Forever and Always

Alexa’s POV

Felix’s anger was palpable as he confronted me.

“Why the heck didn’t you tell me about this sooner?!” he exclaimed, his frustration directed at me.

“I didn’t want you to see me as a burden,” I admitted, my voice barely audible.

I had finally revealed to him about Jackson’s actions, and his anger seemed to give way to understanding. He gently took my arm and turned me to face him. My gaze remained downcast, a mixture of shame and fear overwhelming me. His warm hands cupped my face, gently tilting it up to meet his gaze.

“You’re never a burden to me, Alexa. I care about you deeply, and I want you to trust me and rely on me. If anything like this happens again, promise me you’ll tell me right away?” His voice was soft, his concern evident.

I nodded, unable to hold his gaze. He leaned down, placing a tender kiss on my forehead. As his lips lingered, I felt his intention to kiss me deepen, but he pulled back abruptly as our parents entered the room, their laughter filling the air.

“Hey, Felix,” I finally called out to him, trying to break the awkwardness. He hummed in acknowledgment, looking at me expectantly.

“I like you too,” I admitted, my cheeks reddening. His initial smile transformed into a triumphant grin.

“I knew it,” he teased, his confidence unwavering.

“You knew?” I asked incredulously.

“Of course. I’m quite perceptive when it comes to you,” he replied with a smirk.

“You’re just full of surprises,” I commented.

“Indeed,” he agreed, his eyes sparkling mischievously.

“Shall we go now, Lexi?” My dad’s voice interrupted our moment.

“Sure,” I answered, and we made our way out together.

••••

The next day, I arrived at school earlier than usual, waiting for Felix. I noticed Emily, the girl who had helped me in the restroom, and greeted her with a smile.

“Hey, Lexi,” she greeted me warmly. Her presence was comforting, and I was grateful for her kindness.

“Hi, Emily. My hand’s much better, thanks to you,” I told her with a grateful smile.

“It was nothing, really,” she dismissed, her own smile genuine.

As I waited for Felix, I saw him entering the school with his arm draped around another guy’s shoulder. He smiled at me and then made his way over.

“Oh, Cupcake, I missed you,” he whispered into my ear as he hugged me tightly. Emily looked at us in astonishment, her expression revealing her surprise.

And truthfully, I was taken aback by his behavior too.

He introduced the guy next to him as Mike, his cousin. Mike’s appearance was quite impressive, but even so, Felix outshone him.

Felix’s arm remained around my shoulders as he addressed me again. “This is Mike, my cousin.”

“Hi,” I greeted Mike with a smile, and he nodded in response. As his gaze met Emily’s, they both froze for a moment before Felix continued, “And who is she?”

“Emily, my friend,” I replied. The moment was odd, as if there was an unspoken tension between them.

“I’m glad you’re making friends,” Felix commented, his smile warm.

Emily and I exchanged glances, her expression slightly uneasy. She scratched her forehead, looking deep in thought.

“Um...Lexi, I have to run. See you after school, okay?” Emily said abruptly before dashing off.

Her behavior was odd, leaving me wondering what was on her mind.

As I turned my attention back to Mike, I noticed a hint of guilt in his eyes as he looked after Emily.

There was something peculiar happening, and I had a feeling I was missing a piece of the puzzle.

••••

After school, I waited by the gates as Felix had promised. His name alone made my heart race, and just the thought of seeing him put a blush on my cheeks.

He always had that effect on me.

As I stepped out of the classroom, I collected my belongings and headed to my locker. However, before I could open it, a hand covered my mouth, silencing me. In a blur of motion, I was pulled into a room.

My heart pounded as I realized who it was.

Jackson.

My body trembled in fear as he smirked at me, his presence sending shivers down my spine.

“You’ve been smiling a lot lately, haven’t you?” he mused with a twisted grin.

“Let me go, Jackson,” I demanded, trying to sound more confident than I felt. He chuckled darkly.

“Oh, princess, where’s the fun in that? Since I have you all alone now, and your little boyfriend isn’t around to protect you, I might have some fun with you,” he taunted.

“No, please don’t,” I begged, tears streaming down my face.

I couldn’t help it; I cried, terrified of his presence. And then, his lips were on mine. Panicking, I turned my head away, resulting in an awkward kiss on my cheek. He scowled, holding my jaw harshly.

“You little bitch!” he spat, his anger evident. He released me, only to bury his face in my neck, his biting and kissing sending shivers of disgust down my spine.

“Please! Jackson, stop!” I pleaded, trying to push him away, but it was futile.

Finally, he stepped back and left the room. I crumpled to the floor, my sobs consuming me.

I had never felt so disgusted and violated in my life.

The door swung open again, and I heard a gasp.

“Holy crap, Lexi! Are you okay?” Emily’s voice rang out. I looked up through my tears, and she was there, offering me comfort.

It was Emily who had helped me before, just as Jackson had left the room.

“I’m so sorry, Lexi. I saw him walking out of the room, and I felt something was wrong,” she explained, her voice laced with guilt. “I should have waited for you after school.”

She picked up my backpack and grabbed my phone, making a call.

The door burst open once more, and then I was swept off my feet and into someone’s arms.

Felix.

“Oh, Alexa. I’m so sorry. I’m so damn sorry,” he whispered, his arms enveloping me in a protective embrace.

“I’ll leave you two alone,” Emily said softly, exiting the room.

Felix held me close, his soothing presence calming my racing heart. I clung to him, finding solace in his embrace. As he pulled back, wiping away my tears, I could see the guilt in his eyes.

His eyes glistened with unshed tears, his own pain reflecting my distress.

“I’m so sorry, baby,” he murmured, his hand caressing my cheek gently. I shook my head, my tears still falling.

“It’s not your fault, Felix,” I assured him, my voice wavering.

But the truth was, his presence made me feel safe and loved.

Feeling a surge of emotions, I grabbed his collar and kissed him fiercely. It was a surprise even to me, but he responded with equal fervor.

When our lips finally parted, our breaths were ragged, and a mix of emotions swirled in the air between us. He gently kissed my forehead before helping me up, his concern unwavering.

Felix retrieved a handkerchief from his pocket and tenderly tied it around my neck, hiding the mark left by Jackson. His touch was gentle, and I felt a deep sense of gratitude for his presence and care.

“Let’s get you home first,” he whispered, his voice full of reassurance. I nodded, my trust in him reaffirmed.