Stay Seventeen
Chapter 5: You Left
---------Alex's POV---------------------------
When I walked into school today, I never thought I'd make a new friend. I know that sounds like I'm a first grader, who doesn't like to share. Well, I guess that means I'm acting like Jack.
Anyways like I said I didn't think the day would be eventful at all, I mean its usually boring. Though today, I ran into somebody. Not just anybody though, I always run into nobody's. She looked up at me from the ground with her sparkly brown eyes and her wavy blonde hair. No, not bleach blonde, natural blonde. She looked so cute. She seemed like one of the preps but if I looked closer, I would've seen that she's an outsider in disguise.
After our little run-in we stopped by the nurse to make sure she was fine. She fell pretty hard, and it was sorta my fault. She was fine though, so after I got a lecture on how I should be a gentleman and make sure to help her and that I should look where I'm going and stuff. Man, that was annoying. Especially since Lacey (The girl I was talking about) sat behind her and made silly faces trying to make me laugh. She succeeded a few times. I started laughing and Nurse Anne started to lecture me on how this is a serious matter.
After the numerous lectures we went to lunch. On the way she started to tense up. I told her they would love her. She said I was sweet. I started to talk like a five year old. I asked her If I was sweet like candy. She looked me straight in the eyes and said
"I wouldn't know, I haven't tasted it yet." I started smiling and I got a little shy. I tended up and started my sentence. Not without stuttering a few times though.
"W-would you like to?" I asked getting more into it towards the end.
We stared into each others eyes for a good three seconds before we couldn't hold it and started to laugh hysterically. I could see myself really liking this girl.
After lunch I didn't see her until school let out. Even then she said hi and scurried past me, grabbing Kara and Katie and dragging them with her.
They hopped in her convertible and drove off. Well, we'd see them later and band practice. Though she said we'd talk later so. Now is later... Right.
"Dude what did you do?" I turned towards Jack. He must of had something to do with her speeding off and barely talking to me.
"Nothing?" He said, though it was more of a question. He told her something. Something about me.
"Did you guys tell her that I liked her?!!??" I guessed, Jack has done that before.
"Pfft. No?" Jack answered my question with a question. Great, he told her! I'm screwed.
Then later at band practice I pretty much straddled her and asked her out. Creative, right?
Well I asked her to come to my house after practice and she replied with a shy 'sure'.
Why was I so enchanted by this girl, I have no idea.
---------------LACEY'S POV---------------------
I was becoming more socially aware of my situation. I had a 'date?' With a hot guy. Was it a date? Or was it a pity friendship thing. Probably the latter.
I sat down on the small couch in the basement and listened to the boys set up. I was in my own little daydream. I heard Katie and Kara talking about the dance that was coming up for homecoming. They were talking about dresses and stuff. Alex stood at the microphone and introduced the boy standing near him, his name was Zack.
Zack played the Bass Guitar. He was cute, he had long hair. He was attractive. But Alex was definitely more my type. I was actually really excited to hang out with Alex.
Alex started to tap his mic, and then started to talk about the song that they were going to play.
"So this is called Lullabies. It's very important to me." He said shyly into the microphone.
"Alex, you don't have to do this." Jack whispered to Alex.
"Are you sure, Alex?" Rian repeated.
"Come on bro, remember what happened last time..." Zack murmured.
"Yes I remember, but I want her to hear it." Alex snapped. The boys looked at him. They seemed to understand.
Jack began the opening riff, Alex began the intro. Zack joined in.
"Make it a sweet, sweet goodbye.
It could be for the last time, and its not right."
I saw Alex start to get emotional. I looked into his eyes and smiled reassuringly. He smiled and went on
"Don't let yourself get in over your head, he said."
Alex seemed to have a moment where he lost himself. He started to tear up. Though went on with the song. I was racking my head, trying to decode the lyrics. By the time I gave up trying, the son had ended.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry."
Alex broke down, started to cry. He ran up the basement stairs to his room.
"I'll go see how he is." Jack muttered. I quickly cut him off.
"No, I-I'll go." I said.
"Lacey, are you sure. This happens whenever Alex thinks about his brother." Rian cut in.
"Positive, I want to." I said more confidently than before.
"Okay, be careful though." Kara mentioned. Be careful? What does she mean?
Never the less. I went up the stairs to the room I heard guitar riffs Coming from. I cracked open the door to see Alex crying. His tears landing on the guitar.
"Oh, Alex honey." I soothed as I ran to him. Saying the word 'Honey' was an impulse. I said it to one of the girls in my gym class once when she shattered her knee. Sorry just zoned off.
"Go away please." He pleaded.
"No, don't worry sweetheart. I'm not leaving you like this." I mumbled into his hair. I don't know why, but lovey-dovey names always come out of my mouth in these situations.
Alex looked up at me, pain clearly in his eyes.
