I groaned softly, clutching my head as the pain persisted. “Ow...it hurts,” I begin slowly crouching down as the discomfort overwhelmed me.
“Angel, what’s wrong? Tell me,” Ares urges, his voice filled with worry and tenderness. As the pain continued to ripple through me, I couldn’t help but wonder if this was somehow connected to the necklace.
“Mine.”
“All yours.”
“Alexandra, hey, you’re okay.” I felt a soothing voice pulling me back from unconsciousness, and I slowly open my eyes, letting the light filter through my lids as I blink. I found myself resting against Ares’ chest, his rough hands gently grazing my cheeks. He pushes my hair away from my face with a look of concern in his dark green eyes.
“What happened?” I whisper, trying to make sense of the situation. Maxine suddenly appeared, crouching down in front of me, and she handed Ares a bottle of water. He unscrewed the lid and gently urged me to take a few sips.
“You just fainted, thank God Ares was here to catch you,” Maxine explained, her voice filled with worry.
I look around and saw Clark rushing down the aisle towards us. “I’m fine, guys, I just haven’t eaten,” I reassure them, trying to brush off the incident.
Ares helps me up on my feet slowly, and I held onto his bicep for support as he steadied me. He looks at me with concern etched on his face. “Why haven’t you eaten?” He asks, lifting my chin so our eyes met.
“I’m going out with Clark now; we’ll get something to eat.”
Ares didn’t look entirely convinced, but he nodded, understanding my decision.
“I’ll go with you,” Ares offers, his protectiveness shining through.
“No, it’s okay. I’ll be fine.”
“You watch out for her, or I’ll kill you. Understood?” Ares warns Clark, his protective instincts fully on display. Clark raised his hands in surrender, nodding his head in agreement.
“Ares-”
“Yes, sir,” Clark replies, understanding the seriousness in Ares’ tone. I roll my eyes and push Ares back.
“Don’t threaten Clark, he’s innocent.”
“You have my card, right? Buy yourself something to eat, if contactless doesn’t work, my pin is 0920.”
Clark chuckles and pretends to write down the pin on his phone. “Writing that down...” He jokes, but Ares shot him a stern look. “Just kidding, man. I’d never do that.”
I lean in and kiss Ares gently. “I’ll see you tonight okay.” He kisses me once more; I bring his ear towards my mouth before whispering. “I’ll be wearing red…”
His eyes lock with mine, and they slowly darken.
After Ares walks away, Clark and I left the library together. I couldn’t help but grin mischievously as I waved the American Express card in front of him. His eyes widened in surprise, “you’re buying me dinner.”
“You bet I am.”
We hopped into his car and headed towards the mall. As we drove, a sense of camaraderie and joy filled the air. A part of me felt relieved that I had someone like Clark as my friend, always there to support me through thick and thin. It felt nice. All of this felt nice. But then, I remember Catherine, and sudden guilt shoots into my veins. I haven’t been spending time together with her, I’ve left her.
Maybe that’s why she’s drinking?
Maybe she just misses me, misses her friend.
Am I being selfish right now? It feels like I am. I’ll check up on her when I get home.
When we reach the mall, we stepped out of the car and made our way into the lingerie store. Clark playfully threw his arm around my shoulder as we strolled inside. I grab a basket, ready to browse through the various options.
“Okay, you go that way, and I’ll go this way,” I suggest, pointing in opposite directions.
“Yes, ma’am,” Clark replies with a mock salute, making me chuckle.