Trying For The Storybook Ending
Well, here I am back at home. It's 8.12pm and I have an hour and…18 minutes before Liz and Maria are coming around. I'm pretty sure they have an inkling of what I have planned for them and the boys. But to be honest, they really have no idea. If I wasn't so nervous then I'd take a perverse joy in this...you know: - being a personal matchmaker to those nearest and dearest to me…fixing things to be how they ought to be. I look at Tess who is sitting on my bed picking her nails off. I invited her around so that Kyle didn't know what was going on. As far as he's concerned, the 8 of us are all going out together as a group. He has zero idea about how complicated things are about to get. As I said, they have no idea. She's so nervous, this is not the Tess I'm used to. She's usually the stroppy bitch that Maria said she was earlier, but now? Now she's so nervous I'm afraid that if I don't intervene she won't have any finger nails left. I look through my wardrobe, dammit! There's nothing to wear in here! It has to be perfect, you know sexy but subtle? What should I wear? What should I wear?!? I know that Alex likes red but it needs to be perfect.
"You know, it's the same stuff that's there, that was in it the last 25 times you looked through it."
Grrrr, I really should have "poofed" her when I had the chance. But, as much as I hate to admit it, she is right I should have got something today when we were out. This is why I prefer to be self-occupied; when you go and try and help other people you forget about yourself. That's not completely true, I've always looked out for my family, but others? Forget about it, way too much hassle. Until today.
"Why don't you "alter" something? I mean, let's face it, Alex will be dazzled even if you showed up in a pair of over-alls. I think you should just relax a little, you have the easy part. Me and Liz have to drop the bombshells."
"Tess, Tess, Tess. You really have no idea, Alex and me have gone beyond the "wearing what ever you want stage". It's true he doesn't care what I wear; but he also doesn't care what I say because he's scared I'll just contradict myself two days later. He's also trying to not care about me..because I've given him more than enough reasons to hate me in the past year. So I want to make a fresh start on the whole thing and that means, "making the effort."
What I don't say out loud though is that it's no more than he deserves. He's worth the effort. Why? It's hard to explain but do you know what it's like to sense when someone walks in a room and know that the only person they're seeing is you? How about when someone dreams about you and even in the dream they arouse the same emotions that they would if it was real. No? Well, how about the electric feeling that you get when you know that the only person on the planet that you can really talk to is standing behind you? Do you know what it's like to hear them talking about their relationship with someone else when they are trying hard to isolate themselves from you? Have you ever broken someone's heart and then realized that you will never be complete without them? Have you ever stopped to think about how miserable you would be if you had never met somebody or you lost them forever? I can't describe that pain but I never want to feel it again. I have to try even if I end up with nothing to show for it; he's worth it. We're worth it!
As I look at a top and decide how to "alter" it, Tess walks out behind me in her outfit. She's wearing a baby pink dress and a sky blue cardigan. I hate to admit it but she looks good, Kyle doesn't stand a chance! I have a look at the clock..it's 9.25pm! This is not good..I have to get this fixed. Scrap the top, I'll use a black dress. It's short, it's strappy and it's not too tight. It's perfect..apart from the colour. Which as I concentrate on it changes to a deep wine. Now it's perfect! I quickly put it on and after making a few minor adjustments I get ready to put my makeup on. I know this is going to sound frivolous, but I love using my powers to do little things like that. My mom calls to us that Liz and Maria have arrived and I dive in my closet to get something to cover my shoulders as they walk in.
"Ok ladies! Are you all ready to make the menfolk of this town miserable?"
Maria's bubbly voice heralded their arrival. I turn to look at them and again they look stunning. Maria definitely has either punishing Michael or pleasuring him on her mind tonight. She has on a deep red corset top and tight black pants. Her hair has been tied high on her head with a few strands left deliberately loose. Her lips are glossy and I swear I think she's wearing that "aqua-bra" thingy of hers. I look past her at Liz. She's also very pretty, in a black dress with tiny embroidered roses on it. Her hair has been curled I guess by Maria because I sincerely doubt that Liz was up to dressing herself tonight let alone styling her hair. We stand in silence.
