Into the Lion's Den (AI, CC / Teen) (Complete)

[StargazerUK]

Chapter 21


“I’m absolutely stuffed!” Alex moaned, dropping back on the couch into a crumpled heap.

“Are you sure?” Maria questioned. “You’ve only eaten nearly two whole pizzas on your own…we can’t get you anything else? A burger maybe or some fries?”

Alex smiled broadly. “Do I detect a hint of sarcasm in your voice Maria? It’s very unbecoming.”

“Do you think?” Maria mocked her tall friend. “I just thought it might be safer if I kept my fingers away from your mouth at the moment rather than risk losing a couple.”

“Maria!” Liz exclaimed.

“What?” Maria asked innocently. “You told me to treat Alex normally, no special treatment.”

“I know.” Liz nodded. “But I didn’t want you bullying him either.”

Maria turned to Alex with a hurt expression on her face. “Sorry Sweetie, I wasn’t trying to be mean.”

“That’s OK Maria.” Alex smiled. “I know what you were doing...” Alex turned to the others. “…What all of you are doing and I thank you for it but I really am fine. I know you have been avoiding talking about what happened to me but we all know we have to discuss it at some point so now is as good a time as any.”

“Are you sure?” Isabel’s voice was full of concern.

“Yeah Alex,” Max cut in. “It’s not like we’re in any rush.”

“But we are going to talk about it.” Alex pulled himself into a more upright position on the couch. “So I think I would prefer to talk about it now rather than leave it hanging over me.”

While everyone settled into their seats Isabel leaned into Alex from where she had been sitting beside him. She reached over and pulled his hand into hers, holding it firmly in her lap as she caressed the top of it gently with her free hand. Alex had already become aware of the fact that Isabel hadn’t left his side since he came downstairs. Even when he had made a move into the kitchen a short while ago to get a drink she had followed him under the pretext of getting some more napkins.

Under normal circumstances having Isabel Evans trail his every move would have been a dream come true but he didn’t want her following him simply if she thought he was going to flip out, or worse, out of some sense of obligation. After giving it some brief thought he had decided to treat it as it was probably meant…as friendly concern for him after going through an ordeal.

He was conscious of the fact that he and Isabel had a strange relationship to say the least, if you could call it a relationship at all. A week ago she wouldn’t have given him the time of day. A few days ago she had happily accused him of theft and perverted actions. Yesterday she used her alien powers to put him at his ease and help rescue him from his captors. Finally, today, she would do the sweetest thing anyone had ever done for him…taking away the very nightmares that haunted his sleep as well watching over him while he slept.

During the dream walk at the holding cell Isabel had spoken of going out on a date once the predicament that they found themselves in had been resolved. At the time Alex remembered thinking that whether it was true or simply a white lie to help calm him down in a tense situation he was thankful for her kind words. Now that they were back in the real world and things were returning to normal he wouldn’t hold it over Isabel. If she wanted to date he was all for it but if she didn’t…he’d survive, if a little heart broken by the experience.

“Firstly I just want to address something that I can see written all over Isabel, Max and Michael’s faces. You don’t owe me anything.” Alex stated firmly. “I’d like to think we are becoming friends and friends help each other out. Admittedly this was slightly above and beyond the call of duty but I strongly believed my actions were right at the time and looking back I am even more certain now.”

“It doesn’t change the fact that you sacrificed yourself for us.” Max cut in. “That you gave yourself up to be experimented on rather than one or all of us.”

“No it doesn’t.” Alex nodded in agreement with Max’s heartfelt words. “Nor does it change the fact that you risked everything that was dear to you when you saved Liz at the Crashdown.” Alex turned to Michael. “It also doesn’t change the fact that I know what those airmen used to threaten you Michael…I know what you were trying to protect when you called me and Max over to the trailer park.”

Alex looked around the room at his friends. “I’m no hero. I said at the time if I could have left Max or Michael in my place to act as a diversion I would have…but I couldn’t. It made sense for me to do what I did, it was the lesser of two evils.” Alex turned to the aliens in particular. “If you guys want to feel indebted to me for what I did at the trailer, then fine! I can’t stop that. Just keep in mind that while you are thanking me I will be thanking you. For saving Liz, protecting Maria and rescuing me.”

The room fell silent for a moment as everyone allowed Alex’s words to sink in. As with his reasoning back at the trailer park everyone was finding it difficult to argue with Alex’s thinking now. It hadn’t stopped Max, Michael or Isabel feeling that they owed their new friend but it hadn’t stopped Alex, Liz or Maria feeling beholding to the alien trio so they would all simply have to learn to deal with the situation. The one thing it was doing was bringing them all closer together.

“I must confess my main concern when I was taken in was that it was a full size operation by the air force. That they were not only going to be looking for you guys but that they would also be taking in anyone who had been seen associating with you…even our families.” Alex then shrugged. “Thankfully it quickly became clear that, at most, this was a unit acting on its own. Soon after I then discovered that this colonel Matthews was behind it all and things might not have been as devastating as I first thought.”

“What did he say to you?” Max asked softly, not wishing to pressurise his friend.

“Not a great deal.” Alex looked indifferent. “He just kept referring to the episode in the Crashdown and his desire to get to the bottom of what happened.”

Max felt he already knew the answer to his next question as he had begun to understand the type of guy Alex was but he had to be sure, it was too important not to. “I’m sorry to ask but you didn’t tell them anything did you?”

“Hey!!” Maria cried.

“It’s alright Maria.” Alex moved quickly to reassure his best friend. “I appreciate you standing up for me but Max is right, they need to know.”

Alex turned back to Max. “No Max, I didn’t tell them anything. I can’t say that if things had turned nasty that I would have been able to say that but they weren’t looking to torture me or get me to confess to anything. It seemed they were happy just to run medical tests on me. To check if I was human.”

“But the cuts and bruises?” Maria’s voice was little more than a whisper.

“You know when you give blood and sometimes you have a bruise from where they stick you with the needle?” Alex smiled as his friends nodded. “Well times that by one hundred and you start to get the picture. They weren’t treating me badly they just weren’t treating me very well. Answers were what they were after and time was of the essence so all formality and kid gloves went out the window so I was treated quite roughly. That’s why I ended up so battered and bruised.”

Alex felt Isabel’s grip tighten on his hand. “By the time Isabel came to dream walk me we had been at it for several hours and I was totally worn out. I had no idea how long they would keep me or what else they had in store for me so I was just a wreck.”

“But you made it through.” Isabel stated, trying to lift the mood. “We got you home safe and sound.”

“You did.” A smile spread across Alex’s face. “And I’m very happy to be here.”

“I’m sorry to bring it up but I think I need to get home and show my face else my parents will be sending out a search party.” Liz said mournfully.

“Me too.” Maria agreed. “When are your parents back?” She asked turning to Isabel and Max.

“I know the answer to that.” Max interjected, looking at Isabel before his sister could attempt a reply. “I took the liberty of calling them earlier while you were resting with Alex. They said that as long as we didn’t have a problem they would be home tomorrow, in time for Sunday lunch.”

Max turned to Alex. “And sorry Alex, I haven’t had a chance to tell you but our parents spoke to your parents and things are looking up for your grandparents. Apparently things will be back to normal by midweek so your parents will be back before next weekend.”

Alex was pleased things were getting back to normal but he had to force a smile onto his face upon hearing that he would soon have to leave Isabel and return home. He had gotten used to living with the tall blond very quickly and he was sure it was going to take time to revert back to how things were.

Isabel on the other hand made no attempt to hide her disappointment at the news. Her head dropped and both Liz and Maria caught the sad look adorning her face. Isabel had spent many years holding people at arms length but it seemed she had very quickly become accustom to having Alex around. More than that she was enjoying being able to be herself around someone as well as being able to show them affection.

As everyone busied themselves for the departure of Liz and Maria Alex carried some empty pizza boxes out the back to place in the garbage. When he stepped out into the yard something off to the side caught his eye and he looked up to find Michael holding a clear plastic bag. “Is that the uniform you mentioned?” Alex asked inquisitively.

