Author's Note: Sorry for such a short chapter! The next one will be MUCH longer!


Chapter 52

Lucia

When I finally pull away from Alex, we're both out of breath and sweating. My arms tremble and I realize I've never kissed a boy before. I fiddle with my fingers before Alex gently takes them in his hands.

"We're not dating, you know," I finally say, looking up at Alex. I wait for him to wince or cringe or look hurt. He doesn't.

"I know," he said. "I only asked for a chance. And you're giving me one."

I nodded.

"And…" he continues.

I look down as he speaks, not wanting to meet his eyes. I already know what he's going to say.

"I'm guessing you still want to give Vladimir a chance too…"

"I'm an awful person," I say, pulling my hands away. "I don't know what I want. I'm not ready to just jump into something, Alex. I already said that. I don't want a relationship and I don't want—"

"Lucia, it's our first year. Obviously you're not ready to commit to someone for the rest of your life. I just wanted to make it clear that I'm serious about wanting a chance with you. You aren't just some first-month, first-year, Malfoy-Gryffindor—whatever you are—crush. You're a real person to me with real feelings and I just want you to know that."

I wonder if tears will ever stop falling from my eyes. I hugged Alex tightly.

"Thanks, Alex."

"No problem, Luc. Besides…who needs serious right now? We should just be having fun."

I rolled my eyes and slowly disentangled myself. "I'm going to head to bed. I'll see you tomorrow, Alex."

"Goodnight, Lucia," he whispered.

I didn't look back as I disappeared upstairs. Angie and Gabbie were already asleep when I got there and I quietly went through my nightly routines before slipping into bed without making a sound. That night, I replayed the kiss with Alex in my head. But I also wondered what it would be like to kiss Jonathan.