"Come on! It's like a morgue in here. Everything's going to be great! Liz, you're going to get Max back tonight and you don't even have to worry about the world going "bang". Tess, you made three REALLY great friends today, PLUS you have the most eligible guy at school drooling after you..of course you've already gotten inside his bed but…"
"Maria!.." both Liz and Tess call simultaneously. I smile; Maria really knows how to lighten a tense atmosphere. Oh oh, she's walking towards me.
"And of course, Isabel has the heart of the greatest guy on the planet in her hands. You know Iz, I wouldn't be much of a friend if I didn't say this, if you break his heart again, I will hurt you. Powers or no powers. You might not think it but Alex is delicate and he can be hurt. Especially by you."
I take back what I said; Maria really stinks at lightening an atmosphere.
"I know..I won't..."
"Good!"
Nooo! That's not what I want to say at all! I want to tell her to keep her big nose out, too stop interfering in things she knows nothing about. To stop assuming that all I will do is hurt him. Instead I come out with that pathetic response. My "princess Isabel" persona really must be crumbling..even the "commoners" are trying to boss me around. And the worse thing? I'm letting them. I know she does it because she cares about Alex and I'm sure that he would do the same thing for her. I don't care, that doesn't mean she can talk to me like that though. Note to self- haunt Maria's dreams for a while.
We stand in semi-silence for a minute, Maria and me look at each other with a newfound understanding, while Liz and Tess are making small talk to each other. I decide that that is enough of this, and I grab my bag and walk out the room door where the others follow behind me.
As we all get into the car I see that Liz and Tess have got in the back together, which leaves me driving shotgun in Maria's car. I should have made Max leave the jeep. I hate this car..it's so..poky. I have a peek at the rear-view mirror and I can't help but smile at Liz and Tess. They look so..so..friendly. They are laughing nervously and whispering. Oh what a difference a day makes huh? My stomach is jumping; I hope this works. As I begin to re-ponder my plan Ii hear Liz's voice from the back seat.
"So..um Isabel? What is the plan for tonight?"
Poor, poor Liz. She sounds so nervous. I think she's forgotten that she and my brother have been out about 50 times together. She probably thinks I have a really tacky Valentines Day planned for them all at a fancy restaurant, with a horrible atmosphere. Hmmm, should have thought of that sooner. Never mind I'll use that one next year. But tonight? Tonight... tonight I have something "safe" planned. The boys are already there in fact. Yeah, so we're going to the Crashdown..not exactly the worlds most romantic venue I agree ..but it has everything we need. It's "safe". I know what you're thinking.."how will you be able to talk when it's full to bursting?" Well, I had help. See Mr. Parker is closing an hour earlier tonight. So come 10pm, the place is ours. Why? Well although Mr. Parker is a businessman he's also a worried father. He doesn't like to see his little girl upset and I, a "very good friend", asked him to surprise Liz. Of course he did it, who wouldn't do it to make their daughter happy again?
"Just to the Crashdown Liz, relax. Things will be great tonight, I promise."
"Yeah..right."
We arrive and Maria stops the car. I have a quick look at the clock: 9.48pm. We have 15 minutes before the place is empty. I walk in and look around for the guys. Sure enough, there they are. Max, is drumming nervously on the table. Is that a rose he's got there? My brother- the hopeless romantic. Beside him is Michael. He looks bored and a little angry. He hates these "hallmark" holidays. Opposite Michael is Kyle. I can't tell how he's doing because he seems to be staring at Michael. They two really don't like each other. I look next to Kyle and my stomach knots. There's no Alex. I didn't really expect him to show but... I had hoped.
I have no time to finish my thought as Maria barges past me and walks straight over to the table. I have a quick look around and I see Liz and Tess hovering behind me. Poor Michael.
