Alice

While riding in the police car, thankfully, the passenger side this time, you check your phone. Alice called five times and left about twenty messages. You sigh and tap out a quick text.

I'm fine, but something really bad happened on the bus ride. No one is dead, but we were attacked. Sheriff Forrest is taking me to your place now.

You feel that is too dramatic, even for your taste and make a few changes.

Hey Alice, sorry to worry you. The bus had an accident and the police showed up to help everyone out. No one was hurt, but it was scary! Sheriff Forrest is driving me to your place now.

You hit send and put your phone away, riding in silence for the few blocks of the trip.

As you step out of the squad car, you turn to the Sheriff. "Thanks, Sheriff--er, thanks, Rebecca."

"It was my pleasure," she replies and drives off.

"OH MY GOD! YOU CAN'T DO THAT!" Apparently your text did nothing to assuage Alice's worry.

"I'm fine, they just--" you are cut off by the athletic girl wrapping you in a tight hug.

You hug her back, relieved to be safe from the day's weird events.

"Come on, let's get inside. You have to tell me about what happened." Alice turns and opens her front door, ushering you inside. The two of you have a quick snack and chat on her bed before she starts to pry.

"Okay, you seem calm enough now," she starts.

"Oh I'm calm?" You retort, smiling.

"Yeah, yeah," she shakes her head. "But seriously, what happened?"

You want to tell her, but as you go to vent about that maniac, something gives you pause. I mean the man was killed, right? Shot in cold blood by Rebecca. She had no right to kill him. He was right. He was merely showing you the path. He was right. Rebecca is wrong. Alice is wrong. Lilith is your mist--what the fuck? You are scared by your own thoughts, but don't want to weird Alice out. She wouldn't believe you anyway. She wasn't chosen--?....

"Uh, listen, it was kinda scary. Can we watch TV first or something, I'm still kinda shaken up."

"Oh that's fine," Alice replies, worry creasing her brow. "Just let me know when you are ready to talk."

Such a good friend. She'd make a better ****--! What is wrong with you? Get it together.

"Hey, I'm gonna go to the bathroom and grab something for this headache I've got," you mutter and run to the bathroom.

"Oh, uh, ok. Let me know if you need anything. Are you going to be alright?"

You had already closed the bathroom door. What the hell are you going to do? You honestly don't know yourself if you'll be alright.