Michael looked over at Alex and simply nodded. He dropped the bag to the concrete floor before looking around to make sure no one could see. When he was satisfied no one could over look them in the back yard Michael dropped onto his haunches beside the bag and held out a hand. After a moment the bag simply burst into flames causing Michael to leap up into a standing position and take a step back. Both young men watched in silence as the final piece of proof that could point to what happened that day in the Crashdown went up in flames.

Having witnessed Michael’s use of power to get rid of the uniform Alex turned his attention back to his failing attempt to fit the pizza boxes into the trash. He silently wished he had some sort of power, not least so he could dispose of these damned boxes. When he turned back to head inside he found Michael blocking his path. The big young man appeared agitated and from the look on his face he had something preoccupying his mind. “Hey Michael are you OK?” Alex questioned. “I noticed you have been pretty quiet.”

“I’m not very good at this.” He growled.

Alex frowned. “Not very good at what?”

Michael continued to fidget nervously but was still refusing to make eye contact with Alex. “First Isabel and now Maria have been telling me I need to lighten up, to not take everything so seriously.”

“Good advice.” Alex nodded.

“I’m not used to owing people anything.” Michael blurted out. “Max and Isabel are the only family I have ever known and I am used to looking after myself.”

“Look Michael you don’t have to…”

“I just want you to know I’ve got your back.” Michael cut in on Alex’s reply. “And it’s not just because I think I owe you…” Michael trailed off for a minute. “I’m not used to trusting people but after what you did for me…for us I know I can trust you.”

Alex didn’t know Michael too well but he knew enough to understand how difficult it was for the young man to do and say what he had just done. Now as he stood silently with him he was surprised when Michael extended a hand in Alex’s direction.

Without hesitation Alex took a firm grip on Michael’s offered hand and they shook on their silent understanding. Just as Alex would be there for the three aliens Michael would be there for the three humans. The boys had reached an unspoken agreement.

The boys released their handshake and Michael turned to step back inside. He paused for a moment before looking back at Alex. “I’ll back you up but if you upset Maria for whatever reason you’re on your own.”

“Agreed.” Alex replied. “But the same goes for you. She may be little but I’m more scared of her than I am off you, Max and the air force combine.”

Alex was surprised when a broad grin spread across Michael’s face, he had never seen anything so wicked in his entire life. “Why are you smiling? You never smile.”

“Oh nothing.” Michael started to turn back to head inside. “It’s just you have never seen Isabel go postal. Make sure you spend a lot of time with her around Christmas. Then you’ll know what real fear is.”


To be continued…

[StargazerUK]

Chapter 22


“Where is everyone?” Alex asked after returning to the now almost empty room.

“Max decided that he wanted to walk Liz home.” Slowly a broad smile crept across Isabel’s flawless features. “And believe it or not I think Michael is seeing Maria home.”

“Really?” Alex couldn’t help but be surprised. “I’m slightly stunned as neither of them seems the type but now that I think about it I think they would make a great couple.”

“Couple?” Isabel repeated. “It’s not something I thought I would ever hear being used in the same sentence as Michael’s name but as you say, now that I think about it, they just seem to fit.”

While they had been talking it hadn’t gone unnoticed by either teen that Alex was still standing in the middle of the room. Isabel had retaken her seat on the couch after finishing in the kitchen and now that Alex had returned from his errand upstairs he found himself with a dilemma. He was still unsure about what, if any, sort of relationship he had with Isabel. That left him undecided about where he was supposed to sit.

With a sudden flash of bravado Alex decided on a compromise so he sat down on the couch, but not so close as to crowd Isabel.

Gradually the young couple found themselves in an awkward situation as an uncomfortable silence started to build. Things had been moving so fast it seemed like neither had been given a chance to catch their breath but now, with their friends and family elsewhere, they had to deal with being alone together. Also they were both aware that not only had things moved quickly but that circumstances had driven most of what had occurred between them.

Alex moving in was because his parents needed to go away. Isabel showing Alex that she was an alien was because they decided to tell Alex their secret before he took matters into his own hands and told people of his suspicions, maybe even going to the sheriff. Isabel dream walking Alex was out of the need to find where he was and how he was doing. Finally, and most embarrassingly, was the fact that Isabel had stepped in to stop Alex from having a nightmare. That meant that they had actually been found on Isabel’s bed together, fast asleep.

Suddenly, both teens spoke at once. “I was just…” Both stopped and let out an embarrassed laugh. “You go first.” Alex offered.

Isabel nodded before continuing. “I was just going to say that we shouldn’t feel awkward. From the look on your face I think you might be thinking about the same things I am thinking about. How we have moved so fast and how these situations have been forced upon us.”

“Well that’s just freaky.” Alex said in amazement. “That was exactly what I was thinking.”

“I thought so.” Isabel smiled. “Well now that things have quietened down and we have some time to ourselves maybe we can spend a little time getting to know one another a little better. Even talk about things that have been on our minds.”

“OK.” Alex nodded in agreement. “Do you want to go first?” With the unexpected look of panic that suddenly appeared on Isabel’s face Alex continued. “Or I could go first if you like.” Isabel nodded swiftly. It seemed she wanted to open up to Alex but hadn’t thought through how, exactly, she was going to do it.”

Alex fell silent for a moment as he tried to decide where to begin.

“Do you have any hobbies?” Isabel suddenly asked, trying to help Alex out of his predicament.

Alex nodded enthusiastically. “I play in a band, which I think you know. I like computers…I even have my own website where I write down my thoughts and comments on life in general. Not that I would put anything about you guys on it.” He hastily added. “As a bit of fun I even compile top ten lists.”

“Lists?” Isabel was intrigued. “What sort of lists?”

Alex lowered his head, suddenly feeling a little self-conscious. This was Isabel Evans he was talking to, the queen of high school, and while he was meant to be impressing her and letting her know what a great catch he was all he had managed to do was confirm what she probably already knew…he was a geek, good and proper.

Alex stood up quickly. “I think I should go.”

“Go?...Go where?” Isabel aped his actions and stood up. “You live here at the moment, have you forgotten?” Isabel took a step closer to Alex. She could tell something had just occurred but for the life of her she didn’t know what. “Alex what’s wrong? Tell me.”

“It’s nothing.” Alex shook his head. “I think I have been deluding myself and I think I have just come to my senses.”

Alex went to move towards the door but Isabel stepped in his way. “Now wait just one minute!” Isabel didn’t know what was going on but she wasn’t going to let Alex getaway until she found out what she had done wrong. “If I have done something wrong the least you can do is tell me what it is before you go storming out.”

Alex looked back at Isabel in amazement. “You think you have done something wrong?”

“Of course I do.” Isabel frowned. “Why else would you suddenly jump up and leave like this? Have you left a stove on somewhere?”

“I’m sorry.” Alex dropped his gaze. “I didn’t mean for you to think you have done anything wrong, you haven’t. In fact you are perfect, which is probably what the problem is.”

“Alex, stop talking in riddles!” Isabel demanded, her voice rising in anger. “If you think I am letting you out of here until I get a satisfactory explanation you are sadly mistaken. Now sit down and start talking.”

Alex was taken aback by Isabel’s sudden outburst. He didn’t argue with women under normal circumstances having been taught to treat them with the utmost respect but the fact that Isabel was nearly as tall as he was and the owner of some remarkable alien powers meant he was less likely to argue with her than anyone else on the planet.

As he moved back to the couch to sit down Alex could see Isabel’s chest rise and fall as she caught her breath back. Looking at Isabel’s chest was something he tried not to do, or even think about, but he could tell that his actions had riled her up into a state and he had better think of a way to settle her back down or he could be in big trouble.

Isabel followed Alex back to the couch and sat down, this time within easy reaching distance of her male friend. “Now will you kindly tell me what the hell just happened? One minute we are just settling down to get to know one another a little better when you up and try to leave. Aside from the fact that I have no idea what just happened it was also just plain rude. Not a phrase I thought I would ever have to use when referring to you.”

“I know.” Alex nodded slowly. “And I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking straight and I started to panic.”

“Well I guessed something upset you and if it wasn’t me what was it?” Isabel questioned, concern etched on her face.

