Fake Dating Alpha Hockey Captain novel Chapter 90

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#Chapter 90: A Hard Truth

#Chapter 90: A Hard Truth

Alex talks to Michael for hours, leaving me to guess what is happening and eventually causing Rita and me to fear if something has gone wrong.

Eventually, Alex returns to his parents‘ house. I’m sitting at the table with his parents and with Rita, barely touching the plate of food in front of me. In fact, Mr. Hewlett is the only one who seems to have an appetite.

Tala rises as Alex approaches. “Let me make you a plate,” she says before turning to walk away. “Don’t,” Alex says, causing her to stop in her tracks.

She approaches him and places a hand on his shoulder, searching his face. “You need to eat something.”

“I don’t have an appetite. I just need some time alone.”

She lowers her hand and locks her fingers together, resolved to. “Of course. I’ll have something in the refrigerator for you when you’re ready.”

I want to follow him to his room, but I don’t know if that would be appropriate, and he doesn’t ask for me. He simply walks away, followed by the sound of a door shutting. The finality of it breaks my heart.

I can only imagine the stress he’s under. Even if his brother tried to come off positive and reassuring, the idea of having to run a pack you never thought you would have control of is intimidating.

I know.

That evening, we take a walk to our stream. This time it feels different. I wonder how many more walks we have, how many more times we’ll visit this stream together.

Even committed to one another, this time is almost over and I don’t know what’s coming next.

We’re prepared to spend some time alone. Alex brings a large blanket and a thermos with something warm that I don’t really find appealing. But I smile and pretend to enjoy it.

The moon is full, making it the perfect night. I’m afraid this may be the last time we’re together like this, here. When we go back home this will become a memory. At least until the time for me to return.

There’s just so much to do…

“What are you thinking about?” Alex asks as we cuddle on the blanket.

“Just…everything. There’s just so much on my mind. How did my life get so complicated?”

He pulls me in closer so that I’m lying against him. I can hear his heartbeat, a sound that grounds me in the now. Mine sinks up with his. I guess that’s how in tune we are.

“I know.”

For a moment, I just stare at the moon. It’s so consistent, so unmoving. Regardless of what happens to me or any of us, it will still be here tomorrow, and the day after that. I try to take comfort from that.

I finally broach the painful subject on both our minds. “I’m sorry about Michael.”

“Yeah…”

“What did he say?”

A feel Alex inhale deeply, then feel his chest sink as his breath is released. It is a sad, somber sound. “Well, I can say he’s optimistic for a dying man.”

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#Chapter 99 A Hard Truth

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“I can’t even imagine what he’s going through.”

“Me, neither. I mean, he was at the peak of life, you know? It reminds me how fragile that balance is.”

“How long do they think he has left?”

“That’s anyone’s guess–a few weeks, a few months.”

I hesitate to ask my next question because I don’t know if in ready for the answer. “When will you have to be back?”

When he doesn’t answer right away, I fear the worst.

“I don’t think I’ll be leaving.”

I lean up and search his face for some hope. But there’s none there. “You won’t be coming with me?”

He turns his head away. “If he dies and I’m not here…and we don’t know when that will be…”

I lay back down. “I understand.”

I really do, but it makes me angry. I finally find my truth and my happiness–my one true love–and he’s getting ripped away from me? How is this fair? This can’t be how my story ends?

This changes things. I had such plans… “Where does that leave us?”

“We’re still fated…and you could always stay here until you’re ready to take your pack.”

“You know I can’t do that.”

Even though this conversation is easier because we don’t have to look each other in the eye, it’s still hard to say what I’m thinking.

“What do you want, Cynthia?”

“To be with you.”

“How do you see that happening? Right now?”

“Well, you know I’m not ready to lead a pack.”

“Are you ready to be with me?”

“I’m torn. I can’t leave my mother yet, you know that. I need to make everything fit in–both worlds together.”

“How? How will you do that?”

“I started writing in this journal,” I tell him. “It’s a way for me to work out my ideas….what’s on my mind,” I explain.

His tone becomes chipper. “Do you write about me in it?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?”

“Well, yeah… I would.”

“We’ll save that for another conversation.”

“Why? Is it x–rated?”

I elbow him. “Owww,” he cries out through his laughter.

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#Chapter 90: A Hard Truth

“Seriously, though.”

“I know, I’m sorry. You were writing about me in your journal and…”

Before I can get aggravated and sat something smart to him I stop myself. To be honest, I’d rather hear him laugh than see the weight of the world wear him down.

“Anyway…as I was saying.” I nestle back into him so I can feel our hearts again. “I was moved to write my own story as a play. I think that is what I’ll miss the most when leave my old life.”

“Are we going to hold a play then?”

“Uh–no. I want to continue with my plans to go to college. That’s what my mom expects, and afterward I can move to get a job.”

“Why would you get a job?”

“Oh, my pretty boy… I wouldn’t get a job, but that’s when she’ll expect me to move away.”

“And return here.”

“Exactly.”