Solicitude

Chapter Six

After having that little emotional breakdown, I and Alexander got to know each other better. It surprises me that I see him as an intimidating person in business but outside of business, he can be a normal friendly person.

The chocolate soufflé arrived at our table and seeing Alexander's eyes change, it seems that it's his favorite. Not waiting for any second, he grabs the spoon and takes a bite.

When I laughed he immediately stopped eating. "Something amusing?" He asked.

I held a napkin and wiped off the chocolate in his face. Who knew this guy can be funny himself! "A chocolate soufflé is a weakness of Mr. Peterson," I stated with a mischievous smile.

"I'm not the almighty Zeus, Kathleen. I have my weaknesses!" He pouted. That's cute!

I asked him about his 'weaknesses' and he listed some. The last one surprised me, "I think my greatest weakness is a woman."

Oh...

While he's eating his dessert, I stayed quiet. I don't actually know how to respond to what he said. "How can a woman be a weakness of yours, Mr. Peterson, surely it's the other way around," I teased.

"That's where you're wrong, Kathleen Bellisima. They may have interests in me but I don't have it in them." I silently wonder who the woman he is talking about but I don't want to make myself too curious.

"For someone to capture your attention, she surely is special, Alexander." My words may have seemed to inspire him more.

"Special is an understatement for you, my love." He smiled.

Holy mother of sweet heavens!

I stayed in shock for who knows long. Have I misheard it? Oh, I am dreaming. Alexander Peterson... he can't actually like me. He even called me 'my love' that's just an expression, right?

He broke the silence and said, "I didn't mean to startle you, say something, Kathleen." What do I even say?

"H-how do you k-know? Isn't it too f-fast?" I answered with uncertainty.

"The moment I laid my eyes on you, I fell, deep. Sure, it's been only two weeks but those two weeks never had a day that I didn't think of you. I like you, Kathleen. These emotions I am feeling are alien to me but as I get to know you more, I'm beginning to believe in 'love'" His words came rushing like waves to me.

"I'm not ready, Alexander." I don't even know when I'll be ready, will I ever be?

"I know, and I'm willing to take it slow. I want nothing but to have you in my arms someday, Kathleen. I'm not rushing you, will take this at your phase." Comfort, thoughtfulness, and care were all evident in his eyes.

"Alexander, you're you, you deserve someone better than me. I'm broken, incapable of loving someone, you have to let it go." I wanted to say so much more, even though I may admire him but I have to push him away. I can't bring him with me, in my own darkness...

"Give me one chance, Kathleen, that's all I need. Promise me that you'd be willing to try, please?" Am I ready for what he's asking?

"Alexander -"

"Kathleen, you're not broken. You deserve someone to love you, you are capable of love because if you're not, you won't even shed tears for anyone..." He cupped my cheeks and continued, "You're beautiful, intelligent, confident, and at the same time, you're you, the loving you."

Moments of silence echoed across the private room. I thought about all he has said. The walls that I have built in my heart are slowly crashing down. Alexander's genuine and truthful words hit my soul, he made me feel special.