Alex sat silently for a moment and let out a heavy sigh before beginning. “When I started to list my hobbies I suddenly realised what a geek I am. Up until now it has never been a problem but when it came for me to tell you what sort of guy I am I suddenly found myself feeling very inadequate and lacking appeal.”

“Oh I get it.” Isabel started nodding vigorously. “You think I am shallow and only interested in looks and status.”

“NO!...NO!” Alex cried. “That’s not it at all...”

“Sure it is.” Isabel cut in. “It has to be. You didn’t even give me a chance to express an opinion about you. You’ve obviously made up your mind about me and there’s nothing I can do to change it.” Isabel stood up.

“No wait!” Alex exclaimed. “That wasn’t what I thought.”

Isabel slowly sat back down. “Then why don’t you tell me what it is then.”

Alex sat and thought for a moment. “God, this is so embarrassing.” He mumbled under his breath.

“If you can’t do this…” Isabel moved as though to stand up again.

“It’s because you are everything I ever dreamed of.” Alex suddenly blurted out, forced into his admission by Isabel’s actions.

“What?” It was Isabel’s turn to suddenly be almost lost for words.

“I don’t know if you will believe me or not but I think you are perfect.” Alex began. “And I don’t mean because of the way you look.” He added hurriedly. “Although it doesn’t hurt.” He finished, dropping his gaze.

“You think I am perfect.” Isabel echoed his words in amazement. “Why would you think that? I’m a bitch most of the time and when I am not being a bitch I am being a sycophant to those morons at school.”

Alex shook his head. “Pretending to be a bitch, choosing to ingratiate yourself with those elitists at school to hide in plain sight…there’s a world of difference. People who do volunteer work with no reward aren’t bitches and sycophants, they’re generous and thoughtful.”

As he lifted his head Alex could see Isabel staring at him, hanging on his every word.

“Being pretty isn’t a crime.” Alex said vehemently. “Doing what you have to do to keep your family safe isn’t a crime. You guys have the powers to make it easy to rob a bank or to steal stuff but you don’t, do you?”

Isabel smiled softly and shook her head.

“Look at Michael.” Alex offered. “From what I have seen he doesn’t have it too good living in that trailer park and yet I can think of one hundred illegal ways for him to make money but he doesn’t. He puts up with what he has to just to get by without drawing attention to himself or you. Then there’s Max. Look what he did, what he risked to save my best friend. You’re all cut from the same cloth. If you want to believe you are a bitch and spiteful I’m not sure I can change that but take it from someone who has seen your generosity first hand, you’re not.”

“So if I am not a bitch and if I am not shallow why are you trying to leave?” Isabel pressed. “I thought you liked me.”

“I do.” Alex replied instantly. “I like you very much but I thought you couldn’t possibly find someone like me attractive or interesting.”

“Actually you are right.” Alex looked on in amazement as Isabel leaned back on the couch. “Why would I find a tall, intelligent, handsome, protective, honest, generous young man attractive? I mean it’s not like I can trust you…oh wait! Yes I can. OK but I can’t rely on you…actually now that I think about it I can.” Isabel leaned forward again. “Despite all of that it’s not like I can expect you to help keep me and my family safe…if only I could find someone who would go as far as to surrender themselves so my brothers could escape being tortured and experimented upon.” Isabel took hold of one of Alex’s hands. “No wait…I have.”

The two sat in silence for a moment, Alex taking joy at the very touch of the young alien.

“Can you really be so stupid Alex?” Isabel questioned. “After all you have done for me, after all you have said to me can you really not see what is happening here? I’ve fallen for you Alex and I mean big time.”

“You’ve…you’ve what?” Alex stammered.

Isabel leaned in until their faces were only inches apart. “I said I’ve fallen for you. From the second I saw you standing on my lawn when the Sheriff dropped you off I knew something was different about you. I’ve been walking around with my head in the clouds for days. It’s not everyday I accuse someone of stealing my bra and pants.”

Both started to laugh gently at that comment. “Thank goodness.” Alex joked. “I was getting worried.”

Isabel tightened her hold on her companion. “Alex we are never going to get anywhere if you keep trying to second guess why I want to be with you. Trust me when I tell you it is the same reason you seem to want to be with me. I like you, I find you attractive and I am drawn to you. Sadly if you want more than that I can’t give it to you.”

“I’ll take it!” Alex said, a little too hurriedly for his liking. “If you tell me you want to spend time with me then who am I to argue.”

“Good.” Isabel smiled as she leaned back on the couch, pulling Alex with her. “Now that we have that settled. “What sort of lists are we talking about?”

“Before I answer that I have one question for you.”

Isabel looked intrigued. “Fire away.”

“You just totally played me didn’t you?” Alex smiled. “When you pretended to be outraged by my actions and were about to leave…you weren’t going to go were you? You knew I would react to you.”

Slowly a smile spread across Isabel’s face. “I’ve spent my entire teenage years fending off boys and manipulating situations to keep my secret safe. Now that I have you, a prefect gentleman, in my life I don’t think you stand a chance.”

“Good.” Alex grinned. “That’s just how I like it.”



To be continued…

[StargazerUK]

Hi, Just to let you know this Fic is winding down. I have two more chapters after this one, one of which I already have written, and then it is onto my next story. I hope you're still enjoying it and thanks as always for the feedback, I truly appreciate it. David / StargazerUK


Chapter 23


“Stop staring at me!” Michael barked.

“I’m not!” Maria replied innocently.

“Well if you are not staring at me what do you call it when you keep looking at someone without taking your eyes off of them.” Michael almost pouted.

“You thought I was looking at you?” Maria scoffed. “I was looking at the clock above your head, wondering where Alex has got to.”

Michael eyed Maria suspiciously, caught between the urge to just ignore the petit blond or to turn and look up at the clock she insisted was above his head. Turning he was unsurprised to find no clock, just a bare wall. Turning back he found Maria in fits of laughter, leaning against Liz’s locker. “Very funny Deluca. Get a life.”

Max arched his eyebrows and smiled at Liz. Liz understood the unspoken words and turned to give Maria one of her stern looks. “Maria, leave Michael alone.”

“What?” Maria feigned innocence. “I was only having a little fun.”

“Fun?” Liz looked quizzically at Maria. “OK. How about I let Michael go back to calling you a pixie? Is that fun?”

Maria grimaced. “No it is not.” She said resolutely. “He was just being mean.”

“Why don’t you both stop antagonising each other and just get a room.” Isabel said, almost thoughtlessly.

“Hey!” Maria called to her friend, offended by her hurtful comments.

“I’m sorry.” Isabel looked from Maria to Michael and back again. “That was uncalled for. I don’t know why I said it…I was a million miles away.”

“What’s up Isabel?” Liz asked with concern etched on her face.

Isabel was staring off down the school hallway towards the entrance. Even though her entire focus was on the doors at the end of the hall she became aware of some whispering going on amongst the group. When she looked back at the gang that had congregated around Liz’s locker she knew they had been talking about her but she’d missed it. Turning her gaze to Max he shifted uncomfortable from one foot to another. “Did you say something dear brother?”

Max looked at his sister for a long moment and decided not to duck the issue. “I was just telling Liz and Maria that Alex’s parents arrived home late last night so they came and picked him up.”

All eyes were now on Isabel. Normally she wouldn’t mind being the centre of attention but she could see what almost passed for pity looking back at her from the two girls. “Don’t make a big thing out of it. We knew he was only staying for a week or two and I am glad things have improved for his family and that his parents are home.”

“So why have you hardly said two words to anyone since he left last night?” Max questioned.

“And why have you not taken your eyes off of the entrance to the school since we got here?” Michael joined in.

Isabel slowly turned her head from her continuing stakeout and looked from one boy to the other. “I was unaware you were looking for sparkling conversation so early in the morning Max.” She turned back to Michael. “And Michael I thought you might have learned your lesson after last time.”

Both Liz and Maria watched in amazement as Michael visibly cringed at Isabel’s words, even going as far as taking a step back from the girl.

“I think Michael and I will head to class.” Max said, breaking the uncomfortable silence. “The bell will be ringing in a few minutes anyway and I am sure Alex will be here any second.”

