As Joan Harris raced through the bustling college campus, her shoes clicked on the concrete in time to the brisk autumn breeze carrying a faint smell of rain. Clutching a stack of books tightly against her chest, she was behind schedule on her literature lesson. Her notebook flew over the field as the fun gust grabbed at its border.
"Awesome," she hissed under it, sensing a surge of annoyance.
Just as she bent down to retrieve it, a big hand reached out for the notebook at the same time their fingers stroked. Meeting the stunning blue eyes, Joan glanced up and her breath started to stutter gently.
"Here you are," a low, melodic voice said as he handed her the notebook.
"Many thanks," she said hurriedly, tucking a free curl behind her ear.
The guy in front of her was tall and displayed a natural confidence. Though his black hair was casually tousled, as if he had just gotten out of bed, he glowed with intelligence. He seemed not trying to impress anyone, thus only enhancing his appeal.
"I've seen you around," he said with a joking grin twisting his lips. "Joan, right?
She arched one eyebrow, curious and wary. "Who are you?"
Sometimes there is Alex Gand.
The name struck me as familiar. With his quiet attitude, outstanding programming talents, and an enigmatic aura, Alex was well regarded. Not the spotlight-hungry sort; this just increased his friends' interest.
Crossing her arms, she answered, (you must have a sharp memory.")
He chuckled under his breath. "Or maybe I simply pay attention."
Something about him both disturbed and captivated her. Not flirting, he was just there, talking casually enough that she wanted to keep going.
She teased, trying the waters, "Are you always this charming or am I simply lucky?".
Alex turned his head a little. "Only when someone departs with an impression."
Joan got a small blush on her cheeks, but before she could say much the bell rang to start the next lesson.
Taking a step back toward her building, she said, "I guess I'll see you around, Alex Swan."
"Surely," he answered, lingering his gaze on her before he turned and walked away.
Feeling a flutter in her chest, she stopped for a second; she sensed that she had recently come across someone who could profoundly change her life.
Developing Bond:
In the weeks after, Joan and Alex regularly crossed; once in the library, occasionally at the café near campus. Every short session lingered with me.
Looking up one evening at her table, she saw Alex standing whilst she was studying alone at the university café.
He inquired, "Can I join you?
She gestured toward the chair vacant. "Sure, but just so you know, I can be pretty irritable if my studying breaks."
He smiled. "Understanding. I have some fantastic coffee tips, however, therefore I believe you will forgive me.
Sipping their hot coffee and complaining about their work, they got into talks about childhood memories, books, and their complicated family relationships.
" Your dad is quite influential in the business world, I suppose?" Alex asked, sipping his coffee.
Joan sighed. "Yeah. Mr. Harris is driven by high standards. He wants me to run the family company, but to be truthful, I would like to create my own route.
Alex nodded, some sympathy in his eyes. "I appreciate that." My stepdad is also rather strict. And my real father. Well, he was not very present.
A wave of empathy washed over Joan. "Would he ever think about him? "
"Sometimes," Alex confessed; "But my mother never reminds him." It's almost as if he had never been there.
Joan watched him rest her chin on her palm. "Perhaps one day you will unearth the reality."
He chuckled under his breath. "Doable" Right now, though, I would prefer to focus on what is right before me.
His eyes lingered hers for a second longer than required, and abruptly she realized how fast her heart was racing.
She started to feel attracted to him.
Since sugar is not a significant component of this recipe, there is no need for it to be included outside the list of ingredients.
A Love Which Felt Right
By the time winter settled in, Joan and Alex had grown very much together. Their buddies observed the shift, their academics jokingly mocked them, and even unknown persons could feel the magnetic attraction between them.
Alex stopped abruptly one night as they walked down the dimly illuminated streets following dinner.
" Joan."
She turned to meet him, a question in her eyes. "What's up?"
He first seemed nervous.
"Me" He breathed in deeply and ran fingers across his head. 'I'm not sure how to say this without sounding foolish.'
"Go on, I'm listening"—though her heart raced, she teased.
He stepped nearer. "I'm starting to be in love with you, I believe."
Joan's breath stopped in her throat. Expecting this instant, she felt it in every common gaze and lingering contact, but hearing it said out loud forced it to be obviously actual.
She murmured back, "I believe I am also falling for you too,"
The air between them changed slightly, and Alex softly held her head, drawing her forehead to meet hers.
It was meaningful and centering, as if both of them understood they had stumbled upon something quite unique.
Finally separated, Alex rested his head on hers.
He whispered, "be mine."
She was grinning warmly. "I already am."
Meeting the family
Their relationship grew only stronger upon every passing month. Joan readily agreed when he proposed they introduce themselves to their families since she could not imagine her life without Alex.
"Alex asked, driving towards the Harris estate. "Are you really sure about this?"
Joan answered, firmly squeezing his hand. My father could appear intimidating, but he will warm up to you once he starts to know you.
Alex seemed not altogether convinced. "If you say so."
Joan was filled with increasing anticipation as they drove down the magnificent driveway of her old home. She had never before introduced anyone home.
Past the magnificent staircase and into the magnificent dining room where her brothers and parents awaited, she led him inside.
Proudly she declared, "This is Alex," her face bright as she gazed at him.
Her eldest brother Albert smiled graciously.
Still, Davis almost ignored Alex. "Who is he once more?"
Joan glared at her brother. " Let's have Davis be pleasant."
Before he could react, the room was quiet and pattering of feet came.
Mr Harris had reached the scene.
Joan turned to present Alex but her father dropped off and her face turned white when he caught sight of him.
The quiet was tangible.
Alex moved uncomfortably. "Sir, it is an honor to meet you—fits;
"Leave."
Joan's grin slipped. "What?"
Her father's fists clenched, his eyes full of an emotion she could not quite name—fear, rage, or something deeper.
Mr. said, Joan, pay close attention to me.Harris screamed, his voice trembling with nearly contained anger. "You will never see this fellow again."
The room seemed to be rotating.
Joan's stomach sank.
" Why?" she inquired, her voice trembling against " "
Mr. Harris clenched his jaw, after which he spoke the words that destroyed her perspective.
"By reason of he being your half-brother."