Chapter twenty four

Evan's car is cruising down a quiet road. The sun is setting, painting the sky orange and pink. Trees line the roadside, their leaves rustling in the gentle breeze.

Alina sits next to Evan in his car, feeling a whirlwind of emotions. She glances at Evan, then quickly looks out the window, her heart racing. Sitting right beside Evan in his car felt unreal to Alina.

She thought about how many times she had daydreamed about this moment, being right next to Evan.

Her crush on Evan had started the first time she saw him in school; it all felt like a dream, like a page written in her scrapbook.

"A penny for your thoughts," Evan said, breaking into her thoughts.

She smiled and turned to look outside through the window, trying to hide her face. She felt shy and nervous, which made her embarrassed.

Evan noticed her shyness and smiled, thinking to himself that she was very cute.

"So, where are you taking me?" Alina said, still looking out the window.

"We're almost there," Evan replied. Alina turned to look at him. "Trust me, you won't regret it, I promise," he said.

Alina nodded softly, her curiosity rise. They continued driving in comfortable silence, the scenery outside becoming more rural and secluded.

A few minutes later, the car pulled up to an old, abandoned building. Alina looked around, confused.

"Where are we?" she asked, looking around confused.

Evan smiled broadly. "This is where my friends and I come to hang out. It's like our secret hideout. You're kinda lucky, you know."

Alina was momentarily startled, memories of Marcus and the woods flashing through her mind.

Evan noticed her hesitation. "Are you afraid? Don't worry, Alina. I promise on my life, I will never put you in danger or do anything to hurt you."

Alina laughed, the tension easing.

Evan was surprised. "Why are you laughing?"

"Well, that thought never crossed my mind," Alina said, still laughing.

"What do you mean?" he asked her, kinda confused.

"That you could hurt me. I never thought you could hurt me," Alina stated clearly.

"Thank you. Because I won't," he said, relieved.

Alina smiled, reassured by his sincerity. They exited the car, and Evan led her into the building.

Evan guided Alina to the rooftop, where a beautiful sight awaited her. Strings of electric bulbs hung overhead, casting a warm, inviting glow. The rooftop was decorated with flowers, and a cooler filled with drinks and a lunchbox sat nearby. A small table with two chairs, also adorned with flowers, was set with plates and glass cups.

"Do you like it?" He looked at Alina, eager to see her reaction.

Alina's eyes widened in amazement as she took in the scene. "It's beautiful. Did you do all this?" she asked, touched.

"Well, I told you my friends and I hang out here, so I had some help," he replied with a smile.

They both sat down as Evan served her a plate with a neatly prepared sandwich and a cold cola drink. Alina took a bite, savoring the taste.

"Is it good?" he inquired curiously.

Alina smiled. "Yes, it's good."

Evan breathed a sigh of relief, happy that his efforts were appreciated. They continued their meal, enjoying the serene ambiance and each other's company.

Alina glanced at Evan, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. This moment felt like a dream, but for now, it was her reality, and she wanted to cherish it.

"Thank you, Evan. This is... perfect," she said, grateful.

Evan reached across the table, gently taking her hand in his. "I'm glad you think so, Alina. I wanted to do something special for you."

After eating, her heart began to wonder how this was one of the loveliest things someone had ever done for her. Marcus taking her to the woods was also beautiful until those wolves spoiled everything. She sighed.

"Is something the matter?" Evan said, interrupting her thoughts.

"No," she said. "It's nothing. So, Evan, you said you wanted to tell me something?"

"Yes, I do, Alina. I really wanted to speak to you after the event that happened at the cafe. I wanted to clear everything."

"I don't understand. What is it you want to clear?"

"Well, for one, I was fooled and manipulated by Kendra."

"I don't understand. What do you mean Kendra fooled you?"

"Well, Alina, it was always you. It has always been you. Remember, we were friends before I started dating Kendra."

"Yes, I remember," Alina said nervously. She was a nervous wreck, her heart beating at an unimaginable rate. She never thought a day would come when Evan would say those words to her. Was she dreaming, or was the boy of her dreams actually confessing his love to her?

