Chapter Ten: I Need You
"Thanks again Mrs. Grey for letting me stay" Alex said as she unpacked
"No problem, you are like a daughter to me. You are always welcome in my home" Mrs. Grey stated
"Did I ever tell you that you are like a second mother to me" Alex asked
"Yes, you have" Mrs. Grey smiled
"Good, then I'm allowed to do this" Alex ran up to Mrs. Grey and hugged her.
"Aww.. Sweetie thank you"
"No, thank you" Alex said as she pulled away
"Dinner will be ready soon" Mrs. Grey stated before leaving
Suddenly, Alex's cell phone rang, "hello?"
"Hey Al, its Mitch! Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm okay. OH, by the way do you have my guitar?" Alex questioned
"Unfortunately, I couldn't fix it because Mrs. Snow didn't have the strings, so she told me to leave it in the backroom and she'll fix it by tomorrow" Mitchie stated
"Oh okay. Hey, I have to go someone's knocking on my door" Alex said as she hung up and opened the door to see.
"Allie, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean what I said" Nate said and looked right at her
However, Alex just sighed and shut the door in his face. Nate knew that Alex was not going to forgive him just like that.
"Please Alex" Nate knocked, "I'm sorry, just please open up"
As Nate slid down Alex's door and proceeded to sit on the floor. Alex felt a tear glide across her face. Nate sounded so desperate, and genuinely sorry. But she had to stay strong and prove her point. Nate was not allowed to say those hurtful things and get away with it. She heard him knock one more time, but she ignored it.
After five minutes of Nate knocking on the door. Alex decided that it was time to get out of the house. She changed into a black spaghetti strap, brown sweatpants, and her Nike shoes. Alex tucked her hair under her dad's hat and grabbed her i-pod. She opened the door and stepped out.
She was surprised to see Nate sitting on the floor with his head in his hands. When Alex saw this, she just wanted to hug him and whisper into his ear, "I forgive you" and kiss him. But she couldn't, so she just chose to walk away.
"Alex" Nate said as she was heading for the stairs, "Allie, please just talk to me"
Nate grabbed her arm and turned her around. However, she just pulled away from him and left without saying a word.
"Al, is everything okay" Mrs. Grey asked as Alex was opening the door.
"Yeah, everything is okay. I'm just going to go for a run" Alex walked outside while listening to her i-pod
"Mom, where did Alex go" Nate asked while running downstairs.
"I'm not sure; she just said she was going for a run"
"THE BEACH!" Nate ran outside
"I swear, those kids get weirder every day" Mrs. Grey shook her head
Alex was running on the beach for exactly thirty minutes, while listening to the song "so what" by Pink. She was focusing on her breathing and her foot pushing off the sand when. Suddenly, someone tackled her. Alex landed on her back and felt someone on top of her
"Dude, what the hell!" Alex said as she took off her headphones
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry" Nate said repeatedly
Alex gave him a serious look, "Does it look like I care, GET OFF ME!" Alex pushed him hard. However, Nate didn't budge.
"No, I'm not going to move until you forgive me" Nate said
"Fine, whatever! We are going to be here for a while" Alex stated while putting her earphones on listening to "All I Need" by within temptation.
In all honestly, Alex really didn't mind having Nate on top of her. She kind of liked the idea of her body being pressed against his.
Alex was now closing her eyes and humming to the song. As she was listening to the song, Nate grabbed her arm and traced little symbols on her forearm that he knew Alex would understand.
*Flashback*
-Nate and Alex are twelve-
"Hey Allie, what are you doing" Nate asked as he sat next to her on the floor
"I'm making a list of symbols" Alex stated
"Okay, but why"
"Well Nate, I have decided that we should have our own secret symbols" Alex said
"Really?" Nate questioned
"Yup, check this out" Alex handed him a piece of paper with unique symbols on it, "Give me your forearm" Alex took his arm
"What are you doing" Nate asked
"Well, I want you to look at that paper, and try to figure out what I'm trying to say. You ready?"
