Friends with benefits • a/p

Chapter 8

Alex's POV

I didn't even notice I've fallen asleep in the car, but I realise it once the sunlight starts shining straight in my eyes and wakes me up. How could I fall asleep? I should have stayed awake and wait for Perrie, to either go in or come out of the bulding.

Just as the thought floats through my head, a tall guy walks out of the building, followed by a shorter girl. Wait, I recognise that blonde hair.. That's Perrie. She's wearing an oversized hoodie, and probably shorts under it and her hair is in a messy bun, but somehow she manages to look perfect. But how? I was knocking on her door and ringing the bell but she didn't answer. I suppose she wasn't home, but came after I've fallen asleep.

She walks the guy to what assume is his car and hugs him before he gets in. She has a big smile on her face, as he kisses her. Did he stay all night with her?

I grip the steering wheel and clench my jaw. All I want to do right now is get out of the car and break his arms for touching what's mine. I don't want anyone else to touch her or kiss her. I don't want anyone to get near her.

But then I remember what Brianna told me last night. She has a boyfriend. Is he really her boyfriend? She was probably with him last night. He can't be just a friend. He must have stayed the night. My heart aches at the thought of him touching her all night.

As soon as she drives off and she walks back inside, I check myself in the mirror and get outside my car, walking right after her.

I hear her door shut just as I walk up the stairs. I take a breath before I press the button next to her door. Seconds later, she opens the door smiling, but her expression drops and confusion takes over her face when she realises it's me.

"Alex? What are you doing here?"

"Who was he?" - I ask her ignoring her question.

She steps back and opens the door a bit more, motioning me to come in.

"Who was who..?" - she asks as I step inside and she closes the door.

I can tell she's trying not to answer.

"The guy you just hugged and kissed goodbye. Who was he and did he sleep here last night?" - I look directly in her eyes.

She lowers her gaze and breaks the contact, and bites her lip before speaking up.

"His name is Luke.. he's.. uh.."

"Your boyfriend?" - I say trying not to sound jealous.

"Um.. yeah.." - she mumbles. "And to answer your question.. he did stay here.. but it's not what you think"

"What do I think Perrie?" - I don't even know myself, can't you see I'm a real mess?

"Well.. I can explain it.."

"There's nothing to explain Perrie.. I really thought and hoped you like me.. But obviously I was just lying to myself.."

"No Alex, it's not..." - she sighs. "Just let me explain it.."

"I don't need any explanation. I realised everything.. You don't need to say anything.."

"Alex-.." - she tears up.

"Don't. Save it for yourself.." - I say as I walk to the door.

The last thing I hear from her is a quiet sob that escaped her mouth just before I closed the door behind me. I feel a sharp pain in my chest, it almost feels like a stab.

I hate the fact that she's crying because of me. But I can't get over the fact that she got a boyfriend in such a short time and then tries to convince me shit. What was she going to say? That she doesn't love him? Nobody was out there forcing her to get with him. I'm sure it was her own choice.