The Life I Once Lived

Stubborn

"Alice, you're so stubborn!" Kory said laughing. I smiled at his smile, typical.

"You think so?" I was still smiling at him.

"Yeah, I do actually."

"Mmm...” I said "So in more detail please, what happened last night?"

"Nothing, it's not important," he hissed.

"It's important to me!" I protested.

"Alice, drop it!"

"No Kory, not until you tell me what happened!" I shouted then wondering if his parents were home.

"Alice, you just have to trust me," his voice calmer than before, "please."

"Do you know how hard it is to trust...Anyone anymore Kory?"

"Alice, I'm sorry I--"

"You what Kory, forgot!?"

"Alice, please!" He looked like he was going to cry this time. I didn't want to stick around if that's what came next.

"I'm sorry Kory, I have to go." He turned and punched the wall. I ran to the door and opened it, "I love you," I whispered.

"Then don't leave."

"You are crying, Kory you hit the wall!"

"I love you, Mary Alice, I'm sorry. Cameron was drunk and he thought I hooked up with Kendra, I didn’t though! I tried to reason with him but...he swung?"

"So you swung to? What were you thinking Kory? He could've hurt you! Well, I mean worse than he did...”

"He didn't though, Alice!"

"You don't get it do you? I mean really, do you understand that you are all I have!" By the look on his face I knew he finally understood what I meant. He looked down then gazed out the window for awhile.

"I'm sorry I lied to you. I'm also sorry that I hit the wall," he grabbed me by the waist and pulled me closer to him, "Sorry I yelled at you, and physically hurt you. I love you to the moon and back." I didn't know what to say to that. I love you too, no. It's okay, no. Apology accepted sounds good.

"Okay, apology accepted, this time." He winced. I knew I finally got through to him, finally. He hugged me but I wouldn't let him kiss me. When he tried I gently pushed his chest back, his face was to bruised to try to get around.

"Why not?" I knew he was talking about the kiss I rejected. I put one finger to his lips.

"You're hurt and I don't want to hurt you swollen lip or bruised cheek," really I was still angry with him but he clearly bought my story. He just smiled and said, "Forever right?"

"Right." He smiled and I could no longer resist his lips. I put my hands around his waist and pushed me toes against his hardwood flooring. I kissed him, afterward he said Ow. I let go as quick as I could when he said it. I pulled back and he looked at me shocked,

"What now babe?"

"You said ow, I thought I hurt you?"

"I was just messing with you, I'm fine," he was smiling but I couldn't help but laugh.

"What if I did hurt you and I thought you were kidding?"

"I would gently push you off of me?"