Page 53 of Tell Me Everything
Lexi wasn't satisfied with his answer. No one would believe such a lame excuse in any other context. “Did you...”
“No,” he retorted.
Everyone believed something was going on between them. Now that he'd accepted his feelings, Alex understood why. He looked like a puppy in love. Gosh, he felt like a puppy in love.Lexi tucked a blonde lock behind his ear—a gene neither he nor Audrey had inherited.
“Alex, you should watch out with Elena. I know she's kind, but I think she's taking advantage of your kindness.”
Alex frowned. He knew her. He knew she’d rather suffer in silence than ask for help. If she called him, she must’ve been desperate. “I want her to use my kindness.”
Lexi's eyes widened at his honesty. “You can't save her, Alex.”
“But she needs me.”
“What she needs is professional help. You can't feel responsible for something that's none of your business.”
Deep down, Alex knew that his mother was right. He couldn't help wanting to be with Elena. He wanted to help her, just as he'd wanted someone to help him, years ago.
When he didn't answer, Lexi frowned as something must have clicked in her mind. “You're in love with her.”
There was no point in denying it. Anyone who took the time to look at him would have noticed. Alex was so transparent that maybe even Elena could see it. He prayed that she couldn't. Alex had no idea what to do if one day she realized he loved her, and that she was incapable of loving him back.
“Sweetheart, in a relationship, it's important that both parties can be happy on their own. You've spent years picking up the pieces of your heart. Don't give away what’s left of it.”
She was right, once again. He knew his heart was damaged and fragile, but Elena was worth it. He'd given her the power to break it again with a snap of her fingers. “Like I had a chance with her.”
Elena was too good for him. That didn't stop him from wanting her just the same. She was kind and funny and smart, and every time they were together, he couldn’t help but hope she would love him too.
“What?”
Alex lifted his gaze. “Mom, look at me. I don't stand a chance. I'm a wreck. The day she realizes what she's worth, she won't want a reject.”
“Alexander, I forbid you to say such a thing. You don't know what you're worth either.”
“She's too good for me, and you know it. You know how broken I am.”
Elena had seen him lose it once; that day had thrown a big chill into their friendship. Alex lost control when he got angry, but seeing the terror in Elena's eyes had the effect of a cold shower. She had seen how destructive his behaviour was. He didn't want to be that person anymore. Elena deserved better. Maybe he did, too.
“If that's what you really think, why don't you become a better person for her?”
Chapter 20
Elena
“Ouch!”
I dropped my hockey stick to the floor in shock. Blood was already beading on my finger, where her stick had hit my hand. Sophie, my opponent, left her goal and ran towards me.
“I'm sorry!”
“I'm fine,” I assured her.
“Time out. Elena, are you okay?”
The gym teacher led me into the locker room to tend to my wound. At least, there was no pain. Injuring myself during gym hours seemed to be becoming a theme.
“That's a nasty cut you've got there, but it won't leave a scar.”
“It's okay, I'm not worried.”
