I said, "Leave," but all I really want is you
To stand outside my window throwing pebbles
Screaming, 'I'm in love with you'
Wait there in the pouring rain, come back for more

-The Other Side of the Door

. . .

"Leave me alone!" Chloe shouted as she jogged down the empty hallway.

"Don't do this, Chloe," Alek said, his voice a low warning. "You're angry with Amy, and you're letting your emotions control you."

"This has nothing to do with Amy!" She argued stubbornly, pausing at her bedroom door, "I want you to stop following me." There was a desperate edge to her voice, a pleading tone in her next words. "Please, Alek."

For a split-second hurt was evident in Alek's eyes, but just as quickly it was gone-like lightning after it struck the ground. "As you wish." He backed away from her slowly, not even bothering to look below as he stepped down the stairs gracefully. "I'll have Valentina send a replacement as soon as possible."

Chloe stepped forward, seeing Alek's guarded facade falling back into place. "Alek, I-"

But he was done listening. Without even so much as a sideways glance in her direction, Alek opened the Kings' door, muttered a quick 'good night', and closed the door with a firm slam.

Chloe sighed and sat down against her bedroom door. This is what she'd wanted, right? For months she'd been asking Alek to stop watching her, and he'd finally complied. She'd gotten her way, she should be happy.

So why then, did she keep glancing at the door, hoping the boy with the infatuating smirk would walk back in at any moment? Why was she suddenly so desperate to change her last words? Why had she even said what she'd said?

Chloe leaned her forehead against her knees tiredly, the answers clear as day.

She'd said those things because she'd never expected him to actually leave her. She'd never expected to feel the hurt and longing she was feeling now.

She'd never expected to feel this alone.

Author's Note: Honestly, I was kind of disappointed with the kiss last night. It seemed like Chloe was only kissing him because she was hurt that she couldn't be with Brian, and she was touched by the way Alek had protected her from the Jackals'. Plus, I can't help but think that Amy's words about finding a 'Mai guy' were the only thing going through Chloe's mind when she kissed Alek. Oh well, review please!