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Chapter 19 - Mixed Signals

Alan could sense the distress radiating from Fiza's face, but he decided not to press her with questions. Anticipating that she might not be comfortable riding on his motorcycle, he had borrowed his parents' car instead.

He started driving in the direction of their college but Fiza's voice interrupted the silence, "Can I stay over with you, please?"

Alan was caught off guard. He glanced at her, taking in her beauty, amplified by the turmoil she had experienced that evening. Her wide eyes, long lashes, and the subtle shade of red on her lips captivated him.

He took a deep breath, slowly releasing the tension building within him, and nodded in agreement.

He turned the car around and drove them towards his home.

Fiza stole glances at Alan and noticed a small smile playing on his lips. Despite the night's unfortunate turn of events, a warmth spread within her, and she found herself mirroring his smile.

When Alan opened the door to his house, he was met with the sight of his anxious mother waiting for him. He had looked troubled all evening. And when he had left suddenly with the car keys, she had been reminded of his past, worried that he had gone out to indulge in a night of partying.

A sigh of relief escaped her lips as she saw Alan walk through the door with Fiza. Deep down, she knew that as a mother that she shouldn't be allowing him to bring girls home. What would people say?

But something about Fiza was different. Alan's mother had come to appreciate the positive influence Fiza had on her son's life.

She recognized that Fiza had played a crucial role in helping Alan break free from his previous struggles with alcohol, drugs, and partying. She had found, during a room check, Fiza's color-coded timetable. She appreciated the structure and stability she had brought into Alan's life.

Though darkness still loomed at times, she found that a spark of happiness had rekindled in her son.

Regardless, in a sense of duty, Alan's mother said, "Leave the door wide open. We'll talk about this in the morning."

Alan grinned. "Sure, ma," he replied, recognizing that she had turned a blind eye to far more troubling situations in the past.

Upon entering Alan's room, Fiza realized that she needed a change of clothes. "Can I borrow a T-shirt?"

Alan relished the thought of her wearing his clothes. It made his heart flutter strangely in his chest but keeping his composure, he replied casually, "Sure!"

He reached for one of his T-shirts and tossed it to her.

Fiza caught the shirt and made her way towards the bathroom. "I have mad skills," she joked.

Moments later, her voice chimed from behind the closed door, "Ummm, Alan?" She opened the door a crack and peeped out. "Do you think your mom is still awake?"

Alan thought for a moment. "I'm not sure," he answered honestly. "I did see her go into her room and close the door. Do you want me to check?"

Fiza considered her options before softly responding, "No." she closed the door and took a few minutes before reopening it slightly. "Can you help me with the zip?" she whispered.

Alan's heart skipped a beat as her request sank in. He felt a sense of nervouse anticipation, but he maintained a calm demeanor.

He walked to the bathroom to help her. Her eyes found his and she looked nervous and apprehensive.

She had taken her shrug off and Alan's eyes swept over her bare shoulders and landed on the subtle hint of her curves. He looked away quickly. He wondered absently if she had had her shrug on at the restaurant during her date. He felt a sense of posessiveness. He wanted no one but him to see her like this.