Stay

Chapter 19 - Mixed Signals

Alan could sense the distress radiating from Fiza's face, but he decided not to press her with questions. Anticipating that she might not be comfortable riding on his motorcycle, he had borrowed his parents' car instead. As he started driving in the direction of their college, Fiza's voice interrupted the silence, her words filled with vulnerability.

"Can I stay over with you, please?" Fiza's plea caught Alan off guard. He glanced at her, taking in her beauty, amplified by the turmoil she had experienced that evening. Her wide eyes, long lashes, and the subtle shade of red on her lips captivated him.

He took a deep breath, slowly releasing the tension building within him, and nodded in agreement.

Turning the car around, Alan changed their course and drove them towards his home. As they journeyed, Fiza stole glances at Alan and noticed a small smile playing on his lips. Despite the night's unfortunate turn of events, a warmth spread within her, and she found herself mirroring his smile.

As Alan opened the door, he was met with the sight of his anxious mother waiting for him. He had looked troubled all evening. And when he had left suddenly with the car keys, she had been reminded of his past, worried that he had gone out to indulge in a night of partying

A sigh of relief escaped her lips as she saw Alan walk through the door with Fiza. Deep down, she knew that as a mother, she shouldn't be allowing him to bring girls home. What would people say?

However, something about Fiza was different. Alan's mother had come to appreciate the positive influence Fiza had on her son's life.

She recognized that Fiza had played a crucial role in helping Alan break free from his previous struggles with alcohol, drugs, and partying. She had found, during a room check, Fiza's meticulously color-coded timetable and knew that it was a testament to the structure and stability she had brought into Alan's life.

Though darkness still loomed at times, she found that a spark of happiness that had rekindled in his life.

Regardless, in a sense of duty, Alan's mother said, "Leave the door open. We'll talk about this in the morning."

Alan couldn't help but grin. "Sure, ma," he replied, recognizing that she had turned a blind eye to far more troubling situations in the past.

As Fiza entered Alan's room, a request slipped past her lips, "Can I borrow a T-shirt?" Alan couldn't help but feel a shiver pass through him at the thought of her wearing his clothes. Keeping his composure, he replied casually, "Sure," reaching for one of his T-shirts and tossing it to her.

Fiza caught the shirt and made her way towards the bathroom. "I have mad skills," she joked. Moments later, her voice echoed from behind the closed door, "Ummm, Alan?" She peeped through a gap, uncertainty in her eyes. "Do you think your mom is still awake?"

Alan pondered for a moment, the image of his mother retreating into her room flashing in his mind. "I'm not sure," he answered honestly. "I did see her go into her room and close the door. Do you want me to check?"

Considering the options, Fiza weighed her decision before softly responding, "No." Closing the door, she took a few minutes before reopening it slightly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Can you help me with the zip?"

Alan's heart skipped a beat as her request sank in. A mix of anticipation and nerves coursed through him, but he maintained a calm demeanor.

He walked to the bathroom to help her. Her eyes found his and she looked nervous and apprehensive.

She had taken her shrug off and Alan's eyes swept over her bare shoulders and landed on the subtle hint of her curves. He looked away quickly. He wondered absently if she had had her shrug on at the restaurant during her date.