Liz and Maria smiled and nodded in reply to Max’s comments. The two boys turned to walk away. “I’ll see you guys at lunch?” Isabel called out after her brothers, not wishing to leave things awkward between the siblings. She let out a sigh of relief when they both turned and nodded before carrying on their way.

Maria and Liz closed in on Isabel. Both were aware Max was removing both he and Michael from the vicinity so the girls could talk. “What’s up Isabel? We know something is wrong. Is it Alex?”

“Plus I wanted to know what you did to Michael.” Maria added. “That comment about learning your lesson from last time. I need to know what happened last time in case I can use it myself in the future.”

Despite her dour demeanour Isabel couldn’t help but smile at Maria sudden enthusiasm. “Michael could test the patience of a saint but I have learned to ignore him over the years. That being said I can only take so much and every now and again he tests even my resolve and I have to resort to dirty tactics to stop him in his tracks.”

“And?” Maria suddenly became very animated, even to the extent of waving her arms. “Don’t leave it there, what else?”

Isabel looked around to make sure no one was within earshot. “Well you know my gift.”

Both girls nodded, hanging on Isabel’s every words.

“Let’s just say if Michael pushes me too far he is only a hop, skip and a jump from dreaming about running through the tall grass in a long skirt and bonnet.” Isabel couldn’t help the evil smile that spread across her face.

“Long skirt and bonnet?” Maria echoed, not fully understanding.

“I was in my ‘Little House on the Prairie’ phase,” Isabel confessed. “I normally use something that I have seen on TV or read about in either a book or magazine. It doesn’t really matter what it is as long as it is totally emasculating because that is what bothers Michael the most.”

“Isn’t that a little mean?” Liz asked softly.

“If it were any other person I would totally agree with you but this is Michael we are talking about. He’s as pig head and stubborn as a mule if he thinks he is right, which is most of the time.” Isabel explained. “If it’s not Hockey, it’s Basketball. If it’s not Basketball it’s Football and so on.”

“Well now that I know there isn’t anything of any use in my battles with Michael, no offence.” Maria added hurriedly. “What going on with you and Alex? You look like someone has runaway with your favourite shoes.”

“It’s nothing really.” Isabel shook her head. “I know I am just being silly.”

Liz placed a comforting hand on Isabel’s arm. “Isabel this is us you are talking to. Whether it is silly or not we want to know what is going on.”

Isabel sighed and nodded. “Its just it happened so suddenly last night that it was all a blur. It seems Alex’s parents were unsure how long it would take them to get home so they didn’t call ahead in case it was too late when they got back to pick up Alex. As it was I had just climbed out of the shower when my Mom called up to tell me Alex was going. I pulled on a bath robe and ran downstairs just in time to see him being ushered out the door by his parents.”

“Well that doesn’t seem too bad.” Liz tried to reassure her tall friend. “I’m sure, given the opportunity, Alex would have liked to have said a private goodbye to you. If it was how you described and his parents marched him out the door I am not sure there was a lot else he could do.”

“I know.” Isabel nodded vigorously. “I told you I am being silly but I think it is more to do with how much his absence is affecting me. I haven’t stopped thinking about him since last night and I’ve waited since I woke up early this morning for him to call me but nothing.”

“Erm..Isabel.” Maria gingerly interrupted her friend. “Does Alex even have your number?”

Isabel stopped to think about Maria’s question for a moment before a pink flush crept over her cheeks. “I don’t think he does.” She realised.

“Don’t think he does what?” A familiar, if panting voice echoed from behind Isabel.

The three girls looked to see an out of breath Alex standing behind Isabel.

“It’s nothing.” Maria lied to cover their clandestine meeting. “We were just talking about Michael’s hygiene habits.”

“Ewww!!” Liz cried.

Maria turned and glared at Liz. “I just meant whether he uses spray or roll on deodorant. I’m concerned about the ozone.”

“Oh!” Liz let slip, suddenly impressed with Maria’s cover story. “Maria I think we had better head off to class. Don’t we have English together first period?”

Maria frowned. “No I don’t think so. I’ve got Hist…”

Alex watched in bewilderment as Maria never got a chance to finish her reply to Liz’s question. She was too busy being dragged off in the opposite direction by the aforementioned Liz.

Alex turned his attention back to Isabel. “Hi.” He smiled. “I’m not sure if I am allowed to say this or if it is corny but I missed you.”

Isabel felt her spirit soar at those few simple words. “You did?” She whispered.

“My parents appeared out of nowhere last night and didn’t even give me a chance to say goodbye. I didn’t think you would appreciate me crashing in on you while you were in the shower so I just had to leave.” Alex explained. “I wanted to call but it was only when I got home that I realised I don’t have the number for your line and I didn’t want to disturb your parents so…as difficult as it was I waited until…”

Isabel’s lips came crashing down on Alex’s before he knew what hit him. Not being privy to what had gone before Alex was oblivious to the reassuring affect his words were having on the tall blond. It was his intention to have a sit down talk with Isabel today to decide how they would behave around one another at school. They had been growing closer since they had their clear the air talk on Saturday evening and as it was now Friday they had decided to play it cool around one another at school while they were living under the same roof. There was no need to give the gossip mongers more than they already had and the two of them dating and living under the same roof, albeit for a short period of time, would have been manna from heaven.

Now that Alex was back home with his parents he thought it only prudent to broach the subject again just so they both knew where they stood. That had all just gone out of the window after Isabel’s actions. It was a reasonable assumption that they no longer had to hide their burgeoning relationship and they could be more open with one another.

Finally Isabel pulled back from Alex while still holding tightly to her tall companion. It appeared that if her heaving chest was anything to go by she only pulled them apart so she could catch her breath.

“I take it we are no longer keeping our relationship a secret at school.” Alex stammered.

“Not anymore.” Isabel said breathlessly. “Did you want to continue to keep it secret?” She asked. Shutting the door now the horse had bolted.

Alex shook his head. “Trust me when I tell you there is only an upside for me having everyone knowing I am dating Isabel Evans. I’m not so sure about you though.”

Isabel frowned for a moment but then smiled broadly. “If we are into trusting one another then trust me when I tell you there is a definite upside for me as well. Not only do I get to go out with the man of my dreams but it should also stop me getting hit on by half the morons in school.”

“Man of your dreams?” Alex echoed in disbelief.

Again Isabel frowned. “Well I dream about you. Isn’t that the definition of the man of my dreams?”

“I think I need to sit down.” Alex started swaying.

“Alex you are fine.” Isabel giggled. “If anything I am the one who should be feeling giddy.”

Alex stopped swaying and looked at Isabel. “Why’s that?”

Isabel blushed. “I can’t tell you.”

Alex’s interest was peeked. “Now we can’t start a relationship with you keeping secrets now can we? Look where that got us before.”

“If I were to tell you I missed you when you left last night. Thought about you all night and waited for you to call me this morning how would you feel about that?” Isabel questioned. She got her answer without Alex saying a word when the biggest smile she had ever seen spread across his face.

“See I told you!” Isabel exclaimed pulling away from Alex as the bell sounded. “I can see your big head won’t fit through the doors now you know how I feel about you.”

“What?” Alex laughed as he jogged along behind the swiftly moving Isabel. “I won’t say anything I promise.” Alex gave Isabel a puppy dog look. “Just tell me the bit about missing me again.”



To be continued…

[StargazerUK]

Hi, me again! After this chapter I have one left. The good news is I already have it written so I will leave it a couple of days before posting and then this story will be finished. I hope you have enjoyed it.

I would like to say a quick thank you to everyone who voted for me in the "Best portrayal of Alex Whitman" section of the awards. I'm truly grateful to have won and I hope I can continue to do him justice.

Cheers, David / StargazerUK


Chapter 24


Liz and Maria took a moment to catch their breath. Their shift had only started twenty minutes earlier but both girls were already fit to drop. Liz had come up with a new work plan that Maria wasn’t entirely in favour of but she had been coerced into taking part nonetheless.

It seemed, after Liz had given it a great deal of thought, that as they always had set tasks to do when they started their shifts but said tasks seemed to take forever and a day because both girls spent so much time chatting a new plan was needed. Liz had decided that as of today, for the first twenty minutes of each shift, the both of them were not allowed to talk to each other, unless circumstances dictated such contact, until they had done all of their set chores.

