Stuck Between Them

Chapter 8: Tears of Ecstasy

Direct continuation of the last chapter.

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"What's the story between you and Sarah? How did you start dating her?"

"We bumped into each other outside our apartment. Things clicked and we started dating, we practically live in each other's apartment. She lives in the apartment upfront."

Alex didn't reply instead she scratched the back of her hand and came up with another question.

"What does she do for a living? How old is she?"

"I didn't ask, but she is older than she looks. She is Ex-military, a Green Beret, and now she does something to do with security threat assessment."

I looked around and asked, "Where are we?"

"Riverside Park, the weather is lovely."

There was a slightly chilly wind. Alex opened the glove compartment and took out a pack of cigarettes.

"Should you be smoking, being in the FBI?" I asked her as we got out of the car.

"I was a chain smoker back when I was in university, I quit to be in the peak shape, as of now I have found a perfect balance. I smoke one in the evening every once in a while", she lit two cigarettes at once, "For enjoyment."

She offered me one, I looked at her doubtfully.

"Don't tell me you haven't done the honor."

She extended the cigarette further "don't worry, I won't tell mom and dad."

"Ok, it's been a while since I smoked.",

I took a light drag.

"Oh My God, that is the reason I don't smoke a lot, I love the feeling you get when you smoke the first cigarette after a while."

"When was the last time you smoked?" she asked neutrally.

"During summer vacations before coming here.", taking another drag.

"Remember we used to race," I said remembering our childhood.

"Do you think your smug self can still beat me?"

I looked at a light post nearby and then at Alex, something clicked. Alex dropped her cigarette and stomped it. I looked at my cigarette and tossed it up in the air. As it hit the ground we both took off. I ran as fast as my feet could take me, but she was faster, way faster than me. She crossed the light post with ease. When I got there I trembled; I tried to keep my balance but failed miserably. I fell and rolled. Alex started laughing and so did I.

"Are you OK?" she helped me up, still laughing.

"I am fine", I replied, laughing and out of breath.

"I am a trained agent, how could you think you can still beat me, this is not our childhood."

We walked back to the car and I took another cigarette, so did Alex. We finished it and got in the car, Alex was going to drop me back at the apartment.

"How did you realize that you should, you know, make things up with me.", I asked hoping it would ruin the mood.

"I, Brittney, and Jennifer had dinner a little over two weeks ago. Jennifer mentioned about their accident."

"Yes, I met Jennifer when I visited James."

"Um... She kind of forced the thought in my mind."

She was about to say something else but her phone rang. I kind of zoned out thinking about James and Jennifer. I am in touch with James; I should also text Jennifer to thank her. She had done me a big favor by helping Alex realize her mistakes.