Chapter six
Novah
I sit up and wipe my eyes. I look around the dark room. It's not Matt's room. Or my dorm room. Or any room I've seen before. I pull the unfamiliar blanket off of my body and walk out of this room into the hallway towards a dim light. I walk into what seems to be a small living room and see Alessia's face, the tv light illuminating her face.
She turns to me and smiles a little. Its the first time I've seen her smile. I think she's that type of person. Tough exterior. Not one for too much emotion.
"Come watch TV with me," she says and pulls back her blanket. I walk towards the couch and plop down next to her.
She pulls the blanket over the two of us. I stare at the tv screen and realize she's watching The Notebook. Wow, I didn't think she was into romance movies.
"Sooooo......you slept okay, I guess?" she asks lamely. I laugh at her effort to be caring.
"Yes. When did I go to sleep?"
"At about six o'clock. It's four in the morning right now. In case you were wondering,"
Alessia's straight, black hair is tied up in a messy bun and her pale face doesn't have any of her usual dark makeup. Her skin is flawless like porcelain. It's beautiful.
"How are you still awake?" I ask, pulling the blanket farther over my body.
"I don't really like sleeping. I feel like I'm missing out on the world by lying in bed,"
"Oh," I reply. "I didn't know you were the type to watch romance movies,"
She chuckles a little. "Yeah, the notebook is my favorite movie,"
"I love romance movies and books. It just goes to show you what love isn't like," I reply.
She laughs. "Exactly. Man, I like you. I'm gonna be honest, at first, you were a bitch but I think we could get along,"
I laugh and remember our little spat that time in the frat basement. When we were having a good go at each other.
"Yes, we could. Thank you, Alessia. For doing this,"
I lean over and hug her and she stiffens. She pats my back a little and pulls away.
"I'm not a hugger but no problem. I don't usually bring people to my apartment just cause' I'm paranoid but I kinda.....get good vibes from you,"
I detect her attempt at a compliment and smile. "I get good vibes from you, too,"
She turns her head and looks back at the TV.
"So, house rules," she starts, "I barely cook. Just cause I don't know-how. There's always Pizza somewhere in the house. Flush the toilet, please or I'll kill you. Don't snoop in my room, just in case you're one of those people. Which, I don't think you are. That's it. Stay as long as you need. I know you live with Skylar and she can be......well, a handful,"
"Yeah, she just cares a lot. She's very protective,"
"Everyone seems to want to protect you, huh?" Alessia says while keeping her eyes glued to the TV.
I laugh. "What do you mean?"
"More than one guy has fought over you. People seem to have the urge to protect you,"
"I mean.....I guess. I don't like it, though,"
"Yeah you do," she says.
"No, I don't,"
"You feel important when people fight over you?"
I think about it for a second. I'm not gonna lie, I kind of do. Although, I don't like the idea that I'm causing altercations. I hate being the center of attention.
"Its okay, dude. I like feeling important too. Although, it doesn't happen often. I'm never someone's first priority,"
We both stay silent for a while, just staring at the TV.
I feel really comfortable and safe right now. Watching the notebook with Alessia, no one asking me questions. No one being suffocating. Or jealous. Or paranoid. Its just chill vibes.
In the back of my mind, I hear Matt's soft, gentle voice.
"I love you baby......"
My fingers move up to the necklace hanging around my neck, tracing the diamond-encrusted rose.
My Matt is gone......
The realization hits me like a fucking brick.
I break out sobbing, burying my head in my hands.
"I love him, though......" I keep repeating as I'm sobbing. Alessia wraps her arms around me, moving her hands up and down my back soothingly.
"Its gonna be okay, honey," she says in a hushed tone as I'm weeping uncontrollably.
"I love him....." I cry out.
Alessia hugs my body and I hold onto her tightly, sobbing against her shoulder.
I'll be damned if I ever stop loving this injured, broken boy.
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