The Hidden Love//lams

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John’s POV

I woke up to the sight of Alexander snoring beside me. He looked so peaceful when he was sleeping; I wish he looked this peaceful more often. Throughout the course of me staying at the Washingtons’ house, I had become accustomed to Alexander waking up in the middle of the night because of nightmares. He always brushed it off, telling me to not worry about him. I wish it was that easy.

I worry about that boy so much and I don’t think he realizes how much I actually care. If he asked me to be his boyfriend I would accept immediately. I plan to ask him out by the end of the day if he doesn’t beat me to it.

Instead of trapping myself in my thoughts, I focused my attention back on Alex. I smiled and pushed a strand of hair behind his ear. Sighing softly, I turned away and looked at the ceiling. It’s the weekend so I have a lot of time to kill. I made the decision of going on a walk to pass some time and reflect.

When I dragged myself out of the bed, I snuck out of Alex's room and slipped through the front door undetected. Most of his family was asleep, making it much easier to sneak out. Sure, it was really early in the morning, but my racing thoughts kept my mind awake.

Throughout the duration of my walk, I felt uneasy and slightly paranoid. I couldn't help but feel like I was being watched. Of course, I brushed it off and continued walking around the neighborhood. Throughout the time period I have been staring with Alex and the Washingtons, I didn't really leave unless I needed to go to school. I don't know why, but I was just terrified of leaving. 

I'm not sure if it was the risk of encountering my father or the recent feeling of paranoia that has been keeping me inside; either way it was enough to keep me from exploring the neighborhood. I'm sure it's nothing though, it's probably just the trauma from getting kicked out. It isn't anything I can't handle though, it has been a few weeks since that incident. 

After what seemed like an hour or two of walking around, I finally made my way back to Alexander's house. I quietly opened the door and slid through the entrance, the scent of cinnamon and coffee flooded my senses the second I got inside.

I inhaled slowly then finished closing the door behind me. I wandered into the kitchen and was met with the sight of Mrs. Washington making breakfast. I smiled slightly, my mother used to do this before I was kicked out. Man, I miss her so much. It wasn't long after I walked into the room when she noticed me. The second her eyes landed on me, her eyes lit up with shock and a bright smile found its way to her face.

"Oh, hi John! Did you sleep well?" She questioned, tilting her head in the slightest. 

"I did, thank you Mrs. Washington. Did you sleep well?" I returned politely, a smile finding its way to my face. 

"Oh, you can just call me Martha, dear," she started, pointing at the chair by the counter, "sit, I want to talk with you."

I was quite nervous after she said this, my own heartbeat increasing in speed. I didn't exactly know what she wanted to talk to me about, but I hoped it wasn't anything I did wrong. I did as she asked, sitting down at the stool on the edge of the counter. 

"So," she began, my heart continued to race, "I see that you like my son. You're a good kid and I can see how much he likes you as well. Just treat him well, I wouldn't like to see him heartbroken over someone he dated in high school. Alright?" 

I nodded quickly, my nervousness dying down a lot. "Yes, of course. I don't plan on hurting him in any way," I assured, offering her a weak smile. It seemed to be good enough because she nodded and went back to what she was doing before.

Alex's POV 

I woke up to the lack of body heat and feeling of emptiness beside me. It was something I had been accustomed to before John had moved in with us. That was a distant memory though, now that sensation caused my heart to race.