"Lacey, you don't get it. It's my fault. He's gone. Never coming back. And it's my fault." He muttered under his breath. His breathing was uneven and he had sticky tears on his face. I lifted his chin.
"Did you know that my older sister died when I was 13. She killed herself. I blamed myself for years. I understand what it's like to lose someone." I said as I stared straight into his eyes. He showed sympathy. He showed pain. He showed understanding.
"How did you cope?" He asked. I started to shed a tear. He quickly wiped it away with his thumb. I laughed a little when he looked at his wet thumb with interest.
"It wasn't easy. I got kicked out of private school 'cause I missed so many days. I was a mess. I cried for days, until I was out of tears. It was awful. I went to therapy. Got help, my therapist became more of a friend. We are great friends now. She's 25 now, she understands, she went through this. She's been my therapist for 4 years. I know people think therapy is for crazy people, but it helps. My parents thought that if I don't talk things through I'd end up like Kim. So that's why they get so protective." Wow why did I just tell him my whole fucking life story!
Alex just stared at me with blank eyes. He got up paced the floor of his room. Then he stared at me again. I got up to leave. But before I could get to the door. Alex hugged me. I wrapped my arms around him and broke down. Remembering everything. How I found Kim. Lying on the bathroom floor. Pale. Dead.
"Thank you. Thank you so much. Your the best Lacey." He said into my hair. I felt safe here. So I did the stupidest thing. I kissed him.
I lifted my head towards him, put my hands on the back of his neck. Pulled his lips to mine. Our lips moved together, in sync. They molded to each other. He kissed back. This kiss wasn't needy or seductive. It was caring, sweet, comforting. Until He lifted his lips from mine. I put on a pouty face.
"I can't do this, not now. I really like you Lacey, but you're very vulnerable right now. I can't make a move on you romantically, when what you really need is a friend." He explained, his displeasure in saying so very clear on his face.
"No, no! I really like you Alex. I don't need anything, I just need you. You need me? Right? Then have me. If you don't want me? I'll leave!" I started shouting. I spun on my heel, ready to get out of this house. I was stopped suddenly.
When I walked into school today, I never thought I'd make a new friend. I know that sounds like I'm a first grader, who doesn't like to share. Well, I guess that means I'm acting like Jack.
Anyways like I said I didn't think the day would be eventful at all, I mean its usually boring. Though today, I ran into somebody. Not just anybody though, I always run into nobody's. She looked up at me from the ground with her sparkly brown eyes and her wavy blonde hair. No, not bleach blonde, natural blonde. She looked so cute. She seemed like one of the preps but if I looked closer, I would've seen that she's an outsider in disguise.
After our little run-in we stopped by the nurse to make sure she was fine. She fell pretty hard, and it was sorta my fault. She was fine though, so after I got a lecture on how I should be a gentleman and make sure to help her and that I should look where I'm going and stuff. Man, that was annoying. Especially since Lacey (The girl I was talking about) sat behind her and made silly faces trying to make me laugh. She succeeded a few times. I started laughing and Nurse Anne started to lecture me on how this is a serious matter.
After the numerous lectures we went to lunch. On the way she started to tense up. I told her they would love her. She said I was sweet. I started to talk like a five year old. I asked her If I was sweet like candy. She looked me straight in the eyes and said
"I wouldn't know, I haven't tasted it yet." I started smiling and I got a little shy. I tended up and started my sentence. Not without stuttering a few times though.
"W-would you like to?" I asked getting more into it towards the end.
We stared into each others eyes for a good three seconds before we couldn't hold it and started to laugh hysterically. I could see myself really liking this girl.
After lunch I didn't see her until school let out. Even then she said hi and scurried past me, grabbing Kara and Katie and dragging them with her.
They hopped in her convertible and drove off. Well, we'd see them later and band practice. Though she said we'd talk later so. Now is later... Right.
"Dude what did you do?" I turned towards Jack. He must of had something to do with her speeding off and barely talking to me.
"Nothing?" He said, though it was more of a question. He told her something. Something about me.
"Did you guys tell her that I liked her?!!??" I guessed, Jack has done that before.
"Pfft. No?" Jack answered my question with a question. Great, he told her! I'm screwed.
Then later at band practice I pretty much straddled her and asked her out. Creative, right?
Well I asked her to come to my house after practice and she replied with a shy 'sure'.
Why was I so enchanted by this girl, I have no idea.
---------------LACEY'S POV---------------------
I was becoming more socially aware of my situation. I had a 'date?' With a hot guy. Was it a date? Or was it a pity friendship thing. Probably the latter.
I sat down on the small couch in the basement and listened to the boys set up. I was in my own little daydream. I heard Katie and Kara talking about the dance that was coming up for homecoming. They were talking about dresses and stuff. Alex stood at the microphone and introduced the boy standing near him, his name was Zack.
