healing hearts

Chapter 19

The next morning
Ben's POV

I wake up with Alexa curled up against me. I don't know how this happened, but I couldn't be happier. She really let loose last night and had fun.

It was nice seeing her be herself and have a good time, especially with the things that have been going on.

I'm planning on taking her home today and staying the night with her. She has school tomorrow, but I know her parents also won't be home until tomorrow and I'm not leaving her alone in the house.

I grab my phone and text a few of my closest friends back home and ask if they'd be able to meet up later. I need to talk to them about keeping Alex away from Alexa while i'm gone.

Even though Alexa says he won't do anything, i'm sure once he finds out that we're dating, his threats may not be just threats anymore and I need to make sure our friends know.

I plan to ask Alexa to talk to her best friend about it, for my own peace of mind. I just need to make sure she's careful.

After seeing my friends agree to meet up, I put my phone down and kiss Alexa's forehead, making her stir awake.

"Good morning" I say and rub my thumb over her back.

She smiles up at me and rubs her eyes, "good morning," she says, her voice low and soft with sleep.

I look down at her, "so I was thinking we could grab some breakfast and then I can take you back home? Since I don't have class tomorrow and your parents won't be back till then either, I was gonna stay with you tonight, if that's okay." I watch as a small smile forms on her face.

"Yeah, that sounds good. But are you sure? I have school tomorrow and i'll be up pretty early." She bites her lip as she looks at me - another nervous habit she has.

I smile and nod, "of course, I don't mind being up early. I'll be able to come back here early and get my stuff ready for class anyway."

She smiles and nods, "okay."

She sits up and goes to get out of bed to change, but I grab her hand before she does, "hold on, I was also thinking about something else."

She sits back down and looks at me, hesitantly, "okay.. what's up?"

I run my hand through my hair and look at her, "okay, look, I know you told me not to worry, but I can't do that. So to just give myself peace of mind while i'm gone the next month or two before summer, can we please tell Brooke and a few of the guys from back home about Alex? I just want to make sure he stays away from you and that you're safe."

She looks at me and worries her bottom lip between her teeth in thought before nodding, "oh, yeah. I mean, I don't want you worrying so if you think this will help you, then of course we can."

I smile and take her hand, "I texted James, Chase and Mason to see if they could meet up later and they said yes. If you want, Brooke can be there too, or you can talk to her separately."

She nods, "okay, sure. I'll text her when we're on the way home."

She leans down and pecks my lips before getting up and changing. I lay there and watch her, my arms behind my head.

She looks at me and blushes, "stop staring and get ready to go, dork."

I chuckle and raise my hands in surrender. "Yes ma'am." I say and get up to change and grab my things.

A few minutes later, Alexa and I exit my room and find the guys and Sophie in our living area.

"Hey guys! Leaving so soon?" Jackson asks.

I nod and Alexa says, "yeah, unfortunately. I've got school tomorrow," she blushes.

Everyone stands up to say their goodbyes. I watch as the guys hug Alexa and she hugs them back. Sophie hugs her and puts her phone in Alexa's hand. "Here, put your number in and i'll text you. Next time you're here, we'll hangout!"

Alexa smiles and nods, typing her number into her phone as I dap up the guys and tell them i'll see them tomorrow.

———————

A few hours later
Alexa's POV

We make it back to my house around 2. We stopped for food on the way home. When we get to my house, we go inside, shower and then Ben helps me unpack.

After another hour or so we're getting ready for the guys and Brooke to come over.

The first to arrive are Chase and Mason. I know them from school and because they've been good friends with Ben for a few years.

They dap up Ben and say hi to me.

The next to arrive is James and Brooke.

Brooke immediately wraps me up in a big hug. She's been so busy with family stuff during break that i've barely seen her and God, I missed my best friend. After she lets me go, I say hello to James.

Ben and I lead them to the living room to sit down.