Only Human

Chapter 10

Three months have passed, and spring is finally here. I can’t believe there are less than two months left of senior year — it couldn’t come soon enough! Because once it’s over, I can finally introduce Alec to my friends and family.

I hate lying to my friends every time they ask what I’m doing on the weekend or if I want to hang out. I always have to make something up because I can’t tell them I already have plans with Alec. Luckily, they’ve been busy visiting colleges these last couple of months, so I haven’t had to lie as much. I’ve even visited a few campuses myself.

I kept my deal with Alec: he completed his GED and has started at community college. So, I kept my part too — I decided I’m going to Emerson. But I’ll live off campus, somewhere between Alec’s place and mine. Honestly, I’ve practically been living at his apartment anyway. Since he lives alone, there’s no chance of us getting caught. I even have my own key and a drawer for my stuff.

Things have been great between us. Ever since Alec got his GED and started college, I’ve seen a real change in him. He seems happier — proud of himself, even. The only downside is he now works at the school just three days a week, so I don’t see his gorgeous face around as much. Probably for the best. We were getting too reckless.

Once we’d crossed that line and slept together, it was like we couldn’t get enough of each other. Like cats in heat. We even snuck into the bathrooms or the caretaker’s room at school a few times. Good thing I went on the mini pill right after our first weekend together. I couldn’t handle the combined pill — it made me sick — so the doctor put me on the mini pill instead, as long as I take it at the same time every day. Thank goodness for phone alarms.

With graduation closing in, everyone’s focused on college plans, parties, and, of course, prom.

Ruby somehow talked me into joining the prom committee. So on Friday, instead of heading home, I have to sit through another meeting. On my way to the auditorium, I spot Alec mopping the hallway — and the ever-persistent Audrey trying to flirt with him.

For months now, I’ve had to watch her shameless attempts, and it’s wearing thin. I can’t wait until graduation, when I can finally walk down the street holding Alec’s hand for everyone — especially Audrey — to see.

“I’ve told you, Audrey. I’m flattered, but I have a girlfriend. A serious girlfriend.”

On the outside I keep cool, but inside? I’m doing cartwheels. Take that, Audrey.

Her pout quickly shifts to panic when she notices me. She straightens up, pretending she wasn’t just caught. Alec catches my eye, his lips twitching like he’s trying not to laugh.

I force a polite smile. “Hey Audrey, off to prom committee too?”

“Yes,” she says a little too quickly. “Mr. Parker was just helping me.”

“Yeah, same here,” I reply. “Almost slipped like you did that time.”

She lets out a sarcastic laugh. Audrey’s digs are always sly — half-hidden under sarcasm. Almost like jokes. Almost.

I laugh lightly. “How could I forget?”

Alec extends his hand to me, playing along. “Jess, right?”

“Yes. Nice to see you again, Mr. Parker.” I shake his hand, and he gives me a quick wink before Audrey grabs my arm and drags me down the hall.

If looks could kill, she’d already have me buried six feet under. But she’ll never know that I’ll be the one in Alec’s bed tonight, getting the kind of attention she can only dream about.

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(…prom committee scene with Flick — trimmed lightly for pacing but kept your flow, showing their instant connection and Jane Eyre bonding…)

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When I get back to Alec’s later, his car isn’t there. Inside, the apartment’s empty. I slip into one of his shirts, put some chicken in the oven, and curl up on the couch with Persuasion.

About thirty pages in, the front door slams. Alec drops his keys onto the counter with a loud clatter.

“Hey, babe,” he says, forcing a smile as he kisses me before collapsing on the couch.

“Everything okay?”

“My dad called. Wanted to meet.” His head tips back against the couch, staring at the ceiling. His voice is heavy, like each word weighs him down.

No wonder he’s in a mood. Anything involving his dad drags him down into that dark place.

“You want to talk about it?” I ask gently.

“No, Jess. Not right now.” He grabs the remote and flicks on the TV, shutting me out.

I try to give him space, but a few minutes later, Alec pulls me onto his lap. His kisses are hot, desperate — frustration spilling out of him. His hands roam quickly, tugging at my clothes like he needs me right now.

I try to meet his pace, but something feels… off. His grip is tighter than usual. His kisses rougher. It isn’t the sweet Alec I know — it’s Alec drowning in anger, looking for release.

“Alec,” I whisper, breaking the kiss. “Slow down.”

But he doesn’t seem to hear me, his movements urgent and restless.

I place my hands against his chest, steadying him. “You’re hurting me.”

That breaks through. His eyes snap open, guilt flashing across them. He loosens his hold instantly, his breathing ragged.

“s**t. Jess. I’m sorry.” He pulls back, running a hand through his hair. His voice is softer now, almost broken. “I didn’t mean to… I just… I didn’t know how else to deal with it. I shouldn’t take my anger out on you.”

I swallow hard, trying to steady my own breathing. “Then don’t shut me out, Alec. Talk to me instead. Please.”

There’s a long silence before he whispers, “My dad’s getting remarried.”

The words are quiet, but the pain behind them is deafening.

I cradle his face in my hands. “Why didn’t you just tell me?”

“I don’t know. I need to get better at this.” His voice cracks.

I hold him close, but the weight of his resentment is still there, simmering under the surface.