“I'm not sure I understand,” he said, running a hand through his hair.
I beckoned him to sit down, and Alex settled on the bench, keeping the flowers in his lap. I nibbled at my thumbnail while I cleared my head, pacing back and forth. My mind was going in all directions, I didn't know which way to turn.
“I went to see the show I was supposed to be in. Marya gave me these flowers to thank me, but they felt wrong. This year has been incredibly hard, and I realize that if I've managed to get through it, it's because of you. So, I want you to accept my flowers.”
Alex nodded.
“It feels like we're at a crossroads and that things are about to change, aren’t they?”
I could only nod in agreement. Everything was going to be turned upside down from now on. But damn, I was ready for these changes! Alex frowned, looking worried. I really hoped I wasn't going to screw things up.
“Alex, I have to tell you something.”
“Okay, talk to me.”
He clutched the flowers to his chest as I had done a few minutes earlier.
“I saw my doctor this week. I'm allowed to dance again.”
“Truly?” he exclaimed. “I'm so happy for you!”
Alex leapt to his feet and took me in his arms. His embrace gave me that warm feeling I'd come to associate with him. He made me feel special and loved. Now it was time for me to return the favour. My heart quickened to the point where I could feel it pounding in my throat. I swallowed hard. I stepped back enough to look him in the face. Alex bit his lip. He was having trouble deciphering me, and it was making him panic. I could see it in his eyes.
“I've got something else to tell you.”
“Which is?”
I took a deep breath. There was no way I was going to chicken out this time.
“Be my boyfriend?”
For a brief moment, he looked at me, unable to react. Alex shook his head and grinned.
“What? I'm sorry, but I didn't quite hear that.”
I rolled my eyes but played along. I resumed with more confidence:
“Alexander Niessen, be my boyfriend.”
Alex hugged me again, tighter this time. He peppered my temples and face with kisses.
“If you insist, I think I'll accept.”
THE END
