-Noah-

My heart was hammering too hard against my chest.  They found him.  He’s okay, I hope.  He’s in the hospital right now, but Alex is going to be okay.

                I stood from Willow’s bed, meeting her in the middle of the room.  “Do you want to go?” I offered.

She smiled, lightly shaking her head.  She moved a hand to touch my arm, “I’ll see you at school tomorrow.  Call me later and let me know how he is.  Tell him I’ll come see him tomorrow and I’ll bring his favorite ice-cream.”  Something about the way she cared about Alex made me like her way more than I should.  I just keep thinking about Ash finding out.  I’ve never seen him get angry, but I can imagine it’ll be brutal. 

                Willow stood on her toes, leaving a small kiss on my cheek.  “I’ll see you tomorrow.” I said as I backed out of the door.  Her smile was the last thing I saw before I turned around and ran down the stairs.  I hopped in my car, trying not to speed through the streets because of the patrolling.  But this is a rare occasion and my mind could only process the fact the Alex has been found.  I can only hope they found Joel, too.

                I pulled into the hospital parking lot, parking as quickly as I could.  I ran up the sidewalk and through the sliding glass doors.  I nearly slammed into the front desk, but I couldn’t find my breath to speak.  “Can I help you?” The lady asked.

I nodded, “Alex Lockwood.”

She typed something on her computer and looked up at me, “Room 112.  Go through these doors and make a left.  It should be on the right.”

She buzzed the door and thanked her before taking off.

                I paced down the hallway, made the left she informed me about and found room 112.  I didn’t know what I was walking into, but I knew it wasn’t going to be good.  I didn’t need to cry in front of my brother.  I found my breath, exhaling slowly as I touched the handle.  I pushed the door opened, bracing myself for what I might find on the other side.

                 It was pretty much a slap to the face.

                He was hooked up to an IV, but he was awake.  Barely.  But a small smile touched his lips when he saw me.  Don’t cry, Noah.  “Hey.” He croaked, reaching out for me.  He looked so fragile.  There were faint bruises around his wrists and sleepless circles colored his eyes.

                “Hey, Little Man.” I grabbed a chair, sliding it beside him.  “How are you feeling?”  I let his hand fall into mine and cupped my other hand over it.

                “I’m fine.” He said too softly.

He’s not fine.  Well, he’s fine.  But not mentally.  “You have no idea how happy I am to see you.”

He smiled and nodded his head the best he could, “I have an idea.”

                “Where’s mom and dad?”

He shrugged his little shoulders, “They went to talk to the doctors.  They said I can’t go home yet.”  His smile fell into a frown.  I watched his bottom lips quiver.

I squeezed his hand tighter.  “I’m so sorry, Alex.”

                “It’s not your fault.” His voice was starting to shake.  “It’s not your fault, Noah.”

But it was my fault.  “I promise nothing is ever going to happen to you again.  I’m not letting you out of my sight.”

That brought the smile back to his face.  “And what about baseball practice?”

                “I’ll take you myself.”  I freed one of my hands to run through his hair.  “Willow is going to come see you tomorrow.”

His smile only got wider.  “Really?”

I nodded, smiling myself.  “And she said she’ll bring your favorite ice-cream.”

                “Good.  Can’t wait.”

Our conversation was cut short by my parent’s coming back into the room.  “Oh, good.  You’re here.” My mom breathed a sigh of relief.  I stood up and wrapped my arms around her.  “I’ll always be here, mom.”

                “We need to talk to you.” My dad piped up and jerked his head towards the door.

I followed him back out while my mom catered to Alex.

                I closed the door behind me because it was obvious Alex wasn’t to hear any of this.  “What do we need to talk about?”

                “You’re not going to like this.”

No.  “You don’t even have to tell me.”

My dad pinched the bridge of his nose and squeezed his eyes shut.  “Joel fled the scene.  They found Alex at an old warehouse a few miles away from us.  Alex wasn’t conscious when they found him.  But the only damage was the bruises on his wrists and the months of therapy he’s going to have to go through.”

                “Dad, I’m sorry—”

                “This isn’t your fault, Noah.  Joel is the one doing all of this.”

This was my fault.  I felt like all of this was my fault.  Joel could get to me so easy.  But he’s taking his time because he wants to make my family suffer before me.  He had no intentions on killing me yet.  “I’m just glad they found Alex.”

                “Me too.  And now warrants have been issued for Joel’s arrest.  If they can find Alex, they’ll find him next.  If I ever get ahold of him, I’ll kill him myself.”

Me too, dad.  Me too.

