Page 67 of Tell Me Everything
“Why me?”
He had to know. Elena took Alex's arms and placed them around her waist. It was kind of exciting when she was the one in charge.
“What?” she asked, taken aback.
“Why would you want to be with me and not someone else?”
“I don't know. It's... It's just you. My heart decided it would be you.”
A laugh left his lips. “That’s cheesy, even for you.
“I know. I'm ashamed of saying it out loud.” She hid her face in the crook of his neck, giggling.
“What if I'm not good enough?”
Elena became serious again. He knew he was going too fast. They weren't even together yet. Being the angel she was, Elena remained patient and reassured him.
“You know, Alex, it's never been about whether we're good enough for each other. It's about making efforts. I want to be the best version of myself so I can be with you, maybe you should try to do the same. And we'll work out the rest together.”
She lay down and beckoned him to join her. There was nothing he could refuse her, so he followed, watching her.
“You really think I can become better?”
“Yeah. You're already getting better every day. I just don't understand how you never realized I was crazy about you? We've been dancing around each other for months.”
Easy. Alex had always thought that no one could care about him that way. After his trauma, he'd lost himself to the point of believing he was no longer worthy. And yet, Elena loved him despite knowing everything about him.
“There's a difference between being interested and loving someone,” he simply said. “I thought you were just interested.”
“Believe me, I'm way past that stage. I'm totally, completely, madly, deeply in love with you. But don't worry, I don't mind reminding you every day.”
Had she always been so cheesy and corny? This was a new side of Elena he couldn’t help but adore. Elena was so calm. For once, Alex didn't hesitate and let her take the lead. He, the control freak, was letting her take control of them, of him. It wasconfusing, and it was frightening. But he trusted her. Elena tried to read him.
“Does it bother you that I'm taking so long?” she asked, less confident. “Be honest.”
Alex pondered over the question. He'd never been in a relationship before. With Elena, it was different. He felt excited about finally learning to be in a relationship. As long as she was there, there was no rush. Every moment together was worth it. Knowing she felt the same was more than he could have hoped for.
“Why would it?”
“You don't feel like I'm messing with your head, do you?”
“Love, take all the time you need. As long as I know you're as serious about us as I am, I can wait.”
Elena snuggled into his arms like a kitten. Her warmth enveloped him like a blanket.
“You're the best.”
“I know.”
***
Elena
“Elena, how are you?”
Alex's mother entered the kitchen, still dressed in her pyjamas.
“Good. You?”
