Facade

Chapter 26

   I woke up and the first thing I did was look at Alex. He was still sleeping next to me, facing me, looking as peaceful as ever. His body was rising and falling in a soft tempo and I stared at his face, noticing how young he suddenly looked. Sometimes I forgot that Alex was only nineteen - a year old than me. And just like me, he was all alone.

   My throat tightened at the thought and my heart ached as I remembered why I was in his home. My own Mother had kicked me out and I was technically homeless. I had lost everything in a single day and even if I had Alex, I was still upset.

   It hurt to know that no matter how good you tried to be, bad things could happen to you. You could try so hard to be a saint, but it didn't mean the devil couldn't reach you. I had realized that through the events in my life and suddenly, I wished I hadn't been so good to Mother. She didn't deserve it.

    Suddenly, Alex stirred. He frowned and something tugged at my heart, watching as he murmured my name. I slid closer to him and waited, wondering if he would say more about me.

   But then, his eyes flew open. They met mine and they widened, seeming surprised. I flushed, but then became happy when I saw him smile. He then stared at me with gentle, affectionate eyes.

     "Good morning," he said, stretching out his body.

   He groaned and I watched him sit up. His chocolate hair was a mess on top of his head, but somehow, even in the morning, he looked gorgeous. It was almost unreal how stunning he was.

   "Good morning," I said, looking away from him.

   "I have a spare toothbrush," Alex said. "I'll brush my teeth and then you can while I set up breakfast?"

   "Sure," I answered, feeling awkward.

   The bed shifted and I knew Alex had left the bed. He didn't say anything as he walked away, causing my eyes to look to where he was. Once again, something tugged at my heart as I watched him run his fingers through his hair as he entered the washroom.

   Something was definitely wrong with me, I knew. I was too aware of Alex. Too analytical of him. It wasn't normal and I knew being kicked out of home was the reason for my newfound insanity.

   Shaking my head, I decided to focus on myself. There were no time to think about feelings that shouldn't exist and it wasn't smart of me to make my friendship with Alex awkward. That was why I tried to think of other things as Alex used the washroom.

   After a few minutes, he exited the washroom. His face looked fresh and his eyelashes had drops of water on them, enhancing them. I had never realized his lashes were so long.

    "Do you like eggs?" Alex asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.

   "Love them," I answered immediately, flustered. "Who doesn't?"

   "Peculiar people." He smiled. "I'll make them for us. Brush your teeth. The spare brush is on the counter."

   I nodded and he left, leaving me alone. My cheeks felt warm and I shook my head again, hoping to fight off my nerves. Knowing water would help, I went into the washroom to freshen up.

   After I brushed my teeth, I washed my face with water. It was cold and awakening, and I sighed with joy. My eyes then went to the mirror in front of me and I stared at my reflection, wondering how I looked.