-1Nine year old Alexa Mercer sighed as she looked in the mirror at herself. She was never much on caring what she looked like, but there was one thing about herself she didn't like at all.

Her uncontrollable black hair.

She half-heartedly reached up and tried to smooth it, and as usual, it bounced right back into place.

She sighed again and shook her head as she abandoned the mirror and made her way out of her room. The wood floor on her bare was extremely cold as she scampered quickly to the carpeted stairs. Alexa could hear her dad downstairs in the kitchen making coffee, so she went to see what was for breakfast.

"Hey Dad," Alexa said as she came into the kitchen.

'Hey kiddo," Nick Mercer greeted his daughter. "Toast is on the island." Alexa helped herself to a piece.

"Where's Mom?"

"She's on her way down." He answered, pouring his coffee. "She's finishing up the packing for this weekend at your grandparents."

Alexa nodded as she munched on her toast.

"Hey sweetie!" A voice came from behind her and kissed her on the top of her head.

"Hey Mom,"

"Hey Hun," Lisa Mercer swiftly moved about the kitchen, kissing her husband lovingly, and pouring herself a cup of coffee. Alexa watched them with amazement. She marveled at how in love they were with each other, and she hoped that one day she could experience that same feeling.

"Hey Babe," Nick said, sipping his own coffee.

"We're all set to go," Lisa said to her husband, then she turned to Alexa. "Are you sure that you're going to be okay here by yourself?" Her mom hadn't been to keen on leaving Alexa alone all weekend, but Nick and Alexa had finally convinced her that it'd be fine, but she was still worried.

"Yes Mom, I'm sure."

"And you know the neighbors phone number, grandpa and grandma's phone number, your father's and my cell phones, Dr. B-"

"Mom! I'll be fine." Alexa looked into her mothers eyes and smiled. "but now I have to go to school." She slipped her converse low tops on and kissed her parents goodbye.

"Love you, Dad," She said as she pulled him into a hug. Her mother pulled Alexa into a hug, nearly crushing her ribs.

"Love you, kiddo."

When she turned around, her mother pulled Alexa into a hug, nearly crushing her ribs.

"Mom-" Alexa panted. "can't breathe."

Lisa let go and held her daughters face in her hands.

"I'll be fine, Mom. I promise." Alexa smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry."

"I know, babe."

"Love you, Mom."

"I love you, too Babe." Lisa looked as though she might cry. Nick moved beside her and held her close as they watched their daughter leave.

"I love you guys," Alexa said as she swung her bookbag on her back and backed out the door. "See ya, Sunday!"

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The school day, and week, finally ended and Alexa took her time walking home. She loved Boston in the Fall. She couldn't imagine living anywhere else. It was the most perfect city in the world.

She turned the corner onto her street and walked a few blocks until she was in front of the door to their average sized townhouse. She fished the key from inside her pocket and unlocked the door.

She dropped her booksack on the floor, slipped her shoes off, and went to the refrigerator to get herself a drink.

There was a note for her on the refrigerator door. She pulled it off and read it.

Lexie,

Dinner is in the oven! Do me a favor and

don't burn down the house.

XOXOXO

Mom

Alexa smirked and rolled her eyes at the note, sticking it back on the refrigerator.

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A couple hours later, Alexa was eating her dinner and watching "Walk The Line", when the phone rang. She set down her plate, paused the movie, and got up to answer it.

"Hello?"

"Yes, is this Miss Alexa Mercer?"

"Yes sir, this is she."

"I'm sorry to inform you Miss Mercer but you parents…"

"What about my parents?!" Alexa was beginning to worry.

'Miss Mercer, there's been an accident…"

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A/N- Well, Whaddya think? John is coming in the story in the next chapter.

Should I continue or throw in the towel? Lemme know…