Reading Between The Lines ~ Remus Lupin ~ Book 1

chapter 63

Friday, 6 October 1978

"Question?"

"Ask away?"

"Promise not to call me an idiot first."

Lena put down her sketch pad, narrowed her eyes, and looked at Alex. "Why would I call you an idiot?"

"Because Raj and Ava called me stupid when I asked the question I'm about to ask you."

Lena let out a strangled sound. "I'm your third choice?!"

"More like second choice. I just happened to run into Ava before I saw you and impulsively asked."

"Alright, ask the question."

"You haven't promised though."

"I'm not gonna. You just called me your second choice. You've already shown yourself to be an idiot."

"Fair enough."

"Well?" Lena spoke after a pause followed.

"I was thinking about asking Maggie to go out with me."

Lena straightened her posture, inhaled, and pursed her lips.

"Maggie, as in my roommate?"

"Yes."

"Maggie, as in my best friend?"

"Yes."

"Maggie, as in your ex-girlfriend?"

"Yes."

Lena and Alex locked eyes.

"Don't say it."

"I have to though."

"You really don't. I can hear you thinking it."

"But I do. They say the third time's the charm. Maybe it'll sink into your thick skull."

"Fine."

"You're an idiot."

Alex crossed his arms and stood up from his chair. "Okay then, thanks for your help."

"Don't go. Sit down and explain yourself."

"What do you mean?" Alex asked as he sat down.

"Why do you want to get back together with her?"
Lena said. "It's been two years since you broke up."

"I know, but I've grown a lot. I miss her even though we still hang out all the time. She's still the first person I want to tell everything about. And no one's ever made me feel the way she's made me feel and I know no one ever will."

Lena nodded and looked at Alex thoughtfully.

"Have you considered that she may not feel the same way?"

"I have."

"And that this could damage the friendship you have if she doesn't feel the same way?"