Alex quickly hissed, “Lower your voice! The tow truck driver can hear you!”
Doug said in a lower voice, “Alex, you’re not a woman in our reality.”
“And you’re not an overly protective brother either like you’re being now.”
“Because I don’t want Miles taking advantage of the situation, I’m being overly protective?”
“You came charging in with the taste of blood on your lips, so yes; you’re being overly protective. Trudy was right.”
Doug gave Alex a curious look before asking, “What was Trudy right about?”
“Trudy believes that what had happened to me is happening to you, Randy and the others, but in a lesser degree.”
Doug continued to give Alex a curious look while asking, “What happened to you?”
“This is my reality now.”
“Alex, you can’t give in now.”
“I have already decided and I’m set on my decision.”
Doug looked at Miles before saying, “Miles convinced you to stay.”
“Doug, we’re the same age, so stop acting like an older and protective brother.”
“Well, technically, I’m the older one by five minutes.”
“And you think you’re wiser than me just because you were born minutes before me?”
“I was just pointing out that I was actually older.”
“Let me point something out to you,” Alex sternly began. “My thoughts are very clear. Miles didn’t do anything to convince me to stay and I do not need an overly protective brother threatening my boyfriend.”
Doug saw a slight smugness on Miles’ face. He then faced Alex again, but before he was able to say anything, the tow truck driver stepped up and said, “Okay, Mr. Appleby. Here’s your insurance card.”
As Miles took the card, he said, “Thank you.”
“Well, I hope your day gets better.”
Miles glanced at Alex before saying, “It has already, actually.”
The tow truck driver just nodded with a slight grin before turning back towards his truck.
As the tow truck driver was walking away, Alex said, “Doug, I want you to back off and stop being protective of me.”
Doug slightly sighed before saying, “Fine, I’ll back off.”
“And apologize to Miles.”
Before Doug could respond, Miles quickly said, “Alex, that’s really not necessary.”
“Yes, it is,” Alex quickly said.
“All right; fine,” Doug said. “Miles, I overreacted and I’m sorry.”
“Your actions were understandable.”
Doug nodded before turning towards Alex and asking, “So, is everything good now?”
“It is for now, and as long as you don’t charge in again it will remain that way.” When Doug slightly chuckled, Alex gave Doug a curious look. “What?!”
“Your actions just remind me of mom.”
“And that’s bad?”
“No-no; that’s not bad. I’m just noticing it, that’s all.”
“If things are settled, we should get off the parking lot,” Miles suggested.
Alex took hold of Miles’ hand and when she looked at Doug, she saw Doug staring at her and Mile’s embracing hands. Alex then gave Doug an inquisitive look before asking, “Everything’s settled, right, Doug?”
Doug looked into Alex’s eyes before saying, “Of course.” He then gestured towards the direction of his Jeep. “Well, I’m supposed to be meeting Liz. I better get going before I’m late.”
Before Doug was able to walk away, Alex said, “You had about six dates with Liz.”
“Somewhere around there. What about it?”
“You have the hots for Liz and she wouldn’t date you in the other reality. You will lose that when you go back.”
“I’m planning to use what I have learned about Liz when I ask her out again in our reality.”
“It might work if the other Doug hasn’t alienated you with Liz already.”
Doug thought for a second. He then shook off the thought before saying, “Oh no, you’re not going to talk me into staying with you.”
“I’m not trying to. Well, you better get going. You don’t want to be too late.”
Doug gave Alex a curious look before saying, “I’ll see you and Miles later.”
As Doug turned to walk away Alex and Miles said, “Bye.”
As Doug was walking away, Alex asked Miles, “Where were you heading anyway when you got ran over?”
“I was going to the store for shaving cream and razors. Why?”
“Well, I knew you were heading away from Harvard, and I thought I can give you a ride if you need to be somewhere.”
“Well, I don’t need to be somewhere, but I would appreciate a ride.”
Alex stared delightfully at Miles while saying, “Okay.”
Miles grinned before giving Alex a kiss. The kiss lasted for only a couple of seconds. Once they turned and began walking towards Alex’s Jeep, Miles asked, “Oh, aren’t you off tonight?”
“I am. Is there something you want to do tonight?”
“I was thinking that we can go to dinner after my soccer game; I even know what restaurant that I would like to take you to, and then we can go somewhere where there’s a dance floor.”
Alex grinned before saying, “All right. It’s a date… our first date.” Miles just gave Alex a delightful smile for a brief moment.
While Doug was on the road to Liz’s house, he called Randy and told him the news about Alex and Miles.
After hearing the news, Randy asked, “So are you going to give up on Alex and allow her to stay?”
“No, but trying to convince her to return with us is definitely not an option, so we’ll have to take a more strategic approach.”
“What do you have planned?”
“Once your remote is ready to be activated, we’ll trick Alex into being in the same room with us.”
“Let’s hope that Alex won’t kill you afterwards.”
“I’m thinking everything will return to normal after we fix reality.”
“Okay, well I’m thinking that the remote will be ready by Sunday at the latest.”
“All right; bye.”
