EllaI STAND TALL and unbending until Alek’s footsteps eventually fade into nothingness. The moment he’s gone, I lock the door and slide down it, allowing myself to crumple.
Drawing my knees to my chest, I hug them tight, silently crying tears I fought so hard to keep back. Hurting Alek was the only way to keep him safe, which is ironic, considering that is what he did for me. But the tables have turned, and now, I must protect him.
It saddens me that he believed my lies so readily, but didn’t I do the same?
I believed he kissed Willow because he wanted to, that he wanted her more than me, which is why I decided to hand myself over to Santo. If he cared for Willow, then I would do anything to save her, and the people he loved dearly.
That’s how much he means to me.
Even though I believ
