Chapter 19: The Fucked Up Solution
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ðªEllie's P.O.V
I woke up to the sound of loud booming voices downstairs, my head was pounding badly and my body felt extremely sore.
I looked around, seeing I was in an unfamiliar room. The bed sheets smelled someone familiar but I couldn't stop the panic that welled in me upon remembering what happened.
I forced myself out of bed, touching my forehead that was covered with a small bandage. I swayed slightly before slowly walking out of the room, my hand on the wall to support me.
As I went farther down the hallway, I was met with a set of stairs and the voices seemed louder than before.
I struggled to get down considering how sore I felt. I was about a few steps down when my brain finally and slowly recognized the voices.
"You fucked up once and I let it go but fucking up twice? That's pushing your luck Todd!" I recognized it as Alec's angry voice.
"You think I wanted this to happen? I admit that I fucked up but this wouldn't have happened if you told her the fucking truth from the start!" Todd shot back, his voice as angry as Alec's.
I felt a frown grace my features, I didn't know that Todd and Alec knew one another. From the way they act around one another, it was impossible to make out that they're friends.
"Wether she knows or not, it was your job to look after her." Alec snapped, his voice going a deep notch.
"You think I don't feel guilty? Ellie's my friend and seeing her in that state knowing that I could've done something pains me deeply!" Todd replied, his voice cracking in the end.
"Friend? You didn't even want to be her friend when I told you about this. She doesn't deserve a friend who can't even protect her." Alec jabbed, his tone filled with fury.
I felt my stomach drop at Alec's word. What?Does that mean that Todd only befriended me because of him?
"I think both of you should do a time oâ"
"Shut up." They both snapped at the same time.
"You're one to talk Alec. You don't even have the guts to straight up tell her what shit you got her into." Todd sneered back.
A second passed before I heard something crash against something. A loud grunt can be heard followed by the sounds of fist meeting the skin.
This time, I made my way down the last steps and was met by Alec and Todd fighting one another. Chase and Valentino pulled them away from one another, standing in between of them.
Alec's has his back turned to me while the rest were to focused on the scene in front of them to notice me standing there.
"Did I hit a nerve? Yes Alec, I admit that I might be a shitty-ass friend but you weren't there when she hit her low and you weren't the one comforting her while she was crying because of an asshole who chose to run away from shit rather than stepping on it." Todd spat out, his teeth completely covered in blood.
Todd looked up from his bent state, his eyes widened when they met my teary ones. He immediately straightened up and made a move towards me but stopped when he saw me take a step back.
The pack of skittles finally noticed me, their eyes widening in shock. Alec was the last one to turn but I couldn't bear to stare into his eyes.
"Y-you fucking lied." I stammered out, a tear sliding down my cheek.
I placed a hand on my throbbing head, the betrayal that entered my system was enough to paralyze me.
I felt my breathing turn into short pants of breath, my hand completely shaking from what I've just heard. Tears continued sliding down my face and before I knew it, I let the darkness take me once more.
The next time I woke up, it was because of the warmth that I felt on my hand. I let out a pained groan, the hand immediately leaving from my grasp.
I opened my eyes, squinting lightly at the darkness that surrounded the room. I could feel the soft pound of my head but it wasn't bad as before.
Alec's electrifying blue orbs glittered against the dark, his lips were set into a thin line. He had a few bruises that littered on his face from where Todd probably hit him earlier, his knuckles were bruised and he had a split lip.
Seeing his grim expression, all the events from earlier came crashing unto me. I gritted my teeth, various emotions swarming me.
I pushed myself up in a sitting position, ignoring all my muscles that were protesting. I glared at him, fisting my hands tightly.
He was sitting at the edge of the bed, his back facing the door. Alec didn't protest when I hit him lightly on the shoulder, he just continued looking down as he let me hit him over and over again.
I felt tears welling up in my eyes, feeling frustrated and hurt at his actions but I didn't let the tear slide down my face.
I let out all my pent up anger through it before I sighed, closing my eyes and leaned back on the headboard. I took a few deep breaths, calming myself down.
I didn't want to accidentally kill someone.
"What the fuck is happening Alec? How did I get here? Who was that guy?" I asked, my tone coming off tired and numb.