                We walked back in the room and my mom and Alex were laughing about a joke my mom told that probably wasn’t funny.  But I loved her.  “You need to go home and get some rest for school tomorrow.” My mom demanded.

                “Of course, Master.” I teased, making Alex giggle.

She glared at me and I could tell she was fighting back a smile.  “I’ll be back with Willow after school tomorrow.  If that’s okay.”

                “Yes, of course it’s okay.  Alex just informed me.” She poked his side playfully.

Hearing Alex’s little giggle and seeing him smile was ultimately the best feeling in the world.  “I’ll see you tomorrow.” I directed at Alex.

He sent me a small smile and a wave.

                I walked out of the room, a huge wave of relief washing over me.  But the thought of Joel still out there made knots form in the pit of my stomach.  I got into my car but pulled out my phone before starting the car.  I scrolled to the bottom of my contacts to find Willow’s number.  I pressed call and she answered immediately.  “You left already?”

                “Uh, yeah.  I’m sitting in the parking lot.  He needed rest.” And so do I.

                “How is he?  Is he okay?” She rushed.

I had to smile.  “He’s fine.  He’ll be able to come home in a few days.”

                “That’s so great, Noah.  I’m so happy he’s okay.”  I heard her sniffle a little on the other end.  “I can’t wait to see him.”

                “He’s happy you’re coming to see him tomorrow.”

                “Good.” She laughed.  “Pick me up in the morning for school?”

I wasn’t sure if that was a good idea.  “Sure.”  But of course, I can’t say no to her.  It was a serious problem I needed to work on.  “I’ll see you tomorrow, Willow.”

                “Goodnight, Noah.”

I hung up the phone and stuffed it back in my pocket.  I didn’t want to leave yet.  But I’ll have a few hours with him tomorrow at least.

I was pulling into Willow’s driveway and I didn’t even have to get out of the car.  She was stepping out of the front door, an apple hanging from her mouth while she struggled to lock the door.  She walked to the passenger side, getting in and taking the apple from her mouth.  “I forgot to set an alarm, Ash used all of the hot water, and I burned my toast…twice.”

Normal.

I stifled a laugh, but she noticed and slapped my arm.  “Someone is extra sassy this morning.”  I pulled out of the driveway and headed towards the school.

                “I just have a lot on my mind right now.  But now that Alex is okay, that feels like a weight being lifted off of my shoulders.” 

I glanced at her, seeing she wasn’t exactly put together today.  “What else is going on, Willow?”  I felt my hands tighten around the steering wheel.

We stopped at a red light and I looked over at her, watching her pick at her apple.  “What’s wrong?”

                “I’m breaking up with Scott today.”

The light turned green and I accelerated.  “I forgot, I’m sorry.”

                “No, no need to apologize.  It needs to be done.  I just don’t need Ash finding out about why we broke up.”

Ash would personally break his—“And we need to tell Ash about what’s going on between us.”

                “What exactly is going on between us?  What is this?”

                “I’m done trying to hide how I feel about you.  Isn’t it obvious?”

Girls were never obvious or I was just too oblivious.  It’s most likely the second one.  “We should see where it goes before telling anyone.  You don’t think it’s too soon?”

More like not soon enough.  “I don’t think it’s too soon.”  I could tell she was unsure.  “I don’t want to be with Scott, Noah.  I want to be with you.  You’re the only person that makes me feel safe.  You’re the only person I can actually trust right now.  And I just want to be with you.  What more do you want me to say?”

I parked the car at the end of the student parking lot aisle.  “You had me at ‘I’m done trying to hide how I feel about you.’  I just want to make sure, Willow.  That’s all.”

She reached for my hand, lacing her fingers between my own.  “We make a pretty good team.”

Maybe I could kiss her without feeling an ounce of guilt.

But part of me is saying it’s too soon, but another part was telling me she wouldn’t give me another chance.  So I went with it because it’s all I’ve wanted for a long time.  To finally be together without one of us pulling away.  “You know what this means, right?” I smiled at her while running my thumb across the back of her hand.

                “Humor me.”

I leaned closer, just inches from her lips.  “It means I get to kiss you anytime I want to.”

                “You make that sound like a bad thing.” 

She moved in closer, the tips of her lips barely hovering over mine.  She placed a hand on the back of my neck, curling her fingers around the nape of my neck.  Our lips molded together, only enough time for a small kiss.  “I’ll meet you here.”

I kissed the tip of her nose and we parted for the rest of the day.

                During lunch, I ditched the guys to make a phone call.  I stepped out into the courtyard, ducking beside one of the buildings.  I pulled out my phone along with a folded piece of paper.  I dialed the number on the paper.  I found the number in Jesse’s phone.  He had many incoming and outgoing phone calls from this number.  It was the last number he called the night he died.

