The Styles Triplets

Chapter 22

He loves me. Edward loves me. And you want to know something? Somewhere deep down, beneath all the confusion and guilt and denial... I think I love him too. I'm in love with my best friend and his brother. If that wasn't a recipe for disaster, I didn't know what was.

My phone rang beside me, Marcel's name lighting up the screen. I hesitated before answering.

"Hey," I said, forcing brightness into my voice.

"Are you okay, Alex?" Marcel asked immediately.

"I'm fine," I replied too quickly. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"I know you care about Edward," he said gently. "Maybe not the same way you care about me... but I just wanted to make sure you're alright."

"I'm fine, I'm sure he'll get released. They have to, it's Edward...right?" I asked.

"Right..." Marcel answered, though his tone lacked conviction.

"That didn't sound very convincing." I pointed out.

He sighed quietly. "Alex... it is Edward. He doesn't exactly have the best record."

"Oh." I muttered.
I guess he's right.

"You never know what they'll do." he added.

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "I think I'm going to go to bed early."

"Okay," he said. Then hesitated. "But before you go... I need to ask you something."
"Alexandra... I love you. Will you be my girlfriend?"

The words hung in the air between us. Edward's tearful face flashed through my mind. Marcel's steady devotion followed right behind it.

"I... yes," I said finally. "Yes, I will."

"I'm the luckiest guy alive," he laughed softly. "Goodnight, Alex."

"Goodnight, Marcel."

The call ended.

I stared at my phone for a long time.

I'm dating Marcel Styles.

And somehow... everything felt both right and terribly wrong at the same time.

----

"Hun, Marcel is here for you!" mom called as I was getting dressed the next morning.
Marcel? Here? Right now?

I hurried downstairs, grabbing my bag. Through the window, Marcel waited beside his car, leaning casually against it like something out of a movie.

"See you, babe." mom said and gave me a wink, "When you get home we have a surprise for you."

"Okay..." I said cautiously before heading outside.

 I slid into the passenger seat. "Hey," I laughed. "You didn't tell me you were picking me up."

"Of course I am," he said, smiling warmly. "I get to take my girlfriend to school."
I smiled and then put on my seatbelt. "So how are you...girlfriend?"

"Marce, you don't have to keep calling me that." I laughed nervously.

"I know, but I just like calling you that." he said and kissed my cheek.

He looked absurdly happy.

And despite everything weighing on my mind, I smiled.

He's such a dork.My dork.

"I'm good. Thanks for picking me up."

"Not a problem...g-"

"Don't say 'girlfriend'." I interrupted.