"I'm sorry." He softy said, still not looking up.
"If you're truly sorry then start off by telling me what shit you got me into." I snapped, remembering what Todd told earlier.
He sighed,"I'm in a group where we do bad things and this group has many enemiâ"
"I'm not a child Alec. It's called a fucking gang, I'm not stupid, You know the rumors circulating around school." I cut him off, glaring at him.
"Yes, I'm in a gang. We all are," He confessed, finally looking up to meet my gaze.
"And how do I fit into these? Why did Donald want me? Alex has been following me since then and the guy from earlier." I question, not even wanting to remember.
"If you stop cutting me off then I'd most likely get into that." He said, his voice soft but firm.
I raised a brow at this."You better make sure you're telling me the truth," I threatened, crossing my arms.
"The guys that after you is because of me. They think you are my scelta," He started off, fiddling his fingers against one another.
I felt a frown grace my features, feeling confused at what he meant by that.
"In every gang, when a leader dates someone; That person is referred to as the scelta or chosen." He explained, seeing my confused look.
I paused, his words repeating in my head. I looked up to him, my eyes widening. Then does that mean heâ
"I'm a gang leader." He nodded, looking away from me.
I gaped at him for a few seconds, being in a gang isn't a surprise considering the rumors that wad already spreading but being the one to lead it? Now, that's indeed a surprise.
"Wait, but we aren't dating? Why the hell are they thinking that I-I'm your scelta?" I wondered out.
"You're the only girl that I've been seen with, well besides Annie now but Alex has been spreading rumors about it and now, other gangs are seeing you as my weakness and wants to hurt me through you." He answered honestly.
"Alex is in a gang too?" I asked, the dots finally connecting.
Alec nodded. This means that they're surely rivalry gang then. From the way they were acting against one another, bad blood is brewing between them.
And when I see Alex, I'll fudging kill that son of a poop for spreading fake rumors. My mood turned even sour at the mention of her name.
"Then why the hell are they attacking me when you're dating Annie now?" I frowned, turning my gaze away from him.
"Remember my promise?" He asked, biting his lip with his stare burning at the side of my face.
I glanced at the vacant parking lot of the theater. Fifteen minutes has passed since I ran away from Alec and date crashers.
I was half-sitting and standing on his motorcycle seat, my feet slightly apart. I was humming a random tune when he finally showed up.
Alec's hair was in a rumpled mess and he was breathing quite heavily, there wasn't any sign of him being in pain and only had bruised knuckles.
He made his way towards me, stepping in between my legs and placed his hand on the side of my neck to tilt my head back.
I could feel his gaze gently moving from my face and all the way down to my body, seeming to make sure that I was indeed alright.
"I'm sorry for ruining the date." He finally said, his hand coming up to cup my cheek.
Alec's electrifying blue eyes were a shade darker but I could make out the sincerity he was relaying with his apology.
I softly shook my head,"Even though it wasn't in the plan to ran from a bunch of idiots, I enjoyed our date. Are you hurt anywhere else?" I asked, glancing at his hands.
Alec chuckled, pulling his hand away from my cheek and stepped back so that I could check him for any injuries.
None.
A few moments of silence before I boldly took one of his bruised hand, staring at it with worry before looking up to him.
"Doesn't this hurt though?" I asked, glancing at his hand to him.
Alec rolled his eyes,"It's nothing compared to the pain I've put them through biscotto." He scoffed, his hand tightening its hold on my fingers.
"Well then, thank you for saving me once again and for taking me out on a date." I smiled, craning my head up to meet his gaze.
Alec stared at me for a few moments before he snaked an arm around my wait and pulled me in for a hug.
"You don't have to thank me Ellie. I promise you that no matter what happens, I won't let anyone hurt you. I'll always save you." He promised, tightening his hold on me.
I felt a smile settle on my lips, bringing my arms up to wrap against his middle before nodding gently.
To anyone, it must've been weird seeing two teenagers hugging each other in the middle of the empty parking lot but for me, it was more than that.
I nodded, his promise repeating loudly in my head. My hands fidgeted slightly, a certain warmth entering my heart upon the reminder.