                I sucked in a breath and pressed call.  “Hello?”  I almost jumped when the voice spoke.  It was a guy and by the sounds, he wasn’t much older than me.  “Who is this?”

                “My name is Levi.” I rushed in a lie.  “I’m looking for something.”

I heard the guy snort on the other side, “Are you a cop?”

                “No.” I laughed nervously.

                “Are you looking for a hook-up?”

Drugs.  Of course.  “Only a little for my party tonight.”

                “I’m not around until later tonight.  Where’d you get this number?”

                “Jesse Hale.”  I regretted saying it once the words fell out.

There was a long pause.  “I’ll text you the address.  Come at ten.”

I didn’t even get another word in before he hung up.

                I stared down at the phone, still trying to process what happened.  I don’t know if this guy could be guilty, but I do know he had to have seen Jesse the last night he was alive.  Am I going to tell Willow?  Probably not.  I couldn’t tell her about the number.  I’m not dragging her into this any further than she already is. 

                I slid my phone back in my pocket and walked back to the open courtyard.  I looked around, trying to spot Willow.  I found her sitting in her usual spot, just without Ashley.  She was just sitting alone, picking at her food while leaning against her other hand.  I started walking towards her until Scott slid in beside her.  I stopped in my tracks.

                He wrapped an arm around her, kissing her cheek.  She scooted away to turn her whole body to face him.  I didn’t want to be here to witness this but I didn’t want him to hurt her, either.  He wouldn’t, of course, while surrounded by so many people.  So I turned around and walked back inside the school.  I doubt she tells me about it and I’m not going to ask about it.  I’m just glad because I don’t want her around him anymore.  Not because of the way I feel, but the way she feels.

School was over and I’ve successfully made it out to my car without being stopped.  I sat in the driver’s seat, waiting for Willow to find her way.  My phone buzzed in my pocket and I pulled it out to view the new message.  It was from the guy I called earlier today.  I knew that address, but I couldn’t put my finger on it.  It was in Huntington, of course.  Which means I have to leave at least by nine.

                The sound of the car door opening made me jump.  I hurried to put my phone away and gripped the steering wheel.  I turned to my right and watched Willow get inside.  “Finally.” She breathed and looked at me.  “You okay?  Your face is a little red.”  She drew circles in the air with her pointer finger.

                    “I’m good.”  I started the car and pulled out of the student parking lot.

                After we stopped to get Alex’s ice-cream, we headed to the hospital.  Not a word about Scott.  I was relieved, yet worried.  She seemed to be taking it pretty well, so maybe there’s nothing to worry about.  I know I said I wasn’t going to ask, so I’m not.  It’s none of my business.  Even though it’s killing me a little on the inside.  I’m not going to ask.

                We walked down the same hallway I did yesterday to locate Alex’s room.  The door was cracked so I lightly pushed to let it open.  I let Willow go in first, his eyes lighting up the second he sees her.  “Alex!” She smiled, dropped down to give him a gentle hug.  After she pulled away, she handed him the small pint of ice cream with a spoon.  “This beats hospital food.” He mumbled through the giant bite of ice cream he just took.

                I took the seat next to Willow beside his bed.  “Have they told you when you can come home?” I asked, leaning back in my chair.

He nodded, taking another bite of ice cream.  “Tomorrow.  Mom went to get my clothes.”

That’s good news at least.

                After spending an hour with Alex, my parent’s showed up and we left.  We agreed on going to my house for a few hours because my parents weren’t home and why the hell not?  I just had to make sure I left before nine.  Willow’s curfew is 8:30, so there shouldn’t be a problem.  I was slightly nervous about it.  I didn’t really think it through.  I had no idea what I was going to say to the guy because I didn’t want to completely scare him away.  He could be my answer to solve everything.

                I pulled into the driveway and cut the engine.  The ride home was quiet and I hadn’t noticed because I was stuck in my head.  I don’t think she noticed either.  We just sat in the car, basking in the silence.  I looked down at my hands, fumbling with my fingers.  “Are you sure you’re okay?” Willow’s voice asked softly.

I looked up from my hands and lightly smiled at her, “Yeah, I’m fine.  Just worried about Alex.”  It wasn’t a complete lie.

She reached over and gave my thigh a firm pat.

                She opened the door and hopped out.  I mocked her actions, following close behind to the front door.  I unlocked it and pushed it opened, letting her go inside first.  We walked up to my room and she immediately plopped down on my bed.  “I’m so exhausted.” She sighed, running her hands over her face.