Zack played the Bass Guitar. He was cute, he had long hair. He was attractive. But Alex was definitely more my type. I was actually really excited to hang out with Alex.
Alex started to tap his mic, and then started to talk about the song that they were going to play.
"So this is called Lullabies. It's very important to me." He said shyly into the microphone.
"Alex, you don't have to do this." Jack whispered to Alex.
"Are you sure, Alex?" Rian repeated.
"Come on bro, remember what happened last time..." Zack murmured.
"Yes I remember, but I want her to hear it." Alex snapped. The boys looked at him. They seemed to understand.
Jack began the opening riff, Alex began the intro. Zack joined in.
"Make it a sweet, sweet goodbye.
It could be for the last time, and its not right."
I saw Alex start to get emotional. I looked into his eyes and smiled reassuringly. He smiled and went on
"Don't let yourself get in over your head, he said."
Alex seemed to have a moment where he lost himself. He started to tear up. Though went on with the song. I was racking my head, trying to decode the lyrics. By the time I gave up trying, the son had ended.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry."
Alex broke down, started to cry. He ran up the basement stairs to his room.
"I'll go see how he is." Jack muttered. I quickly cut him off.
"No, I-I'll go." I said.
"Lacey, are you sure. This happens whenever Alex thinks about his brother." Rian cut in.
"Positive, I want to." I said more confidently than before.
"Okay, be careful though." Kara mentioned. Be careful? What does she mean?
Never the less. I went up the stairs to the room I heard guitar riffs Coming from. I cracked open the door to see Alex crying. His tears landing on the guitar.
"Oh, Alex honey." I soothed as I ran to him. Saying the word 'Honey' was an impulse. I said it to one of the girls in my gym class once when she shattered her knee. Sorry just zoned off.
"Go away please." He pleaded.
"No, don't worry sweetheart. I'm not leaving you like this." I mumbled into his hair. I don't know why, but lovey-dovey names always come out of my mouth in these situations.
Alex looked up at me, pain clearly in his eyes.
"Lacey, you don't get it. It's my fault. He's gone. Never coming back. And it's my fault." He muttered under his breath. His breathing was uneven and he had sticky tears on his face. I lifted his chin.
"Did you know that my older sister died when I was 13. She killed herself. I blamed myself for years. I understand what it's like to lose someone." I said as I stared straight into his eyes. He showed sympathy. He showed pain. He showed understanding.
"How did you cope?" He asked. I started to shed a tear. He quickly wiped it away with his thumb. I laughed a little when he looked at his wet thumb with interest.
"It wasn't easy. I got kicked out of private school 'cause I missed so many days. I was a mess. I cried for days, until I was out of tears. It was awful. I went to therapy. Got help, my therapist became more of a friend. We are great friends now. She's 25 now, she understands, she went through this. She's been my therapist for 4 years. I know people think therapy is for crazy people, but it helps. My parents thought that if I don't talk things through I'd end up like Kim. So that's why they get so protective." Wow why did I just tell him my whole fucking life story!
Alex just stared at me with blank eyes. He got up paced the floor of his room. Then he stared at me again. I got up to leave. But before I could get to the door. Alex hugged me. I wrapped my arms around him and broke down. Remembering everything. How I found Kim. Lying on the bathroom floor. Pale. Dead.
"Thank you. Thank you so much. Your the best Lacey." He said into my hair. I felt safe here. So I did the stupidest thing. I kissed him.
I lifted my head towards him, put my hands on the back of his neck. Pulled his lips to mine. Our lips moved together, in sync. They molded to each other. He kissed back. This kiss wasn't needy or seductive. It was caring, sweet, comforting. Until He lifted his lips from mine. I put on a pouty face.
"I can't do this, not now. I really like you Lacey, but you're very vulnerable right now. I can't make a move on you romantically, when what you really need is a friend." He explained, his displeasure in saying so very clear on his face.
"No, no! I really like you Alex. I don't need anything, I just need you. You need me? Right? Then have me. If you don't want me? I'll leave!" I started shouting. I spun on my heel, ready to get out of this house. I was stopped suddenly.
Notes
Was she over reacting too much? I don't know, I just felt desperate for something to happen....What do you think of the characters? How do you like the plot line so far.... Even though in the chapters to come it will be a lot more dramatic. <3
xoxo, Baby Blue Eyes.
This story is really cute. I just stumbled across it and decided to check it out, and I really love what you have of it so far.
It's a bit fast for only knowing each other a day (perhaps you could have even just mentioned a bit of time gap with just telling how they were friends for a bit before getting into it), but other than that factor being a bit far-fetched, Lacey and Alex are really cute together and I really love this story. :)
Bummed to see it hasn't been continued, though. If you ever find the inspiration to do so, I will be here to read. Would like to see how things go for these two. I think you're a really great writer. :)
Hoping this comment inspires you.
4/8/17