- 29.
We ended up at the police station. An hour
later, Alex arrived, looking frantic. He checked
me over, relieved I wasn’t hurt. “Stay away from
fights! You could get hurt!” he scolded gently. It
reminded me of him as a kid, protecting me
from bullies, taking me to pick berries. “Stay
10:09
<
44
back, Liv! I’ll get them for you!” I shook my head, reassuring him I was fine. Behind us, Ethan spoke hesitantly. “Alex?” Ethan had disliked Alex ever since freshman orientation, when I’d called him “Alex.” They were often compared because of their good looks, which Alex usually won, fueling Ethan’s resentment. Alex’s lips tightened. “Ethan.” The dislike was mutual. “Are you… marrying Olivia?” Ethan asked, his voice hoarse. Alex adjusted his glasses and nodded curtly. He didn’t waste another word on Ethan, turning to me with a gentle, “Ready to go?” After I nodded, he said goodbye to the others and led me out. Ethan tried to follow, but our friends held him back. Josh had him in a bear hug as he yelled my name. This time, I didn’t even pause.
