Zelus (Perseus Reimagined) (BXB)

Chapter 24

"What made you do that?" I knew he would bring up the topic. "Not that I'm complaining, mind you. I liked it a lot, actually, but I just want to know why."

2012

HIS PARENTS ARE WORKING, THE same as mine. I stayed home because of my condition, and so did Alex. Only he was grieving; I was suffering.

We spoke nothing after the kiss. Though, the moment remains fresh in my mind. His lips, were tender on mine. The warmth of his breath chasing the cold off my skin and how he gently pulled back just so our eyes could meet after months of avoiding. There was pure love in his stormy eyes.

He invited me in, and we went up to his room. It's messy, and I can't help but smile like an idiot. Those dirty laundry on the floor, heaping pile of clothes on his desk chair, and an unmade bed somehow bring a sense of home. He pulls an army-green towel out of his wardrobe and tosses it over my head. My nose instantly picks up his scent like a hound. As I dry my hair with it, he leaves the room and skips his way downstairs.

I wanted to follow him, but I stayed put, assuming he'd be back.

The weather grew heavier and more aggressive than the entire afternoon seemed close to nighttime. The clouds are dark, rumbling and roaring with thunders, the wind howls exactly as it does in a horror movie, and I'm so fucking cold that the hairs on my arms are sticking up.

I gaze out to the window, clutching the towel in my hand as I take in the fact that I have just run through that and survived.

I survived. Isn't that something?

"Here," I turn to see Alex returning, holding some clothes in his hand. "Take a shower before you catch a cold, and use these. I know you don't like skin-tight clothes, no matter how times I told you how hot you looked in one. So, this is the only large hoodie I own. You'll love it."

The shorts had floral patterns, portraying a Hawaiian theme, whereas the hoodie was cream-white with a Yin and Yang symbol stitched on the chest area. I was lost for words that he cared about my preferences when it came to clothing. He could've easily given me one of his fitting t-shirts, but instead, he marched downstairs to fetch his oversized hoodie.

"Thanks," I circle them on my arm.

He plops down next to me, our knees inches away from colliding. He pushes his fringes to the back of his head, and I notice his hair has grown longer over the months. He always has a healthy head of hair, virgin, and often smells like guava from the shampoo he uses. He then intertwines his hands together as we sit in silence for a moment, only the sounds of the storm outside filling our ears.

"What made you do that?" I knew he would bring up the topic. "Not that I'm complaining, mind you. I liked it a lot, actually, but I just want to know why."

"Let's just say... I was reminded of the inevitable while I was down at the hospital earlier," I keep my eyes on my toes, wondering why they're twitching. Then I remember that I'm freezing. "A fate that's bestowed upon all living things."

"Why were you at the hospital?" Concern lingers in his tone as he scoots closer, our knees finally touching.

I reach into my pocket and pull out the pill container, handing it to him.

"I needed some of these," he inspects it. "It seems like I couldn't do anything right since that day, and today was the final straw."

"And you ran through that?" He points out the window, sounding like a dad giving his son a lecture on common sense. "In this condition? Do you know how dangerous that is? Why didn't you call me?"

"You do know why."

He sets the container aside, and his palm finds its way to my forehead, startling me for a split second at how cooling his skin is.

"Well, at least you don't have a fever," he takes his hand back, though I wished he would've remained it there. "It sickens me that people's first instinct when they have any common sickness is to visit the doctor without realizing there's such a thing as natural remedies. Small symptoms such as flu, cough, and, yes, headaches could be easily cured. Only if it worsens, then shall you be excused to see a professional."

"The nurse gave those for free," I defend.

"Free or not, do not take them just yet. I'll make you one of my remedies that's good for getting rid of headaches," he rubs my back. "Give it a try. If it doesn't work, by all means, take those pills."

I face him, his eyes calming as he knows I'm about to say something.

"My life is fucked up in so many ways," I take his hand in mine as though I'm holding a book, eying the shape of his nails, and tracing them, appreciating God's masterpiece. "You're the one thing I got right. The only person who pulled me out of the sea when all I wanted to do was drown. I love you. All these years, I didn't know it until that day. I love you, Alexander Beau. I fucking love you."

He takes his hand back and pulls me into his arms. I embrace him back, feeling our hearts beating together; my arms tighten around him, releasing the guilt that's been haunting me for what seems like forever. Now I'm free, for the chains of guilt are broken, and I hold the one true person I love.

"I missed you so much," he says, and my lips quiver. "Don't ever do that shit to me again, you hear?"

"I promise."