"Remember the Donald incident? After you left, he told me that words were spreading around about you being my scelta and that no matter what, they'll find you and try to hurt you," Alec revealed, his eyes brewing an angry storm.
"Right then and there, I knew it was bad. I've been trying to hide you from the dark side of my life that I just panicked at the thought of them getting to you," He looked down, his anger evident in his voice.
"Todd and Annie were my close friends before they moved out of here. When they came back, Todd reached out to me and wanted to join the gang and then that's where I came up with the plan," He sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly.
Todd did told me that they lived here before but I haven't thought of the possibility that they knew one another.
Huh, I guess that explains why Alec and Annie seemed familiar with one another on her first day.
I nodded quietly at his words, already having an idea of what this idiotic plan is and where it's going to lead to.
"I agreed to let Todd join in the gang in exchange that he has to befriend you and protect you while I find a way to get rid of the rumors about you around the street. That's why I was avoiding you." He continued, glancing at me briefly before looking away.
That's why they were fighting earlier, he was mad that things didn't go as planned. Wait, if that was his plan then. .
"That's when Annie told me that she wants to help me. She came up with the idea that we fake date so that they can focus on her instead. I was totally against the idea but it was the only way I could think off to hide you from them," He continued, earning a sarcastic snort from me.
So Alec wasn't the one who came up with that idea. I was totally expecting that it would be his and couldn't help but frown at his words. Hmm, my female senses are tingling and not in that way!
"You don't have to lie to me Alec. It's okay if you really like Annie, I totally believe you in the Todd part but fake dating? Does it involve you and her sleeping with one another?" I argued, sarcasm evident in my voice.
Alec brows furrowed,"What? I'm not lying Ellie. It's true and I haven't slept with Annie nor do I like her. She's just like my little sister." He shook his head, a frown gracing his features.
"And yet you're fake dating her." I pointed out, letting out a shrug.
Alec took a hold of my chin, forcing my gaze to meet his electrifying ones. I felt myself gulp, the intensity in it wasn't something that I was used to.
"I know I'm not exactly in your good graces Ellie. I've been hiding things from you and I've hurt you when I promise that I wouldn't. I'm a shitty person and I'm truly sorry for that but I'm not liar. I will never be, especially to you." He uttered, his tone firm and his gaze not wavering from mine.
I pulled my face away from his grasp,"I saw you entering a room with her at the party." I firmly said, looking away from him.
Alec paused, trying to remember before a small chuckle left his lips. He took a hold of my hand, his thumb gently rubbing my fingers.
"If you went inside with us, you would've seen a puking Hayden in the bathroom. Valentino was drunk on the bed with Chase trying to carry his drunk ass on the car. He called me and needed some help since Jayden was busy with Ark." He explained, amusement lacing his features.
I felt my cheeks turn red at my wrong assumption but who couldn't blame me though? I'm a girl, my mind obviously runs faster than guys.
"You still haven't answer my question about the guy from earlier, who was he? and how did I get here?" I scowled, pulling my hand from his.
Alec's face fell before he covered it up, closing his hand and placing it back to his lap instead.
"Todd texted me earlier that he can't watch over you today because of detention. Bloody idiot, I was making my way towards your Nana's house when I saw your phone on the ground and I heard some commotion," He explained, turning serious.
"Donald was a member of Alex's gang and the guy from earlier was in another gang that you don't know of. They've both been dealt with so don't worry about them again," He said, his expression completely stoic.
My eyes widened at his words,"You m-mean you kâ"
"Yes and I'm not regretting anything Ellie. I'm no saint, I'm a fucking sinner and I'd gladly shed blood if it means protecting what's mine." He said, his voice holding sinister and cold lilt to it.
I should be scared, considering he just killed those two but why did I only felt warmth at his words?
My heart felt conflicted, I was still mad at him but knowing the reasons now, It completely makes sense. My mom's words rang in my head before I paused.
At the thought of my mom, I gasped out loud. Shit. My dad is probably looking for me right now and My mom, oh gods, she's gonna grate me with a cheese grater!
"Where are we? Shit, my parents are gonna kill me." I panicked, turning to look at him with wide eyes.
"We're in Valentino's house since this was the closest to your house. Don't worry, I already called your mom. I told her you were staying with me for the night with Ark and the rest of us." He assured, noticing my panicked state.
