Flower (LAMS)✔️

Chapter 11

"So have you figured out anything about why Alex is being so distant?"

"No, not yet. We're working on it."

"I know. So, what's Eliza been doing?"

"Low-key stalking him."

"I'm literally not surprised."

"Makes sense. Have you been doing anything to figure out what's going on?"

"I've sent him some texts and he's been responding, but they all sound like he's leaving something out. I'm really worried about him. What if it's something serious and he isn't telling me?"

"Don't worry, I'm working on this, too. Alex will open up eventually, we both know he can't hold his emotions in that well."

"True."

"Y'know, I was gonna call him at some point to see if he'd spill anything. I can do that know if you want me to."

"Go ahead. I don't really have anything else that I'm doing."

"Alright. I'll call you back as soon as I finish talking to him."

"Sounds good. Talk to you later, Pegs."

"Bye."

Peggy hung up and went through her contacts to Alex's name. She had to find something. The tension was killing her, and everyone else was evidently getting tired of it, too. She clicked his name and held the phone to her ear, tapping her foot as it rang. It only took a few rings before Alex picked up.

"Yo, what's up?"

"Nothing much. But I have a question for you."

"I swear if it's–"

"You know darn well what I'm about to ask. So you better spill. And if you don't, you know I'll just keep asking until you answer."

"I will not break easily, Margarita."

"Uh huh, sure. That's totally believable. You've never been able to hold in your feelings for long."

"That is not true."

"......."

"Ok, you can stop. I can feel your 'really?' face through the phone."

"That's what I thought. Now spillllll."

"You can't tell anyone about this, ok?"

"Yeah, yeah, I know."

*sigh* "Ok, so, basically the other day I was at John's house. I'm sure you've heard the story, I was crying, he helped calm me down, I spent the night, and  then left in a hurry in the morning. Well the reason I left so early, I, um, well..."

"Alex whatever it is, you know I won't be mad or anything."

"I know, it's just... Fine. So basically, I woke up and we were cuddling. I freaked out at first but then I thought 'oh wait this actually feels nice' so I had closed my eyes to go back to sleep when I realized.... I'm in love with John."

"......"

"Peggy? You still there? I can't feel any weird face or anything right now, what's going on?"

As soon as the words had left Alex's mouth, Peggy had slapped her hand over her mouth to stop her gasp. She had figured this was the reason, but actually hearing it was a whole different story.

"Yeah, yeah I'm here. Sorry, just, you're in love with John?"

"Yes! And I'm so upset and worried because I know that he doesn't want another relationship and I know he doesn't feel the same way. I've been so awkward around him because I've really been noticing little things about him. Like seriously, everyday he seems to get hotter. I literally have to look away whenever he does something because I'll start blushing. He runs his fingers through his hair? I turn away. He bites his lip when he's deep in thought? I turn away. I HAVE TO TURN AWAY EVEN IF HE'S JUST SMILING AT ME."

"Dang, you've got it bad."

"I know. Just, please, don't tell anyone, especially not John."

"I promise."

•••

"So what'd he say?"

"He said that he was worried Martha was going to be upset with him for not telling her where he was."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive. And we both know how worried Martha can get, so it makes sense."

"True. But can you still ask every once in a while if something's wrong?"

"Sure. I'll do what I can."