MUNA's POV
As I stepped into Alex's house, Mrs. Grace, Alex's house-help and more like a family, greeted me with her infectious bright smile. "Hello, Muna!"
"Hello Mrs. Grace" I replied to her with a smile. Her eyes sparkled with knowing,
"Alex, right?" I nodded and she smiled. "Alex is up in his room. Would you mind taking this food up to him? He might actually eat it this time."
I nodded, curiosity sparked. "Is everything okay? You seem concerned."
Mrs. Grace's expression turned serious, her voice laced with worry. "To be honest, Muna, Alex hasn't been himself lately. He's been distant, quiet, and absent-minded. It's unlike him to miss church on Sundays, even with his mom."
I reassured her with a gentle smile. "Don't worry, I'll talk to him."
With the tray of food in hand, I headed up to Alex's room. The door creaked open, and I found him engrossed in his drawing, headset covering his ears. I set the tray down on the bed and approached him, my eyes drawn to the intricate details of his artwork.
As I gently tugged the headset from his ears, Alex's gaze snapped toward me, his eyes widening in surprise. But it was the transformation in his appearance that left me breathless. The bruises on his eyes had vanished, replaced by a radiant brightness that seemed to pierce my soul. His wavy hair was now cropped to a soldier-style afro, enhancing the sharp angles of his face. And his lips... oh, his lips seemed to beckon me, fuller and more inviting than I'd ever seen them before. My heart skipped a beat as our eyes locked and I forgot myself in the moment.
"Mun?" His voice snapped me back to reality.
"Hun?" I replied unconsciously.
Alex's eyes narrowed slightly. "When did you get here? I wasn't expecting you."
I diverted my gaze, trying to compose myself. "I brought your food."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "Did Mrs. Grace send you to bring that?"
"Yes. You haven't eaten since morning"
"I wasn't hungry yet. I told her that already"
"Alex you can't keep wallowing yourself in misery" I said looking deeply into his eyes as though searching for something in it.
"Mun, I need some space," he said, his tone firm but laced with a hint of regret but his words pierced through my heart like a sharp blade. it felt like my heart was ripped and I felt the sting of rejection, my heart recoiling as if it had been slapped. "You want space?" I echoed, my voice trembling with hurt.
Alex's eyes locked onto mine, a flicker of apology dancing in its depths. "I'm sorry about what happened last time, Mun. I took advantage of the situation... of you."
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, but I fought to hold them back. "What do you mean?" I pressed, my voice cracking with emotion. "Didn't you love me? Wasn't that why you...?"
Alex's face twisted in a mixture of guilt and frustration. "Making out in the heat of the moment doesn't mean it's love, Mun. I was caught up, and I'm sorry I didn't stop myself."
The dam broke, and tears streamed down my face. I spun around, desperate to escape the pain that seemed to radiate from Alex's very presence. But he caught up to me, his hand closing around my arm.
"Are you crying?" he asked, his voice low and husky.
I shook my head, trying to break free from his grasp. "Did I hurt you?" he persisted, his words piercing my heart like a dagger again. the fact that his innocent yet weighty words were killing me and it's annoying and heartbreaking he doesn't realize it_maybe he's pretending not to.
I swallowed hard, trying to hold the new the tide of tears about tp gush out again. "How could you?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.
Alex's eyes searched mine, a glimmer of understanding flickering in its depths but I bet he can't understand the amount of pain my heart is going through at the moment. His soothing words isn't enough to mend the pain.
"Do you have feelings for me, Mun?" he asked, his voice a soft murmur.
I was taken back for a moment before I jerked my arm free, taking a step back as if to distance myself from the pain. "You gave me so many green lights, Lex," I accused, my voice firm but laced with disappointment. "I thought you felt the same way."
Alex's face contorted in a mixture of regret and frustration. "I'm sorry, Mun. I didn't realize... I- I'm not ready for a relationship. I have too much to deal with."
I laughed, the sound bitter and mocking. "You didn't realize?... I see... Well, I'm sorry for being a disturbance. Mrs. Grace is worried about you, so maybe you should eat the food she prepared for you cause you've been leaving her food wasted, it bothers her." I hated him instantly. This is what he says to me after showing him all the care in the world. I just nodded my head firmly and forced a smile then turned and walked away, leaving Alex standing alone amid our shattered emotions. I prayed he would at least calling my name or even hold me back- Yes, I was a fool for thinking that but I love him and it's driving me nut. But I walked through the door till I got into my car, his voice ceased. I was overwhelmed by emotions and cried for minutes until tears became scarce.