In your Arms

Chapter Thirty Six

"It's been a week since she last talked to me. The last time was during Nikolai's birthday party." Alexander told Uno one Sunday evening a week after Nikolai's birthday at La Belle's. They we're having a drink at Uno's place.

"What else do you expect, man? You broke her heart." Uno shook his head, clearly in dismay.

"She has to know, bro. I can see it in her eyes. She really likes Simon, and it's going to break her heart if Mia shows up." Alexander lit a cigarette, "I couldn't let that happen. See her broken into pieces I mean."

Uno looked at him thoughtfully, "And how about you? Don't you worry about yourself as well?"

The question made Alexander's senses wide awake. "I don't even care."

Uno scoffed, "Yeah right." He answered in disbelief. "But I thought Mia and your brother broke up a few years ago. Why would you even think of that?"

"Uno, Mia is Simon's first and only love. Mia feels the same and we both know that. It's not impossible that even if they had separated ways and Mia is already engaged they no longer feel the same about each other." Alexander told his friend.

"But I haven't heard that the two of them still see or talk to each other. Their relationship had a clean slate for the past few years." Uno took a swig of his beer.

"Well that's life, it's full of surprises." Alexander answered. Both of them fell quiet for awhile.

"So how are things at home? Is it only you that she hasn't been talking to? Or even Simon?" Uno asked.

"I don't know. She still works at home doing household chores and preparing some of Simon's stuff and all.. I see them talk to each other, eat together, watch their favorite series together. That's it." Alexander shrugged.

"Don't you think she's a little bit mad at you for crushing her heart?"

"I told you, Uno. She has to know. So she wouldn't be expecting that much from him. I know how it feels. It will wreck her." Alexander answered stiffly.

"Come to think of it though, it's been years since Simon had been single. And he had lived with Jordin for over a year. It isn't impossible your brother could've fallen for her now."

Alexander's eyebrows furrowed. "No. It wouldn't happen."

Uno laughed, "Well you told me life is full of surprises." Alexander's face suddenly went rigid.

"Or maybe you told her that because you're the one who's beginning to like her and you're jealous." Another hit from Uno.

"You know, your straightforwardness really irks me." Alexander threw his friend a warning stare. "And for the record, I don't like her. Neither am I jealous."

"Humor me." Uno smirked a him. "You just can't admit it to yourself but you do. You really do." He nodded as if showing he's right.

"And what would I be then huh? A third wheel? For Pete's sake, man. Stop with your crazy ideas." Alexander sounded annoyed.

"You're just scared, Xander. Scared that what happened to you before will happen again. But I think you now have the slightest chance." Uno looked at him seriously.

Alexander shook his head, "No. I couldn't compete with Simon. Not now, not ever."

Uno raised his hands, "Alright, whatever you say." He answered and grabbed another bottle of beer and opened it. "But you know what, Xander? You couldn't just always give way for your brother. You have to think of yourself too ya know? It's not wrong to be happy and take what you think should be yours. I bet Simon would understand that."

Alexander fell silent as he listen to his friend. Uno was right, he already gave up so many things in life for the sake of his brother. All because he love him, and he didn't want their relationship to be destroyed. But now he thinks that maybe it's his time. And that he should also give himself a chance. But how can he do it now? When the girl he thinks he's beginning to like is once again out of his reach. He had to do something about it. And he had to think fast, before she'll totally slip away from him, and leave him with nothing but regrets.

Meanwhile at home, Amity is also having a phone conversation with Therese. She was troubled for the past few days and she really needed someone to talk to. She had told her friend about the conversation she had with Alexander and how it broke her apart. It really made her feel down and hopeless.

"Well if you ask me, I say you shouldn't listen to that prick." Therese told her over the phone.

"But what if he tells the truth? And it's not impossible. You see, Simon and I have been living in the same roof for a year and I never see him look at me with the same look I gave him every now and then. You know, the look you gave someone if you.. If you have certain feelings for them.."

"Jordin, maybe Simon's the type of guy who doesn't show what he truly feels. Give it time. Besides, the way you two talk with each other when you're together looks like you have a connection." Therese emphasized her last word. "You shouldn't listen to what Alexander tells you."

"I don't know.. He knows his brother very well as much as I do.. Who am I anyway? I'm just a stray that his brother took in. Maybe in Simon's eyes I would always be just a stray.." Amity felt her words almost choking her, she bit her lips and tried not to cry. She heard Therese took a deep sigh on the other line.

"Jordin, listen to me. You're special to Simon. Believe it or not but that's what I think, that's what I see. We don't know if that's another way of Alexander playing tricks on you. And he's so insensitive to even tell you those things. God no wonder I'm still a little bit peeved when he's around. Don't trust him." Therese warned her.

"Yeah I haven't been talking to him that much lately. I wanted to hate him but he might be telling the truth."

"Screw him, Jordin! Follow what your heart tells you and don't think of anything else! Maybe that's what he wants, for you to stay away from Simon and leave that place for good. Don't let him win."

Therese had a point. The past few days Alexander looked glum and detached, and it seemed to her that he somehow acted a little bitter after the terrible conversation he had with his brother. And seeing her more close to Simon than he is gave her the idea that maybe, Alexander was finding a way to destroy her and Simon's closeness. It made her suddenly feel unsure of Alexander's intentions.

"Hey Jordin!" Therese shouted on the other line.

"Yeah I'm still here.."

"Just don't believe in everything Alexander tells you. Okay?!"

Amity smiled a little, "Okay. I'll listen to you."

"Good." Therese answered, "Now, let's get ourselves a nice beauty sleep. Call me if you need anything."

"Sure thing, Therese. Thanks.."

"No biggie. Am always here. Miss you tops! G'night!"

"Goodnight." With that she pressed the end call button and lie down on her bed.

She now felt a little better after she had talked to her friend. At least now it doesn't bother her that much anymore. But she can't help not to think why would Alexander tell her the things he had told her the night of Nikolai's birthday. She thought, if he's jealous that she's getting more attention from Simon then he should've just told her then. She would understand and would've even help him. They made a deal to start all over again and be friends and it puzzled her that Alexander tried to make her feel hurt. Amity made up her mind to follow Therese's advice not to believe him, but she promised herself that as soon as she sees Alexander tomorrow, she'll have a serious talk with him to clear things out.