Reconstructing Amelia (unedited)

Chapter 26

November 15th, 2019

"I have news," Ben grunted, setting his coffee mug down with a harsh thud. Javi and I glanced up hesitantly, fear bubbling up in my stomach. 'News' was vague; it could either be good or bad.

"I'm flying back to Lecce for a while. I've got a project to finish so I'll be gone for a week tops. Marcie will be staying here starting Monday, so don't get any ideas," he warned. I nodded quickly, returning to my breakfast. This made my plan so much easier; I wouldn't have to lie about spending the night at Janie's, which meant I also didn't have to worry about dropping Javi off at Alicia's for the night.

***

I was busy waiting tables when I heard the doorbells jingle. I glanced over briefly only to see Alan walking through the front door. He was staring straight at me, a remorseful expression plastered on his face.

"I think you need to leave," Janie ordered abruptly, marching up to him bravely. I'd told Janie what had happened pretty much immediately the next day, needing to confide in someone. She'd been extremely comforting and supportive. Although she'd explicitly voiced her opinions about them, she'd stuck by me the entire day.

"Come on, I just want to talk to her," I heard Alan plead. Janie and I exchanged a quick glance and I nodded slightly. Alan took a seat on one of the barstools, waiting for me while Janie returned to work. She didn't stop giving him suspicious glances, however, though part of me wondered if she just liked staring at him.

Once I finally finished up with my table, I made my way over to the counter, signalling with Janie to switch positions momentarily.

"What are you doing here?" I asked darkly.

"I came to talk to you," he answered honestly. "I swear. I know we've been avoiding each other but I miss you, and I want to make things right,"

"I can't unsee what I saw," I snapped. He looked hurt.

"I know, and I don't expect you to. All I want is for you to know how sorry I am. You were never meant to ever witness something like that. Ever. And I'm sorry," He seemed to be holding his breath, waiting for my reaction.

"You really scared me, Alan," I told him quietly.

"I know," he murmured. "I know," I met his gaze, surprised when I saw a deep sadness in his cloudy green eyes.

"I'm not mad at you, you know," I added. His attention snapped to me, studying me in confusion.

"You're not?" I almost laughed.

"I have no reason to be mad at you for something that's none of my business," I informed him. "I just regret seeing it,"

"It shouldn't have happened," Alan agreed. A tender silence stretched between us, neither of us really knowing what to say next. Until a small smile graced my lips.

"Alan?" He perked up at his name, looking at me with a hint of amusement.

"Yeah?"

"Would you like a milkshake?"

***

It was nice to finally have Alan back to his usual self again. Instead of longing glances and awkward silences we were chatting and laughing, just like we used to do. I was no longer acutely frightened of him anymore, though I'd always be cautious of his capabilities.

"I'm not kidding, milk literally shot out of his nose!" Alan exclaimed, telling me about Eli's mishap in the cafeteria yesterday. I laughed softly, rolling my eyes. I guess it was a boy thing to berate one's brothers - something I'd never understand.

"So what are you up to tonight?" he asked me, sipping on his shake.

"I'm spending the night at Janie's," I answered proudly, smiling. I was so excited to have my first sleepover. Ben would be out of town for a week, and I'd arranged for Javi to spend the night with Neo and his family - who'd happily taken him in.

"Well, have fun with that," he teased. Janie immediately bounced over, throwing an arm around me with a bright smile.

"Oh we will," she promised him. He just rolled his eyes.

"Girls," he muttered, but even he couldn't help but smile.