Love Unspoken

Quinn's face went all awkward again. She mumbled, "You go in first."

Alexander gave her a lazy look, as if to say, "Really? What haven't I seen already?"

They stood there for a sec, but then Alexander shrugged and walked into the cave.

He came back with a bedsheet, ripped off a piece, and handed it to her like a makeshift towel.

Quinn took it and muttered, "Thanks."

No matter what, he did help her out. It was just the two of them, so she figured she'd try to keep things chill to avoid any drama.

"No problem," Alexander said, heading back into the cave. After a few steps, he turned around and added, "If you need anything, just holler."

He probably said that a million times, but this time he actually meant normal help. Still, Quinn's mind went straight to the gutter.

Her face went stiff, and she pretended not to hear him, focusing on washing the cloth strip.

She didn't rush. She waited until it got dark, then stripped down and gave herself a quick wash.

The spring was super handy. After washing, she could just clean the pit a few times, and it was good to go.

Afterward, she felt way better, like a weight had been lifted.

She walked back to the cave wearing Alexander's jacket. He'd already started a fire, and the warm light made him look softer.

He glanced up at her. The jacket was way too big, reaching her knees, making her look like a kid in their parent's clothes.

Quinn sat down, not too close but not too far, making things kinda awkward.

This distance pretty much summed up their relationship-familiar strangers.

Neither of them said a word. The cave was dead quiet, except for some bird calls outside, reminding them they were deep in the mountains. Alexander dropped the twig he was fiddling with, got up, and sat next to her.

Quinn scooted over politely, and the awkward vibe just grew.

Alexander turned to look at her, her face half-hidden by wet hair.

"Quinn," he suddenly said, breaking the silence.

"What?" Quinn replied.

Alexander looked like he had something to say, but after a moment, he just said, "Nothing."

He leaned back against the stone wall and closed his eyes.

Quinn glanced at him. The firelight flickered on his face, showing a hint of tiredness.

After a bit, she looked away, staring at the dark sky outside the cave.Têxt © NôvelDrama.Org.

Suddenly, she felt something tighten around her waist, making her jump.

Alexander's breath was right behind her, making her tense up.

The effects of the drug were still there, but not as bad as before. She could handle it for now.

"What are you doing?" she asked, trying to stay calm.

Alexander rested his head on her shoulder, his voice in her ear, "When we get out of here, will you still talk to me?"

Quinn went silent at his question.

It was a dumb question. She wasn't really talking to him now, so why would she later?

"Do you still not want to see me?" he asked again.

Quinn bit her lip. The words were right there, but she couldn't say them, knowing they'd come out wrong no matter what.