Comeback (Sequel to 'Before the Storm')

Chapter 23: What Are We Doing?

Ally's POV

"Joe.. what are we doing?"

The question we both have been dreading to ask. The question which will determine our faith. The question which causes us both so much fear, yet so much hope.

"Almost four months since the break up. Three hook ups. Endless arguments. Yet somehow.."

I paused, drawing in a shaky breath, afraid to say it out loud.

"We can't seem to stop from getting drawn back to one another," I finished.

He sighed, running a hand through his tousled hair.

"I don't know what we're doing, Ally. But I know how I feel."

My heart raced. "And how's that?"

"Like I never want to let you go again," he said, his hands trembling as they found my face, "Like these past months without you have been the hardest of my life."

Tears pricked at my eyes. "Joe-"

"No, let me finish," he cut in desperately, "I know we have a lot to work through, but Ally, I love you. I never stopped loving you."

A sob escaped me, and I leaned into his touch.

"I love you too. God, Joe, I've tried so hard not to, but I can't stop."

"Then maybe we should stop fighting it huh?" he said softly, "Maybe we should give us another chance."

I closed my eyes, overwhelmed.

"It's not that simple. We can't just pretend nothing happened."

"I know," Joe said, his thumb gently wiping away a tear that had escaped, "And I'm not asking you to. I'm asking for a chance to make things right. To rebuild what we had, stronger this time."

I opened my eyes, meeting his gaze. The sincerity I saw there made my heart ache.

"I'm scared," I admitted, "What if we hurt each other again?"

"We might," Joe said honestly, "But isn't it worth the risk? Ally, these past two months... I've been going through the motions, but I haven't been living. Not really. You, that's what makes me feel alive."

His words resonated deep within me because I felt the same way. Without Joe, it was like a part of me had been missing.

"This time, we really need to talk through everything that happened" I said, hardly daring to hope.

Joe nodded eagerly. "Absolutely. Whatever you need, Ally. I'm all in."

I took a shaky breath, feeling like I was standing on the edge of a cliff, but as I looked into Joe's eyes, I knew. I knew I wanted to take that leap with him.

"Ok," I whispered.

"Ok?" Joe repeated, a smile starting to spread across his face.

I nodded, feeling a matching smile form on my own lips.

"Let's give Ally and Joe another shot."

--

Just as Joe and I were settling into the warmth of our reconciliation, a sharp knock at the door jolted us back to reality.

My stomach dropped as I recognized the distinct rhythm - it could only be Dani.

"Oh god," I muttered, panic rising, "It's Dani. She can't see you here!"

Joe's eyes widened, understanding the implications immediately. We scrambled out of bed, a flurry of whispered urgency and frantic gestures.

"Quick, grab your things," I hissed, tossing Joe his scattered clothes, "You'll have to go out the fire escape."