"Hi guys! Hi Michael! I never got a chance to say anything to you today because we were having a little "girl time" so to speak, but here. Happy Valentines Day!"
Oh My God! She had given him a present and completely turned the tables on him. She hadn't exploded and he..he was actually smiling? Oh My God! He opened the wrapping and inside there was a "little green man" clutching a heart. Ok it was incredibly tacky but, wow! He seemed to love it.
"Basically, it's symbolic, Spaceboy. But you have to work that bit out yourself."
"…Thank you Maria."
I smiled as he reached into his jacket and pulled out a small package and thrust it into her hands. Max got up to give Maria his seat and looked over towards Liz. He smiled weakly at her and took the rose of the table and hesitantly began to walk towards us. Liz burst into tears and ran out the door. I turn to go after her, maybe I've pushed her too hard. Too much too soon. Before I even turn I feel Max brushing against me and out the door. She won't need me. I hear a squeal of delight coming from the table and turn back around. Maria has wrapped Michael in bear hug and the tears are streaming down her face. He must have got it right this time. Good for them. As I watch the two of them I feel a pang of jealousy; they have what I want. This really bites. Kyle begins to walk over to us and I hear Tess start to giggle as he performs an over-exaggerated bow in front of her before offering her his arm. As she accepts, feigning a regal air, he guides her over to the booth where he hands her a package. Even Valenti got in on the gift-buying thing. I sneak a peek as Tess opens it and, I might be wrong but it looks like a football shirt? Why would ANY guy give a girl a football shirt? We don't like football.. Whyever he got it, she seems to like it. Oh God she's crying as well. She probably just realized what an ape she fell for. He really is romantically challenged. As I turn towards the door I hear Mr. Parker ask everyone to leave apart from those at the booth. They look a little confused, but I'm sure they will work out who to thank later. I just wish that Max and Liz were there. I walk towards the jeep, I need to go somewhere and I'm sure that Max will get home ok without it. As I get in it I hear voices: Max and Liz. They are right in front of me but totally oblivious.
"What do you mean Liz, I don't understand...what do you mean "another me"?"
Liz pulls him abruptly to her and kisses him through her tears and as they pull apart I see that he knows.
"Liz? You..you, gave up everything..got hurt..be..because I..asked you to? Why?"
"Max…I had to. It was you.."
Max takes her in his arms and begins to gently kiss her. It's at that point that I pull away and leave them. This is something they deserve.
Three down, one to go.
I arrive at the house a little after 10pm. I hope he's at home and not out on a date with some bimbo. My stomach is really knotting as I ring his doorbell. It seems like an eternity before he comes to the door. He looks surprised to see me.
"Isabel? Hi! What are you doing here? Is everything ok?"
"Hi, everythings..everythings great. I um..I um..just wanted to say..Happy Valentines Day..to you."
"Really? I'm honored, thank you. The same to you, Happy Valentines Day."
He closes the door behind him and sits on the step. I don't think twice about joining him on it even though being this close to him is turning my brain to mush.
"It's not too cold for you is it because I'll go and get a jacket or something for you.."
"No, I'm great thanks.."
He's so sweet! But being in his jacket would completely send me over the edge and I need to keep a clear head. I'm Isabel Evans and I can do this!
"So, how have you been Isabel? You look really good by the way."
"Thanks. So do you. Really good. I've been ok. How've you been?"
"Ok.."
"I really have missed you Alex." Ok I didn't mean for that to come out as abruptly.
"Well, I've been home for a few weeks now Izzy.."
"Not just when you were away, when you were ignoring me."
"I wasn't..ignoring you. I thought you wanted me to keep my distance.."
"No. I don't want that…ever. So..you um..met someone in Sweden? What was she like?"
"Yeah, she's really nice, a bit like you. But it's over now."
"I'm sorry." I fake it.
