Underneath The Willow Tree (All Time Low fanfic)

Chapter 2 :)

I looked away before he caught me staring and we started that staring contest again. Instead, I stared at Alex. I knew it made him uncomfortable in a sexual way when I stared at him.

Alex was wearing a tight black t-shirt and tight black jeans. He was wearing the silver chain I gave him. The one that was half a heart. I wore the other half. I was too busy staring to see Alex turn red. He squeezed my hand and I looked at him. He was blushing. I mouthed the word "sorry".

We reached the theatre and entered. The booming voices from commercials for upcoming movies filling the room. I saw Ryan lead Violet in front of him by placing his hand against the small of her back. I stuck my tongue out in disgust. Alex wrapped his arm around my waist and I leaned against him. Alex was so warm. We sat down 2 rows behind Ryan and Violet.

The movie started with a bright white light and weird piano music. This is when Alex and I start talking about other things. Like our parents.

Alex's life was....dis-functional. His dad was an alcoholic. He yelled at Alex for being different, for not being the perfect All-American boy that he wanted. But his dad didn't just yell. He threw bottles and sometimes random objects. Sometimes Alex would asked to sleep on my couch to avoid his dad. I wouldn't mind. Sometimes Alex would tell me how much he missed his mom. He would visit her sometimes but not very often. I haven't met her yet but Alex said that she'd love me. We didn't visit her before because he thought that I would be scared to visit someone that's in prison. But now I'm ready. I don't know what she did but she cant be that bad.

I live with my mom and only my mom. She told me that my dad got shot when i was a couple months old. I didn't miss him as much as she did. If my mom could pick anything to hate in the world, she'd pick Alex. She HATES him. She thinks he's a bad influence on me. But that's just what she tells me. Alex said that my mom tells him to stay away from me. I was so happy when he said he would never leave me.

Violet had her arm intertwined with Ryan's. Alex had his arm draped over my shoulders. He was half asleep. I poked his cheek and he stared at me his loving blue eyes. Alex put his head closer to mine so we could talk without disturbing the people around us. Even if the theatre was nearly empty. "Do you wanna try it?" he whispered. I gave him a puzzled look.

"No one can see us." he added. I was still confused. Alex leaned in and kissed me on the lips. It lasted for about 5 seconds. Then Alex completely detached from me. He thought i was mad. "I'm going to the bathroom." Then he got up quickly and walked away.

My cheeks were burning red, I looked back at Ryan and Violet and saw Ryan staring at me. I guess he saw the whole thing. I felt the redness spread over my skin. He flashed me a smile and turned back to the movie. Creep. This was the second time I wanted to throw something at him. I bit on the end of a straw to help myself cool down. I felt like it was my fault.

It was my fault that Alex was falling apart.I wanted to tell him that everything was ok even if I never really knew what was going on.

Alex came back when the ex-boyfriend had a gun pointed to the other guy's head and there was a girl screaming in the background. He sat next to me and looked me in the eye and I could tell that he was about to apologize but I kissed him back before he could. It lasted longer than the other one. When it was over, I could have sworn I saw the flash of Ryan's eyes. Freak. I held Alex's hand but it felt different. By the flash on the movie screen, I could see that his hand was swollen and red with little cuts in his knuckles.

He pulled his hand away from me and I felt hot tears burn in my eyes. Alex must have beaten something up. Something metal. "You promised." I whispered. He promised me that he would never hit things for no reason. He wiped a tear off my cheek and embraced me. There he was again. Ryan. He was staring. Stalker. The loud gunshot noise made me jump. Then the movie screen went black and the credits started to roll up the screen. I wiped the extra tears off my face and sniffled. The lights turned on and I started to put on my sweater. Alex stretched his arms out. Ryan and Violet headed towards us, hand in hand. Alex kept his hands in his pocket to hide his busted knuckles. I kept my eyes on the floor because my eyes were red and puffy. But it didn't work. Violet rushed over to me and began to drag me away from the guys. Alex gave me one more last look before Ryan began to talk to him.

Violet dragged me into the ladies room. No one else was there. I guess I was still because tears were still falling from eyes. "What's wrong?" Volett asked.

"Nothing." I said but my voice betrayed me. The pain showed in my voice.

"What did Alex do? If he hurt you, I will kill him."

She was serious. Anger and sadness showed in her eyes.

"He hurt himself again." i said keeping my eyes on the floor.

"How bad was it?"

"His knuckles were bleeding like he punched something metal."

Violet put her hands on her hips and sighed. "You have to set boundaries. Next time he does that, tell him that if he doesn't stop, you're gonna break up with him."

I shook my head. I would never give up Alex over a problem he has.

"But don't you want him to stop? This is hurting him. You have to stop it."

She was right. I nodded. "OK then." she said, giving me a hug. "Here." Violet said, fishing in her purse for something. She pulled out her black eyeliner. "Wear this.I will make your eyes look less puffy and red." I took it and put some on. Violet and I walked out of the bathroom. Ryan and Alex were standing a couple of feet away. I could hear Ryan saying,"How could you do that much damage to a napkin dispenser?" Alex just shrugged. This night had gone from one of the best nights ever to just plain awkward. I stood next to Alex. He didn't say anything to me. He just gave me a weak smile. I said goodnight to Violet and Ryan.

As Alex and I walked to the door, Ryan called my name. I sighed. I walked over to Ryan. I was scared of what he might say to me but at the same time, I wanted answers. Before Ryan could say anything, I asked,"Why are you always staring at me?" He blinked.

"Sorry, I just...observe people that I meet."

" So, you just like to watch people kissing?"

Ryan sighed, "Alex told me over the phone that he wanted to make a move tonight and I guess I wanted to see him do it."

I began to blush. I stayed quiet. Ryan continued.

"He told me all about you. He said you re pretty, funny, thoughtful...and sexy." Ryan said "sexy" with a smile. My skin was burning up.

This time I answered," Well, I know a lot about you too. I know that you and Violet have been going out for a month." Ryan shot a look at Alex but Alex was looking the other way."Stay away from us." I said, then I turned and walked back to Alex.