Countdown Romance

Chapter 16: Good Morning, Handsome

"Gosh. Kind of a harsh welcoming for your one and only, don't you think?" 

The only thing I could do was glare at the figure in front of me. If I tried to do anything else, I would end up crying again. I refuse to cry in front of him. I can't show him weakness.

"What's 'kind of harsh' is when your boyfriend is walking down the red carpet with another girl. Especially when he kisses the other said girl." I kept my voice even but clipped. I crossed my arms shifting my weight to one side. 

Brooks stepped back. "You knew this was going to happen, Allie. We talked about this. I had to show up with another girl, so the paparazzi would leave us alone."

"You kissed her."

"I've kissed many 'hers'! I couldn't refuse her affections, or it would seem suspicious." Brooks placed his hands on my arms. "But, the only 'her' I want to kiss is you." 

"Lies," I hissed.

It wouldn't be such a big deal if-

"Why are you so upset about this? You knew this was happening!" Brooks removed his hands from my arms. I could tell he was getting tired of this, of me.

If he was tired of me, then I'd give him a reason to be. 

"Maybe if you hadn't brought my enemy as your date I wouldn't be so upset!" 

Brooks gave me a "please give more information" look, but I couldn't speak. The back of throat throbbed. My eyes stung. No, I wasn't going to cry.

I took in a deep breath.

"Maybe if I knew that when I turned on the TV I would see my boyfriend kissing a person who loathes me, I wouldn't be so upset right now." My voice wavered, but I kept my poise.

"Allie, how was I supposed to know she was someone who hates you?" Brooks questioned.

"YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO TALK TO ME!"

I broke.

My arms went from being crossed above my chest to hugging myself around the waist. It was like I was trying to hold myself together, but I knew it was useless. 

"Is it so hard to say," Hey, just in case you turn on the television, I'll be on the red carpet with this other girl, but it's for your safety." I laughed coldly. 

"... I'm sorry."

I set my eyes on the floor.

"It's- No, it's not okay. You should have talked to me, but... I accept your apology."

"I brought you chocolates." 

I look up to see a square box wrapped in a red ribbon sitting on my windowsill. Brooks walks over and hands me the box. 

"Thank you," I say, but it comes out a whisper. 

"You're welcome. Am I allowed to stay for a while?"

I nodded. I went to go sit on my bed and saw Brooks go to my beanbag, which I was grateful for. I needed some space.

I pulled the ribbon on the box and popped a chocolate into my mouth. The chocolate melted in my mouth. Slowly, my breath turned back to normal. Brooks was silent as I ate my chocolates in peace.

"You can sit over here," I offered.

Brooks nodded. He still looked cautious, like I might break. If he thought that, he wouldn't be too far off.

Brooks sat down next to me. I laid my head on his shoulder. I felt him tense. He probably didn't expect that right now. Quickly he moved his arm around my waist.

I sighed. We were both a mess. 

"I'm sorry," I said.

"For what?"

"For being a mess. For not being able to keep myself together. For being scared."

Brooks pulled me a little closer. "You don't have to apologize. We all have our own demons."

I simply nodded and snuggled closer to Brooks. It felt nice to have him here. Even though I was mad at him, we all make mistakes. 

With that thought, I felt my eyelids droop. The overwhelming sense of sleep consumed me. It had been an exhausting day

~~~

I felt the warm sunshine hit my face. I tried to block out the light wanting to sleep longer, but my attempts failed. I tried to roll around on my bed, but something held me down. 

I opened my eyes and realized an arm was wrapped around my waist. 

Wait what?!

After gaining my senses, I remembered Brooks was here last night. He must have fallen asleep too. 

Not wanting to wake Brooks, I tried to quietly squirm out of his arms. However, I forgot about my clumsy nature.

I felt Brooks move behind me, and his arm suddenly became less heavy. All the force I had put into getting out of his grasp sent me down to the floor. 

"Allie? Are you okay?" Brooks sat up quickly. 

I rubbed my hand across my forehead trying to wake up more. This is not how I assumed this morning would go.

"Yeah," I sighed. "I'm just clumsy."

Brooks let out a soft laugh. "Of course you are, beautiful."

Brooks held out his hand to help me up. I climbed back onto the bed making sure I was far enough from the edge this time. 

"Good morning, beautiful," Brooks whispered.

"Good morning, handsome," I chirped back.

Brooks blinked a few times. I think I even noticed a slight tint to his cheeks appear.

"Handsome?" he asked as a small smile crept onto his face.

"Yeah, I thought since you called me beautiful-" 

Brooks brushed his lips against mine. It was gone as quickly as it came leaving me stunned.

"I like that. Handsome," he whispered to himself.

I grabbed his chin softly, bringing his eyes to mine. I gave him a quick peck. I smiled as I moved back.

Brooks face was completely red now. It was cute. 

"I'm glad you like the nickname. You'll be hearing it often."

"Is that so, beautiful?"

"It is, handsome." 

I had been so distracted by Brooks, I hadn't heard the window open. I also hadn't realized we had been watched.

"OH. MY. GOSH!"

Oh no.

A/N: Haha! Cliffhangers are so much fun. 

Who caught Allie and Brooks? We won't know until the next chapter.

Anyways, I hope y'all are staying safe during this time and are all doing well. At least this means I get more time to write!

Leave me a comment if you liked the chapter.

And don't forget to vote on this chapter. Thanks!

-anniejo05