Bruises and scars. (Teacher/student love story)

30. Bruises and Scars.

SUNDAY

December the 26th.

Usually I would be huddled inside under blankets surrounded by Christmas decorations. But right now I'm stretched out on a king sized bed with Alex next to me. I'm wearing a bathing suit and it's eighty degrees. We're in Miami Florida and it's absolutely gorgeous.

Christmas went by quickly. I traded presents with my parents and then spent the afternoon with my friends. We all switched presents then too. Alex slept over that night and then the next morning we got onto the plane.

I sigh laying on my back, "I never want to go home." I say leaning my head to the side.

Alex rolls so that his arms are on either side of my waist; his head laying onto my stomach, "Me neither. Let's just stay here, get married and skip the rest of high school."

My fingers comb lightly threw his hair, "I'm down with the staying here and getting married part. But I think we need to finish school."

"Why?"

"So that we can get good jobs and make money."

He sighs, "I don't think you need that good of an education to become an artist, and as a football player I'm going to get tackled enough to lose all my brain cells."

I laugh making his head move with my stomach. Alex looks up at me smiling, "What?"

I shake my head, "Nothing."

It's quiet for a few moments and then Alex jumps up, "Where are you going?" I ask him.

"Stay there." He tells me pointing to the bed.

I'm sitting up now resting on my elbows, "What are you doing?"

He leaves the bedroom and a moment later comes back carrying a small box, "What's that?" I ask him.

Alex walks over and grabs my waist. I laugh as he pulls me to the edge of the bed making me sit up, "If you had asked I could have done that."

He smiles, "Wouldn't have been as much fun."

"What are you doing?" I ask him again.

He gives me a nervous smile. I don't think I've seen that smile since he asked me to go out with him. Alex never gets nervous.

Alex gets down on one knee and my stomach ties into knots, "What are you doing Alex?"

He puts a hand over my mouth, "Please just let me say this before I throw up."

I laugh under his hand. How romantic.

He slowly pulls his hand back and sighs as he takes my hands, "Scarlete I love you. I know that over the past couple years I've gotten a little rough with you, but for some reason you've stayed. Not only have you stayed but you've kept everything that I've done to you a secret. I want to turn over a new leaf right now and if you say yes then I promise I'll never hurt you again."

I smile, "What if I say no." I ask him in a teasing voice.

He gives a small laugh, "Be quiet. I'm not done yet."

"If you say no," He gives me a playful look, "Then I still promise not to hurt you. I also promise to wait until you're ready to say yes. I really do love you Scarlete, would you please marry me?"

I've known he was going to ask for a while now, I mean it's not like it's a secret. But for some reason Holdens face flashes across my mind. His voice in my head begging me to say no.

I look at Alex and know that I can't do that. I love him too much.

"Yes. I will." I say as tears burn my eyes.