Chapter 14

Riker POV

"Alex, what's wrong? What are you doing here?" I asked.

"I just needed someone to talk to. I don't know what to do, it just hurts so bad. My grandfather is 6 hours away in some hospital my mom doesn't want me at. I might not ever get to see him again," cried Alex.

Luckily, I had grabbed my glasses before I came downstairs, and I could see where I was going. I took Alex's hand and walked her back to her house. We sat on the couch in her living room. She told me everything that had happened when her mom had called earlier. I slid closer to her, and I could feel her shaking as she talked. She was so upset. She was almost making me want to cry.

After she finished telling me everything, I put my arm around her shoulder, and gave her a hug. I wasn't sure what exactly she wanted me to do.

"Alex, what can I do to help?" I asked.

"Can you just stay with me?" Asked Alex, still shaking.

She looked up at me with her hazel eyes, tears falling quickly down her face. There was no way I could say no to that, even though I still felt a bit awkward since I kissed her earlier. That seemed to be the furthest thing from her mind right now.

"Of course," I said.

Alex leaned her head against my shoulder. We didn't say anything after that. We just sat on her couch. I noticed a little while later, she had finally fallen asleep. I closed my eyes, and fell asleep too.

The Next Morning…

Riker POV

I was woken up the next morning by Alex's cat, Angel, walking on my face that was resting on the side of the couch. Where was I? Oh, Alex's. I looked next to me. Alex's head was in my lap, and she was still in her swimsuit from yesterday. I picked up my glasses that were on the floor and put them on. I could see the clock from across the room, and it was 8:06. I stayed on the couch, and a little while later, Alex woke up.

"Good morning," I said.

"Good morning," she said back.

Alex got up and went to her room. I could hear she was calling her mom. I got up and walked to the bathroom. After using the bathroom, I tried to fix my hair the best I could without a comb. I could see my face was starting to break out again. I had forgotten to put acne cream on last night.

I left the bathroom and walked toward the porch door, which was open. Alex was sitting out there at her table, now wearing a pair of shorts over her bikini. She was crying again.

"Alex?"

"He has to go in for another surgery. They're having trouble fixing his heart and stuff," said Alex.

"Alex, I'm so sorry to hear that," I said.

I got a text from Rocky.

"Dude where are you? The whole family's worried."

"I'm at Alex's. It's a long story."

"We're going on a ride to a historical house today. We're leaving in an hour. Are you coming?"

"I can't leave Alex right now. You'll have to go without me. I'll see you guys later," I texted back.

"Alright. We're leaving the door unlocked."

Alex was still crying. She was staring outside at the trees.

"Do you want me to make you breakfast?" I asked.

"No, that's ok. I think I just want to go for a walk down to the beach," she said.

"Do you want me to come, or should I stay here?"

"You can come."

Alex and I walked down the road to the beach. She led me down one of the docks. We both sat on the edge. Alex sighed and leaned against me, still upset. I put my arm around her. I was glad she hadn't brought up the kiss. I didn't know what I would even say. I didn't even know why I did it. We sat on the dock for a little while. I felt like exploding on the inside. Alex was leaning against me as if she were my girlfriend. I just wanted her to be my girlfriend so bad! I looked over at her. I could tell she was deep in thought. Suddenly, she spoke.

"Why did you kiss me last night?" She asked.

Oh great…

"Alex, you looked so beautiful in the moon light last night, especially your eyes. The truth is, I'm in love with you," I said, my voice shaking.

You idiot! Why did you say that!? It was like I had no control over what I said! I looked at Alex nervously waiting for a response. I could feel my face turning red.

Alex POV

Riker's voice started shaking as he said he was in love with me. I was very surprised to hear him say that to my face since he wasn't honest with me a few days ago. I knew he wanted me to say the same back, but it wasn't clear in my head if this would be a good idea or not. I had never had a boyfriend before…

"At least give him a chance…" Katelyn's words came flooding into my mind.

Riker POV

Silence. I was desperately waiting for Alex to say something. Anything. I just wanted an answer.

"Riker, I don't know if this is a good idea. I mean, you're sweet, but we're 2 years apart, and I'm going through a really tough time right now," Alex said.

"We might be 2 years apart, but I still love you. You love who you love, it doesn't matter," I said.

Alex POV

I knew that quote. It was Riker's. It felt like he was slowly growing closer to my heart. Hmmm. I guess maybe I could give him a chance. He was practically my idol after all. Hmmm… Maybe… I wasn't ready to make a decision on the spot like this!

I looked over at Riker. He was sitting next to me wearing black and white plaid pajama pants and a T-shirt. He was also wearing his glasses. I loved his glasses. A few months ago I had gotten new glasses. Mine were just like his.

Riker was looking down at the water, and I could see he was trying to hide that he was starting to cry. Alright, fine…

"Riker?"

Riker looked up at me and started to stand up.

"Riker, wait," I said.

Riker sat back down and looked at me, his face and eyes red now.

"Riker. I think I can give us a chance," I said.

Riker pulled me into a hug and started crying again.

"I love you so much, Alex," he whispered.

"I love you too, Riker," I said.

It was true. I decided I did actually love him, more than just a celebrity, as an actual person. I wasn't sure it would work out, but I loved him.

Riker took off his glasses and wiped his face with his hands. He looked relieved and exhausted.

"Alex, I really do love you," Riker said, looking at me.

"I know. I love you too," I said again.

Riker POV

A smile spread across my face when Alex said she loved me again. YES! I finally got the girl of my dreams! I could tell Alex was unsure that it would work out, but I was determined to make sure it did. I put my arm around her shoulder and looked out across the lake. It was still early and the air was cool. There was a slight breeze, but it felt nice.

"So…" I said.

"Yeah?"

"What do you want to do now?" I asked.

"Well I should probably call my mom again and see if the surgery is over yet," said Alex.

Alex POV

"Ok, then let's head back to your house in a minute," said Riker.

"Ok."

I got up and stretched. Riker slowly stood up, stretching too.

"Watch out for the spider web behind you," I said.

*Splash

"RIKER!"