Page 49 of Tell Me Everything
“Okay.”
After what seemed an eternity, but was only fifteen minutes,the Polo stopped in front of me. I jumped inside the car under Alex’s silent gaze. He tried to read me, but was too tired. I could feel my guilt for waking him up increase. He had better things to do than come looking for me in the middle of the night. And yet, now that he was here, I felt safe again.
“I'm sorry I called you. I didn't know where else to go.”
Alex put his hand on my forehead and turned up the heat. “You're freezing. Couldn’t you wait inside?”
I lowered my eyes. Had I been in danger? I wasn't sure, but just the thought of waiting in that house made me nauseous. It felt like I was going to puke my guts and my heart out from fear. Feeling my hands trembling, I hid them under my coat.
“I'm glad you called me.”
“You don't mind?”
“If you're scared, I want you to call me. I'd rather be woken up in the middle of the night than find out later something's happened to you.”
Throughout the drive, my heart continued to beat wildly. I couldn’t shake the restlessness. My mother was still there, and I could only pray that nothing would happen to her during the night. I followed Alex inside his house, trying to make as little noise as possible. Once in his room, I finally allowed myself to take a deep breath.
“Wanna talk about it?” Alex asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.
I shook my head. It was late, and Alex was exhausted. I couldn't keep cutting his night short. And to say what? That I'd been afraid my father would lay a hand on me? That conversation could wait a few more hours.
“Maybe tomorrow.”
“Cute pyjamas,” he observed with a wry smile.
I looked down at my fluffy Pusheen pyjamas. These weren't the outfit I had in mind for my first night at Alex's house. Had Iknown, I would have planned something lighter and shorter, but that would be for another time. Right then, I didn't care.
“Let's go to bed. I'm beat.”
“Where do I sleep?”
“Here.”
“I'm not going to sleep with you.”
Alex exhaled loudly through his nose, getting irritated. “Elena, it's late. Don't be difficult.”
Well done, Lena...
Seeing my face, his gaze softened. “I'm sorry, I'm just tired.”
Before I could reply, Alex wrapped his arms around my shoulders. I inhaled his scent and tried to calm down. I really needed to relax. Everything was fine now. Nobody could hurt me here.
“You must have been scared if you decided to call me.”
I hugged Alex back. When my friend let go of me, he motioned for me to lie down. I lay down without complaining when I heard Alex laugh.
“Relax, I'm not going to eat you.”
He lay down, leaving enough space between us. I was grateful.
“I know. I have faith in you. I just don't want to invade your privacy too much.”
Each time, I felt like I was imposing myself. That every time he held out his hand, I took his whole arm. It wasn't fair to him; I also didn't know how to stop. Alex had become like my centre of gravity, and each and every time, I was drawn to him like a moth to a flame.
“It's a bit late for that, don't you think?” Yet there was no reproach in his tone.
“I'm sorry. I really didn't... I really didn't mean to impose on you like that.”