"Yeah" Nate replied
Alex started drawing symbols on Nate's arm. While Nate was trying to figure out what she was writing.
"Okay, you said 'Nate is a good friend'"
Alex stopped drawing on his arm, "Yup"
"Alright, let me try" Nate grabbed Alex's arm. His touch caused her to blush and sigh a dreamy sigh
"Umm okay" Alex smiled
He started to draw little symbols on her arm. Alex was slowly putting the symbols into words and she couldn't believe what he wrote.
"You think I'm cute" Alex asked in disbelief
"No, I think you are pretty" Nate said as intertwined his fingers with hers.
Alex looked at him, "you truly are something else, you know that"
"So are you" Nate replied and kissed her forehead
*End of Flashback*
Alex felt Nate's fingertips guild across her arm and she knew exactly what he was doing.
"Nate, stop it!" Alex pulled her arm away
Nate grabbed her arm once again and tried to spell out "I'm sorry" but she kept pulling away.
"That's it!" Nate pulled Alex's earphones off and threw her i-pod a few inches away from her
"What the hell" Alex was angry
"Why won't you forgive me" Nate asked in a sad tone
"Because I choose not to, if you have a problem with that then deal with it" Alex pushed him hard enough for Nate to roll off of her. She stood up and grabbed her i-pod. She began to run away from Nate as quick as she could.
However, within seconds Nate caught up to her
"Nate, go away" Alex started to pick up her pace
"No, I won't go away until you forgive me" Nate said while trying to catch up with her
"Nate, I swear if you don't leave me alone. I will kick you in a place that hurts" Alex stated
"You wouldn't dare" Nate smirked
"Watch me!" Suddenly Alex stopped and kicked her foot towards Nate's area. Nate instinctively grabbed her leg and made her lose her balance causing her to start falling. She instantly grabbed Nate's shirt and pulled him down with her. Nate was once again on top on Alex
"Is it me or do you just being on top" Alex questioned
"A little bit of both. Don't get me wrong I would like to be on the bottom, but I have a feeling that if you are on top. You will physically hurt me then runaway" Nate smirked
Alex smiled, "You got that right"
"Did I just make Alex smile? Shout to the heavens, she's going to forgive me!"
"Whoa, who said I was going to forgive you" Alex asked
"Oh come on, I'll let you be on top if you forgive me" Nate rolled over, so Alex was on top. For a second, Alex shut her eyes tightly, because Nate was unknowingly causing her body to feel intriguing sensations that she never felt before.
"So Russo, how does feel to be on top" Nate teased
Alex reopened her eyes, " I knew your pervy side would eventually come out"
"Well that's because I would do anything for you to forgive me" Nate said
"Anything?"
"Anything!"
Alex was now trying to figure out what she wanted Nate to do. She could ask him to kiss her, but then that would make it too obvious that she loved him. Or she could not tell him to do anything. However, that would just be too easy for him. Alex came up with an idea
"Alright, I'll forgive you under one condition" Alex stood up.
"Okay, but what do you want?" Nate asked
"Well first, I need you to get up"
"DONE!" Nate quickly stood up
"Now, I want you to follow me" Alex started to walk away from Nate
"Where are you going" Nate was following Alex
"No questions, just follow"
Nate did as he was told and followed Alex without asking any questions. Nate was now finding himself climbing up a few rocks until he reached a small pier.
"Allie, what are we doing here" Nate looked down. He and Alex were now on a pier that was only surrounded by water.
"We're going to jump" Alex said simply as she took off her shoes
"Wait, what! What do you mean by jump" Nate sounded scared
"I mean we're going to jump off the pier and land in the water" Alex started to tie her hair into a ponytail and she dropped her hat next to her shoes.
"I don't think I can jump Allie, I mean that's a HUGE length between the pier and the ocean"
"So! What are you scared" Alex asked
"Yeah, I am scared and besides I don't even have swim shorts or extra clothes" Nate stated
"So, I don't either" Suddenly, Alex took off her shirt. She was now showing the world well mostly Nate her undergarment.
