Chapter 69 - Im a Bad Person (1/2)

I was so embroiled in my bitter, self-reflective thoughts as I walked that I didn't notice the subject of said thoughts was standing a few feet in front of me until he spoke up.

”Katie, I was wondering where you got off to! I think the snow has been cleared enough for us to go riding, do you want to go?”

Al looked happy to see me and had a relaxed smile on his face. The very sight of him brought me to tears. I lost control of my emotions and launched myself at him, dangling from his neck since this body was so tiny.

”Al!” I drew out his name with a sob.

He stiffened momentarily in surprise before tightening the hug so I didn't fall. ”What's wrong? You're acting like you thought I died or something.”

I couldn't speak as the tears rolled down my face. My thoughts and feelings were all tangled up in knots.

He deserved to be happy. He hadn't done anything wrong but everyone treated him terribly! Including the people he loved the most.

Why couldn't anything be fair in this world? How was I supposed to fix the plot now and leave him with someone who had never loved him?

”Come on,” he said quietly. ”Let's go back to our room.”

He held my hand and led me as I furiously swiped at my waterfall of tears and snot with the other. My head was down so no one else would see. I didn't want to embarrass him.

Back in our room he wrapped me up in a blanket like a sad little burrito and sat down on the couch, patting the seat next to him. ”Can you tell me what happened?”

I shook my head and let out a tiny 'no' before joining him as the tears kept coming. Al lifted the blanket bundle that was me onto his lap and loosely held me in place as I rested my head on his neck.

”Cry it all out then. I've got you,” he said softly.

His kindness, which I did not deserve, made me cry even harder. I didn't know what to think anymore so I selfishly let him hold me and comfort me until I ran out of tears.

”I'm a bad person,” I whispered.

”Who told you that?” Anger tinged his tone, like he was ready to pick a fight with anyone who insulted me. It made me feel worse.

”Nobody. I just am.”