Alina

“There's no really good timing for this kind of thing, is there? Finding your person? It just kind of happens when it happens. Or so they say.”
― Erin Sterling, The Ex Hex

“Years of practice have taught me to bury my emotions as a reflex—especially in his presence—and it takes a few seconds for the feelings to emerge. They form slowly, infinite hands reaching up from infinite graves to fan the flames of an ancient rage I've never really allowed myself to touch.”
― Tahereh Mafi, Defy Me

“Together" he whispers, "no matter what”
― Tahereh Mafi, Defy Me

“Will you at least look at me when I'm talking to you?"

"Can't."

"What?" She sounds startled. "What do you mean you can't?"

"Can't look at you."

She hesitates. "Why not?"

"Too pretty."

...

"Why won't you look at me?" she says.

"I already told you why I won't look at you, and you laughed at me."

She's quiet for so long I wonder if she's walked away. Finally she says, "I thought you were joking."

"Well, I wasn't."

More silence.

Then: "Do you always say exactly what you're thinking?"

"Most of the time, yeah." Gently, I bang my head against the door.”
― Tahereh Mafi, Defy Me