end her life within a heartbeat, but she knew that he wouldn't do that. Why? Because he took some sick pleasure in beating her, and watching her in pain at his feet. She couldn't run, because she had nowhere else to go. So, she laid there in that fetal position, and kept on crying, because she had to endure this, because she had no choice in the matter.

When Alex heard the front door slam, and Ryan's car taking off, Alex leapt to her feet, and went to her window, to her relief, she saw him pulling off. She knew that he was going to work, his afternoon shift. Alex was alone in this prison of sorts. She couldn't stay here much longer. She calmly cleaned up her face, pulled on a hoodie, and walked outside.

As Alex was walking, she noticed that she was walking towards David's house. As she walked into the front of his house, she noticed that he was sitting on his porch, talking to someone. Alex thinks that is his dad, but she overhears their conversation as the older man leaves.

"Later, Louis." David said.

"I'll be back later tonight." Louis said. "Be careful, and stay out of trouble." And with that, he is off. Alex watched him leave, and drive right past her. She walked up to David, and smiled sweetly at him.

"Hey, beautiful, what's up?" David asked. Alex face went red as she gave him a goofy smile.

"Nothing, I was sitting at home alone, and I just wondered what you were up to." Alex said calmly. She sat right next to him, mere inches from his frame. He smelled of sweet cologne, and deodorant.

"Who was that leaving?" Alex asked David.

"Louis, my uncle." David said. "He's a really nice guy, you should meet him."

"I will." Alex said.

"What about your family, if you don't mind me asking?" David asked.

"My parents died in a car crash." Alex said sadly. "And yours?"

"Murdered." David said, voice shaking. "I was young when it happened, not older than three or four..."

"I am sorry." Alex said in a comforting way.

"What doesn't kill us will make us stronger." David said. "Life gives us obstacles, and we have to do our best to overcome them."

"True." Alex said. "I was wondering, when are you going to start school?"

"Next week." David answered. "I want to be excited, but I am not."

"Why not?" Alex asked.

"I don't know anyone." David said, reluctantly.

"You know me." Alex said, slightly blushing.

"So, do you have a boyfriend?" David asked out of the blue. Alex looked away, and turned to face him.

"No, why?" Alex answered, shakily.

"Well, a pretty girl like you? I'm surprised." David said. Alex looked at him, and knew that he meant what he was saying.

"That's sweet." Alex said.

"I am trying to be." David said, smiling.

What a cute smile. Alex thought.

Alex is really pretty. David thought. But what is it about her that makes me think that something is wrong with her? And what is with those scars on her arms? Is someone hurting her?

AN: David is aware, but still in the dark. Next time, David and Alex feeling for each other grows more, and Ryan grows aware of his "toy's" friend. Enjoy!