Alexander

21

I woke to John holding my hand. He was awake, I could tell, as he was rubbing circles on my palm with his thumb. I opened my eyes, his face coming into view. His freckles stuck out today, his hair pulled back into a messy bun, his dark emerald eyes clouded with worry.

I squeezed his hand and he looked up into my eyes.

"Hey," I said. "Why does my voice sound scratchy?"

"They had a tube down for a while." He replied, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. I gave a weak grin back, nodding my head slightly.

"I see. How long-"

"Shh." He put a finger on the hand not holding mine up to my lips. "You've been out for two days. You had surgery and then were unconscious." He explained. I gave a little nod.

"I see."

"Yeah," He whispered, staring at me. His eyes scanned over my face, and I could see it; he was analyzing me. Thinking about all the reasons he doesn't love me.

"What?" I snapped, a bit defensive.

"Nothing, I was...thinking about..never mind. It isn't important."

"No, tell me. Explain to me all the reasons you don't actually love me and why you're leading me on. I dare you."

He looked startled.

"It wasn't anything like that, Alex!"

"Then what was it?" I exclaimed.

"I don't know!" He cried out. "No, John, tell me! Right now! I want to know!"

"I...I love you. I'm sorry. I can leave." He stood to go.

"Wait.." I whimpered. "I didn't realize."

"Yeah," he whispered. "I was contemplating whether I should've said it or not. But I did, so it doesn't matter."

"John, I love you, too! I thought you hated me!"

"That much was obvious." He responded, opening the door. "Bye, Alex."