ALEX'S POV

As I sat idly in my bedroom after returning home from the mall, listening to Chad and my mother bicker over money once more, I came to the realization that I needed her. I needed to feel her arms around me when I was numb to the rest of the world, I needed to breathe the intoxicating scent of her hair as I awoke next to her most mornings. Point blank, I needed her. She was my sanity, my shoulder, and my everything.

"You bitch! Don't you ever talk to me like that! EVER!" I heard the smashing of a glass against the wall, and I cringed. What had I done? I'd given up the girl of my dreams to live here, at home, with them? My own insecurites about my relationship with Paige had caused me to give up on the first promising opportunity in my life. How could I have been so stupid? I lay backwards my bed, trying to ignore the shouting match directly outside my door. I'd done something I'd promised never to do, I'd made her cry. Now, I felt my own tears begging to fall, but I wouldn't let them. No, it wasn't over. I couldn't let it end like this, I was her everything and she was mine. We'd gotten so far, been through so much... it was at that moment that I realized that I was in love with her.

PAIGE'S POV

"Have a nice day!" I faked a cheery grin at the customer standing in front of me. The second he left, I let my face fall. My eyes were red, my face puffy. I couldn't tear my gaze away from the spot where she'd left me earlier that day. I understood. How could I not? I was going off to University.. starting something new, and exciting. She was afraid I might forget her along the way, but I knew it my heart I could never. It was a typical Alex move, she didn't want to get hurt. I couldn't blame her, but still I yearned for her presence in my life more than any other.

"Paige!" A voice called from the opposite side of the counter, I looked up to find a worried Marco. I pouted, placing my head between my hands.

"Marcooo," I groaned.

"I'm sorry Paige, I really am," He said, placing a hand on my shoulder. I nodded. I knew he was, and I appreciated having him as a friend at that moment more than I ever had before, "I can't believe she made you work today, why didn't you call in sick?"

I shrugged, I figured working would get my mind off Alex. What a stupid assumption that had been, everytime I looked around I found something else to remind myself of her. I found myself reminded of the time we'd taken a break together in the back room, only to be caught together by Meeri, who never mentioned the incident again. A small grin tugged at the corner of my mouth, Alex had gone out of her way to make Meeri uncomfortable after that day. She was always wrapping her arms around my waist in plain sight. I frowned, remembering that I may never feel that same mischevous touch again.

"I'll pick you up after work, we'll get some ice cream.. watch movies.. okay?" Marco asked, I could tell he was trying to make me feel better. I nodded, forcing a small smile. He grinned back and walked off in the opposite direction. I sighed, returning to cleaning the concession stand.

ALEX'S POV

I stuck my hands in my pockets, pacing back and forth on the Michalchuk's front porch. What would I even say to her? I love you, take me back? I think that might scare her. I scoffed, looking up at the darkening sky. It was going to rain, and I was going to freeze my ass off out here unless I made up my mind soon. It was late June, but the air was still cool.

I could hear the TV blaring inside, and Marco's voice accompanied by Paige's soft giggles. At least he could make her laugh, I was glad I hadn't taken away that ability. It would have been a shame, her laughter was beautiful.

"I don't hate you...even if you do read stupid beauty magazines, and laugh way too loud" "I have to laugh when I'm around you... I can't really help it"

I felt my heart swell upon the memory of her words. I had to do it, I rang the doorbell. Shoving my hands back in my pocket, I stood nervously as I waited for her to open the door from behind. Calm down Alex, don't let this girl mess with your head... I could feel my palms becoming moist in my pockets. I heard the tv muted from inside, and Marco tell Paige that he would get it. Fuck. Fuck Fuck Fuck. I couldn't deal with him now, I didn't want a lecture, I just wanted to talk to Paige. The door swung open, and I was face to face with Marco.

"What are you doing here?" Marco asked in a low voice, "I finally got her mind off you"

I looked down at my feet,

"Can I talk to her?" I asked, finding my voice, why was I asking him? I shook my head, not waiting for an answer, I walked past him and into the living room. I found Paige curled up on the couch with my sweatshirt. This seemed slightly promising.

"Alex?" She asked, her voice squeaking a little, "W..What are you doing here?"

I walked towards her awkwardly as she sat up,

"I made a mistake Paige, a huge mistake," I said, taking off my sunglasses and shoving them in my pocket. Paige stood up carefully, looking back at me.

"What kind of mistake?" She asked, crossing her arms over her chest. She was going to make this hard for me, I knew she was. Damnit, Paige. I sighed, and took a step closer to her so that I could touch her chin. I lifted her head up, so that she was looking me in the eye.

"Paige, I'm in love with you," I said, "I want to be with you, you make me happy. No one else has been able to do that, and I reckon it's something I should hold on to," I took a deep breath, waiting for her to reply. She took a step backwards. Not good, way not good.

"So, you expect me to forgive you, just like that?" She asked, looking away. Fuck, What have I done? It was then that I noticed A smile creep onto her face, slowly but surely. She was fucking with me, that little...

"Paige Michalchuk, you are such a.." I started to say, she pressed her finger to my lips before I could finish,

"Don't ruin the moment with your obscenities, Alex," She said, she leaned in, kissing me hard. There it was, what I needed. My addiction, her kiss. When she finally pulled away I was gasping for air, estatic to have her back in my arms, "Now, if you ever do that to me again.."

It was my turn to silence her, I kissed her again, my lips lingering on hers for a moment,

"Don't even say that Paige, It'll never happen again..." I kissed her again, pulling away completely. Marco's bright colored sweater caught my attention from the corner of my eye, "Hey, gay kid, your services are no longer needed"

Marco raised an eyebrow playfully,

"Oh really now? Well then I'll just be off..." He said, grabbing his jacket from the couch. Paige silently thanked him, and he nodded, waving back at the two of us before walking out the door. I looked back at Paige, holding her tightly in my arms. She leaned into me, enoying me presence as much as I savored hers. I knew everything would be alright, moving to Kingston wouldn't be that big of a sacrifice, as long as I had her.