Love doesn't Demand

CHAPTER 5

I breathed in and out aggressively as I stare at the shadow beside mine. Geez, what am I supposed to do with Alistair?! My mouth was just shut the entire time.

He was too straightforward about his agenda and intentions towards me that I couldn't take everything at once! Just who was the last guy who courted me? None, of course.

Relationships aren't my thing. I'm contented with having a crush every now and then but my feelings do fade easily. Maybe it's because of how strict my parents are and they allow no courtship till I freaking graduate so I was a bit of a hopeless romantic during high school days yet Alistair got permission straight from them. Great.

A loud horn suddenly flared and when my eyes shifted around, a fast-coming vehicle was edging in my direction. My mind was in the state to move, yet my body won't budge possibly because of the momentum that I will get hit anytime now. Yet it seems that I was also waiting for it to hit me. To crash me. To break me into pieces as if I've been wanting it desperately.

In a snap, a hand pulled me away and I closed my eyes while I pray to live. A warm body surrounded mine and I was holding so tight to his hand as I shake in fear of death. Even in broad daylight, accidents do happen.

"I told you to stick beside me," Alistair said, frowning his eyebrows.

"Don't get mad," I said before anything else. Getting lectured is the last thing I want. Besides, it's an accident, how do I predict it in the first place?

"You're still as stubborn as the day I left."

Left.

That word strikes me. And for many reasons, the ambiance between us changed. Alistair let go of me and I took a step away from him. He's no stranger to me, but why am I acting as if we're so distant? Why can't I feel him as a friend anymore? I hate this.

"Oh my gosh! What happened?" A young lady got down from her car who was a witness to the accident came to us.

"Fiona?"

Oh, she's here.

"I'm glad you're back in the City. How are you after all these years? Are you okay now?" she asked which left me wondering.

They're friends? Since when? I need to know. And isn't she more concern about Alistair than me almost being hit by a car?! I should breathe.

Alistair smiled. "Yes, I'm okay."

"Do you want to talk about it?" Fiona asked.

Talk about what?!

"No, I'm really okay."

Alistair doesn't look comfortable. His eyes were shifting toward me and Fiona. Is he hiding something from me?

"Nah, we should talk," Fiona said then looked at me. "I'll treat you both, I insist."

Who here has ever experienced being a third wheel?