I let out a relieved sigh,"Ark's here? I didn't see her earlier." I said, closing my eyes briefly.
"Yes, she arrived late. She's the one who changed you. She bough some of your clothes from her house. She's currently sleeping with Sage in one of the guest rooms." He answered, pushing some of his hair back.
"Is Sage a member of your gang too? That's why she wouldn't answer our calls?" I asked, letting out a yawn.
He nodded,"She's one of our best fighters. Connor is my right hand, he does the tracking of our deliveries."
Huh, I would've expected that either one in the pack of skittles would be his right hand. I could totally agree that Sage is a fighter though, I could tell from her agility and courage in fighting off Donald's men.
"So, the feeling of being watch sometimes was because of you guys?" I accused, slapping him on the arm.
He didn't even flinch.
He nodded, his Adam's apple bobbing."Yes, we mostly take turns in watching your house. It's for your safety. You need protection and what happened earlier is enough proof that you need it." Alec reasoned out.
"Did you forget that my dad's a cop? That would be enough reason for them to back off." I suggested, itching my arm lightly.
Alec snorted,"That's enough reason why they would target you biscotto. You really think they'll back down because you have someone inside the law? There's a reason why they're considered criminals well, we're all part of it but I know for a fact that they will never back down to someone who serves the law." He shook his head firmly.
I bit my lip, knowing well that I can't argue with him and I don't even want my family to get involve in this.
I'm not stupid, I know how dangerous this could easily turn to but I don't have any regrets though. Getting to know the pack of skittles and Todd is something that I'll always be happy of.
I glanced down at the scrapes on my arms, I guess if I were going to be involve with them; I should learn how to fight.
"I'm sorry, please don't be mad at the guys, Todd, and Sage. You can be mad at me instead, they couldn't tell you because I told them to." Alec said, a hint of regret in his tone.
I couldn't help but feel surprise at his words. If it were any guy, they would've put half the blame to the others but instead, he wanted me to let them off the hook and take the burnt of my anger instead.
I sighed heavily."I'm not mad at them, I knew they did it to protect me like you did but Todd's right. You should've told me, We could've thought of a better solution." I claimed, glaring at him briefly.
"I'm sorry, I'm just not used to opening up and I care about you Ellie, more than I'd like to admit to myself." Alec paused, his hold on my hand tightening ever so slightly.
"I'm not used to feeling this way and it sometimes scare me how you can evoke emotions in me that easily when no one can. We aren't dating but I'd let you walk away from me if you don't want anything to do with me or us." He leaned in slightly to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear.
I bit my lips at his words, my heart pounding. There was a part of me that wanted to pound him for putting me through that shit and another part that wanted to hug the fuck out of him.
I shook my head mentally, my hormones are really in a haywire tonight.
"I have every right to be mad and I am mad. Your solution is absolutely shit. It hurts being avoided by someone I care and I do care about you Alec." I confessed, trying not to get flustered.
Alec seemed to lightened up at my words before I narrowed my eyes at him.
"But there's no point in trying to work whatever it is between us if you aren't planning to communicate properly with me," I honestly said, looking down at our joined hands.
I held up a finger when he was about to reply, letting him know that he should let me talk now.
"You're a d!ck, you have annoying mood swings worse than a girl on her period, you suck at thinking of solutions but someone told me that if you can see yourself with that person in the long run then it's enough reason to try and I see that in you but first." I smiled wickedly before fisting my hand and pulling it back slightly.
I didn't waste a second and punched Alec. My hand hitting on his cheek, I let out a curse at the sudden pain that greeted my knuckles.
Throwing a smug look at Alec, I was expecting him to be angry but what I saw was a genuine smile on his lips instead, one of his hand holding his cheek as he looked at me with happiness in his eyes.
I have seen Alec do these devilish smirks, cheshire grins, and heard his deep chuckles but I never saw him truly smile this genuine and bright.
I bit my lip at the breathtaking sight. Alec King is truly one fine and rare human being, his smile alone could make me feel like I won the lottery or something.
"That was one heck of punch biscotto," He smiled proudly, before his eyes suddenly rolled back and he went limp.