[wattys shortlist 2018]
Colton has always hated Alexis. It's as simple as that.
Alexis has never hated Colton though, not even after the night havoc was let loose: chaos caused by him.
This summer, Alexis doesn't expect to be reunited with her to...
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"Well, if it ain't ma favorit' person!"
"You're only saying that because I come bearing cookies." I laugh, handing the package of delightful goodies over the counter.
Al rips open the wrapper as soon as it's in his hand, taking a large bite out of the treat. "Po-t-ae-t-o, p-a-tato!" he says, or rather spews, crumbs flying everywhere. "What brings ya here today, doll?"
"I just needed a breather." I sigh, today's conversation with the girls still brews on my mind as well as the drama in the Dinner Hall. It's all just becoming a little too confusing.
Al frowns. "Lexi, what's botherin' ya?"
My eyes cast downwards, avoiding his gaze. But this is Al, I tell him everything and I'm not stopping. Today; I need his advice especially.
"There was a certain incident today regarding Colton and I can't make up my mind if he intentionally tried to hurt me or not? The girls say it couldn't have been an accident and are strongly urging me to fight back?" Without my consent, my toe draws circles on the ground slowly. "I just don't know, Al?"
The Dining Hall is quiet for a moment, Al watching me cautiously. "Ya wanna know what a think?"
"Well... yeah?"
"A think that if this persists, ya should fight back."
"Really?" I blink in surprise.
"Ye'. Lexi, ya've come far ta far ta give up now. All them mountains ya climbed, all them battles ya fought? But most importantly, ya've grown so strong. A don't wanna see ya so weak evar again!" Al's brow crumples while his eyes become almost droopy. It's time like these when I truly realise how much I can count on Al.
"I'm not defenceless anymore, Al. I understand the world a lot better now but mostly I understand that I'm never going to allow Colton to take advantage of me ever again. And that's a promise."
"A know, a know." He cracks a small smile. "But if he does one more thing, a wan' ya ta hit him harder than he's evar hit ya? Ya hear me?"
"Okay, Al. I will." And I would. Because I wasn't going to allow Colton to get let off so easily next time.
Bidding goodbye to Al, I walk through the desolate indoor area of the hall and out through the outside eating area where only few still linger. Ignoring their looks I carry on, making my way to my cabin where I had left the girls shortly for some bonding. The vast, open fields and peaceful, blue sky are my only companion and I enjoy the serenity of the afternoon walk.
Or ending serenity of the afternoon because when I'm only a matter of metres away from the cabin, Colton clouds my vison. Thinking nothing of it, I give him a small 'neighbourly' smile moving past him.
"Alexis?" I turn around, inwardly sighing. So close, so, so close.
"Yes?" I ask, trying my hardest to spare another grin.
