𝖳𝖺𝗌𝗍𝖾 𝖮𝖿 𝖧𝖾𝖺𝗏𝖾𝗇 | 𝖪𝖳𝖧 |

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚠𝚎𝚕𝚟𝚎 🥀

I returned quickly to Alessandro's room and waited for his return, which was short after my own. "You look flushed, are you alright?" he asked, instantly taking in my appearance. "I am well, thank you for the water." I said, taking it from his fingers. "I would like to go home, if that would be alright with you." I told him, and he sat beside me. "That is fine, I will drop you home myself. You have already made an appearance as my guest." he answered, and I drank some of the water he had brought me. "I told your father that there would be no late nights." he smiled, and stood.

"I am also grateful that you even came despite what had happened." He said, after a moment, and I looked at him utterly confused, "I'm sorry- after what-happened." I asked, and he almost seemed flushed, "The church, Alora."

I immediately averted my gaze to hide the humiliation I felt, "I was hoping you wouldn't know of that, but like your farther said, small town." I said, standing from his bed. "Alora, you mustn't feel so ashamed, I was concerned for your health-which is why I would happily let you leave early." His words sunk in and so I looked at him again, "And if I weren't bleeding? You would not consider my need to leave early?" I asked him, and his brows twitched before they pulled together. "You must've misunderstood-"

"And my migraine is only worsening, please." I interrupted him, with my fingers rubbing my temple, "We should leave now then."

"I- do have one more request." I said quickly, as I checked my wrist watch.

"Hm?"

"Will you drop me off at the church, I needed to tell Father Kim a few words after today, if that is fine with you."

He nodded, and I thanked God,

______

"I will wait for your return and drop you home." He said, as we stopped in front of the church. My fingers unbuckled my seatbelt and I glanced at him. "I am not sure how long I will be, I may want to pray." I told him, and he looked at his watch. "Y-you must go, and attend your fathers event, do not be missing from it merely for me." I told him, but he seemed as if he was still contemplating, and so I placed my hand over his. "Alessandro, please, I am alright." I smiled, and he lifted my hand and brought it to his pink lips.

"You have a goodnight then, Alora."

I flushed as these little actions still did things to me. If I were to be honest with myself, I was enjoying every ounce of attention they were giving me: Alessandro, his father, and Father Kim. I was starting to understand what Leah must've felt with her lover, and how she had become so engrossed in him, and him only. That is where our situation differs.

I heard the tires of Alessandro's car against the gravel as he drove away on my way to the doors of the church. It was almost after six in the afternoon, and I was hoping he was still here.

I walked in to merely hear the sounds of my heels clicking against the marble floor. "Hello? Father Kim?" My voice echoed, and it went dangerously quiet after the sound of my voice died out. I continued walking down the aisle between the pews before I heard something, like a book falling. It made me flinch and I spun around, my eyes darting to each corner of the church.

"Alora."

I gasped and turned abruptly to face him. He had appeared out of thin air, it was like.

I gulped, and my eyes flickered to the red stains on his clothes..."You have not changed." I stated, my mouth lacking the moisture it once had. My blood was on him. "It must've  happened whilst I was cleaning." He answered, and I winced. "Y-you cleaned-"