"I always liked you, Alina," Evan continued. "I even asked Kendra to help me with you, but she told me that you did not like me and had a boyfriend who attended another school."

"What!" Alina exclaimed in shock.

"Yes, that was why I never asked you out," he said, taking her hand and kneeling in front of her, holding both her hands as he stared intensely into her eyes, sending shivers through her body.

"But now it's different. I know the truth, and I wanted to know if it's not too late for me. The way I feel about you has never changed. So, what do you say? Do I get a second chance?"

Alina was dumbfounded, too nervous to speak. Thousands of thoughts raced through her mind. She liked Evan; in fact, he had been the love of her life, but for some reason, her heart wouldn't let her accept his heart.

"Why aren't you saying anything? Don't you like me anymore?" Evan asked, his eyes filled with sadness.

She wanted to tell him yes, she wanted to say those words, but they wouldn't come out. What was causing her to stop, what was causing her to give so much pain to the boy she said was the love of her life?

"Please say something," Evan said, almost pleading.

"I'm sorry," was the word she finally uttered.

"I'm sorry," she said again, lowering her head.

"Is it because of him?" Evan asked.

She raised her head slowly to stare at Evan.

"Is it because of Marcus?" he spoke again.

She could not say no. He was right; she just didn't want to admit to herself that it was Marcus who was hindering her from giving Evan the answer he wanted to hear.

"Do you like him now? Do you like him more than me?" he asked, searching her eyes for an answer.

"It's not like that, Evan. It's just that a lot of time has passed, and I'm confused now," she said. "I'm sorry, but I..."

"Don't say anything now. I totally understand. You are just confused. But I want to tell you, Marcus is not the one. Believe me, I have told you this before. He is not a good person. There is only one person that Marcus ever gave his heart to, and it's Sasha. Any other girl he was with, he was just playing with them. I'm not saying this because I want you to choose me over him. It's just the truth."

"Who is Sasha?" Alina inquired curiously.

"Why not ask Marcus to tell you about her? It's not in my place to tell."

"Okay," she nodded.

"I think we need to go back. It's getting late."

"Yeah, omg, it's kinda late," she said, surprised and wary.

She picked up her bag and turned to Evan, who was also getting his bag.

"I'm sorry," she said. "It's not that I don't like you anymore; it's just that I'm very confused."

"You don't need to say anything. I understand, Alina. But I won't give up. I will just have to remind your heart it's me, not anyone else," he said, smiling warmly at her. She equally smiled as they got their things and left the building.

Evan offered to take Alina in his car, and she agreed since it was getting late and she did not want to be late.

Evan's car slowed as they neared Marcus's house. Alina fidgeted nervously, glancing at the familiar surroundings. "Evan, can you stop here, please? I don't want Marcus to see us together," she said.

Evan pulled over, concern visible on his face as he stopped the car. "Are you sure? I can drop you off right at the door."

"No, really, it's fine. He'll be mad if he sees us. Trust me," she explained.

Alina opened the door and stepped out, but noticed Evan doing the same.

"Why are you also coming out? You can go. You don't need to worry about me," she stated.

"No, I want to worry. Since you won't allow me to drive you straight to his house, at least I can watch until I'm satisfied you're safe," he insisted.

Alina smiled, shaking her head slightly. "You're being silly. But thanks a lot for today. I had a wonderful time," she said.

"I'm glad you liked it." He stepped closer, his eyes sincere. "Remember what I said, Alina, you are the girl for me."

Alina nodded, her heart fluttering.

As they stood by the car, Evan's expression suddenly changed. His eyes widened, and he seemed to stiffen. Alina noticed the shift immediately.

"Evan, what's wrong?" she inquired.

Evan didn't respond, his gaze fixed on something behind her. Alina turned to see what he was looking at, but Evan grabbed her, pulling her into a tight embrace.

"Evan, what's the matter? Let go, you're holding me too tight," she said, feeling uncomfortable.

Evan's grip tightened momentarily before he reluctantly released her. Alina turned around to see Marcus standing across the street by an ice cream shop, his eyes burning with anger as he glared at them.

Alina's heart sank. She could feel the tension rising, knowing how unpredictable Marcus could be.