Liz had explained the logic behind her plan to Maria several times during the day but she still didn’t fully understand the thinking behind it. What made Maria even less enthusiastic was the idea that had planted itself in her brain that this was simply a ploy by the owner’s daughter to get more work out of her. Love Liz as she did she was still the boss’s offspring.

“Is it time yet?” Maria asked in a pleading voice.

Liz checked her watch. “Three…two…one…and we’re done.”

Maria dropped the tray she had been carrying onto the nearest table, pulled up a chair and sat down. Without even looking up at Liz from where her head now rested on the table Maria questioned the Parker logic…again. “So we get all of the day to day stuff out of the way leaving us more time to…” She trailed off.

“…more time to chat when things are quiet.” Liz finished for her friend. “It’s simple Maria. When we hit quiet times what does my Dad tell us to do?”

“Clear the tables. Refill the sugar, salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard, straw holders and napkin holders.” Maria rattled off the list without look up.

“And what if we have already done all of those things?” Liz leaned in towards her friend, confident her message would eventually get through.

Maria sat up quickly, squinting at the bright lights she had been shielding her eyes from while her head was slumped on the table. “Doesn’t he make us take out the trash and help Jose clean the kitchen?”

“Not always.” Liz replied defensively, realising her hard sell needed a little more work. Before she made a final attempt to convince Maria her new plan had a definite upside the door to the Crashdown burst open and in ran a bewildered and frantic looking Alex.

“Alex!” Both girls called at once, his fraught state scaring them and filling their heads with thoughts of air force units and kidnapping.

“Oh thank the Lord.” Alex cried, as he came running up to his two girls. “I need to speak to you urgently.”

Liz grabbed Alex’s hand and ran towards the break room at the back of the café, Maria in close pursuit. As the door swung closed giving the three some privacy both girls prepared themselves for the worst. “Alex what is it? Is someone after you?”

Alex shook his head vigorously. “I’m fine…it’s nothing like that.” Alex managed to speak in between catching his breath. “Where were you? I looked for you both after school but I couldn’t find you. I had to run here on my own.”

Maria frowned. “We thought you would be with Isabel. It’s where you have been all week.”

Alex eyed Maria, unsure how to take that last comment. “That was while I was still living at the Evans house…I’m back home now remember?”

“So where’s your car?” Liz questioned. “How did you get to school this morning?”

Alex looked a little self-conscious before replying. “My Mom dropped me off. She’s insisting on spending as much time with me as possible after going away and abandoning me, as she sees it. She nearly made me late for school this morning as she wouldn’t let me out of the car.”

“Oh that is just so cute.” Maria pinched Alex’s cheek. “Mommy’s little soldier going off to school all by himself.” Maria turned to Liz who was finding this all very amusing. “Soon our little man will be going to potty all by himself.”

At that comment Alex stood with his hands firmly on his hips looking as indignant as possible, his two best friends needing to steady themselves on one another as they were both in fits of laughing. “No it’s OK…you keep going. I’ve only run all the way from school with monumental news but I can wait while the two of you finish having a good laugh at my expense.

“We’re sorry Alex.” Liz reached for her tall friend. “We were only messing with you. What is your news? We want to know.” Maria nodded in agreement.

The colour suddenly drained from Alex’s face and his mood turned deadly serious. Both girls leaned in, waiting for his earth shattering announcement. “Isabel asked me out on a date…for tomorrow night!”

“Is that all?” Maria groaned. “I thought you only had two months to live or I’d missed the shoe sale at the Mall. You know…something important like that.”

“Is that all?” Alex echoed. “Is that all she says.” Alex leaned down to look Maria right in the eyes. “IT’S ONLY THE BIGGEST NIGHT OF MY LIFE WE ARE TALKING ABOUT!” Alex shouted slowly at Maria, as though his friend was suddenly hard of hearing.

“Alex, lower your voice.” Liz tried to calm her stricken friend. “My parents are upstairs and we don’t want to bring my Dad down here.”

“I’m sorry Liz but this is a big deal to me and I am so not ready for a date with Isabel Evans.” Alex turned to look at Maria. “I was hoping for a little more encouragement and understanding from my closest friends.”

“I’m sorry sweetie.” Maria linked arms with Alex as she made her peace with him. “I was only having some fun. You know Liz and I are here for you and of course we will help you out.”

“And it’s not like you need a lot of work Alex.” Liz tried to reassure her friend. “Maria and I have put in a great deal of time and effort over the years so trust me when I tell you we both think you are ready.”

“Liz,” Maria cut in. “He’s going on a date with Isabel, not on an expedition to darkest Africa.”

“I know.” Liz nodded. “But I can’t help feeling proud at the thought of our Alex finally getting the girl he has dreamed about for all these years.”

“And thank God she’s not the bitch we thought she was.” Maria said matter-of-factly.

“Maria!” Liz exclaimed. “You can’t say that.”

“Why not?” Maria frowned. “It’s the truth. I know Alex has always had these feelings about Isabel but it doesn’t mean she was necessarily worthy of those feelings. If you’d asked me six months ago if she was the girl for Alex then I would have said no. Sorry sweetie.” Maria said, turning to Alex and giving his arm a comforting rub.

Alex smiled down at his petit friend. “That’s OK. I think I understand what you are saying even though I don’t necessarily agree with you. I think it might be the guy in me that makes me think of things differently in these circumstances.”

“Oh Alex don’t tell me you would go out with a girl just because of the way she looks. Even worse than that, a girl who has a reputation for treating boys so badly.” Liz asked. “I thought you were above those sorts of feelings.”

“I’d like to think I am Liz but that is my whole point about Isabel.” Alex explained. “I know we know the truth about Isabel now and we know why she acted as she did but I have always had this feeling that she wasn’t who she was making herself out to be…that she was hiding something.”

“Maybe it’s fate.” Maria suddenly added. “I mean if you have always had a notion that Isabel was special somehow and now we know that is true maybe it is destined for you two to be together. Dare I say ‘Soul mates’? ”

“Soul mates.” Alex repeated as his gaze drifted off into space. He let the enormity of Maria’s words simply roll around his mind for a moment.

“Well soul mates or not if you turn up for your date with Isabel wearing a plaid shirt and baggy trousers she won’t be pleased.” Liz interrupted Alex’s musings. “It’s clear Isabel has feelings for you and she may forgive you most things but I think to be safe we need to meet her halfway.”

“Halfway?” Alex echoed, frowning at Liz.

“I’m just saying I think we should go for smart casual. Normal fitting jeans or trousers, nice shoes and a plain coloured shirt.” Liz formulated.

“And no key chain.” Maria offered. “The last thing we need is three feet of chain rattling round while you are trying to make conversation with Isabel.”

Alex suddenly looked worried. “Conversation? What will I find to talk about with Isabel?”

“Alex, don’t start panicking.” Maria said firmly. “You spend all of your time with two girls and you talk with us without any problems, you’ll be fine. What have you been talking to Isabel about all week?”

Alex shrugged. “About school, about you guys…” Alex leaned in and lowered his voice. “…about alien stuff.”

“Well then you have nothing to worry about.” Liz said confidently. “All you need to do is be yourself and she will love you just like we do.”

“Just make sure you spend some time talking about her. Be sure to tell her how great she looks and how much you love seeing her and spending time in her company.”

Both Alex and Liz turned in disbelief at Maria’s heart-felt suggestions.

“Just because I don’t get sweet talked very much it doesn’t mean I don’t want to hear it or that I don’t know what it is.” Maria said mournfully.

Alex suddenly pulled Maria into a hug. “You know I love you right?” Alex felt Maria nod her head where it was buried in his chest. “I would happily call you everyday to tell you how much I love you, how much I love being your best friend and that I would spend all of my waking hours in your company given half a chance.” Alex released Maria slightly and cupped her face. “I just take it for granted that you know these things so I don’t say them. Maybe we can come up with some secret signal that you can give me and I will say what normally goes unsaid.”

Maria felt her eyes begin to water and she nodded silently. She didn’t know how they had gotten onto this topic but it never hurt to hear the loving words Alex had just said to her.

