Before midnight.

•14•

[Wednesday.]
'Why are you looking at me like that?' Perrie asked.
'Nothing, go on.' Alex said with a half smile.
'No, tell me. Do you understand what I'm saying?'
'Yeah, that is pretty clear.'
'Why are you looking at me like that then?' The girl asked again, even more confused.
'No particular reason, you just look very nice today.'
'Alex c'mon! We've been here for half an hour already and I've got a feeling you've not been listening to a word I said.'
'I did, I promise.' He laughed but Perrie didn't find him funny.
'Did you really? You look very distracted today.'
Alex stood up from behind the desk in his room. 'I know, sorry, I just... can we take a break?'
'Well, up to you. You're the one who asked for help.'
'Come downstairs, I need coffee.'
Perrie rolled her eyes and followed Alex down the stairs into the kitchen.
'Do you want anything?'
'I'll have a coffee too, please.'
Alex raised his eyebrow. 'You? Coffee?'
'Yes, why?'
'You don't look like the kind of girl who likes coffee.' He flicked the kettle on.
'What does that mean? You talk lots of rubbish, Alex!' The girl laughed at him.
'I can never do or say anything right in your eyes. I give up.' Alex passed Perrie the mug.
'Thank you. Right, are we going back to our books?'
'No, I need five more minutes. Biscuits?' Alex sat down at the table in front of Perrie.
'I'm here to help you study, not for a coffee date.'
'Five minutes are not gonna change either of our lives. Chill.'
'You were doing so well yesterday, why are you being such an idiot today?'
Alex yawned. 'Because I'm tired. I came home late last night and didn't get much sleep.'
'You should've told me, we could have rescheduled for another day.'
'I still wanted to see you.'
Perrie deliberately ignored that last sentence. 'Did you do anything nice last night then?'
'I just went to a party for one of my mate's birthday. Your brother was there too.'
'Oh, was he? Did you have fun?'
'It wasn't too bad. The headache this morning though, that was awful!'
'I've heard you like to party.' Perrie said remembering what Jane had been telling her about Alex.
Alex sighed before sipping his coffee. 'Of course you did. People like to talk about that story.'
'I didn't...' Perrie found herself in a difficult position. 'I'm sorry. It's just... you're annoying most of the time, yes, but to me you're just a fun, loving life boy. I don't get why people round here don't like you.'
'You don't need to be nervous. If you want to ask something, just do it Perrie. I'd rather you hear the story from me than from people who would make up half of it.'
'Jane told me there was a big accident once and the police was involved. What... what happened.'
'It happened a few years ago, my parents were away for the weekend and I stayed at home. I was seventeen and playing football professionally, I thought I was living the dream and I owned the world. The only things I cared for were money, girls and fame. I never missed an opportunity to party, and that night was no different. I had a few friends round, including this girl, Sasha. At some point me and Sasha went upstairs, alone. I'll spare you the details, but long story short, we were doing drugs and the next thing I know is that she overdosed. We immediately called an ambulance and of course the police arrived as well. Needless to say the whole neighbourhood assisted to the show.'
'What happened to that girl?' Perrie was scared to ask but was relieved once she had an answer.
'Some sort of miracle happened and she survived. But as I said, the police was involved and they obviously wanted to talk to her as well and people clearly liked her story more than mine. She told the police I was pressuring her to take those drugs and that I tried to force myself on her but I swear to you, it's not true. I don't blame her, she was probably scared and agitated and that's why she lied. I tried to get my point across but once I realised no one was gonna believe me, not even my parents, I just gave up. Once her story was out it was over for me, the team I was playing for broke their contract and so I figured she had better chances than me to get on with her life anyway.'
Perrie tried to find something to say but nothing seemed appropriate. 'Alex, I... I'm sor...'
'You don't have to say anything, don't worry. You don't have to believe me either, it's fine. I'm used to it by now.'
'I do believe you. You might have lots of faults but you've been nothing but honest with me since the day I met you.'
'Trust me, I regret that night more than anything. I'm just grateful she was alright. You have no idea how many times I stop and think of what it could've been. If this is the price to pay, I'll happily pay it.'
Perrie held Alex's hand across the table. 'You're a good person, Alex. We all make mistakes but you still got a chance to make people change their mind about you. Just don't let them get in your head.'
Alex smiled at her getting lost in her blue eyes. Perrie then continued. 'I'll let you off for today. You can go to sleep, we'll try again tomorrow.' The girl stood up and walked to the front door, Alex following behind her.
'It'll be even worse tomorrow.'
'And why's that?' Perrie stopped before opening the door.
'Because everyday I like you a bit more.'
'Alex, stop it.'
'Why are you so annoyed?' He looked at her clueless.
'I'm not annoyed. It's just really inappropriate for you to say these kind of things to your brother's girlfriend.' Perrie put one hand on the door handle but Alex stopped her by putting his hand on top of hers. His confused expression turned into a smirk. 'Oh, I see. You're getting annoyed because you're starting to feel the same.'
'Even if I was, you said it yourself: it could never be.'
The two were now really close and Perrie could feel Alex breathing on her neck.
'Why are you in such a rush to go now?'
'I thought you were tired.'
'I think I could give up my nap for a kiss.'
'No, Alex. We just can't.'
'What? Are you scared you're not gonna be able to stop yourself after just one?'

[Good morning everyone :) how are you all x
Sorry it took me a while to update but I've been really busy at work and I'm on babysitting duties this weekend and my goddaughter literally stole my phone lol
This chapter gives a bit of an insight into Alex's past... let me know what you think ;)
Also, did anyone watch 'The search' last night? The girls looked beautiful and are so lovely! Even my goddaughter loved it haha little mixer in the making!
Peace and love to everyone xxx]