Babel Novel
156
Alexa looked at Bobby and thanked him for volunteering to take care of her son. She couldn’t afford a full-time nanny, so she was grateful for Bobby’s help. Bobby smiled at Alexa and told her that he understood her need to save money for her newborn. He was surprised that she had just been discharged from the hospital a month ago and was already back to work. Alexa reassured him that she had been through a lot and could endure any amount of pain.
Bobby teased Alexa about missing her routine of watching “Rockstar Cutie” on TV. Alexa laughed and said she didn’t have time for that anymore. After bidding farewell to Bobby, Alexa locked the back door and went to the counter where the TV was on. She switched the sign to “closed” as she knew there wouldn’t be any customers at midnight.
As the live performance was announced by the talk show host, Alexa smiled as she watched Nolan sing the same song he sang to her while they ate in the garden. It was a punk version of “Grow Old With You.” Alexa felt a tear escape from the corner of her eye as she couldn’t help but feel jealous for the lucky girl he was singing the song to.
As the song finally finished, the show proceeded to interview Nolan and his bandmates. Nolan explained his life as both a band member and an architect, and how the love of his life pushed him to be who he is today. Alexa was surprised by his statement and noticed his expression as if he had slipped up, until the host asked Nolan who the lover was. Nolan changed the subject immediately and told the host that it was a private matter for him.
Alexa was startled by a knock on the glass door. She didn’t realize that she had been staring at the TV for too long. She saw Jade standing outside, drenched in the rain and pregnant. Alexa opened the door and let Jade in.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.
Jade told Alexa that she was passing by and saw her watching the TV. She couldn’t help but notice how jealous Alexa looked when Nolan was talking about the love of his life. Jade then revealed that Nolan was talking about Alexa and that he was in love with her. Alexa was stunned by Jade’s revelation.
Jade explained that she and Nolan had a falling out and that she had moved away for a while. She had just come back to town and saw Nolan performing on TV. She knew that Alexa was working at the convenience store, so she decided to drop by and tell her the truth. Jade also revealed that she was pregnant with Nolan’s child.
Alexa was in shock. She didn’t know what to think or feel. Jade reassured her that Nolan loved her and that he regretted not telling her earlier. Jade also told Alexa that she was willing to step aside and let her and Nolan be together. Alexa was grateful for Jade’s honesty and kindness.
Jade then left the store, leaving Alexa alone to process everything. She couldn’t believe that Nolan was in love with her. She thought back to their brief encounter and wondered if there was something more there. She realized that she still had feelings for him and that she wanted to see him again.
The next day, Alexa went to work feeling conflicted. She didn’t know how to approach Nolan or what to say to him. She decided to focus on her work and put her feelings aside. As she was stocking the shelves, she heard a familiar voice behind her say, “Hey, Lexie.” She turned around and saw Nolan standing there with a bouquet of flowers in his hand.