“That goes for you too.” Alex said turning towards Liz while still holding Maria in his arms. He released one arm and snaked it out to encompass Liz as the three friends end up in a group hug.

Finally they broke apart and there was much sniffing and wiping away of tears.

“Just because we are making connections with our new friends doesn’t mean they should affect our friendships.” Alex stated. Both girls nodded.

“It’s just things are moving so fast.” Maria added. “You and Isabel are getting on like a house on fire. Liz and Max are all dreamy around one another whenever they get anywhere near each other.”

Liz made a playful swipe at her friend. “Don’t forget about you and Michael…”

“Yeah,” Alex agreed. “He might not show his warmest side to the outside world but beneath that gruff exterior is probably a gruff interior as well but I have no doubt that it also contains a heart of gold. He cares about you Maria…that much is obvious.”

Maria felt a warm sensation at Alex’s words. She was glad someone else had picked up on what she had felt. She had been so unsure whether Michael really did have feelings for her that she decided that it was all down to wishful thinking on her part. Having her two closest friends confirm her suspicions only filled her with happiness.

“So where are you taking Isabel tomorrow?” Liz asked, looking to break the sombre mood that had befallen the gathering.

“We’re decided to take things slowly, as we’re not in any rush.” Alex smiled softly. “Isabel suggested we spend the afternoon together before coming here to the Crashdown for a bite to eat.”

“You’re coming here?” Maria said a little too loudly. “I mean what a great idea.” She added hurriedly. “Good food in familiar surroundings. That should help take some of the pressure off.”

“I though so.” Alex agreed. “We could have tried to go somewhere a little fancier.” Alex turned to Liz. “No offence Liz.” Liz just smiled and shrugged. “But we don’t want to run before we can walk. We don’t want to start off too formal.”

“So what can we do to help for tomorrow?” Liz asked.

“You already have.” Alex smiled. “While we’ve been chatting you have bolstered my confidence and told me what to wear. Nice shoes, plain shirt and normal fitting pants. And no key chain.” He added hastily. “So I’ll see you guys tomorrow.” Alex gave each girl a hug and went to leave.

“Alex what is that on your hand?” Maria suddenly noticed writing on Alex’s hand.

Alex lifted his hand to look more closely at it. “That’s where Isabel wrote her phone number for me.”

“And those?” Liz pointed to some other marks.

“Her cell phone number, family home number and Max’s line number in case I can’t get through on her line.” Alex said, somewhat triumphantly before leaving.

“I never thought I would live to see the day.” Maria said in wonder as the door swung closed.

“What day?” Liz was unsure of Maria’s comment.

“The day when I would say that Isabel Evans has it bad for our Alex. I’m so happy for him.” Maria finished.

“I know.” Liz nodded, wrapping an arm around her friend. “Isabel Evans asking Alex out on a date. Then giving him four different numbers so he can keep in contact with her. Max was right, what he said to me last week.”

“Right about what?” Maria questioned.

“She’s got a case of Alex Whitman on the brain.” Liz smiled. “Sadly for her she’s just about to find out there’s no known cure. Once you love him there’s no turning back.”


To be continued…

[StargazerUK]

Chapter 25


Alex raised his hand to knock on the front door but stopped himself. His heart was pounding in his chest and he was feeling a little light-headed so he just stood still for a moment while he tried to catch his breath. Was he really about to knock on the front door to the Evans house to take Isabel, the most desirable girl in West Roswell High, out on a date? If his heart was any sort of guide the answer to that question was yes. If only he could stop his heart from beating its way out of his chest and if he could stop his hands from shaking he was sure he could do this.




“What’s he doing now?” Isabel asked insistently.

“I don’t know?” Max shrugged turning to look at his sister. “Why don’t you just open the door and let him in? You’ve had me standing here looking through the curtains for the last five minutes and I still don’t know why I am doing this and not you.”

Isabel sighed heavily as though she was about to explain herself for the one hundredth time. “Liz and Maria called to say Alex was on his way over. I want to know what he is doing but I can’t look myself in case he sees me checking him out through the window, which would be monumentally embarrassing…that’s why you are here.”

“Isn’t it a little too needy and pathetic to be standing all the way over there hiding while you get your brother to look through the window at the poor boy suffering with his nerves?” Max asked pointedly. “You’ll be seeing him in a minute anyway.”

“Nerves?” Isabel echoed, missing the point of Max’s question entirely. “Does he look nervous?”

“The fact that he has been standing on the front porch for the last two minutes without knocking should give you a hint.” Max replied sarcastically. “Isabel you like the guy, I like the guy, hell even Mom and Dad like the guy, so why don’t you go and put him out of his misery and let him in?”

“You’re right.” Isabel conceded. “How do I look?”

Max looked at his sister in disbelief. “You’re kidding me right?”

Isabel frowned. “No! Why?”

“Firstly I am a guy, secondly I am your brother.” Max explained. “I can’t go offering an opinion on how you look.”

“Why ever not?” Isabel asked firmly.

“Do you like Alex?” Max questioned. “Is he your date for this evening? Do you want to look drop dead gorgeous for him?”

Isabel eyed Max for a moment before nodding slowly. “Yes.”

“That’s why I won’t offer an opinion.” Max turned to walk away but looked back at his sibling. “Because I don’t want to tell my sister she looks hot before going out on a date with a guy who, no matter how nice, is only going to be thinking about one thing, trust me…I’ve been there.”

Isabel was dumbstruck at Max’s comments as he disappeared out of the room. As she took a step towards the hallway to let Alex in she was taken aback when Max’s head suddenly reappeared round the doorway. “If it helps Alex won’t know what hit him…you look stunning but don’t tell anyone I said so, if you do I will simply deny it.” And with that he was gone.

Isabel was having trouble wiping the smile off of her face when she reached the front door. Max’s kind words were still rolling around in her head as she flattened the creases out of her dress and checked her hair one last time. Finally she managed to recompose herself, straighten herself up and then she opened the door.

“Oh! Isabel. Hi!” Alex stammered, obviously taken by surprise at the opening door. “I was just about to knock.”

“Hi Alex.” Isabel leaned in and gave the young man a tender kiss on the cheek. “I thought I saw you out here so I came to let you in. Are those for me?” She asked pointing at the bouquet of flowers Alex was holding.

Suddenly Alex blushed furiously. “Erm…actually.” He stammered. “They are for your Mom. You know…as a thank you for looking after me.”

“How sweet.” Isabel smiled. “She loves flowers. Let me take them and I will put them in some water. Come in.” Isabel took the flowers from Alex and turned towards the kitchen.

Alex closed the front door and followed Isabel down the hallway. When they turned into the kitchen he was surprised to find Max and Michael sitting at the kitchen table with Mr and Mrs Evans.

“Mom look at these beautiful flowers Alex brought for you.” Isabel greeted her Mom while finding a vase.

“Oh Alex they’re beautiful.” Diane Evans said, getting up from the table.

“It was just to say thank you for looking after me while my parents were away.” Alex tried not to blush when Mrs Evans gave him a brief hug and a kiss on the cheek.

Alex turned to Mr Evans. “My Dad has something for you too Mr Evans but he said he would rather give it to you in person. I think it has something to do with whiskey.”

“That’s OK Alex.” Philip said rising from his chair. “Your parents are far too generous. They’ve already phoned and invited Diane and I out for dinner this evening.”

“Are you guys off on your date now?” Max asked bluntly.

Isabel narrowed her eyes at her brother, fully aware what he was doing, but she was unwilling to take the bait. Without taking her eyes off of Max she reached for Alex, as he stood beside her, linking hands. “Yes thank you Max.” She replied confidently. “That is exactly where Alex and I are going.”

“Nice threads Alex.” Michael added. “I see you decided on urban casual for your date.”

Without looking Alex could feel Isabel was about to explode. He loved the fact she was willing to stand up for him but he knew he had to step in, he knew something Isabel didn’t. Alex turned to Isabel who was clearly about to launch into a tirade at both Michael and Max. “Iz, it’s OK.” He said squeezing her hand. “The guys are only messing with you. I phoned Max earlier and told him we were going to the park first and then out to dinner so I wanted to bring a change of clothes. They’re in my car outside and both Max and Michael know I am going to shower and change in Max’s room before we go out later.”