"Whoa!" Nate turned around
Alex just giggled, "Come on Nate, just pretend I'm in a bathing suit"
"Yeah well, I don't think a bathing suit consists of black laces and a pink ribbon" Nate was nervous
"You are such a virgin" Alex said in between a laugh
"Well I am proud of it and you are a virgin too. So don't even start" Nate bluntly said
"Whatever" Alex started to take off her sweatpants revealing her boy shorts, "So are you going to jump or what"
"Allie, I really-" Nate looked at Alex, "JESUS would you stop taking off your clothes!" Nate turned around again
"God Nate, you act like you never seen a girl in her undergarments before" Alex giggled
"That's because I haven't… You're my first" Nate explained
"Oh my gosh Nate, I didn't know"
"Yes, you did" Nate bluntly said
"Okay, maybe I did" Alex started to laugh
"This is not funny, I just saw my best friend almost naked not once but twice!" Nate shouted
Alex suddenly looked down, "Geez Nate is seeing me almost naked that hideous"
"No, NO of course not" Nate walked over to her, "It's just that, I'm not used to seeing a young beautiful lady such as yourself. Standing in front of me with nothing on besides you-know" Nate pointed at Alex's garments
Alex sighed, "Nate, we're both in the same boat. Believe me! I have never seen a boy almost naked standing in front of me"
"Allie, what are you talking about" Nate asked
"Well, you are going to take off your clothes too, aren't you" Alex sounded awkward
"What! No, I am not going to do that" Nate suddenly stepped back and walked around Alex. His eyes were now beginning to wander around Alex's amazing assets
Alex turned around and Nate quickly stopped looking at her
"So, this equally means that you're not going to jump" Alex was giving attitude
"No, I'll still jump but with my clothes on" Nate stated
"Wait, that's not fair" Alex accidently blurted out
"Alex has anyone told you" Nate got closer to her, "Life's not far" he whispered in her ear.
Alex fought the urge to grab the back of his neck and kiss him hungrily
"Wow this sucks, here I am half-naked in front of my best friend. And I just realized my best friend won't do the same for me" Alex sighed
"Alex, you know it's not that"
"Then what is it Nate" Alex asked
"Well" Nate began to scratch the back of his neck, "It's just that I'm shy"
"So Nate" Alex held his hand and looked him straight in the eye, "Take a risk..with me! Show the world who the real Nate Grey is. Embrace your freedom and do something we usually don't do, Plus us jumping off a pier half-naked would be a moment I and you will never forget" Alex snickered
Nate sighed, "Fine but no looking"
"I would never" Alex said sounding offend
Nate turned around and began to reach for his shoes. He slipped them off, and then he went for his shirt. As he was in the process of taking off his shirt, he noticed Alex.
"I can see you" Nate looked at her
"Sorry" Alex pretended to cover her eyes until Nate turned his back again. Her eyes started gracefully looking up and down his body. Taking in every single detail from his amazing biceps, to his pale skin, to his beauty marks on his left shoulder Nate had such an amazing body. Alex just couldn't look away
Nate began to unbuckle his pants, and Alex watched intently as if it was the grand finale of a great movie. Nate finally took off his pants, and Alex couldn't help but continuously look up and down his body. She knew it was wrong, but it felt so right. However, she wished he would turn around so she could admire ALL of him.
Suddenly Nate turned around and smirked, "Were you gawking at me"
"What, Pssh..No" Alex was turning red
As Nate began to walk up to her, Alex took a quick glance at Nate's stomach. "God, he is so gorgeous with his six pack and all. He's perfect" she thought
Nate softly put his hands on Alex's shoulder, "It's okay, you don't have to deny my hotness. Just embrace it!"
Alex snickered, "What happened to, I don't want to take off my clothes because I'm shy"
"Well considering I'm standing on a pier with only boxers on, and you're in your undergarments which by the way. You look amazing sexy in" Nate smirked as he grabbed her waist and allowed his eyes to once again wander around her body.
Alex noticed Nate looking at her and blushed, "PERV!"