"Why? I mean it isn't like she was the love of my life or anything..."
"Oh, really? How do you know?" I desperately try to keep the hopeful tone out my voice.
"You don't really need me to say the words do you? You know that the only person I'll ever really love is you."
Wow. I don't know what to say. I can hardly breath, let alone form a coherent sentence. He still loves me. Despite everything…he still loves me.
"Re..really? I…I love you too Alex..."
He looks at me stunned. I know he's thinking "what? did I just hear right?" so I say it again.
"I love you Alex! I know I don't deserve another chance but, but I..."
I'm silenced by a soft kiss that threatens to break any defenses I still have down. He pulls apart and looks me in the eye.
"I love you Isabel, but..we can't be the same as we were. You can't keep pushing me away. We'll take things as slow as you want but..I won't be your consolation prize. If you don't really want a relationship and you just want friendship then tell me now. I'll still..I'll still be here for you whatever…whoever."
I don't know what I've done to get a guy this great to love me but I will be eternally grateful. I have to make him see what an idiot I was and how wrong everything felt.
"Alex, you will never, EVER, be a consolation prize. When I say I love you..I mean I love you. Please believe me when I say that my life isn't going to be complete without you in it. And I will never need anyone the way I need you…I loved having you as a friend. But I want more now. I'm ready for more. I'm..I'm ready for us..if you'll have me back.."
"Isabel…You don't even need to ask…"
He kisses me again and I feel like I'm floating. This feels so right and so..Destined.
I stay with Alex for a few hours before driving back home. Max isn't home so I assume things went well with him and Liz. I walk to my bed and flop down on it. Things can't get much better than this I don't think. It's when I turn my head slightly that I notice it leaning against my clock. It looks like a…card? I open it and the tears start.
"But to see her, was to love her,
Love but her, and love forever."
He was giving me one anyway! The same verse was on it but with one difference. This time he wrote something else:
"Remember that Isabel...Love forever!"
Not only that, but also, more importantly,...he wrote his name.
Finished
Well, here I am back at home. It's 8.12pm and I have an hour and…18 minutes before Liz and Maria are coming around. I'm pretty sure they have an inkling of what I have planned for them and the boys. But to be honest, they really have no idea. If I wasn't so nervous then I'd take a perverse joy in this...you know: - being a personal matchmaker to those nearest and dearest to me…fixing things to be how they ought to be. I look at Tess who is sitting on my bed picking her nails off. I invited her around so that Kyle didn't know what was going on. As far as he's concerned, the 8 of us are all going out together as a group. He has zero idea about how complicated things are about to get. As I said, they have no idea. She's so nervous, this is not the Tess I'm used to. She's usually the stroppy bitch that Maria said she was earlier, but now? Now she's so nervous I'm afraid that if I don't intervene she won't have any finger nails left. I look through my wardrobe, dammit! There's nothing to wear in here! It has to be perfect, you know sexy but subtle? What should I wear? What should I wear?!? I know that Alex likes red but it needs to be perfect.
"You know, it's the same stuff that's there, that was in it the last 25 times you looked through it."
Grrrr, I really should have "poofed" her when I had the chance. But, as much as I hate to admit it, she is right I should have got something today when we were out. This is why I prefer to be self-occupied; when you go and try and help other people you forget about yourself. That's not completely true, I've always looked out for my family, but others? Forget about it, way too much hassle. Until today.
"Why don't you "alter" something? I mean, let's face it, Alex will be dazzled even if you showed up in a pair of over-alls. I think you should just relax a little, you have the easy part. Me and Liz have to drop the bombshells."
"Tess, Tess, Tess. You really have no idea, Alex and me have gone beyond the "wearing what ever you want stage". It's true he doesn't care what I wear; but he also doesn't care what I say because he's scared I'll just contradict myself two days later. He's also trying to not care about me..because I've given him more than enough reasons to hate me in the past year. So I want to make a fresh start on the whole thing and that means, "making the effort."