Alex smiled at Isabel warmly as he watched her visibly relax. She released her grip on Alex and proceeded to give her parents a kiss goodbye. Everyone, including the boys, watched in disbelief when Isabel came over and gave them a kiss goodbye as well. She turned and winked at Alex, even going as far as starting to hum a tune as she closed the gap between them, linked arms and turned to leave.

As Diane and Philip Evans watched their daughter and what appeared to be her new boyfriend leave for their date they heard a large thud which drew their attention back to the kitchen table. Max was looking incredulously at Michael who was currently banging his head slowly against the hard wooden table. After a moment he stopped and looked up at Max. “You know what we’ve done don’t you? I told you we shouldn’t mess with her.”

Max frowned. “I don’t understand. She looked OK about our joke when she left, she was evening humming.”

“That’s my point!” Michael exclaimed. “She was humming the theme tune to ‘Little House on the Prairie’. We’re not going to sleep for a week.”




Alex and Isabel had linked hands after leaving the house and walked in a comfortable silence to the nearby park. Once inside the grounds they found a secluded bench and sat down.

“What are you thinking?” Isabel asked, turning to look at Alex.

“Truthfully?” Alex asked. “That I can’t mess this up, it’s too important to me...you’re too important to me.”

“Alex you’re not on trial here.” Isabel tried to reassure her companion. “It’s not like we don’t know one another. In fact you know the biggest secret I have so I don’t have anything left to hide from you. We just need to spend more time together so we can get to know the more mundane stuff like do you drink coke or pepsi, what’s your favourite colour and what was the last book you read?”

“Ok.” Alex nodded. “I was just a little worried as I am not exactly experienced in these matters.”

“And you think I am?” Isabel arched an eyebrow.

“Not in a crude way.” Alex added swiftly. “I just meant you have been out with some of the most popular boys in school.”

Isabel allowed herself a modest laugh. When she saw the confused look on Alex’s face she decided to explain. “Alex what I want is what you have with Liz and Maria, only more. Sure I have been out with guys before but unfortunately the type of guy I seem to attract, present company excluded, are only after one thing and they’re not going to get it from me. That was why most of my dates ended so abruptly. Once they knew they weren’t getting what they were after they were gone.” Isabel dropped her gaze. “I can’t tell you the number of dates I have had to walk home from.”

Alex suddenly felt something he never thought he would feel for Isabel Evans in a dozen lifetimes…he felt sorry for her. She had always given off an air of indifference and confidence that made her appear invincible. As he looked at her now and listened to her startling and very private admission she looked like the most delicate piece of porcelain, one wrong move and she would break into a thousand pieces.

“I’m going to tell you something that is not only really embarrassing but will either have you tearing my head off or running away in tears but as we are being so honest and open with each other...” Isabel raised her gaze to look at Alex directly as he made his confession. “I didn’t get much sleep last night as all I could think about was you…about our date.”

Alex started to fidget nervously. “Now I don’t know if it is just me or some kind of guy thing but as I lay there thinking I started to run different scenarios through my head to pass the time.” Alex started to blush but carried on regardless. “I thought about the possibility of getting intimate with you to some degree and I realised I couldn’t get past the thought of holding your hand.”

Isabel was surprised at Alex’s honest confession. “You couldn’t?” She asked softly, not taking her eyes off of him.

“I know it sounds lame and makes me pathetic but as I lay there I realised why I felt like that and then I didn’t feel so bad.” Alex tightened his grip on Isabel’s hand. “It dawned on me that I wasn’t interested in stampeding towards nudity or even sex because I knew I have such feelings for you that sitting here, on a park bench holding hands would have the same effect on me…making me truly happy.”

“It would?” Isabel asked in amazement, her voice little more than a whisper.

Alex held Isabel’s gaze. “It would.” He repeated. “It’s not that I wouldn’t want those other things but I know I am not in any rush and I hope you aren’t either so we will get there if and when it is meant to happen. In the meantime I am perfectly happy being able to hold your hand just because I want to or to look at you without having to look away whenever we catch each others gaze.”

Isabel suddenly pulled Alex into a hug. “You’re not some kind of mind reader are you?” She asked, letting go. “It’s just you are saying all of the things I have been thinking and hoping for.”

“I’m glad.” Alex smiled. “Anyway, if you suddenly appeared naked in front of me I wouldn’t know what to do with you. I’d have to look it up in a book.”

As Alex realised what he had absentmindedly said he was mortified. “I’m sorry that was a joke and I wasn’t supposed to say it out loud. I don’t know what I was thinking.”

“Alex it is alright.” Isabel laughed, trying to reassure her friend. “I know you are nervous…so am I and if there is one thing I have learnt is that you joke when you are nervous. It’s really not a problem. How are your parents?” Isabel asked, hoping to put Alex at his ease by changing the subject.

“They’re fine thanks for asking.” Alex was glad to be back on safe ground. “It seems my grandparents are coping better and their life is getting back to normal. My parents have arranged for a care assistant to go in a couple of times a week to help out so that should make things easier for them. My parents where very grateful for your family helping us the way they did, hence the dinner invite for your parents tonight.”

Isabel checked her watch. The evening was getting on and if they were going to eat they had better make it soon. “Alex, do you mind if we cancel dinner?”

“Sure.” Alex sprang to his feet, trying to hide his breaking heart. Seeing Isabel check her watch and then ask to cancel dinner meant things weren’t going as well as he thought. “I wasn’t that hungry anyway so I’ll just walk you home.” He said in a rush.

Isabel stood up slowly and placed her hands firmly on her hips. She found she was already able to read Alex’s face and it was obvious he had misinterpreted her actions entirely. “Alex I don’t want to cancel the evening, just our visit to the Crashdown.” Isabel was pleased when she saw the look of relief spread over Alex’s face. “I just thought as I am enjoying having you to myself so much that I would rather not share you with anyone else. If your parents are going out to dinner tonight with my parent’s maybe we could go over to your house.” Isabel suddenly looked a little coy. “I’ve never seen your bedroom before.”

“That would be most agreeable.” Alex stated in a very peculiar voice.

“Alex, are you alright?” Isabel asked with concern. “Your voice just went a little strange.”

“I’m sorry.” Alex smiled nervously. “I was just trying to act as though having a beautiful girl from school asking to see my bedroom was the most natural thing in the world but I guess it didn’t work.”

“No it didn’t.” Isabel smiled, linking arms with her companion. “But if it is of any consolation I’m very happy you haven’t had a long line of girls back to your room, I’m not sure I could stand the competition.”

“Trust me when I tell you that if I had taken even the most beautiful and most popular girls in school back to my room they wouldn’t be any competition for you.”

“Not even Liz and Maria?” Isabel teased.

“I hope you won’t mind if I tell you I think about you differently to how I view Liz and Maria and that comes as somewhat of a relief to me.” Alex smiled.

“It comes as a relief to me as well.” Isabel mumbled under her breath.

“What was that?” Alex questioned. “I didn’t quite catch that.”

“Oh nothing.” Isabel tried to hide her reddening face after being caught out by Alex. “I was just thinking out loud.”




When they reached the Whitman house Alex could see his parent’s car was still on the drive. That didn’t surprise him as he knew once his Dad got into a social situation he wasn’t averse to an amicable drink and by the looks of Mr Evans he would be in good company.

Alex unlocked the front door and stepped back to allow Isabel to step inside. Once they were both indoors Alex closed the door behind them and turned to look at Isabel. “Did you mean it when you said you wanted to see my room? I don’t want to appear too forward by leading you up to my room when you were only being polite.”

Isabel smiled. “Well I was trying to be polite but I do want to see your room. Other than Max and Michael’s I’ve never seen a teenage boy’s room before and I want to see if all of the rumours are true.”

Alex went wide-eyed. “What have Liz and Maria told you?”

Isabel had to stifle a laugh. “They haven’t told me anything I was joking but after that comment I am more determined than ever to see your room. Which way is it?”

Isabel grabbed Alex’s hand and headed towards the stairs and the bedrooms beyond. Once they reached the top of the stairs she waited until Alex guided her along the hallway, stopping outside a closed door.