"I'm not denying it" Nate smiled
"You never do, so are you ready" Alex pulled away from Nate and walked towards the edge of the pier
"Allie" Nate grabbed her hand, "Are you sure you want to do this" He sounded worried
"Of course, why do you ask" Alex knew the truth, although she wanted to hear it come out of Nate's mouth.
"Alex, you are not the strongest swimmer in the world. I don't want you to get hurt" Nate sounded serious and sad at the same time
"Nate" Alex caressed his cheek and looked into his eyes that were filled with worry. " I have faith in you that if anything happens to me. You'll be there to save me"
"Like I did last time" Nate held her hand
"Like you did last time" Alex smiled
*Flashback*
-Alex and Nate are sixteen-
"Alex, are you sure you don't want to go in the pool" Mitchie asked
"Yes Mitch, you know I can't swim" Alex stated
"So, are you okay with just standing and watching" Mitchie asked again
"Yes, I'm okay with just standing and watching" Alex exclaimed
"Okay" Mitchie began to swim to the deep end.
Alex started to giggle a little, she loved how Mitchie was such a worrier but she was just being a good friend.
"Hey Russo" someone called out
Alex turned around, "What do you want Miley"
"Well, I just wanted to know where your hot best friend is" Miley asked while looking around
" I don't know where Nate is, but he promised me. He'll be here" Alex stated
"Aw, looks like Ms. Russo can't live without Nate" Miley pouted
Alex gave Miley a stern look, "you have no idea what you're talking about"
Alex was about to walk away until Miley pulled Alex's arm, "Oh please, I know. Wait! I mean the whole school knows that you have feelings for Nate."
"You don't know anything" Alex pulled away from Miley
"Not so fast Russo, I do know a few things" Miley stepped in front of Alex, "I do know that Shane is a father figure to you, Mitchie was your best friend until you met Nate and fell for him. And I know you hate to swim because your dad was suppose to teach you before he died"
Miley started walking around Alex, "And the only time you will ever swim is when Nate is right by your side. But guess what Russo, Nate isn't here" Miley pushed Alex a little
"Leave me alone" Alex said furiously
"What are you scared" Miley took a step forward which caused Alex to step back
"Stop it!" Alex could feel the edge of the pool on the back of her shoe.
"Relax, Russo" Miley began to taunt Alex, " I would never do such a horrible thing"
" I don't believe you" Alex looked right into her eyes.
Miley could sense the fear Alex was feeling. And to be honest, Alex had a right to be scared.
"Just please stop" Alex pleaded as she tried to move away. But she knew that if she took a step to the left or right. She would fall in. And without Nate there she knew she might just drown which could possibly end her life.
Miley just smirked, "Alright I'll let you go this time. But next time you better watch your back" Miley walked away
Alex let out a sigh, she had never feared something so much in her life, "I need Nate", Alex said as she took a step.
Suddenly, she felt her foot guild over the pavement floor. Alex felt her body being launched into the air. She screamed as she noticed she had nothing to hold on to. Alex began to panic. She was scared that she might fall on the pavement floor or worse. She would fall into the water.
The last thing she heard was Mitchie's voice, and suddenly she felt her body being covered in water. Alex's clothes were now being drenched and Alex was struggling to keep her head above water.
"H..Help" was the last thing she said before she went under water. Alex waved her body around and around trying to swim back up, but she couldn't. Alex's eyes started to close and she began to have flashbacks of her life. Her father smiling, her mother crying, Mitchie laughing, Shane acting silly, Nate holding her in his arms.
"I never got to tell Nate how I felt" that was Alex's last thought before it went all black.
-XOXO-
Alex found herself lying on the pavement floor surrounded by some unfamiliar faces as she weakly opened her eyes
"Alex, are you okay" Mitchie asked
Alex was about to answer until she felt water traveling up her throat. She instantly coughed the water out.
"Wow guys, give her some room"
Alex knew whose voice that was, "Nate" she tried to get up but she felt a hand push her back down
"Allie, take it easy" Nate stroked her hand as he kneeled next to her.
" happened" Alex began to feel lightheaded
"Al, you drowned"
"Really?"
