Her Eyes

Chapter 61: A BOTTLE OF SCOTCH

It was Friday evening when Alex stood in his bedroom contemplating on what to pack for his stay at the Bates Motel. He wasn't sure how long he'd be staying, but he didn't want to have to come home for something he may have forgotten. He threw his uniform into his suitcase and headed into the bathroom for his razor and toothbrush. He stared at himself in the mirror before opening the medicine cabinet. To bring his pills or not to bring his pills? It was a prescription to help him sleep. Alex was the type of guy to sit up all night worrying—wondering. It was who he was. But he had a feeling he wouldn't be getting much sleep anyway, so he shut the cabinet door, grabbed what he came for, and went back to his room to zip up his suitcase. As he passed by the kitchen, he picked up that fresh bottle of scotch he bought a few nights ago. He figured it would come in handy. If wasn't going to have his pills to numb the day, he'd need something just as strong.

He sighed as he locked up his house. He was hardly ever there anymore. His time had been divided between the station and the Bates' house. The reality of it all was starting to dawn on him. Was he involved with Norma Bates? He wasn't sure. He climbed in his SUV and drove off. The path to the Bates' house had become a familiar route. He knew it by heart. He'd never forget until the day he died. It was programmed into his brain. Sometimes before or after work, he'd drive by just to check in, but never stop by. He was afraid for her to know how much he really cared. Nerves started to kick in as he pulled into the lot.

He climbed out and stared up at the house. He thought back to the days he'd stand outside and watch Norma from her window. It was sort of creepy, but he couldn't help himself. He was drawn to her. There was something about her he couldn't deny—something he couldn't fight off. He needed to be with her. It was his destiny.

"You're here." Her voice broke through his daze. His eyes glued themselves to her as she made her way down the motel porch. "Why'd you park all the way over there?"

His lips twitched into a smile. "Force of habit, I guess."

She stared at the vehicle for a while. "Did you get a new car?"

He shook his head lightly. "It's not exactly new. It's got some wear here and there." He glanced back at it. He hated it. It smelled like fish—every now and then he'd find old nature valley bars. He turned back to her, disguising the disgust on his face. "They gave me a different car since I'm not the sheriff anymore."

She gave him a sad smile and waved her hand for him to follow her into the office. "Come on." He relished in the sound of her heels clicking against the cement as he followed after her.

He closed the door behind them. "Any guests yet?"

She sighed and turned her back to him. "No." He hated that the bypass had destroyed her business. She was underwater. He couldn't save her. Being in the office reminded him of when he first stayed at the motel. At the time, he wasn't even sure why he came there. But now he knew. It was because of her. Because he knew she needed him and that he would be there for her...no matter what. She pulled a set of keys down from the board. "Room 11."

He grinned, taking the keys. "Home sweet home." He stared at her for a moment, checking her mood. "How are you doing?"

She shrugged. "I'm all right."

He didn't believe her, but he didn't want to force anything out of her. He turned and headed for the door. "Well I'm gonna go unpack."

"Alex." Her voice caught him as he hit the door. "Do you wanna go out to dinner with me? I don't really feel like cooking and I'm assuming you'd probably order Chinese anyway."

He kept his eyes trained on the door as he felt his heart beat out of his chest. "Are you asking me out on a date?" Anxiety settled in as silence grew between them. He turned around to face her. "Are you?"

She bit her lip, fighting the nervous smile on her face. "Yeah."

He nodded and opened the door. "Give me five minutes." He nearly ran to his car. There was something about her that set his emotions on a high. He ripped his suitcase out of the backseat and unlocked the door to his room. His mind was a mess. He needed clarification on the terms of their relationship. Tonight he would get them. He threw his clothes in the dresser and placed his razor on the bathroom counter before heading back out to his car for the bottle of scotch. He spotted her reflection in the window as he shut the car door.

"What's that for?" She raised an eyebrow, making her way over to him.

He laughed nervously and stepped into his room to place it on the nightstand. "It's just in case," he called out to her.

She gave him a look as he reappeared before her. "In case what?"

He admired the playful expression on her face. "It's very stressful being your protector."

She rolled her eyes and walked over to her car. "I'll drive. I'm not really sure I wanna ride in that thing."

He laughed and followed after her. "I don't blame you." He felt a little odd having her drive. He was a man who always liked to be in control. But then again so did she. It was one of the things he loved about her. He admired her strength...her courage. She was a woman worth dying for. She was his one love.