Chapter Seventeen
Later at the grocery store, Alex and Miles turned down an aisle while heading for the check-out line. Miles was carrying a can of shaving cream and a package of disposable razors. Alex was talking about a movie that she saw when Miles saw boxes of condoms on the shelf. Miles abruptly stopped at the condoms and picked up one of the boxes. Alex stopped and turned to see what Miles was doing.
When she saw what Miles was holding a surprised expression and somewhat of an amused grin came across her face before asking, “Isn’t that rushing things a bit?”
Miles gave Alex a curious look. Alex just responded by looking at the condom box. When he realized what Alex was referring to, he said, “Oh, uh, I wasn’t thinking about getting this for tonight, but eventually I’m hoping that we can… when you’re ready that is. In fact, I don’t have to get these today.”
Alex gave Miles a kiss that lasted a couple of seconds before telling him, “Buy them. In fact, I need to look into getting birth control.”
“Should we go to the feminine products before we leave?”
“I think I should talk to a doctor before buying anything.”
“Okay. Then I guess we’re set; unless you have something to get.”
“I don’t need anything.”
“Let’s go check out then.”
Alex slightly grinned before the two continued towards the registers. After Miles paid for the items, they left the store.
Alex drove back to campus and as the afternoon progressed, she helped Miles by calling auto repair shops. However, before they were able to locate a shop that would look at Miles’ van before Tuesday Alex had to go to class.
6:45 P.M., Alex and Trudy were taking their seats in the bleachers to watch Miles’ game. During the game Tru
dy noticed how much Alex was enjoying herself.
Near the end of the first half, Trudy got Alex’s attention before saying, “Your mood has certainly improved a lot since you decided to give you and Miles a chance.”
“I am in a good mood,” Alex agreed. “I don’t feel stressed out like I was.”
“It shows. Perhaps Doug will realize as to how happy you are and not try anything to force you to return with him.”
“Until you mentioned it earlier I didn’t even think that he would try something to force me back with him. After thinking about it though, I agree that he might try something. Whatever he might try, I won’t have to worry about it until Sunday.”
Trudy stood up and when Alex gave her a curious look, Trudy said, “I’m going to the concession stand. Do you want anything?”
Alex grinned before saying, “No, thanks. I don’t want to fill up on anything before Miles and I go out to dinner.”
“All right; I’ll be back.”
Alex just nodded. When Alex turned back towards the game, Trudy made her way to the aisle.
As the game progressed Miles was able to prevent the other team from scoring and when the game ended Harvard won by a score of four to zero. As the spectators were dispersing and the players were leaving the field, Alex and Trudy positioned themselves to where the Harvard’s team would pass them.
When Miles saw Alex and Trudy waiting, he stepped up to Alex before saying, “You are definitely my good luck charm.”
Alex grinned and while giving him a confused look, she asked, “Why do you say that?”
“We were the underdog in this game by two goals, and we just skunked them.”
“I doubt that my presence here has anything to do with you winning the game.”
“Thinking about our date tonight had put me in the spirit to stop those balls coming my way.”
Alex smiled before saying, “Well, I’m glad I was able to inspire you.”
Miles gestured towards his team before saying, “I need to go with them.”
Alex nodded while saying, “I’ll be with Trudy in our dorm when you get done.”
Miles gave Alex a quick kiss before saying, “I’ll see you in a few minutes.”
Alex delightfully grinned before saying, “All right.”
As Miles turned to rejoin his team, Alex and Trudy walked away.
Forty minutes later, as Alex and Miles were walking towards Alex’s Jeep, Alex gave Miles her keys for him to drive.
Miles took Alex to a romantic restaurant where they dined by candlelight. They spent an hour at the restaurant and as Miles was paying the check, Alex saw a basket full of peppermint candy near the register.
As Miles was receiving his change he noticed Alex dropping several peppermints in her purse. Before starting for the exit, he nudged Alex while saying, “You must like peppermint.”
Alex gave Miles a grin before saying, “Actually, they’re for morning breath for the mornings that I can’t brush my teeth right away.”
Miles gave her a grin followed by a passionate kiss. After the kiss they left for the exit.
When they left the restaurant they went to a nightclub. Neither one of them drank very much as they spent most of their time dancing. When the club closed at three in the morning, Alex and Miles got into the Jeep and drove off. Alex was driving.
When Alex had pulled onto the street from the parking lot, Miles said, “I’m having such a good time that I hate for this night to be over.” Alex gazed at Miles as if she was debating something over in her head. He got nervous as to how long she had her eyes off the road. “Alex, face the road. I don’t want to get into another accident less than twenty-four hours apart.”
Alex turned back towards the road before saying, “Sorry; I was thinking that this night doesn’t have to end.”
“What do you have in mind?”
“Do you have any of those condoms with you?”
Miles gave Alex an interested stare before saying, “I do.”
“There’s a motel a couple of miles from here. Let’s go there.”
“Alex, we don’t have to do this.”
“Are you against the idea?”
“No-no; I’m not against it. It’s just that… I don’t want you to feel that you’re being rushed into anything.”
Alex looked at Miles before saying, “I’m the one who brought it up.”
