Stella’s P. O. V.
The next day, as I get ready for college, I make sure to wear the watch. I don’t want to go to college without Alex. But I can’t stay with him because my mom will start to suspect something. I’m not ready to tell her about us yet. I’m scared of how she’ll react, or if she’ll try to keep us apart.
I can’t even imagine living without Alex now.
Through the balcony, I enter Alex’s room. My chest becomes heavy with pain as I find him wincing in pain, sitting on the sofa. He didn’t get much sleep last night either. Every time he shifted, I could feel his discomfort. I wish I could take away all his pain with a snap of my fingers.
I approach him with sadness evident in my eyes. Although he is in pain, he smiles at me and takes my hand in his before gently pulling me onto his lap. “Flower, I’ll be fine. Don’t worry,” he says, placing his hand on my face, his thumb brushing over my cheek.
I sigh, letting my fingers trace the bandage on his arm. “Alex, I just can’t stand seeing you in pain. I wish I could do something.”
He looks at me deeply with his hazel eyes. “Just having you here makes it better, Stella. Trust me.”
“But now I have to go. I wish I could stay with you and take care of you.” I pout at him.
He frowns, freaking out. “No way. I’m coming to college with you. I can’t stay here in pain without you. That would be pure torture.”
I know it’s hard for him, but I can’t let him come with me. He needs rest.
I give him a pleading look. “Alex, you need to rest. The doctor said you shouldn’t push yourself too hard, remember?”
“But I don’t want you to go alone, especially after yesterday. I’d rather be with you, pain or no pain.”
I nod, giving a squeeze to his hand. “I know, but I want you to take care of yourself too, Alex. You risked so much for me yesterday. The least I can do is make sure you’re healing properly.”
He sighs, leaning his head back on the sofa. “It just feels wrong to stay here and let you go without me.”
I brush my fingers lightly through his hair. “Alex, I’ll be fine, I promise. I’ll keep my phone with me, and I’ll check in with you between every class. Plus, the watch is on, so you’ll know I’m safe.”
“I hate it when you’re right.”
I grin. “Then stay here, take it easy, and let yourself heal. You don’t have to protect me every second of the day.”
He sighs but nods, reluctantly giving in. “Fine. But you have to promise me you’ll come straight back here after classes.”
I lean in and press a kiss on his forehead. “I promise.”
He pulls me close, holding me for a moment longer with his good hand as if he’s trying to make the most of this time together. “Okay, Flower. Go on before I change my mind.” He says, finally leaving me.
“See you after college.” I kiss him hard on his lips before rising from his lap.
“Take care.” He places a kiss on my knuckle, causing my lips to curl up.
After looking at him for one last time, I make my way to the balcony, feeling his gaze on me until I disappear from view. As much as I hate leaving him, I know it’s for the best. He deserves to rest and recover.
***
As I park my car in the college parking lot, my phone buzzes in my handbag. I pull it out.
As expected, it’s a text from Alex.
Alex: I already miss you, Flower.
A smile spreads across my face, reading the message.
I stay twenty-four hours on my man’s mind. Nice.
But why is he using his phone? He should rest.
I reply with a frown.
Me: You shouldn’t be using your phone and texting me. Your arm needs rest.
Alex: I’m typing it with my left hand. Don’t worry.
Before I can reply to him, I receive another text.
Alex: Anyway, have you reached safely?
Me: Yes, Mr NMG. Now let me get to the class, or else I’ll be late.
Alex: Okay. I’ll try not to disturb you. But I can’t promise.
I chuckle before keeping my phone in my handbag and stepping out of the car.
***
As I enter the classroom, flashes of yesterday’s events revolve in my mind-the smell of smoke, the suffocating heat, the frantic search for a way out. My chest tightens and I force myself to take a deep breath.
“The dreadful day has passed. Everything is fine now.” Repeating these words in my mind, I walk over to sit with Selena and Zoe. They ask me about Alex. We talk for a while before the first lecture begins.
As the day continues, between every class, Alex sends me sweet, teasing texts that make me miss him even more. He even sends photos of himself pouting or lying dramatically on the couch with a fake miserable expression. Each text makes me laugh and blush and gives Zoe and Selena a reason to tease me.
On my next break, I pull out my phone to find another message waiting for me.
Alex: Did you remember to eat something?
Me: Yes, Dad! 😉
Alex: Just making sure. I know you never take care of yourself.
Me: Alex, stop worrying about me and take care of yourself.
Alex: Can’t help it, Flower. You’re on my mind, always.
I shake my head with a huge grin on my face. I know I’m always on his mind, but when he expresses it, I can’t describe what I feel in my heart.
Throughout the day, he keeps checking in, asking about my classes, and joking about how he’d be a distraction if he were there.
As my last class finally wraps up, my phone buzzes one last time.
Alex: Classes over? Hurry back to me, Stella. I miss you so much.
Me: I miss you too. Just getting out of the classroom.
With a smile, I head straight out, excited to return to him, knowing he’s waiting and feeling the same longing as I am.
***
When I reach home, I find Mom working in the kitchen. She looks way too much distressed which makes me worry. I hope she is alright.
As she sees me approaching her, she changes her expression immediately and smiles at me. “Hey, sweetheart. Hungry?”
Why do I feel like she is hiding something from me? Is she not happy? I just hope I’m just overthinking. My mother endured a lot in her life, and I can’t bear to see her suffering again.
“Mom, are you okay?” I ask, searching her face for any signs of what might be wrong.
She forces a reassuring smile. “Of course, honey. Just a little tired, that’s all. It was a busy day.”
I can feel something isn’t right. But I decide not to push her right away. She’ll tell me when she’s ready… hopefully.
“Oh, by the way,” she says casually, stirring something on the stove, “I stopped by your room last night to check on you, but you weren’t there. Where were you?”
I feel my heart skip a beat with panic. I can’t tell her I was with Alex-she’s not ready to hear that yet.
Think something quickly, Stella.
“I was on the terrace,” I lie, keeping my tone casual. “I just needed some fresh air to clear my head after everything that happened yesterday.”
She pauses for a moment, her eyes studying me as if she can sense something I’m not saying. “Oh… well, I understand,” she replies finally in her soft tone.
As my phone dings in my pocket, I realise Alex is waiting for me, so I immediately excuse myself. “Mom, I’m going to my room. I’m so tired. I’ll see you later.”
As she nods, I dash to meet Alex after a long day without him in college. I just can’t wait to feel his arms wrap around me.