The Otherside: Alice: Tough Decisions (Book 6)
Chapter 20

I did not get the chance to talk to Trey about it. I actually put it off and put it off after that day. All the many chances at training and school, but I could never muster the courage. It didn’t come out until the night of Homecoming, they put the dance off until the next day so we got to get ready at home. Trey came barging into my room after I was done getting ready and was about to come out. I don’t know if Ace told him, or he was spying on what happened but he confronted me.

“What? What’s wrong?”

“So have you made a choice?” Trey asked trying to casually get me to tell him myself, but I didn’t pick up the signs even though he seemed angry.

“I don’t know what I am going to be doing with my life.”

“I meant are you going to be with Ace?” He asked as he shut the door.

“I-I just.. I don’t know if I am ready to choose that.”

“Don’t give me that crap. I know Jay gave you the compass. She did it to get you out of denial. Who did it point to?” He said starting to get frustrated.

“If you know it landed on someone for sure you should know who it landed on.” I replied angry at his invasion of privacy or Ace telling him.

He took a deep breath to calm down. “I-I have to see it for myself.”

I grabbed the compass off my desk and opened it and held it for him to see. It of course pointed straight towards him. Quickly after seeing that he forcefully pinned me against the door of my closet. The compass fell to the floor.

“You’re not supposed to love me!” he yelled.

“Why? Give me one good reason why this is wrong?” I looked at him trying not to let my eyes well up and cry.

“Because... I am not right for you.” his voice grew softer.

“Are you not right for me? Or are you afraid to love me?” I asked as a tear rolled down my cheek.

He kissed my tear. “Please don’t cry. I...”

“Answer me truthfully. Do you love me?” I said trying to get the quivering sobbing sound out of my voice.

“I love you, but we are not meant to be.” he whispered in my ear.

“Now who is giving who crap? Your mom told me you cannot see my future. My future has not been decided yet!” I tried to push him off. My back was off the door for a brief second. He never let go of my hands. “Stop being afraid!..” He cut me off with a passionate kiss.

“I am not afraid, and I may not be able to see your future, but I know for sure in my heart you deserve better than me. You deserve the prince, not the pauper.”

“Are you implying that Ace is the prince?”

“He did grow up in the castle with you.”

“But he feels like a brother to me.”

“Then why am I so different? I am his brother.”

“Personality, you do not treat me in an overprotective manner.”

“So being overprotective is brother-like to you? Why can’t he protect and love you? Harrison is overprotective of Christina.”

I sighed. “I am in love you not him.”

“Well stop.” he said like a blunt knife. “It will only make it worse for both of us.” he let go of me and then he stormed out of my room, slamming the door behind him.

I slumped down on the door and grabbed the compass. I opened it up and it was still pointing his way. I broke down in tears. How am I supposed to love someone who keeps pushing me away?

I didn’t know how long time passed until Ace lightly tapped on my door. “Alice?” I looked at the clock and noticed it had been thirty minutes. I felt like I wanted to answer, but didn’t have the energy to, not like I needed to. A minute later he entered the room. “Do you want to talk about?”

I just sat there staring at the compass before it completely sunk in. I quickly got up and pointed at him. “Did you tell him?” I asked in an accusatory manner.

“Calm down. I didn’t tell him about the compass or what I saw.”

“Then why did he come here out of nowhere? Tonight out of all nights?” I yelled frustrated.

“Well, we were talking... and he wanted me to tell you my feelings about you tonight. I fessed up that I had told you again already and well I guess he looked it up because out of nowhere he seemed angry and then stormed off to you.”

I slapped him across the face. My knees began to shake and as I was about to fall to the floor Ace caught me and he pulled me into his arms.

“Just let it out. I am here for you.” he said softly in my ear.

I did as such and, well, we missed Homecoming. He was there for me, as always. My brother, but why can’t I see him as more. They both love me, but one wants me and the other rejects me. Why couldn’t my heart choose the one who chooses me?

By the end of the night I magically changed my clothes and Ace tucked me into bed. He kissed me on the forehead goodnight. Did I fall asleep? Not really, but I laid there mindlessly trying. It introduced me to my many sleepless nights to come.

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