Nate just nodded as he brushed her wet hair back.
"Did you save me" Alex was starting to wonder how she was still alive, she vividly remembered seeing a white light
"Yes" Nate stated while he kissed her forehead
"Nate" Alex's eyes were starting to get heavy, "Can you take me home, I'm feeling sleepy"
"Sure, sweetie" Nate picked Alex up bridal style and carried her all the way to the car.
"Nate is she going to be okay" Mitchie asked while opening his car door
"Yeah, don't worry. I'll stay with her the whole night" Nate gently placed her in the passenger seat and buckled her up, "But I'm probably going to take her to my place if I take her home. Her mom is going to freak" Nate opened the driver's door
"Hey Nate, make sure you get her out of those wet clothes. I don't want her to get sick" Mitchie hugged Nate
"Will do" Nate pulled away and started up his car. He turned on the heater so he and Alex wouldn't get cold. As he pulled out of the driveway, Nate noticed Alex shivering a little. He suddenly stopped the car and grabbed his jacket from the backseat.
Nate put his jacket around Alex's body, hoping that his jacket would keep her warm through the car ride. As he was pulling away to start driving, he felt Alex's hand graze his. Nate looked down to see Alex's hand searching for his. Nate smirked and intertwined his right hand with her left.
"You're going to be okay, baby girl. I promise" Nate whispered in her ear and kissed her cheek. He started to drive home once again while still holding Alex's hand and stealing glances at her every once and a while.
*End of Flashback*
Nate smiled as he remembered that memory. However, at times he would frown at the feeling that he could have lost Alex that day. I mean, to hear your best friend screaming for help and then turn to see her sinking down under the water, and knowing for a fact that your best friend couldn't swim. That sight could easily just break your heart.
And for Nate, that day didn't only cause his heart to break it also made him live in fear of losing Alex forever. And just like Alex needed Nate, there was a huge possibility that he needed her more sometimes. If Alex were to walk out of his life, Nate wouldn't know what to do. He would be lost in the darkness.
"Hey, you okay" Alex nudged him
Nate looked at her and smiled, "As long as you're with me I'll always be okay"
Alex blushed and looked down, "You ready"
"Quick question, are you s-"
"Yes Nate, I'm sure"
Nate sighed and put his hand out, "If you jump, I jump"
Alex proudly took his hand, "On the count of three..One"
"Two" Nate squeezed her hand
Alex smiled, "I still can't believe we're actually doing this. But three"
Nate and Alex both pushed off the pier and gradually started to head towards the water. Alex's hair was flying around her face while Nate was getting prepared as to what was about to come. Both of them covered their noses and suddenly they felt water touching their toes. And with a huge splash their bodies went under water
As both of them proceeded to go under water, Nate tried to hold on to Alex's hand the whole time but when they hit the water. The impact was too strong for him to hold on. In a second, Alex's hand left Nate's. He opened his eyes under water to see if she was next to him.
However, Alex was nowhere to be found. He began to toss around in the water in every direction hoping to spot Alex somewhere but he didn't. Nate began to panic and wondered if she was alright. He was determined to find her, he couldn't lose her.
He swam up and once his head was above the surface, he yelled, "ALEX, ALEX! WHERE ARE YOU" Nate sounded like he was about to cry.
However, relief over came him when he heard a response.
"NATE!"
He turned his head to the left to see Alex, half a mile away struggling to keep her head above water. Nate noticed that Alex was in the shallow part on the ocean. The current must have taken her when Nate's hand accidently left hers.
"ALLIE, KEEP YOUR HEAD ABOVE WATER. I'M COMING TO YOU" Nate shouted as he began to swim
"I'LL TRY!" Alex was struggling and with every second that passed her body was sinking down to the bottom. She suddenly began to cough as ocean water splashed into her mouth. She soon began to concentrate on her coughing rather than her floating. And soon enough Alex found herself under water trying to swim back up. Unfortunately, she kept getting dragged back down up the current.
Alex felt as if she was not going to live to see the next day until she felt a hand jerk her wrist and pull her up. Alex gasped for air as her head left the surface.
