Closer - A Connections Sequel [Ongoing]

Thirty eight

Sommer P.O.V.

I wrapped Alexys in a heart-wrenching hug, whilst Jess threw her arms around us both. Alexys burst into tears on instant and hugged us back.

We sat there together in solidarity, digesting the information in silence. Though we still had a situation to figure out at hand- finally learning about what was going on made a burden lift off my chest. Her reciprocation and cooperation was a good sign. We can be there to help her now.

We finally released Alexys from our hold, and Xavier came back to sit on the bed with a tissue box in hand, offering it to us.

"Alexys, you know you're like my little sister." Jess finally broke the silence, a distressed tone in her voice. Her hands were shaky as she wiped tears from her eyes. "I hope you know that you can always talk to me and be honest with me about anything."

The tears flowed like a rushing waterfall from Alexys' brown eyes. "I know, god I'm sorry. I'm sorry for how I acted." She reached for Jess' hand and held it tightly. "I was... I didn't want you guys to know. I didn't want you to see me like this. I was trying to handle it and get it under control."

A teardrop fell from the corner of my eye at the heartbreaking scene. She was trying to face it alone, and keep us ignorantly blissful. Xavier scooted closer to me and pulled my hand into his lap for comfort.

"I... I was trying t-to," she stuttered, gulping through her hoarse throat. "I was trying to stop. But then the withdrawals hit me really hard and you happened to come today and I didn't expect you to."

We all nodded, here to listen and be supportive.

"How long have you been on them?" Xavier asked quietly.

"A few months," she admitted. "Not long, but long and frequent enough to... to have started going... downhill."

"How did it start?" I then asked.

She swallowed hard and fidgeted nervously. "I, um... I was trying to diet... and get um... get fit and super skinny... like, like all those girls... you know..." We know. Social media can be so toxic. "I just wanted to be like everyone else, with their skinny arms, tiny waists and big bums. I didn't feel good enough. Like I couldn't compete." She broke down crying once more, making my heart ache.

We rubbed her back soothingly, gushing quietly to help calm her back down.

"I was eating good, and working out... but I felt like I wasn't getting anywhere, I was getting restless. But then I heard taking ecstasy could make you lose weight... And when it was offered to me one night a couple months back... I thought, why not have some fun as well... I know. I'm horrible."

I frowned and shook my head. "You're not horrible at all for feeling like you needed to do that. But Alexys, you're gorgeous you know that right? You look great. You have a beautiful figure."

Jess nodded in agreement. "You didn't need to lose anything! Not an inch, girl."

"Trust me Lexy, I know a ton of dudes that ogle your insta everyday." Xavier chimed in, nodding enthusiastically. "You're fine just the way you are."

Alexys laughed softly at that comment. "Really?"

"Really." He nodded. "Need I say that by ogling they also jacked off to them."

I gasped, and whacked him on the shoulder. Definitely TMI.

Alexys and Jess burst into more laughter at that.

I shook my head with a small smile. I just thought he'd be there waiting in the background, but no, here he was, stepping up and trying to help in his own unique way. I lo- I stopped in my tracks suddenly at the revelation... I love Xavier? That one word held so much weight to it now. Did I love him as more than a friend?