The Invisible Silver Lining [CURRENTLY BEING EDITED]

Chapter 27

I lean over the counter, pouring over my books. I have a massive Musical Theatre test tomorrow so I'm in the USC library, cramming like crazy. I'm in the middle of a really interesting section of George Gershwin's history when thick arms slip around my waist from behind, scaring me. The bar stool I'm sitting on has no back so its easy for the arms to reach around and hug me entirely. "Here you are gorgeous. I was looking for you." A masculine voice, not unknown to me, says in my ear. I quickly look to my left to see Xander's chin resting on my bare shoulder. I roll my eyes as he kisses my cheek. He sees the eye roll and asks, "What? What did I do?"

I turn around to face him, his arms still holding me. "You scared me." I say softly. One of his hands brushes half of my bangs away from my forehead, but they quickly fall back in place. Xander smiles sweetly. "I'm sorry." He rests his forehead on mine. I lean back against the counter and reply, "Sorry? That's it? Just because we've been together a month doesn't mean you can scare me and get away with it." He grabs my hands and gets on his knees in front of me. Oh begging now? This should be interesting. I smile to myself. Xander looks up at me with his big blue eyes in puppy-dog form.

"I'm really really really very and truly sorry." I decide to have a little fun with him. I raise my eyebrow and he adds more adjectives to his apology." I'm incredibly, immensely, absolutely, completely, deliberately, extremely, fabulously--"

"Fabulously?" Xander shakes his head and says in an adorable voice." I'm sorry..."

I can't help but put on a smile. I lean forward and plant a kiss on his nose. "Alright. You're forgiven." Xander's face erupts into his gorgeous smile. He stands up and kisses my cheek. "Thankyou babe. I love you." I lean against him, hugging him while resting my head on his chest. "For that?" I say in a slightly teasing tone. I can feel his chin rest on the top of my head before he responds, "No. Yes. I mean, I love the face that you'll forgive me. But even if you wouldn't I'd still love you."

I'm silent. Why does he keep saying it? I haven't told him I love him so why does he keep repeating it over and over? It confuses me. At times, he's so opposite of Dylan by at the same time, he's so similar. Xander, exactly like Dylan used to, constantly tells me he loves me. And I can feel something pulling at my heart when Xander says those words. I told myself after the break-up that I would never fall for someone again. Especially after everything that happened. I smash my eyes closed and my brain recalls the happenings of last year. Forcing me to remember the old and horrible memories. I try to think of something else, try to force the memories away, but it won't work. I'm trapped by the scenes that now take hold of my head.