"Hold on" Nate demanded as he began to swim back to land.
"Okay" Alex held on to Nate's neck as he was swimming.
She felt as if she was the damsel in distress and Nate was the prince who was sent to save her. However, the look at Nate's face told her a different story.
As they reached the beach, Alex was still afraid to let Nate go. So, he held onto her until they officially were on land. And once their feet felt the ground, Nate suddenly pushed Alex down. She struggled to keep her balance but Nate's push was to strong that she fell on her butt.
"Ow" Alex yelled, "What the hell was that for"
"For you being so stupid!" Nate ran his fingers through his hair, and that usually meant he was frustrated, "Damn it Alex, all I wanted was for you to forgive me. NOT RISK YOUR LIFE IN THE PROCESS!" Nate kicked the sand
"Nate, don't you think you're being a little over dramatic. I mean, it's not like something tragic was about to happen" Alex said with a hint of sarcasm
"YOU COULD OF DIED" Nate yelled
"Yeah, but I didn't" Alex pointed out
"BECAUSE OF ME! I saved you again. Allie, do you think I like having to be your knight in shining armor every time you want to do something so careless LIKE THIS!"
"So what are you saying Nate that you're going to stop being there for me" Alex was mad
"NO, I'm saying that I live in fear every single day when I'm not with you because I'm scared I won't be there to save you when you decide to do something like this. Allie, I almost lost you when we were sixteen and I don't want to feel that pain ever again. Alex, I just… I just need you okay." Nate looked down.
At that moment, Alex realized what she had done. She had hurt Nate without meaning to.
"Hey" Alex said softly. However, Nate refused to look at her. Alex stood up and walked over to him. "Hey, look at me" Alex pushed up his chin lightly.
Their eyes instantly met
"I need you too" She stroked his cheek, " I didn't mean to scare you. Don't be mad"
"I'm not mad, Just please promise me that you will never do anything that careless again" Nate pushed Alex's wet hair off her face
"I promise" She whispered as she placed her forehead against his.
"Allie, I don't want to ever lose you in my life. Please don't ever go away" Nate placed his left hand on top of her hand.
Alex instantly held his hand, " I don't plan on going anywhere unless you're right next to me"
For her, this moment was one of the best moments she had ever experienced with Nate.
The sun began to set. However, Nate and Alex stood in that position embracing every feeling that was being processed in their bodies. Their foreheads touching, their lips quivering, their hands clutching onto one another's, Nate stroking her hair as Alex caressed his cheek, and gazing into each other's eyes feeling as if they were the only two people in the world.
For both of them this was a perfect moment that could never be forgotten.
"I love you, Nate" Alex said softly as she continued to look into his eyes and caressed his jaw line with her fingertips
"I love you, too" Nate kissed her nose and placed his forehead back to hers, "It's hard not to love a girl as amazing as you"
Alex's smile faded, "please don't say things like that"
"Why" Nate sounded confused
"Because.." Alex looked down, "I know you don't mean them"
"Hey" Nate lifted her head up, "Look at me"
Alex did as she was told and looked up at him
"Don't ever think that I don't love you because I do. I Nate Grey do in fact love Alex Russo with all my heart" Nate got closer to Alex's ear and whispered, "And don't you ever forget that"
Alex felt a tear guild down her face as she wrapped her arms around his neck and placed her forehead once again against his.
"I've always loved you" Alex kissed his cheek and a smiled appeared on her face.
Nate placed his hands on her hips and pulled her closer to him. They held onto each other as the sun turned orange and the sky unveiled a starry night. For Alex, this was the defining moment that she realized why she loved Nate so much.
For her, his touch was what made her live, his smile is what made her shiver, but his heart was what made her love him forever.
-End of Chapter-
A/N: TA DA! Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter because I enjoyed writing it. And thanks for the reviews I currently have 50+ reviews. You readers are AWESOME! Oh and for the readers who loved the shower scene in the last chapter. I hoped you guys liked the "being on top" scene and "the pier" scene.