I hoped that Jamie wasn't with Alex because I wanted a moment with her alone. I didn't really sign up for all the extra friends.

I rang the doorbell and looked around to ensure no one saw me. I don't know why I do it, it's just a habit.

"Come in," she smiled and opened the door. I smiled and entered. I was about to say something when I got a message on my phone. It was from Sid.

"How does Sid have my number?" I looked at her.

"I sent it to him and Jamie just incase," she looked down. I nodded.

"He said he's having a pool party at it his house this weekend," I sighed. I hate pool parties. Men stare too much.

"What's the matter? You're not interested?" She eyed me.

"I'm not a fan of them," I ran my fingers through my hair.

"What if I went?" She tugged at my skirt. The corners of my lips pulled up into a smile. I wrapped my hands around her waist.

"Something could be arranged," I gave her a peck on the lips, "tell me. What happened with your mom?" She motioned for us to sit on the couch.

"My mom said she was trying to do it to get some extra cash," Alex explained, "but ended up losing her job because of the video. She wanted to get me a car amongst other things." I nodded. Seems like a fair reason.

"Are you okay?" Alex looked worried.

"Yeah," I relaxed, "It's just been a long day."

"How?" she motioned for me to continue.

Should I really tell her? This girl could get me to commit murder for her honestly.

"I don't do stress well," I explained, "and today was a lot a stress. The thing with your mom was one thing, but Jamie is a completely different story."

"I didn't know Jamie was bothering you," she whispered as if I scolded her.

"It wasn't an insult Alex," I sighed, "she's just making our situation more complicated than it needs to be."

"I understand that," she agreed, "but this is new for her. She's going to be annoying about it because she wants her way."

"I know," I rolled my eyes, "I'm just not used to having to fight for what I want."

"Does it bother you that it comes down to a choice?" She blurted out.

"It doesn't," I smiled. Alex letting down her guard with me is breathtaking. I feel like we could be ourselves completely.

"Aren't you worried that I won't choose you?" She murmured. I honestly didn't think of that. The connection we have is so strong, I was confident it would be me. I didn't realize Jamie was actual competition. Why do I even care though? I'm not here for the mushy shit.

"I wasn't at first," I admitted, "I didn't realize Jamie had such an effect on you. I don't want to talk about her though. I don't even know your last name."

She laughed, "It's Santiago. You?"

"Romano," I smirked.

"Italian?" She raised an eyebrow.

"Si, amore mio," I bowed and she laughed. Gosh I loved the sound of her voice.

"What's your favourite colour?"

"Blue. You?" I answered.

"Red," she beamed at me, "I like this. Getting to know each other is nice."

"It is," I pulled her into my lap.

"What are you most scared of?" I stroked her arm.

"Falling in love and not knowing it," she looked at me.

"What do you mean?" I stared at her blankly.

"Like," she said softly, "I don't want to be completely in love with someone and not know it and then realize it too late. What if I'm not in a position to be with them and I missed the opportunity because I was oblivious?"

"Girl," I laughed, "you put way too much thought into that fear." She smiled and her phone went off.

"It's Jamie," she looked at her phone. "She was supposed to stay the night with me but her mom said no. I wonder why?"

"I can stay," I kissed her shoulder.

"Only if i get to ask you more questions," she wrapped her hands around my neck.

"Deal," I kissed her.

I wanted to tell Alex everything but I couldn't. I don't think she'd understand that I was getting threats for texts. I haven't received any for the first one, but I'm heading out of town to be safe. I wasn't sure how serious the texts were, but I guess I'll see when tomorrow comes.

I texted Alex to let her know that I won't be able to make it. She replied and said it's fine, Gina is with her. Ugh, I rolled my eyes. It seemed as though Gina was getting more opportunities to spend with Alex than I was. I groaned as I unlocked the door. Surprisingly, my dad was there waiting with my mom on the couch.

"To what do I owe this once in a lifetime opportunity?" I shut the door behind me.

"Lose the attitude and sit down," my mom commanded. Sheesh. Someone was cranky. My dad was barely home due to work, so whenever he was around, my mom would try to appear as though she knows how to be a parent.

"What's the problem with Alex?" I sat down.

"You're going to have to stay away from her for some time," my mom explained.

"What? No," I shook my head defiantly, "Alex needs me. I can't just abandon her after everything that's happening with her mother."

"Those are their problems," my mom said sternly, "our daughter cannot be seen associated with those type of people."

"How could you say that?" I looked at her completely disgusted. "Alex's mom is your friend as well."

"Listen, Jamie," my dad interjected, "this is a very delicate situation. We need to lay low and stay away from them for some time. You can interact with her at school, but nowhere else. Be supportive from a distance."

"Why do we need to keep a low profile?" I sulked. How was I supposed to get anywhere with Alex now?

"I leaked the video of Aurora," my mom confessed.

Great.

What the fuck is wrong with my family?

I took Gina upstairs to my room. She's been here before but it's different now. I feel as though we've transcended to a completely different level in such a short space of time. As much as I would love for her to be all over me, I wanted to get to know her as well.

"Would you like to wear something of mine?" I looked through my drawers, "I know that you weren't expecting to stay."

"Sure," she shrugged, "once it's comfortable." I threw her a white vest and lilac shorts. She is much taller than I am so they fit her extremely different. Fuck. Her ass was practically hanging outside.

"See something you like?" She teased and I laughed. I see many things that I like.

"I like this side of you," I said softly, "it's less intense."

"Are you saying I'm intense?" She feigned hurt and flopped on my bed.

"You can be," I sat next to her on the bed. My fingers trailed along her bare legs, appreciating how soft her skin was.

"I thought we're supposed to be getting to know each other?" She breathed.

"Yeah, we are," I continued to move my fingers along her legs.

"Well if you keep doing that, there ain't gonna be any talking babe," she sat upright and grabbed my hand gently.

"Why me?" I whispered looking into her eyes. She looked away from the intensity of my gaze and sighed.

"Why not you, Alex Santiago?" She challenged. "You spend too much time thinking of why it shouldn't be you, instead of why it should be you."

Fuck.

Is this what love feels like?