What I don't say out loud though is that it's no more than he deserves. He's worth the effort. Why? It's hard to explain but do you know what it's like to sense when someone walks in a room and know that the only person they're seeing is you? How about when someone dreams about you and even in the dream they arouse the same emotions that they would if it was real. No? Well, how about the electric feeling that you get when you know that the only person on the planet that you can really talk to is standing behind you? Do you know what it's like to hear them talking about their relationship with someone else when they are trying hard to isolate themselves from you? Have you ever broken someone's heart and then realized that you will never be complete without them? Have you ever stopped to think about how miserable you would be if you had never met somebody or you lost them forever? I can't describe that pain but I never want to feel it again. I have to try even if I end up with nothing to show for it; he's worth it. We're worth it!
As I look at a top and decide how to "alter" it, Tess walks out behind me in her outfit. She's wearing a baby pink dress and a sky blue cardigan. I hate to admit it but she looks good, Kyle doesn't stand a chance! I have a look at the clock..it's 9.25pm! This is not good..I have to get this fixed. Scrap the top, I'll use a black dress. It's short, it's strappy and it's not too tight. It's perfect..apart from the colour. Which as I concentrate on it changes to a deep wine. Now it's perfect! I quickly put it on and after making a few minor adjustments I get ready to put my makeup on. I know this is going to sound frivolous, but I love using my powers to do little things like that. My mom calls to us that Liz and Maria have arrived and I dive in my closet to get something to cover my shoulders as they walk in.
"Ok ladies! Are you all ready to make the menfolk of this town miserable?"
Maria's bubbly voice heralded their arrival. I turn to look at them and again they look stunning. Maria definitely has either punishing Michael or pleasuring him on her mind tonight. She has on a deep red corset top and tight black pants. Her hair has been tied high on her head with a few strands left deliberately loose. Her lips are glossy and I swear I think she's wearing that "aqua-bra" thingy of hers. I look past her at Liz. She's also very pretty, in a black dress with tiny embroidered roses on it. Her hair has been curled I guess by Maria because I sincerely doubt that Liz was up to dressing herself tonight let alone styling her hair. We stand in silence.
"Come on! It's like a morgue in here. Everything's going to be great! Liz, you're going to get Max back tonight and you don't even have to worry about the world going "bang". Tess, you made three REALLY great friends today, PLUS you have the most eligible guy at school drooling after you..of course you've already gotten inside his bed but…"
"Maria!.." both Liz and Tess call simultaneously. I smile; Maria really knows how to lighten a tense atmosphere. Oh oh, she's walking towards me.
"And of course, Isabel has the heart of the greatest guy on the planet in her hands. You know Iz, I wouldn't be much of a friend if I didn't say this, if you break his heart again, I will hurt you. Powers or no powers. You might not think it but Alex is delicate and he can be hurt. Especially by you."
I take back what I said; Maria really stinks at lightening an atmosphere.
"I know..I won't..."
"Good!"
Nooo! That's not what I want to say at all! I want to tell her to keep her big nose out, too stop interfering in things she knows nothing about. To stop assuming that all I will do is hurt him. Instead I come out with that pathetic response. My "princess Isabel" persona really must be crumbling..even the "commoners" are trying to boss me around. And the worse thing? I'm letting them. I know she does it because she cares about Alex and I'm sure that he would do the same thing for her. I don't care, that doesn't mean she can talk to me like that though. Note to self- haunt Maria's dreams for a while.
We stand in semi-silence for a minute, Maria and me look at each other with a newfound understanding, while Liz and Tess are making small talk to each other. I decide that that is enough of this, and I grab my bag and walk out the room door where the others follow behind me.
As we all get into the car I see that Liz and Tess have got in the back together, which leaves me driving shotgun in Maria's car. I should have made Max leave the jeep. I hate this car..it's so..poky. I have a peek at the rear-view mirror and I can't help but smile at Liz and Tess. They look so..so..friendly. They are laughing nervously and whispering. Oh what a difference a day makes huh? My stomach is jumping; I hope this works. As I begin to re-ponder my plan Ii hear Liz's voice from the back seat.
