The Stoic And The Beast

Time To Face The Music

Luke's POV

Last night Alicia was so upset with me. I couldn't be surer of the fact that I was losing her. I don't really know how I feel about sharing her with Jake. I didn't get a bit of sleep last night. I was restless all night while wracking my brain trying to figure another way out of this mess. I don't want to make her feel like she's stuck in some sick love triangle. I lay there awake all night staring at the ceiling as she slept peacefully in my arms. I'd steal glances over at her and watched her dream for hours. I lovingly caressed her skin. I was so careful not to wake her.

The morning sun was now peeking through the window. Which made my heartache. Today she would be going on a date with Jake. My best friend. Who knows what will happen between them. My insides were coiling and twisting in knots at the thought of him touching her. But I couldn't ask her to back out now. But for right now I wanted so badly to keep her in my arms and never let her go. What will happen to us if she has a good time with Jake? What if she decides she loves him more than she loves me? I would never forgive myself for having let her heart slip through my fingers. The thought scared the hell out of me.

But perhaps everything will turn out fine. Maybe she does end up not liking him at all. Jake could ruin things with her at any given moment. He's pretty dumb when it comes to relationships. Or if he doesn't screw up, maybe she won't end up loving him more. Perhaps she will love us equally. But how? Last night she had said she didn't want to go out with him but then suddenly changed her mind. This is all so messed up. I can't bear the thought of her being angry with me again. And the thought of losing my best friend, who's like a brother to me, my only family actually.  Not to mention hoe I desperately need to show her parents that I love her and want to spend the rest of my life taking care of her. They need to get to know me. And soon.

I gave Alicia a gentle squeeze and kissed her on her forehead. She stirred and let out a groggy moan. I began caressing her back with my fingertips. She's beautiful when she's sleeping. She looks so peaceful right now compared to how angry she was last night. I hated how that felt. I was dreading waking her from her peaceful sleep because I was anticipating seeing her rage at me again. And I didn't want to stress her out right now. Shes delicate yet doesn't seem to be aware of how delicate she really is.

I kissed her again but on her lips. Taking in the sight of her while she was still calm. I wanted to photograph this small memory and keep it locked in my mind forever. Because I know that when she wakes up she will remember our fight from last night. She will hate me all over again. I'm sure of it.

I sighed as I watched her slowly blink her eyes open. Squinting at the sun peeking through the windows.

"Alicia, wake up beautiful. It's time to get you home." I said in a hoarse voice. I hadn't realized I was so thirsty until I spoke. My mouth was dry and there was a lump rapidly forming in my throat.

"And I need to talk to you about something," I said after clearing my throat.

"Wha... please not now Luke. I'm still so tired." She croaked.

I sat up in the bed looking down at her. Watching her wriggle onto her stomach and hiding her head beneath a pillow to shield her eyes from the sunlight. I chuckled at the sight of her. She's not a morning person I decided.

"Fine, you stay here a bit longer and I'll go make you some breakfast."

"Uuug... I'm not hungry." She protested. "The thought of food is making my stomach turn." She groaned.

"How about some fruit then. I can make you a smoothie." I suggested.

"No thank you." She said. Then she sat upright and bolted from the bed. She was covering her mouth and her eyes were wide with fear as she ran from the room.