Bonds and Attachments

Chapter 8

Alexa strokes Francis's smooth and soft hair, sighing. "Everyone's tangled with everyone at one way or another. It's getting tiring after a while."

Francis sniffs, head in her arms. He looks up and sees her, chest warming in admiration. "It's time for me to be there for you," Alexa smiles reassuringly then kisses his forehead. "After everything that you've done for me."

"I loved Jenna," Francis explains. "I met her in a party that Jay and I organised. She was just so...beautiful, dancing there to the music, not caring. She was a burning star, and we clicked that night. Apparently, her best friend wanted to get it with me, but all I saw was...her. But she fell for Jay, and I tried dating her best friend to make my mind off of her, but...I just can't. Then the three of us moved to the city, and...I guess Jay realises that Jenna was staying for too long so...he cheated. I found out, but I didn't dare to tell her. I thought I was sparing her...but I was actually sparing myself. When she found out and her heart was broken...she snapped at me because he cheated and that she was done not being good enough for everyone. I said that she was good enough for me but she snapped and pushed me away. And I let her go. When I received the call from Jay after she was gone...I have never forgiven myself since."

Alexa is quiet, considering his words. "She seems like a wonderful person."

"She was a great friend," Francis says. "I guess I have never forgiven myself because I don't want to let her go again. But I know that she would want me to let her go."

"I'll help you to," Alexa kisses his temple then pauses. "You should tell what you just told me to Lucas? I feel like he deserves to know."

Francis chuckles. "I don't think he wants to see me right now. But I think you should. He would listen to you. I have seen how he looks at you and how he trusts you."

Alexa smiles to herself. "Okay, if that's what you think."

Francis reaches up and kisses her. "Stay here," Alexa says. "I'm going to check on the others. I'll be back, count on it."

Francis squeezes her hand, hoping she won't go, but eventually does.

Lynn opens her hotel room door to let Alexa in. "How's it going?" Alexa asks, seeing Brian lying on one of the single beds.

"At this point, I don't know," Lynn answers for the silent Brian, who is staring at the ceiling, quiet and thinking about who-knows-what. "But Brian's not really taking it well."

Alexa sighs. "I don't think anyone is. But guys, come on. It's their wedding. Whatever happened or will happen, we have to try. For them."

Lucas opens his hotel room door and lets Alexa in. "How are you feeling?"

Lucas shakes his head. "I'm trying to keep it together, but it's not really going well. But I'm trying, though."

"We all are."

"I...have Francis's side of the story," Alexa explains. "If you want to know, I'll tell you."

"I have mine too," Lucas says, exasperated at himself. "But I think I should hear it from him. And tell mine to Francis himself. I owe you that much."

"Why me?"

"Because you are Alexa, my best friend, and I owe you more than I can repay."

"Same goes for you," Alexa says, patting his shoulders. "Same goes for you."

Alexa rings the doorbell of Beatrice's and Jay's suite, then wipes her slightly sweaty palms on her jeans. Beatrice opens the door, and Alexa stares at the dark-haired girl. Just a month or so ago, Alexa's heart will be thumping too hard because of the other girl's presence, but the fact that Alexa doesn't react that way scares Alexa more than she would have thought she'd be.