Page 50 of Tell Me Everything
“I don't mind. I like your company.”
I knew that. He was in love with me after all. A knowledge that made my heart dance to crazy rhythms. I just hoped that he’d be able to tell me one day. “If I ever ask too much, promise you’ll tell me?”
“I will.”
Alex fell asleep in a heartbeat. I silently thanked the heavens for placing him in my path.
***
I awoke from a deep, dreamless sleep to the sound of an alarm going off. My mind still foggy, I sensed that something was different. I just couldn't figure out what. My brain felt like teddy bear stuffing. Whatever it was, I liked it, and I didn't want it to stop.
The alarm clock continued to sing. I opened my eyes to find myself face to face with Alex's torso. His arms were wrapped around me. I didn't remember us ending up in this position, but it felt good. Alex was still fast asleep and didn't hear the alarm. When I touched his cheek, he mumbled something incomprehensible. If he was surprised to find me in his arms, he didn't let go.
“Hi.”
“Hi,” I repeated, smiling.
His eyelids closed again. I continued to poke his cheek, but instead of standing up, Alex tightened his grip around me.
“We have to get up.”
I made a face as I watched myself in the mirror. I wasn't one to flatter myself often, but usually my dress style was quite elegant. Now, I looked ridiculous, and not just a little. Since I'd left the house in a panic, I hadn't thought to take any clothes with me. To avoid waking his family, Alex grabbed some clean clothes from the dryer. That was how I ended up wearing hismom’s psychedelic jeans and a fuchsia T-shirt with silver stars that belonged to Audrey. With my long burgundy coat and camel boots, I looked like I had walked straight out of a laundry. When I came out of the bathroom, Alex put his hand over his mouth to keep from laughing, and failed miserably.
“My darling, you look magnificent!” my friend exclaimed, bringing his hands together.
“Shut up.”
“Let's go, fashion disaster.”
When Alex stopped the car in the parking lot, I unbuckled my seatbelt. Here was to hope that no one would say anything about my outfit.
“See you later,” I said.
“Where are you going?”
Confused, I pointed to the school building with my thumb. Where else was I supposed to go? “Well, to school.”
“Wait for me then.”
“But don't you want to join your friends?”
“Yes, but you can come with me. You're on your own, anyway.”
His words rubbed me the wrong way. What did he mean by that? “I'm not a charity case. Just because I'm alone doesn't mean you have to keep me company.”
I ruminated as I got out of the car.He's got nerve. All right, I owed him after what he'd done for me last night, and I was probably getting a little carried away. But still. Couldn’t a girl be alone anymore without others feeling sorry for her?
“Elena, wait!”
Alex had to run to catch up, but I kept moving towards the entrance.
“You know damn well that's not what I meant.”
I stopped dead in my tracks and held his gaze. “And yet that's exactly what you said.”
“I know, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to vex you.”
I crossed my arms, waiting for his explanation. Alex ran a hand over his face. I was wearing out his patience. His self-control was admirable. Some students gave us funny looks before moving on. Was it because I was dressed like a clown, or because I was standing up to Alex? Or worse, both?
