Story Time!

Someone Else (Part 1)

I gazed across the dance floor at her. She must have felt my gaze because she turned and raised her eyebrows. "See something you like?" she said as she walked closer.

I nervously cleared my throat. "M-Maybe."

"Why don't you join me?" Her hand trailed down my arm.

I shivered under her touch. "I really don't think I should be—"

"As if this is the first time I've caught you staring at me." She moved even closer to me. "Tell me, what's your name, beautiful?"

My eyes darted up to hers before landing on my shoes. "It's Alyssa."

"Well, it's a pleasure to finally meet you, Alyssa. I'm Lena." Her eyes searched mine. "Now, why don't you come join me out there."

My protests died in my throat as she led me by the hand to the middle of the crowd. A blush spread across my cheeks as she started dancing closer to me. "Are you just going to stand there?" Lena asked me.

I felt my phone buzz in my pocket. I ignored it and surprised both of us by throwing my arms around her neck. Lena froze. "Now look who's just standing there," I said close to her ear.

Her hands went to my waist. "You don't want to play that game with me."

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I was tired and a little buzzed from the club. I flopped down on my bed and checked my phone. Oh, shit. It was Alex, my boyfriend.

I quickly called his number. He answered as cheerful as ever. "Hey, Alyssa! You missed our usual talking time. What's up?"

"Oh, sorry. I was out."

"Yeah? Well, I hope you had fun. You know, I'm jealous of all the people that actually get to see your smile." He sighed. "Do you think you'll be able to come visit me soon?"

I stared up at the ceiling. "I have tomorrow off if that's okay with you."

"Of course! If you come over around lunchtime I'll take you out to this new restaurant. I've been waiting until you could visit to go try it."

"Aw, that's really sweet of you. I'll see you then."

"I can't wait! Well, I hope you sleep well tonight. Goodnight, Alyssa. I love you."

"I love you too."

I hung up and wondered why Lena was on my mind instead of my caring boyfriend.

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"This is a really nice place," I said as I surveyed the restaurant.

"It is." Alex glanced around and took a bite of his sandwich. "So, tell me about what you've been up to?"

I took a sip of my drink before replying, "The usual stuff. Work's been really busy. My boss only just let me start having a few days off."

"Aw. I'm sorry about that. But hey, at least you're here with me now. Do you have this weekend off too?"

I nodded. "Unless my boss takes it back and if he does, then I'm quitting."

"Cool. Hey, after we finish eating want to head back to my apartment?"

"Sure."

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"You changed your room," I said.

"Yeah, I decided I wanted a whole new colour scheme," Alex said as he laid down on his bed.

I laid next to him. "I like it," I decided.

He breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh, good. If it didn't pass the Girlfriend Approval Test then I'd have to go and change it again."

I laughed. We lay there in comfortable silence until his hand reached out for mine. I turned to face him. "You know it might be a while before we can see each other again."

He groaned. "I know. Don't remind me."

"So maybe—" I climbed on top of him. "—we could make the most of our time together."

He looked up at me. "Okay."

I leaned down to kiss him and his hands automatically went around my back. When my hands brushed his hips he suddenly pulled back. "Alyssa, I don't really want— It's nothing against you but I'm..."

I quickly got up from the bed. "Do you not want me?"

"Of course I do! Just not in that way."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm asexual. I like you, but only in a romantic way. Is that... okay with you?" Worry covered his face.

"Oh." Never being with him in that way for the rest of my life. "Uh, yeah. I should really get going though. Call me later?"

"Sure." Alex hurried to keep up with my strides as I walked to the door. He reached it a second before me and opened it for me.

"Bye," I said as I stepped out and closed the door behind me.

My phone vibrated. Checking it, I saw that it was Lena. I texted her back confirming I wasn't doing anything at the moment.

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"So, have you ever been with a girl before?" Lena asked as she scooted closer to me on my bed.

"No. You're the first girl to actually take an interest in me." I let my fingers curiously reach out to hold her hand.

"Then stop me if I'm moving too fast," Lena whispered before her lips met mine.

It was completely different from kissing Alex. With Alex it was full of love and promises, but this held something else. Fiery passion and a promise of no commitments.

Lena's hands drifted towards my waist. "Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Please, take me," I pleaded.

Those words were all the encouragement she needed.

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"Surprise, babe! I thought I'd make it up to you by.." Alex trailed off as he entered the bedroom to see Lena and I.

I hurriedly pulled the sheets over us as Lena sleepily looked over. Fuck. "Alex, I— I'm sorry."

"How long?" he asked with no emotion on his face.

"We met a few days ago but this is the first time we..." I trailed off unsure.

"Did you ever love me?"

"Of course I did! It's just that when you said we wouldn't ever... I panicked and I know that's no excuse."

"Are you happy with her?"

I glanced over at Lena. "Well, yes, but—"

"I wish you two the best." His gaze went to Lena. "Please, take care of Alyssa for me." He carefully placed down what he had been carrying on the desk and left.

I rose and went to see what it was. Tears streamed down my face when I saw what it was.

I felt Lena hug me from behind. "Did he make the cake himself?"

I nodded silently.

"Well, you certainly fucked up," she said with a straight face.

"No shit." I untangled myself from her and wiped my tears away. "You can go. You don't need to be dragged into this."

"We'll talk about that later. I'm gonna go take a shower while you contemplate on this."

Once Lena left the room I curled up in a ball under my covers, wondering what would happen next.