"So..um Isabel? What is the plan for tonight?"
Poor, poor Liz. She sounds so nervous. I think she's forgotten that she and my brother have been out about 50 times together. She probably thinks I have a really tacky Valentines Day planned for them all at a fancy restaurant, with a horrible atmosphere. Hmmm, should have thought of that sooner. Never mind I'll use that one next year. But tonight? Tonight... tonight I have something "safe" planned. The boys are already there in fact. Yeah, so we're going to the Crashdown..not exactly the worlds most romantic venue I agree ..but it has everything we need. It's "safe". I know what you're thinking.."how will you be able to talk when it's full to bursting?" Well, I had help. See Mr. Parker is closing an hour earlier tonight. So come 10pm, the place is ours. Why? Well although Mr. Parker is a businessman he's also a worried father. He doesn't like to see his little girl upset and I, a "very good friend", asked him to surprise Liz. Of course he did it, who wouldn't do it to make their daughter happy again?
"Just to the Crashdown Liz, relax. Things will be great tonight, I promise."
"Yeah..right."
We arrive and Maria stops the car. I have a quick look at the clock: 9.48pm. We have 15 minutes before the place is empty. I walk in and look around for the guys. Sure enough, there they are. Max, is drumming nervously on the table. Is that a rose he's got there? My brother- the hopeless romantic. Beside him is Michael. He looks bored and a little angry. He hates these "hallmark" holidays. Opposite Michael is Kyle. I can't tell how he's doing because he seems to be staring at Michael. They two really don't like each other. I look next to Kyle and my stomach knots. There's no Alex. I didn't really expect him to show but... I had hoped.
I have no time to finish my thought as Maria barges past me and walks straight over to the table. I have a quick look around and I see Liz and Tess hovering behind me. Poor Michael.
"Hi guys! Hi Michael! I never got a chance to say anything to you today because we were having a little "girl time" so to speak, but here. Happy Valentines Day!"
Oh My God! She had given him a present and completely turned the tables on him. She hadn't exploded and he..he was actually smiling? Oh My God! He opened the wrapping and inside there was a "little green man" clutching a heart. Ok it was incredibly tacky but, wow! He seemed to love it.
"Basically, it's symbolic, Spaceboy. But you have to work that bit out yourself."
"…Thank you Maria."
I smiled as he reached into his jacket and pulled out a small package and thrust it into her hands. Max got up to give Maria his seat and looked over towards Liz. He smiled weakly at her and took the rose of the table and hesitantly began to walk towards us. Liz burst into tears and ran out the door. I turn to go after her, maybe I've pushed her too hard. Too much too soon. Before I even turn I feel Max brushing against me and out the door. She won't need me. I hear a squeal of delight coming from the table and turn back around. Maria has wrapped Michael in bear hug and the tears are streaming down her face. He must have got it right this time. Good for them. As I watch the two of them I feel a pang of jealousy; they have what I want. This really bites. Kyle begins to walk over to us and I hear Tess start to giggle as he performs an over-exaggerated bow in front of her before offering her his arm. As she accepts, feigning a regal air, he guides her over to the booth where he hands her a package. Even Valenti got in on the gift-buying thing. I sneak a peek as Tess opens it and, I might be wrong but it looks like a football shirt? Why would ANY guy give a girl a football shirt? We don't like football.. Whyever he got it, she seems to like it. Oh God she's crying as well. She probably just realized what an ape she fell for. He really is romantically challenged. As I turn towards the door I hear Mr. Parker ask everyone to leave apart from those at the booth. They look a little confused, but I'm sure they will work out who to thank later. I just wish that Max and Liz were there. I walk towards the jeep, I need to go somewhere and I'm sure that Max will get home ok without it. As I get in it I hear voices: Max and Liz. They are right in front of me but totally oblivious.
