To Infinity and Beyond

My Date?

Mark's POV

"Alice, please stay. I insist."

Tonight, her blue orbs had a strange depth, they were soft and welcoming. She didn't had to say or express how her heart felt whenever we were together. I could read her well, because I felt exactly the same, or perhaps more.

Her opinion of me mattered to me, her hurt and dilemmas mattered to me and because of this untamed emotion, I couldn't be at peace when she judged me for my past. I tried to stay mad at her, but the moment I held her in my arms, anger was the least of the emotions I felt.

"Umm.. I agree it's late. Fine, I will stay and leave in morning instead." Alice's shaky voice got me out of my thoughts, and her consent to my request brought me relief. I could sense her nervousness, she was constantly tapping on the mug she was holding.

"That's great Alice. I will drop you home, first thing tomorrow, I promise". I tried assuring her with a heartfelt smile, and her eyes twinkled in response. I was here for her, whenever she needed me, she didn't even had to ask.

I picked up my finished dishes and headed to the kitchen. I tidied up the place a bit as I was aware how particular Rose was about things.

When I went back to the living room, I saw Alice was slumping on the couch facing the fireplace. The colors of the flame in the woodfire brought an orange glow on her solemn face, highlighting her sharp features. It made her look prettier than she already was. Her locks were tied up in a messy bun, and one of her hand gently massaged the back of her long sleek neck. She was in a daze. Her brows furrowed, and her mind lost in oblivion.

"Umm.. do you mind if I play some music? Casper's collection is a treasure, the best you will ever hear."
I interrupted her thoughts as I walked past the room, barely able to maintain my composure. This woman had no idea how she had me captivated right from our first meeting. To keep my mind busy with other things, I went to the display rack above the fireplace, and started searching for one of Casper's music records.

"Sure." My back heard Alice's gentle whisper.

While I was looking through various titles, I felt her presence behind me. She held my arm and gently nudged me to turn.

The fire beneath us couldn't burn the way our proximity burnt holes in my heart. We were standing inches apart, the tension was obvious but none of us dared to admit it.

"Mark.. umm I.." Alice was looking down, while searching for the right words. She moistened her soft lips and bit the corner of them. My heart skipped a beat, I could only imagine how it would feel if I was allowed to taste them. I immediately shut my wandering thoughts, and brought my focus back on her words.

"I.. I wanted to apologise. I am sorry for what I said the other day. I had no right to bring up your past." She finally looked up at me with her pleading blue eyes and I could see right through them. She genuinely felt guilty.

I caressed the lose strand of hair off her cheek, drawing a soft line from my fingertip till the edge of her lobe, her body shivered in response. "It's okay Alice. I have put it behind us, let's forget about..". Before I could complete, she held my hand that was holding her face and stuttered, "Mark.. Rose told me about Mia.. about Mia and Avery."

My jaw stiffened at their mention, I was suddenly at loss of words. It was not Rose' place to talk about this. I heaved a deep sigh after receding my hand from Alice's hold and raking it in my hair instead, "Rose told you what?"

"I am sorry Mark.. she really didn't mean to. It just came up.. and she just told me.. I am sorry if we hurt you..." Her eyes were now welled up and I immediately felt regret run through my veins.