Who could that be at this hour?? My first thought is that it’s James.
Heat rises to my cheeks as I feel the anger stir up inside of me. Where does he get off not answering my calls and then showing up here in the middle of the night?.
Stomping to the door, I flip the lights on hatefully and take my anger out on the doorknob. I swing the door open, revealing a hostile stance.
But my anger instantly turns into shock.
Standing there with my eyes wide and mouth agape, I see Mattheo. He looks sad and haggard. His disheveled appearance catches me off guard as I’ve never seen him in such a state.
Stepping from behind him, I see James. I move aside to give them room to come in.
Closing the door, I follow them into the living room. They sit down and James places his elbows on his knees and leans over them. Finally, he looks up at me.
"I'm sorry I haven't returned any of your calls."
My eyes tear up, but I don't allow them to slip down my cheeks.
"I was worried that you didn't want to see me anymore."
I peer over to Mattheo, and he hangs his head.
James clears his throat.
"Let me explain. I became angry the other night when you brushed me off. Not at you, but at him," he nods his head in Mattheo's direction. "So, I decided to see what was going on. I went to his house and found him a drunken mess. Even his house was a mess."
Mattheo still has his head down.
"I took him to the barber today to get him cleaned up and bring him here. I did this for you, because I love you, Alexa."
He stands and taps Mattheo on the shoulder.
"And I know he loves you, too."
I put a hand over my mouth to stifle a whimper. Mattheo finally looks at me and breaks his silence.
"I was so miserable without you,” he looks up at James. "Both of you."
"I'm sorry."
I begin to cry as Mattheo comes to me and pulls me up into a hug.
"Everything he said is true…. I love you, Alessandra."
His lips find mine as soon as the words leave his mouth, and something inside of me stirs. I’m filled with the overwhelming feeling that I’ve finally made it home.