Chapter 7. Fears Return

I dated Alex for about two months without any worries. I knew this was far too good to last though. I was sitting in British Literature class when the thought hit me hard. What if she found out? What if the person who ended up telling her wasn't me? How would she feel about me if she knew I'd been lying to her? I caught up with her at lunch and pulled her aside.

"We need to talk" I said urgently.

"Look, Alex, I really care about you, but maybe it would be best if we went our own ways" I said and hated myself with every word.

"Did I do something?" she asked and looked like she could cry.

"It's not you, it's me" I said and felt even stupider. I seriously could have thought of a better line, but the pace of the conversation didn't allow enough time for that.

"I won't forget you Alex" I said mustering up as much courage as I could. Stupidly enough, my fears had returned and gotten the better of me. I went home and slumped down on the couch. I ignored anyone who tried to talk to me. I made my way to my room after dinner when Mum made her way in. This was strange as usually Dad handled situations for me. Dad was busy working though and wouldn't be home until later during the night.

"Go away" I groaned when Mum knocked.

"Gregg honey! Open this door right now!" she ordered and I obeyed.

"What" I hissed.

"Honey, you've been off since you got home from school today. Is everything alright" she asked.

"I'm fine, now leave me alone" I snapped.

"That is no way to speak to me. On another note though, I'm always here for you" Mum said placing a comforting arm around my shoulders.

"I know, it's just strange talking to you about this when you don't see my perspective" I reasoned before spilling my heart out to her. I explained everything that happened and she smiled at me.

"Gregg, if you really love her, and she really loves you, something like who you are won't tear you apart. You act like the same person you are, so she would have no reason to dislike you. If she loves you, she'll keep it a secret for you. How do you know she doesn't have some sort of secret too? You have to try to see her side of this. Just go with your heart, it'll tell you what's right" Mum said before leaving my room. I thought over everything she said and knew at least some of what I had to do.

"Hey! Where are you off to?" Grant asked from the kitchen.

"I'm going to solve a problem" I replied and dashed to the Waverly Sub Station. I stepped through the door and saw Alex's family.

"Hey! You're that Mason she talks about all the time" her little brother said shaking my hand.

"Nice to meet you" I replied warmly. I found out his name is Max, and the older brother is Justin. Alex's father didn't look entirely happy to see me.

"Mason, it's time of you to go. I don't think Alex wants to see you" Mr. Ruso said somberly.

"I came here to fix this. I let my fears take over me, and I need to make it right" I pleaded with Mr. Ruso.

"Alex! Come down here!" Mr. Ruso called up the stairs and the lovely Alex made her way down.

"What Dad! Whatever Max blew up, it wasn't my idea" she joked and then frowned when she saw me. I went to the back of the shop with her and apologized for my behavior.

"I think part of me feared truly having feelings for someone. I've never grown so close to anyone. I love you Alex Ruso" I said stroking her cheek.

"I love you too" she agreed and we embraced.

"I have something very big about myself that I'll have to tell you soon though" I informed her.

"Same here" she said and I stared at her.

"Do you seriously think I don't have some sort of secret?" she joked and I knew she was back to herself.

"Oh my god!" Mrs. Ruso cried as she flew down the stairs.

"What Mom" Alex asked impatiently.

"He looks like, like, like, like-was

"Gregg Sulkin?" Alex and I finished for her and she nodded.

"People have told me that before, but I don't see it" I remarked somewhat sarcastically.

"Wouldn't it be hilarious if he was lurking somewhere around here? My friends would be so psyched" Alex said with a small laugh.

"Certainly Alex. It would be hysterical" I replied and tried to keep a smirk from appearing on my face