Hard Feelings

Nine

The two had drove for hours. It was almost dark when Nate had realized how far they had really travelled. Gas had run low and he had pulled off the road into a gas station. The sun had just fallen past the horizon and several magnificent colours streaked the clear sky.

"We're pretty far from home."

"How far?"

"About four hours away."

Alex did not answer but had hummed in response instead.

"I don't know if I should be driving much longer. I feel a little tired." Nate rubbed at his face as he had spoken. Alex could see the exhaustion that had begun to cloud over his eyes.

Alex had a feeling of luck. This could be a chance to spend more time with him. She could convince him that it was not safe to drive back at such a late hour with both of them being a little tired. An opportunity to continue on further and make him see that she was the right person for him. That she was what he needed.

"I could probably drive if you want..." She said as she rubbed her hands over her eyes.

"Mm, maybe not the best idea, you look pretty tired yourself."

"Yes, but–"

"Alex, no, I don't want either of us driving like this."

"Fine, then what are you suggesting we do?"

"It seems like the other option is to grab a hotel room for the night."

"Mm."

"What else would you suggest then?"

"I didn't say it was a bad idea."

"Well you don't sound like you approve."

"I approve, just didn't think you would."

"And why's that?"

"Because this whole time, you've been telling me you don't. I don't want to do something with you that you're going to regret again."

"Who said I regret anything that's happened?"

"Really, you don't regret any of it?"

"No."

Alex could not have been more pleased with this revelation from Nate. She was ecstatic that he had begun to give in to her and what she wanted. Alex was one to find pure joy when she got her way. And in that moment, she was getting her way.

"Well, it's getting late. We should probably find somewhere soon then."

"So, it's really not about how you feel in the situation, but it's about how you thought I felt in this situation?"

"What do you mean?"

"You don't care about getting a hotel room with me, but you opposed the idea, because you thought I would mind."

"I guess."

"Alex don't doubt the fact that I like to be around you. I want to be around you. I have to pull myself back from wanting to be around you."

"Nate, I–"

"Don't say anything."

"I didn't really know what to say anyway." Blatant lie. Alex knew exactly what she wanted to say at all times.

"Alright then, let's go."

"Okay."

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Let yourself take life at your own pace. Only you know what you can handle and what you desire...

Hope today was a good day

~Lyss