N I N E

ARABELLA.

I look into his eyes and his gaze is soft as he rests it on me.

Alexander proceeds to surprise me by saying, "I'm sorry. "

My eyes widen and I watch the bob in his throat shift a bit as he keeps his eyes locked on mine.

"What? Why?" I ask and he says, "I thought that'd be the right thing to say. You're in this because of what I did, aren't you?"

"No. " I respond to him and when he narrows his eyes, I say, "Maybe a bit, but the fault doesn't entirely rest on you. "

"You have eyes all over you because I kissed you. I think the fault pretty much rests on me. " He argues, moving his hand and I shake my head. "It doesn't. People here will find things to talk about, so that isn't a surprise. It's just a matter of time before they find someone else to pick on and I become history. "

"What?" I smile when he hums and he says, "Nothing. You just reminded me of something. "

"Oh. " I mouth and he nods. "I'm not taking it back, though. "

"Taking what back?"

"My sorry. " He cl