I removed my jacket and placed it on the back of my desk chair.  Next went the shoes.  I found the spot next to her, laying down close to the edge because she was directly in the middle.  She turned on her side to face me.  Her eyes holding the same sparkle the always have.  “The answer to your question is yes.” Her lips tugged into a small smile.

My eyebrows furrowed in confusion.  “What are you talking about?”  I turned on my side to face her.

She scooted closer and took my hand between her own, “It’s over.  With Scott, I mean.”

I used my free hand to place lightly over her cheek, “I wasn’t going to ask.”

                “But you were thinking about it.”

                “I just want you to be safe.” 

I could feel her breath light on my lips, “I am safe.  With you.”

I met her lips with an overwhelming urge of anticipation.  This is the first time I’ve really kissed her.  I was letting myself enjoy the feeling of her soft lips reacting against mine.  I etched the feeling into my brain. 

                Falling for Willow was never part of the plan.  But there’s something about her I can’t resist.  I have this power surging inside of me all the time, wanting me to keep her protected all the time.  I don’t want to follow her around like a little lost puppy like I feel like I’ve been doing.  Willow’s the type that’s too nice.  She wouldn’t tell me if I was actually bothering her.

                Ash is a different story.  I don’t know how he would feel about me dating his sister.  I’ve seen the way Ash treats her.  He’s overprotective, but I would be too if she was my sister.  He would kill me if he knew half the shit I’ve put her through.  He would kill me if he knew about me at all.  There’s so much he doesn’t know.  There’s so much Willow doesn’t know, either.  I didn’t plan on telling her.  She already knows too much.

                Pushing my thoughts away, I pulled back only an inch from her lips.  “You still have to come over for dinner.” She whispered and her lips broke out into a smile.

I forgot about that.  “Just give me a time.” 

I bumped my nose against hers, leaving another small kiss on her lips.

“Today didn’t start out so great, but it definitely ended fantastic.”  Willow smiled, hooking an arm around my neck.  She stood on her toes and gave me a quick kiss.

                  “And there will be plenty more.”  I kissed her again and she stepped back.

                “Thanks for bringing me home.  I’ll see you tomorrow.”  She was backing up the driveway and sent me a small wave.  I waited until she was inside to get into my car and head for Huntington. 

                When I entered Huntington, I put the address into my GPS.  I wasn’t far now, but I was still nervous.  I still haven’t exactly thought about what I was going to say.  But I needed to think of something quick.  Part of me was hoping I knew the guy.  But that hope was short lived when I pulled in front of an unfamiliar house.

                I timidly reached for the door handle and stepped out of the car.  I wasn’t exactly in the greatest neighborhood, so I silently thanked myself for tucking the knife in my boot.  No one lived in this house.  There was no way someone could.  It was completely run down and half the roof was missing.  The windows were boarded up and the door was hanging on its hinges.

                I pushed the door to the side and I could feel my heart beating too fast.  Why was I nervous?  Maybe because I could die.  Maybe not.  “Hello?” I called out.

I heard shuffling and the room dimmed.  A guy stepped around the corner, eyes hard and his lips drew in a thin line.  “Your Jesse’s friend?” He asked, stopping a few feet away.

I knew this guy.  I couldn’t put my finger on it.  “Yeah.” I swallowed hard.

                “I know you.” He pointed at me, a small smile breaking on his lips.  “You’re the kid that they accused last year after his death.”

Was this good or bad?

Certainly, bad.

                “I guess that would be me.”

Nothing surprises me anymore. 

                “But you’re innocent.”  It was a statement, not a question.

                “Can I just get what I came here for?” I rubbed my forehead and let out a shaky breath.

He let out a laugh and walked closer, “I can guarantee you’re not here for weed.”

                “How would you know?”

He lifted up two fingers, “Two reasons.  One, Jesse told me you stopped smoking.  Two, you found my number in Jesse’s phone, am I right?”

I hesitated, but nodded.  “You sold to him before he died.”

                  “So, you think I did it?”

                “Not you.  I was hoping you could tell me if he was with someone, or anything when you saw him that night.”

                “He was acting a little weird, but it was normal to me.  I deal with so many weirdo’s and crack heads.  But he wasn’t alone, no.  He was with some kid.  They were always together when I sold to him.  Jesse said you weren’t fun anymore because you wouldn’t smoke with him and it just went on.”  He paused, taking another step closer.

I know what kid he’s talking about now.  I just wanted him to confirm it.  “Do you know the guy’s name?”

He shook his head, “I never asked.  It wasn’t my business.  He was blonde, surfer boy type.”

Scott was with Jesse the night he died.

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I guess it's not surprsing, we all knew that, haha.

Thanks for all the support, love you guys! :)