Alice knocked lightly on Caleb's door. It was late, but she had to apologize. After cooling off in her room, she realized what an idiot she was.

When there was no answer, she figured David was sleeping. She went back in her room, falling asleep to her thoughts.

Alice woke up to a frantic knock on her door. It was already noon and she felt like she didn't get a wink of sleep.

"What?" she turned towards the door, not lifting her head from the pillow. The door opened, revealing her mother.

"Alice, honey, I have some bad news," she held onto the door knob, waiting for a reply. Alice furrowed her eyebrows and lifted to a sitting position, concerned. "What is it?"

"They found Jim a few miles from town. He was in a car accident. It's all over the news," she said.

"What? Around here? I-is he alright?" she had to make it seem like she still cared about the guy, like he wasn't an abusive piece of shit who was stalking her just last night. But at the same time she really was curious. When she saw him, he was alive and well. The look on her mom's face said otherwise. She had a sad expression and shook her head, "I'm sorry, sweetie."

Alice shook her head, in disbelief. It was like some big coincidence. She wanted him to leave her alone and now she never had to worry about him again. Ever.

"Is David around?" she switched the subject.

"No, he went to check out the town."

"Any idea when he will be back?" she wanted to talk to him.

"No idea," she answered. "Want anything to eat?"

"No, thank you." Her mother gave her a smile before leaving her to herself.

She decided to stay in bed longer, not having reason to get up and do anything. She still couldn't believe that Jim was dead. She thought about it over and over again.

She pulled the blanket off and sat on the edge of her bed, adjusting to being awake. She could tell that today was going to be one of those days. She didn't want it to be a miserable day, though. They say if you wake up thinking it's going to be a shit day, it probably will be. Not because you predicted it, but because you set yourself up for it. She wasn't about to set herself up for a shit day, no matter how bad she felt upon waking.

"Today's going to be a good day," she rolled her eyes at herself and sighed as she got up. She went straight to the bathroom to get ready for the day.

She stood in the shower, letting the hot water fall on her. The heat felt good on her stressed body, allowing her tense muscles to relax and soften up. After a bit of enjoying the temperature, she washed herself. She took her time knowing everyone had already gotten up long before her and did their thing.

When she got out, she noticed a dark color on her arm out of the corner of her eye. She looked and saw a nasty bruise from where Jim had grabbed her. The one thing about pale skin is that everything shows up on you.

"Fuck," she said, looking at it and lightly poking at it. It hurt like a bitch. "That prick." She threw her towel on and quickly went to her room. She was used to hiding bruises, became a pro. Luckily all she had to do was wear a long sleeved shirt, or hoodie and no one would notice.

Over her underwear she put a black long sleeve v-neck shirt on that hugged her body, showcasing every curve of her torso from her breasts to the slight rise and fall of her rib cage. She put on a pair of denim skinny jeans and colorful socks that didn't match.

She heard shuffling in Caleb's room and could only imagine that David was finally back. She hurriedly played with her wet hair to make sure it was parted the way she liked and put on some light make up. She never did need much, it was merely something she liked to play around with.

His door was closed and there were weird noises coming from inside. She knocked lightly, and the noise stopped. The door opened and she felt that nervous feeling.

"Hi," she stood at the doorway. He looked at her, "hello."

"Can I come in for a minute?"

He opened the door more and let her come in. Not that he could really say no since it wasn't his house or room even.

"I wanted to apologize for last night. I was...stupid," she began. He closed the door and stood in front of her. She didn't bother taking a seat, figuring it would be a quick in-and-out apology.

"I understand," he assured her.

"I just-" she was about to make yet another fool out of herself, "I just really..like you, David." She swallowed, looking at his chest, avoiding eye contact.

"I like you too, Alice." She looked up in confusion. "What?"

"I said, 'I like you too," he repeated.

"I know what you said, but... if you like me then why...why Kristen?" she questioned.

"It's not something you could understand."

"I'm pretty sure I could understand if you'd just explain it to me," she said, getting a little frustrated.

"It's not something I can explain," he answered. "It's just best if you move on." She shook her head, still trying to process what he was saying.

"You shouldn't like me, Alice. I'm not the one you want. I'll only end up hurting you," he added.

"Don't tell me who I want and don't want just because I'm not the one you want and you're trying to feel better about yourself. That's all you had to say, David," she brushed his shoulder as she walked by him, wanting to leave. He gently reached for her arm, trying to get her to stay. She pulled away from the pain of her bruise but stopped anyway.

"I do want you. That's the problem, Alice. I don't want to hurt you."

"You won't, if you don't want to. You have that control," she didn't understand, she could never understand. She didn't know who or what he was, not even remotely.

His expression looked conflicted, but he pulled her into him, smashing his lips to hers. She took a moment to gather herself, but gladly accepted him. They kissed passionately, their tongues dancing in one another's mouths. His stubble scraped against her, sending tingles down her spine. She wanted him right then and there. She wanted him to toss her on Caleb's bed and fuck her.

There was a loud noise outside of the door, and they pulled apart quickly, breathing heavily. Alice looked at him, seeing the pain in his eyes. She wanted to know so badly why.

"Should probably see what's going on," he suggested.

"Uh, yeah," she agreed. The two stood for a moment longer, looking at each other.

So today is kind of rainy, and I have a day off. You're probably surprised that I didn't post a chapter yesterday. Even I'm surprised. But I was pretty busy the entire day working, and then spending time with my mom. I also went to bed early because my boyfriend has work quite early in the mornings. I wanted to get this chapter out before I finished some things around the house since JenRiley16 basically predicted what I was going to put in this chapter! (x And d0 it like a dude, your wish is my command lol but no, later chapters will be more intense.

Let me know what you thought (: Maybe I'll post a new chapter later.