Suddenly, everything went quiet. I vaguely heard Alex call my name.
"Grace, stay here okay?"
"Okay."
I ran over to Alex.
"What happened?" I asked.
"We got it."
"Got it..?"
"Portland."
"Really? What are we going to do with it?"
He smirked. "I have some ideas."
I looked around and saw all the people that didn't make it. I didn't realize I was looking for Julian until I saw him. He had a bad scratch going across his face and some bruises but he was alive. Alex noticed I was looking at him.
"Lena I need to ask you something."
"What?"
"Do you love Julian?"
I was shocked but in the same way I wasn't. I knew I would have to face this eventually. I knew I would have to choose.
"Yes."
He looked sad but before he could say anything I rushed to continue.
"But not the way I love you. I love him as a good friend. Someone I feel safe with and someone that I can talk to."
He looked shocked for a minute, trying to figure out what to say.
"So what do you think of me?"
"I told you, I never stopped loving you."
Then, he leans in and kisses me gently. I didn't realize I missed it, that I missed him so much.
"So what do you think of me?" I asked.
"I love you."
"Then why did you say that you didn't?"
"I...I don't know. I was jealous I guess… I don't know."
He's quiet for a minute then he says
"You were the only thing that kept me sane in the Crypts. There were days I just wanted to… die, but I thought of getting to you and… I never thought I would get out and when I did I was shocked and then… I saw you with Julian and… I don't know."
"Alex, I'm so sorry." I hugged him and he kissed my earlobe lightly.
All of a sudden Alex went stiff. I looked behind me and saw Julian coming towards us.
"I'll be right back." I said to Alex. He reluctantly let me go.
I took Julian's hand and pulled him away from everyone.
"Julian-"
"I know. I could tell you loved Alex from when he first came. The way you looked at him… You never looked at me like that."
"Julian I'm so sorry. I'm sorry if I hurt you."
"But I do love you." I continued quickly.
"Yeah I- wait what?" He looked shocked.
"I love you as a friend. Someone I get along with great, someone that I feel safe with, and someone I can always count on."
"I won't deny I have feelings for you, but I'm happy for you. I really am."
I didn't know what to say. I probably just broke his heart and I felt like mine was breaking too.
"Julian-"
"Thank you."
I was totally shocked. "What?"
"You taught me how to love. You showed me a better way of life."
I didn't know what to say so I hugged him. Then Hana came running up to us.
"Lena!"
"Hana! You're okay!"
I pulled away from Julian and ran over to hug Hana. She seemed shocked at first, not sure what to do, but then she hugged me back. I could see a bit of her old self coming back. I don't know how, but it seemed like the cure was wearing off. She looked at Julian.
"Who is this?" I saw a sparkle in her eye.
"I'm Julian." He responded. He seemed shy and I figured I should leave them alone.
"I'll see you guys later." I said and ran back over to Alex. He caught me in an embrace and then I took his hand and led him over to Grace.
"Grace this is Alex, Alex this is Grace." I introduced them but I was nervous what Grace would say. They were both silent for a few moments.
"Who are you?" Grace said quietly, barely a whisper.
"I'm the one who infected Lena." Alex answered. I laughed and Grace didn't seem bothered by his answer.
I hugged him and he kissed my neck and my chin gently working his way to my mouth. Then he kissed me, softly at first, and got more passionate. All I could think was I missed you so much.
Now I am happy I chose the disease over the cure. Because if I hadn't, I wouldn't be the person I am today.
