Goodbye's - Chapter Twenty Four

I sit down with Alex in the living room. "Can I talk to you about something?" I asked. "Sure, what's on your mind?" he asks me. "Chris and I have decided to get into a relationship. I know you wanted me to give you a chance, and I told you I couldn't open myself up to anyone. Chris and I have been best friends for a long time. He has been my rock through a lot of hard times, and he risked his life to save mine. He knows I may never be able to love him like he loves me, but he wants to try. I told him I would try, but there were no guarantees that I could do it," I tell Alex, who is not shocked. "I already knew, Chris told me that he was going to try to win you over. He explained that he was in love with you and wanted me to back off," Alex explains. "He did?" I ask. "Yes, and he also told me that you were pregnant with the baby of your boyfriend that got killed. I'm ok with it. Honestly, I think you guys will make a great couple, Alex says. "I'm going to kill him," I say. "Now, don't do that. Chris is excited even though he's not the dad. He must have had a close relationship with your boyfriend," he says. "Yes, they were best friends. I know he misses him just as much as I do," I say. 

After I get done talking to Alex, I head into the kitchen to get something to eat. I have noticed that I crave certain foods. It seems that peanut butter sandwichs seems to be on the top of my list today. I don't even sit down to eat it. It tastes so good as I wolf it down fast.

Getting ready to head out to take a swim, I get hit with a sick feeling. I have a sudden urge to throw up. I have also noticed that I get hit with sickness almost every morning and sometimes shortly after I eat. I can't seem to keep much down these days. 

Grabbing my stomach and trying to hold my contents down, I dash to the bathroom. 

As unladylike as I am, I hurl up all my lunch. 

Geeze, this baby is putting me to the test. I regain myself as my stomach eases up, and I can finally get up off the floor. 

Another month has passed, and things have started to settle down with the morning sickness. I have lost weight from all the sickness, which would explain why I'm not showing much. The guys are out fooling around in the yard while I take to the piano. The sound alone takes me to places of joy. I lose myself in the song. After a while of playing, I want to see what the guys are up to. 

I find them outback raking the falling leaves as fall has set in. I personally don't see why since the trees keep making a mess until there are no more leaves, but they seem content in their efforts to clear the yard. 

Chris is hard at work looking all cute in his sweater and jeans, unaware that I'm watching him across the yard. 

I head in Chris's direction when a squirrel runs out in front of me. I find him amusing as he runs circles around my feet. 

Chris startles me when he walks right up on me. "You scared me," I say as Chris smiles at me. 

Putting his arm around my shoulders, Chris gives me a big grin as he walks with me over to where Alex is finishing up. "What are you grinning at?" I ask. "You're happy, it melts my heart to see you smile," he replies. "You're a hopeless romantic," I tell him.

 After Chris and Alex finish cleaning up, we all walk into the house. Chris suggests a playful match of ping pong. He dominates the game leaving me winded and running for the ball. 

 When Chris gets finished showering, he meets me in the living room. He leans over and turns on the stereo. Music fills the room as Chris pulls me into his arms. "Dance with me," he says. I take his hand, and he begins to sway. 

 He spins me taking me by surprise. "Oh," I blurt out. He giggles, pulling me closer. He never ceases to amaze me with his graceful moves. Is there anything he doesn't know how to do? I think to myself as I grin at him. 

"The house is ready for us to move into," he says as he twirls me again. "When do you want to move in?" I ask. "Is tomorrow too soon?" he asks. "That's perfect, I can't wait," I reply. 

 The song ends, and Chris releases my hand. He doesn't let go of me but pulls me close. "Can I kiss you?" Chris asks. "Yes," I reply with a small smile.

Chris brings me closer as I close my eyes. His lips press against mine with a gentle touch. 

His lips feel so soft as he kisses me for the first time since we decided to become a couple. 

I let go and pull him closer as our kiss deepens. No rules, no boundaries. Just us in our own little world. 

As we kiss, my mind starts to race. Can I do this? Can I ever love Chris? Can I let Dimitri go and move on? It makes my soul ache, but deep down inside that, I must move on if I ever want to live a normal life. I had to let the past go. 

The next day Chris and I meet Alex down in the living room to say goodbye. "You are an amazing and kind man. I can not repay the kindness that you have shown Chris and me in our time of need. I don't know what we would have done without you," I tell Alex. "You and Chris are always welcomed here. I have really enjoyed your company," he says. 

 Before I can say anything else, "oh, and if you ever change your mind.........You know where to find me," he smirks. I find that I'm smiling and grinning back. "I'll keep that in mind," I reply. 

  "I will give you a call when we get to the house. It's not far from here, and it will be close to my new job," Chris tells Alex. 

I hug Alex goodbye before Chris, and I leave. The world is ours for the taking, and now it's time to reclaim my life. I can now have the life that I always dreamed about. A simple life with a family to love and no drama of being royal. The thought makes me smile.