A Thousand Lies

Chapter 43

Chapter name: bad news

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Temperance

I open the door to be filled with shock.

Alec stands in front of me with Connor and Zander behind him.

I feel my heart drop as I make eye contact with the man I had just broke.

"W-what are you d-doing here?" My hands shake with anxiety coursing through my body.

I watch Alec carefully, flinching as his arms embrace me. I stay still for a second, assessing the situation that I have been thrown into.

His arms wrap around me tighter, my head starting to feel light.

Do I tell him that he's making me light headed or do I let him continue?

I thin my lips, agreeing with my heart to let him have this moment.

"I am so so so sorry for the things I said. I didn't mean them." He whispers into my hair.

Tears pull in my eyes at his words, my hands gripping his shirt. God, I missed the smell of him.

My mind spins in circles on what I should do.

I know I can't see him. I know Austin will never let me be with him.

Is it fair to hold him back? Is it fair to hold myself back?

FUCK IT.

"I didn't mean the stuff I said either," I whisper, wishing I could take everything I said that hurt him back.

It takes a second for him to pull back, scanning my face. "Chris told me everything. Why did you not tell me?"

I look away from his face, desperately searching for an answer. I know he feels hurt that I didn't tell him, but I couldn't have him worry about me.

I close my eyes, my heart beating as I tell Alec a certain three words.

"I love you!" The words spill out of my mouth as if I have to say them as quick as I can. I stare at him as I bite my lip. My cheeks grow hot as the venom of embarrassment lurches into my face.

From behind Alec I see Zander and Connors mouths drop open. Before I can switch my view to glare at then they shut their mouths.

My eyes stay on Alec watching his facial expressions. He stares at me, his eyes are filled with thoughts.

"I... I'm not sure I know what love is but if this isn't it then I don't know what it is." He responds to me, brushing my hair out of my face and behind my ear.

"So... what is that supposed to mean?" I ask lowly, wanting him to say the words.

He rubs the back of his neck, glancing back at his friends. The guys get the memo and turn around, spewing jokes with each other.

"I love you too." His voice is low, his face red. He's probably never said the words before

Connor and Zander stiffen before Zander holds his hand out. I watch as Connor places money into his hand.