The Struggle For Love

Chapter 6.5 Part 2

*Stacie's POV*
        “Alex?” I quickly say as he is about to swim down the stairs. He quickly stops and glances at me not saying anything. “Um, well, I was wondering if I could take you somewhere? It’s away from here, of course. I’m sure Marissa wouldn’t mind if we did. I don’t know how Nick would feel, but Marissa could probably keep him company in the meantime,” I say hesitantly noticing I am beginning to ramble. I wait in anticipation for Alex to say something.
        “But don’t you have to be home soon?”
        “We have enough time,” I say shrugging nonchalantly.
        “I guess I could leave. Where is it you want to go?”
        “It’s a surprise.” I can see confusion etched across his face. “I want to surprise you. You can’t know where we are going.” Alex looks like he’s arguing with himself making me wonder if it was such a bad idea. Finally, he says something.
        “Okay, sure. Let’s go tell Nick and Marissa then.” Alex turns back around as he is about to descend.
        “Wait! How about I go tell them while you get anything you might want to bring? That is if you want to bring something?”
        “Okay, sure. I guess I could grab something. I’ll go grab it and you can tell them.” I nod. Alex passes by me and into his room. I watch him before heading towards Marissa hoping my plan is a good one.
        I swim down the stairs arguing with myself over what I’m about to do. Maybe I shouldn’t be doing this. Alex might not like my kind gesture. What if something goes wrong in the process? It would be a terrible disaster. I need Marissa. She can help me relax and keep calm. Hopefully, I’ll be okay without her. If I’m not, Alex better be prepared for this freak show.
        “Marissa, I have a confession. I really like you and I really like your wonderful personality. We have always been paired up in many occasions for projects, but this one in particular is different. I never realized we had so much in common until now. I didn’t know you were such a great girl. Of course, I always thought you were cute, but I never took it upon myself to get to know you. Instead, I have always made your life a living hell. I’m sorry about that. I was only nervous around you. I admit I turned into that horrible Nick during those times, but I was just afraid. I was afraid to be near you and show you the real side of me. I realize we have had our fair share of troubles, but will you accept my apologies?” I hear Nick say as I near the living room doorway. I can’t believe this is going on. Nick told Marissa he likes her. I know she must be happy considering she likes him, too.
        “Of course, Nick. How can I not? But I have a confession, too,” Marissa replies back. What does she have to say? “I like you, too.” Aw! She told him how she feels! I’m proud of you Marissa.
        “Really?” I hear a shocked Nick say.
        “Of course! You’re cute, funny, and smart. Why wouldn’t I like you?” Marissa says giggling.
        “Marissa, will you be my girlfriend?”
        “I’ve been waiting for you to ask.”
        “Is that a yes, then?”
        “That’s a yes!” I don’t hear anyone speaking, so I sneakily peek my head through the doorway hoping they don’t see me. Marissa and Nick are kissing. Good, I’m happy for her. If only I could be like Marissa, though. I wouldn’t be so lonely and feeling unworthy of anybody.
        “Stacie?” I hear Marissa say.
        “Oh! Yeah, hi. I was wondering if I could talk to you for a second?”
        “Sure! I’ll be right there!” Marissa gets up from her uncomfortable position on the floor and makes her way towards me. Once she is near me, I grab her hand and bring her into the kitchen. “What’s wrong?”
        “I’m starting to get nervous again. Everything was going great until Alex got upset at me. I only said we should check on you guys to make sure you weren’t wondering where I was!” I quietly scream in a panic.
        “Calm down, Stacie. Maybe Alex wanted to spend more time with you? Maybe he didn’t want to stop and check on us. He probably didn’t. I see the way he looks at you, Stacie. It’s with pure love. He’s crushing hard, Stacie, and you’re his eye candy,” Marissa says placing a hand on my shoulder.
        “You really think so?”
        “Have I ever been wrong about love?” Marissa asks placing her hands on her hips.
        “Besides Nick?”
        “He doesn’t count.”
        “Then, no.”
        “That’s right. Now, why did you want to check on me?” Marissa asks questioningly.
        “I didn’t really. It was just that things were starting to get awkward, and it kind of blurted out of my mouth.”
        “I understand things like that happen, but us girls have to get that under control. Guys don’t want to hear us blurting things out when things get awkward. They want us to grow up and act like we can handle the situation even if we can’t.” I nod.
        “Okay.”
        “Good. Now, go keep him company while I keep my new boyfriend company,” Marissa says grinning.
        “Right! I forgot about that for a second. Congratulations on the new boyfriend.”
        “Thanks, now let’s move it! They’re probably wondering where we are!” Marissa says pushing me towards the door.
        “Wait! I want to ask you something.”
        “Okay, sure. What is it?” Marissa asks confused stopping.
        “I want to show Alex something, but it’s outside of here. I don’t have much time before I have to go home, and if you guys were to come, you guys would only slow us down no offense. So, I wanted to know if you and Nick could stay here and do whatever while I show Alex? Anyways, I kind of wanted to be alone with him and I think he does, too.”
        “Sure, I can keep Nick company here. You go have fun!” Marissa say smiling. “Make sure you’re home in time, though,” Marissa quickly adds in sternly. I nod.
        “I know. I won’t forget.” Marissa nods and motions for me to swim out the kitchen before her. Alex is already waiting in the entrance hall with his backpack full of things besides Nick. What could Alex all be bringing?
        “Ready?” Alex asks. I nod.
        “Just let me grab my backpack, too. Then, we can leave.” Alex nods his head. Marissa leaves my side to go stand next to Nick.
        I hastily grab my backpack full of my school things and head back to Alex. We both exit his house waving goodbye to Marissa and Nick, who are smiling happily as they watch us leave. Please let this go okay. I don’t want any disasters happening tonight.