"What do you mean Liz, I don't understand...what do you mean "another me"?"
Liz pulls him abruptly to her and kisses him through her tears and as they pull apart I see that he knows.
"Liz? You..you, gave up everything..got hurt..be..because I..asked you to? Why?"
"Max…I had to. It was you.."
Max takes her in his arms and begins to gently kiss her. It's at that point that I pull away and leave them. This is something they deserve.
Three down, one to go.
I arrive at the house a little after 10pm. I hope he's at home and not out on a date with some bimbo. My stomach is really knotting as I ring his doorbell. It seems like an eternity before he comes to the door. He looks surprised to see me.
"Isabel? Hi! What are you doing here? Is everything ok?"
"Hi, everythings..everythings great. I um..I um..just wanted to say..Happy Valentines Day..to you."
"Really? I'm honored, thank you. The same to you, Happy Valentines Day."
He closes the door behind him and sits on the step. I don't think twice about joining him on it even though being this close to him is turning my brain to mush.
"It's not too cold for you is it because I'll go and get a jacket or something for you.."
"No, I'm great thanks.."
He's so sweet! But being in his jacket would completely send me over the edge and I need to keep a clear head. I'm Isabel Evans and I can do this!
"So, how have you been Isabel? You look really good by the way."
"Thanks. So do you. Really good. I've been ok. How've you been?"
"Ok.."
"I really have missed you Alex." Ok I didn't mean for that to come out as abruptly.
"Well, I've been home for a few weeks now Izzy.."
"Not just when you were away, when you were ignoring me."
"I wasn't..ignoring you. I thought you wanted me to keep my distance.."
"No. I don't want that…ever. So..you um..met someone in Sweden? What was she like?"
"Yeah, she's really nice, a bit like you. But it's over now."
"I'm sorry." I fake it.
"Why? I mean it isn't like she was the love of my life or anything..."
"Oh, really? How do you know?" I desperately try to keep the hopeful tone out my voice.
"You don't really need me to say the words do you? You know that the only person I'll ever really love is you."
Wow. I don't know what to say. I can hardly breath, let alone form a coherent sentence. He still loves me. Despite everything…he still loves me.
"Re..really? I…I love you too Alex..."
He looks at me stunned. I know he's thinking "what? did I just hear right?" so I say it again.
"I love you Alex! I know I don't deserve another chance but, but I..."
I'm silenced by a soft kiss that threatens to break any defenses I still have down. He pulls apart and looks me in the eye.
"I love you Isabel, but..we can't be the same as we were. You can't keep pushing me away. We'll take things as slow as you want but..I won't be your consolation prize. If you don't really want a relationship and you just want friendship then tell me now. I'll still..I'll still be here for you whatever…whoever."
I don't know what I've done to get a guy this great to love me but I will be eternally grateful. I have to make him see what an idiot I was and how wrong everything felt.
"Alex, you will never, EVER, be a consolation prize. When I say I love you..I mean I love you. Please believe me when I say that my life isn't going to be complete without you in it. And I will never need anyone the way I need you…I loved having you as a friend. But I want more now. I'm ready for more. I'm..I'm ready for us..if you'll have me back.."
"Isabel…You don't even need to ask…"
He kisses me again and I feel like I'm floating. This feels so right and so..Destined.
I stay with Alex for a few hours before driving back home. Max isn't home so I assume things went well with him and Liz. I walk to my bed and flop down on it. Things can't get much better than this I don't think. It's when I turn my head slightly that I notice it leaning against my clock. It looks like a…card? I open it and the tears start.
"But to see her, was to love her,
Love but her, and love forever."
He was giving me one anyway! The same verse was on it but with one difference. This time he wrote something else:
"Remember that Isabel...Love forever!"
Not only that, but also, more importantly,...he wrote his name.
Finished