Tear Drops In My Stocking [CONTEST ENTRY]
2/3
"A-Alex, I..."
Said boy used his knee to scoot his foot closer. So close, in fact, that the ring was almost touching her painted fingernails. But Leigh Ramey just wasn't having that.
It came as a shock when she wiggled away from him, on her feet in an instant with her arms protectively in front of her body. Her two front teeth were digging gently into her bottom lip as the tears started to spill over, on to her cheeks.
Admittedly, Alex didn't think this was a normal reaction, but nothing ever could have prepared him for the words that slipped out of her mouth.
"I can't marry you, Alex. I'm so sorry."
She expected Alex to freak out, to throw the ring across the room and storm away from her, but he didn't. He simply stood up, wrapped his fingers around the black box and stuffed the ring back in without giving her a single glance. He backed his way onto the couch, gently set the ring on the table and balled up his fists to put them under his chin.
"All this time we've been together, we agreed that it was long-term, that we were both in it for the long run."
"Yeah, a long time, Alex. But not forever."
"So, this," Alex motioned to Leigh and the rest of the house, fighting his own tears as he watched hers fall, "what was all of this about? Moving in with me, feeding me bullshit?"
"It's not like that and you know it," Leigh countered, tears stinging her eyes again. "I just don't think we're ready for this."
Alex let out a loud, unsteady breath. He knew there was a chance of his proposal going any way, though he never thought it would, however having Leigh completely reject him had never crossed his mind. She was madly in love with him, she'd told him that on several occasions. But when you love someone, you're supposed to want to spend the rest of your life with them.. Aren't you?
"You don't love me," Alex whispered, a stray tear falling down his cheek. "You don't love me enough to marry me, is that it?"
Leigh felt her hands move to her heart, though she couldn't comprehend the question. Of course she loved Alex. She honestly wanted to spend the rest of her days with him.. But to marry him? To vow the rest of her life to him, to never stray, to never doubt it? That almost seemed impossible. It was entirely too much to ask from one person.
Maybe she didn't love him after all.
Her heart shattered as she watched his tears fall at a more steady pace. His body was shaking and his hands were now buried in his hands. Silent, but broken. That's the only way she could describe him.
"I'll go," Leigh whispered, inching slowly to her shoes, but Alex suddenly standing up stopped her.
"Don't bother. I need a drink, anyway."