Miles pointed towards the road while saying, “Alex, the road.”
Alex faced forward again before saying, “Miles, I’m not being rushed. I have been thinking about it since I saw you holding the box of condoms, and I want to do this.”
Miles smiled before saying, “Okay; let’s go to the motel.” Alex took hold and held Miles’ hand.
Several minutes later, Miles was in the office and paying for a motel room for the night as Alex waited in the Jeep. After getting the key, he went back to the Jeep. Once Alex parked her Jeep, she and Miles entered the motel room.
Saturday, November 6, 11:50 A.M., Alex and Miles were returning to the dormitory after being out all night.
Just after reaching the entrance, Alex said, “Give me an hour to get a shower and for me to change my clothes, and I’ll meet you in your dorm.”
“You still want me to order a pizza, right?”
Alex nodded while saying, “Yeah. Pizza sounded good since you mentioned it. No mushrooms though.”
“I’m getting mushrooms on half of it and you can eat the half without it.”
Alex grinned before saying, “Fine.” Alex then gave Miles a quick kiss. “I’ll see you in an hour.”
As Alex was walking away, Miles said, “All right.”
As the hours passed, Alex, Miles and Miles’ roommate Dennis watched a couple of movies. At 3:45 P. M., Alex left for work.
At 6:35 P.M., Doug was eating dinner with Liz and her grandparents at Liz’s grandparents’ house. Midway through the meal Doug’s cell phone rang. Doug looked at who was calling. When he saw everyone staring at him, he said, “It’s just Randy… a friend of mine. I’ll call him back after this delicious meal.”
“We’re not against accepting phone calls during dinner,” Liz’s grandfather said.
“I doubt what he has to say is important enough that it couldn’t wait for another ten minutes or so.”
“Okay,” Liz’s grandfather said. He then picked up the conversation of where they had left off.
Doug put his phone back on his belt, and took a bite of food. Doug had finished his meal and a dish of apple pie within fifteen minutes. As he got up from the table and was walking towards the living room, he dialed Randy.
When Randy answered, he said, “Doug, I’m glad you called me back.”
“So what’s going on?”
“The remote is finished.”
“Well, right now Alex is at work, and she won’t get off until after one.”
“We can do it bright and early in the morning then.”
“That’s sounds good. I’ll get Cindy to make up some excuse to get Alex in Harvard’s library at nine in the morning.”
“If it wasn’t for Trudy being on Alex’s side, it would go a lot smoother if we all met at Alex’s dorm.”
“Even if Trudy wasn’t on Alex’s side, that would be too obvious of what we have planned.”
“You still believe that Alex will be looking for us to try to trick her?”
“If the situation was reversed, I believe that Alex would do what she can to get me to go back.”
“Okay, well Ben and I will be hiding out in the library before nine; bye.”
“All right, bye,” Doug said before putting his phone away.
At Little Bucks, Alex was finishing up at taking the food order from a group of six when Becky and Catherine walked in.
Becky and Catherine stepped up to the bar and took their seats while Alex was turning in her food order. After Alex walked up to the bar and placed her drink order, Catherine tapped Alex on the shoulder. When Alex looked at Catherine, Cather
ine asked, “So do you want to bite someone’s head off today?”
Alex had a big grin on her face before saying, “I’m actually in an excellent mood today.”
Becky grinned while saying, “You had sex last night.”
Alex looked at Becky and as she continued to grin she asked, “What makes you think that?”
“I know you and your moods, and you had sex last night,” Becky said. “Am I wrong?”
Alex smiled before saying, “You’re not totally wrong.”
Catherine grinned before saying, “It was this morning.”
Alex continued to smile as she said, “Actually, it was last night and this morning.”
“So tell us the details,” Catherine said.
“Was it with Miles Appleby?” Becky asked.
“It was with Miles, and that’s all the details you two are getting from me,” Alex said.
“Well, I’m happy for you,” Becky said.
“Becky, you’re just happy to know that I’m not trying to rekindle things with Stephen,” Alex said.
“Stephen is with me, so I’m not worried about you attempting to rekindle anything with him,” Becky said.
“Oh, so you don’t come here when I’m working to keep an eye on me?” Alex asked.
“Maybe I did on the first day you worked, but I miss our friendship, and so I come here in the hopes that we can be friends again,” Becky said. “So can we put the last two months behind us and the three of us go back to the way that things were before?”
Before Alex was able to respond, Bryon called out, “Alex, your drinks are up.”
Alex looked at Bryon before saying, “Okay, thanks.” Alex then faced Becky again. “Becky, our friendship will never be the way it was before, but I would like it if we could rebuild our friendship.”
“Rebuilding our friendship is good too,” Becky agreed.
Alex nodded with a grin before she turned; placed the drinks on her tray and walked towards the customers with the tray of drinks.
An hour later, Miles walked in and before he was able to find a seat, Becky invited him to sit with her and Catherine. As the hours passed Becky, Catherine and Miles talked. Alex talked with them between waiting on and serving the customers. When the kitchen closed, Stephen sat next to Becky and joined in on their conversation.
A Crossed Reality Page 25