“I’ve just realised that you weren’t expecting me to come back here with you so your room could be in any state.” Isabel stopped for a moment and slowly turned to look at Alex. “You weren’t expecting to bring me back here were you?” She asked with a nervous smile.

“No.” Alex said firmly. “What sort of guy do you think I am?”

Isabel’s slight smile broadened into a full on grin. “You’re exactly the type of guy I have been hoping for.” The two stood in silence for a moment after Isabel’s comment before they slowly but purposefully closed the short distance between one another and kissed gently.

Breaking apart Alex fought the urge to drop his gaze, which he found he did every time he had any sort of intimate contact with Isabel. This was his Isabel he told himself and hopefully there would be many more kisses in the future so he had better start acting like he deserved such attention and quickly.

Reaching for the handle he turned the lever and pushed open the door, allowing Isabel to step inside. Despite her aforementioned lack of experience when it came to teenage boy’s bedrooms Isabel was completely unsurprised by what she found, it was what she had imagined.

Alex stood in the doorway as Isabel slowly moved around the room, her eyes darting from object to object, not wishing to miss a thing. She would stop from time to time for a brief moment before moving on to the next point of interest. Subconsciously she allowed her finger tips to dance over various articles when a look would not suffice. The books and CD’s that were lined up along some shelves above his desk. The open school books that sat in front of his computer where he had been doing course work earlier, even his guitar that sat upright on a stand in one corner.

Isabel came to a halt in front of a mirror that had various pictures placed around the edge. Most were of Alex, Liz and Maria at various stages over the last few years but one picture caught her attention in particular. She reached up and pulled it from its place on the boarder of the mirror.

“Where did you get this?” She asked softly as she turned to show Alex the picture she held in her hand.

Despite his earlier musings Alex felt compelled to drop his gaze at Isabel’s question. “Liz took it last Christmas at the Mall.”

Isabel forced her eyes from the picture to look at Alex. “It’s a picture of me in my Santa’s helper uniform. How did you manage that without me noticing?”

Alex shifted uncomfortably before replying. “Liz and Maria knew how I felt about you but I was never going to be confident enough to speak to you, not properly anyway. I always said I would be happy just to have a picture of you but the only one I would ever have been able to get hold of was from the year book and that would have been plain creepy.”

Alex let out a brief laugh. “So my friends did something on my behalf that you might find even worse. When we were at the Mall we saw you but I just scurried away without you seeing me like I would normally do. When I met up with Liz and Maria afterwards they were looking very pleased with themselves but it wasn’t until days later that I discovered Maria had pretended to take a picture of Liz, making sure you were in the background. Of course the picture wasn’t of Liz at all it was solely taken of you. If you had noticed them you would have just thought they were taking pictures of each other.”

“I actually look happy.” Isabel said with a surprised tone in her voice.

“You do.” Alex confirmed. That was what stopped me from throwing it away. When he saw Isabel look at him quickly he explained. “I felt it was an invasion of your privacy to have the picture without your consent so I was going to get rid of it but when I looked at it I couldn’t.” Alex held Isabel’s gaze. “I’m sorry if that creeps you out but I couldn’t help myself.”

“You couldn’t help yourself?” Isabel echoed his words. Alex began to feel very self-conscious and unworthy. “Let me show you something.” Isabel reached for her shoulder purse and opened it up, evidently looking for something. Finally she succeeded and turned to Alex. “Here you go.”

Alex took hold of the object Isabel had offered to him and he frowned when it became apparent what it was. “You have a picture of me playing with my band?” Alex whispered, his voice full of puzzlement.

“Yes Alex I have a picture of you…given to me by Liz and Maria.” Isabel reached for his free hand. “You see if you are weird for having a picture of me than I am equally as weird as I have a picture of you.”

“I don’t understand.” Alex was still confused.

“You remember when I dream walked you when you were being held by the air force?” Alex simply nodded slowly. “Well Maria had to get me a picture of you to help me make a connection with you. When they saw the rueful look on my face Liz said she would get a picture of you for me to keep…and she did. What’s more what I haven’t told you is that when I dream walked you I was laying on your bed wearing your top!”

Alex went wide-eyed and smiled. “You were?”

Isabel nodded. “Yes…and I never gave you back the top, I sleep in it sometimes.” Isabel leaned in towards Alex. “You’re not the only one who can be smitten with someone.”

“Oh thank God!” Alex exclaimed. “I was starting to think I was the only one.”

With their confessions all done and their pictures back in their original positions the two friends made their way back downstairs. Alex went to the kitchen to fetch some drinks and snacks while Isabel settled herself in the family room. Alex returned with a tray full of goodies, placed them on the table and went to drop himself into a chair.

“Ahem!” Isabel discreetly coughed. When Alex looked up he found Isabel shaking her head at him.

“Sorry.” He said smiling and moved over to the couch to sit near where Isabel sat.

“Ahem!” Isabel repeated. Again Alex looked up and found Isabel shaking her head for a second time.

Alex frowned. “Do you want me to…” And he pointed towards Isabel.

Finally Isabel smiled and nodded and Alex moved up the couch and sat down next to Isabel so their bodies were touching. “So where were we?” Isabel questioned.

“I think we were having a competition to see who is the weirdest.”

Isabel threw her arm up in the air as though waiting to answer a question at school. “That would be me. I’m an alien who sneaks a picture of her new boyfriend from his best friends and I sleep in his clothes.”

“Amateur!” Alex said matter-of-factly.

“You think you can beat that?” Isabel questioned.

“Stalking the love of my life for over six years. I have a surreptitiously taken photo of my new girlfriend on my mirror in my bedroom and have already convinced myself that if I ever have kids I will call my first child Isabel.”

Isabel looked at Alex in amazement. “You will? That’s so sweet.”

“I’m not sure you understand.” Alex said keeping a straight face. “I mean my first child…he’s really not going to be happy when the other boys find out he’s called Isabel.”

Isabel tried to hide her smile at Alex’s silliness. “Well let’s just hope you have an understanding wife.”

“Don’t worry.” Alex smiled. “If you’re not now you will be by the time we have children.”

Isabel was lost for words but it didn’t stop the smile from spreading across her face.

“I was only kidding…” Alex tried to reassure Isabel. “…well sort of anyway.”

“I knew you were joking Alex.” Isabel said wryly. “It just caught me off guard, but it was a nice thought nonetheless.”

The two sat quietly for several moments.

“So what happens now?” Isabel questioned. “I mean with us.” She added after seeing Alex’s confusion.

“Well I can only tell you what I am hoping for.” Alex replied.

“And that is?”

Alex shrugged. “That you realise that you can’t go on without me. That your life has been incomplete without me by your side and that I am the only guy for you.”

“OK.” Isabel nodded. “I think I can do that. What about you?”

“Me?” Alex pointed to himself to emphasis the point. “I just sit back and let the fact that I am the world’s luckiest guy wash over me. I have a great family, I have great friends and now I have the world’s most beautiful & desirable girlfriend.”

Alex was pleased to see a broad smile spread across Isabel’s face so he continued. “Of course it will be tough at first. Going into school and having every guy know that you are mine will be particularly dangerous but I think I can handle it. As well as having to tell my parents that we are dating and that you are a straight ‘A’ student and the daughter of their good friends, that may crush them but that is a risk I am willing to take.”

“I didn’t realise I am dating such a martyr, such a team player.” Isabel carried on Alex’s joke. “Would it be too much to ask for a little kiss?”

Alex sighed heavily and checked his watch. “I can give you half an hour but then I have to walk you home. I can’t have you back late on our first date or your Mom and Dad might not appreciate it.”

“That’s OK.” Isabel leaned into Alex, ready for her kiss. “I need to get back anyway but we can see each other tomorrow…I have something to do for Max and Michael.”


The End.


Hi, I hope you enjoyed that, it was certainly fun to write. I got the two of them where I wanted them and trust me when I tell you they live happily ever after. I have the first chapter of my next story written so I will post it in the next day or so. Of course I may get bored and post it later.

Thanks for your time and your feedback, I truly appreciate it.

David / StargazerUK