LOVE IN THE APARTMENT
EPISODE 9
Emily couldn’t shake off the feeling that she was losing Alex to Sandra. She tried to focus on her own life, but she couldn’t help but wonder what was going on between them.
One evening, Sandra visited, they sat at the sitting room, everywhere was getting awkward with no one saying anything, then Sandra suggested they all go out for dinner and drinks. Jamie, who had been quiet until now, spoke up. “I’m in. I could use a night out.”
Emily agreed, hoping to get her mind off things. Alex, too, seemed enthusiastic about the outing.
At the restaurant, Emily found herself feeling more and more left out as Alex and Sandra chatted and laughed together. Jamie tried to include her in the conversation, but it felt forced.
After dinner, they decided to go to a bar. Emily didn’t want to go, but she didn’t want to be left out either. Jamie, sensing her hesitation, offered to stay with her.
At the bar, Alex and Sandra danced together, leaving Emily and Jamie sitting alone at a table. Jamie tried to make small talk, but Emily was distracted.
Just as she was thinking of leaving, Alex came over and sat down next to her. “Hey, why so quiet?” he asked.
Emily shrugged. “Just not feeling it tonight.”
Alex nodded. “I know what you mean. Sometimes I feel like that too.”
Jamie, who had been quietly observing the exchange, spoke up. “Hey, let’s get some fresh air. This place is getting crowded.”
As they stepped outside, Emily felt a sense of relief. Maybe this night wouldn’t be a total loss after all.
But as they walked, Alex and Sandra paired off again, leaving Emily and Jamie behind.
“Hey, you okay?” Jamie asked, noticing Emily’s frustration.
Emily sighed. “Yeah, I’m just…tired of feeling like I’m losing my friend.”
Jamie nodded sympathetically. “I know how you feel. But maybe tonight is an opportunity to make some new connections.”
Emily looked at Jamie, surprised. Was he hinting at something?…
Emily raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “What do you mean?”
Jamie shrugged. “Just that maybe Alex and Sandra are meant to be, and maybe you need to focus on yourself for a change.”
Emily rolled her eyes good-naturedly. “Easy for you to say, big brother.”
Jamie chuckled. “Hey, someone’s got to look out for you. And I’m just saying, maybe this is an opportunity for you to move on from Alex.”
Emily sighed. “I don’t know, Jamie. I feel like I’m losing my friend.”
Jamie’s expression turned serious. “You’re not losing him, Em. He’s just…distracted. And you deserve better than to be an afterthought.”
Emily nodded, feeling a lump form in her throat. She knew Jamie was right.
As they walked, Jamie kept his arm around her shoulders, offering a comforting presence.
“I’m here for you, sis,” he said. “No matter what.”
Emily smiled, feeling grateful for her big brother’s support. Maybe, just maybe, she could get through this after all…
When they got back to the bar, Sandra and Alex were already there, sitting and chatting like old friends. Jamie and Emily slid onto the stools next to them, trying to blend in.
But Emily couldn’t help but stare at Alex and Sandra, laughing and talking together like they were meant to be. She felt a pang of jealousy and gulped down her drink in anger.
Jamie watched his sister, concerned. Was she falling for his roommate already? He hoped Alex would like her back.
As the night wore on, Emily’s drinks kept coming, and she kept gulping them down. Jamie tried to pace her, but she was determined to keep up.
Before long, Emily was already drunk, slurring her words and giggling uncontrollably. Alex suggested they should go home, and Jamie agreed.
At the bus stop, Sandra waved them goodnight and headed home. The rest of them took a cab, with Jamie supporting Emily’s wobbly frame.
In the cab, Emily leaned on Jamie’s shoulder, her eyes fixed on Alex. “Why does he like her?” she slurred.
Jamie patted her hand. “Don’t worry, sis. He’ll come around.”
But as they pulled up to their place, Emily stumbled out of the cab and onto the sidewalk. Alex rushed to help her, and Jamie watched as Alex’s eyes met Emily’s, a spark of something there.
Maybe, just maybe, Alex felt the same way…
As they went inside, Alex quickly swooped in to hold Emily, who was now completely out of it. He carried her to her room, her head lolled against his shoulder, and laid her down on her bed. She was already asleep, her chest rising and falling with slow, deep breaths.
Jamie stared at them, a soft smile on his face. “Thanks, man,” he said to Alex. “I owe you one.”
Alex nodded, his eyes still on Emily’s peaceful face. “No problem, Jamie. Goodnight.”
Jamie bid him goodnight and entered his room, leaving Alex alone with Emily.
Alex stepped closer to Emily’s bed, his eyes drinking in the sight of her. He reached out to remove a strand of hair from her face, his fingers grazing her skin. He sighed, feeling a pang of longing.
But as he turned to leave, Emily’s hand shot out and grasped his. “Don’t go,” she murmured in her sleep.
Alex turned back to her, his heart skipping a beat. She was still asleep, but her grip on his hand was tight.
Without thinking, Alex lay down beside her, pulling her close. She turned in her sleep, her face nuzzling his chest, and Alex felt his heart melt.
He wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight, and closed his eyes. For the first time in a long time, he felt a sense of peace.
As they lay there, Alex realized that his feelings for Emily went far beyond friendship. He was falling in love with her.
And as he drifted off to sleep, he knew that he would do anything to make her happy, he hoped so since he’s not sure how Emily felt about him ….
To be continued……..
So this is love 😍
Story by Vivi
