Im having so much fun reading over these chapters again and fixing them up a little :) R&R! xx


Alexandria sat on her heels. Her arms crossed as she debated what to do. She didn't want anything too flashy, bus she still wanted something sleek. She had narrowed it down to two: the black Jaguar E Type and the maroon Bugatti Type 57C.

She pursed her lips and tapped her heel. Her eyes rested on the Bugatti. It was a Bugatti. Alexandria gave up and quickly grabbed the keys to the maroon vehicle. She hadn't been down to her garage since her parent's deaths.

She peeled out of the oversized garage and zoomed down the driveway. All negative thoughts, doubts, and hesitations had disappeared overnight. After closing the gate, Alexandria made her way to the Village to see her old best friend.

All morning Alexandria had envisioned different scenarios of how seeing Lori would go after 15 long years. She hoped it would at least be pleasant.

The drive had been short, the village was close to Ward Manor. Alexandria parked across the street from the apartment Lucius had given her. He called her last night with the given information.

Alexandria sat in her car observing the apartment.

Lori's apartment was one of many on the clean street, red brick with a small set of stairs leading to the large wooden front door. Of course her apartment was walking to distance to the best and most expensive shopping in Gotham. Lori had always wanted to do something in fashion when they were young.

Lori, like Alexandria, was well-off; although not as wealthy as Alexandria now. Their families had always been close for as long as she could remember. Their fathers had gone to school together and never separated.

Alexandria took a deep breath before exiting the vehicle. She pulled her deep red coat tight around her. She wore the same worn leather boots, black jeans, a loose beige knit sweater, and her signature aviators. The weather this morning had been wet and cold.

Alexandria quickly crossed the street and ran up the few steps to the dark wood door. She reached for the slip of paper in her pocket. She double checked the address. This was indeed the correct apartment Lucius gave to her. Alexandria bit her lip as she knocked. There was a peephole that was eye level to her. She couldn't help but stare at it.

The door opened a few inches to reveal the face of a petite brunette. Her large brown eyes looked at Alexandria with suspicion.

"Can I help you?" Her voice was not deep but it was strong. It didn't match her figure. Alexandria pushed some stray hairs behind her ear before she could answer. She was frustrated, she didn't know what to say. Alexandria lifted the aviators from her eyes to rest on her head.

"Holy shit." Whispered Lori. Her expression changed and she stared at Alexandria with wide eyes.

Suddenly the door closed. Alexandria straightened in surprise. She looked around and wondered if anyone had saw that. The sound of the door opening again gained her attention.

Lori stood against the door frame in sweats and a hoodie. Her hair in sleeked back bun.

"You look identical to your mom." She whispered again. Alexandria let out a big sigh from her red lips.

"You remember." It was the only thing she could say, the only thing she could think of. Alexandria's begin to turn up into a small smile.

"Of course, I remember. I remember everything, but I mean, like…. Is is really you?" Her small delicate hands moved to hold her own face in her hands. As if it would hold the reality of events together. Alexandria nodded. "Oh my God. Come in, come in. We have to talk. Like so much. I can't believe you're here. Like at one point we thought you were dead. Everybody thought you were dead! And oh my God, that was a terrible time. For everyone, too. I read that you were traveling and doing architecture in Europe. And I was like oh my God, like why am I not surprised. And I've missed you so much, Lex. Why didn't you call me? Oh my God, wait till my mom sees you." Lori rambled as she took Alexandria's hand and pulled her into her apartment.

Alexandria looked around the apartment. It was small, modern and trendy, and yet extremely cozy. They walked through a hallway and passed pictures of Lori at graduation, birthdays, her family, and pictures of her on a boat with a man – a handsome man. Then they passed pictures of Lori and Alexandria. She had a lot posted on the walls and shelves. There were some of them playing at Alexandria's house in all of its glory, shopping with their mothers, sporting events with their fathers.

"Who was it, babe?"A deep voice called from further down the hall. Alexandria looked to Lori who was still rambling on.

"Oh, Todd. You will never believe! It's Lex! My best friend Alexandria Ward! She's back!" Lori shouted with giddy happiness.

They reached the end of the hall and into a living room. Black furniture was positioned throughout with a big flat screen hanging on the wall above a lit fireplace. The same man in the picture with Lori on the boat was sitting on the couch. Alexandria realized Lori had a boyfriend. She began to judge the man.

He was very muscular. He wore dark jeans and a Gotham Blades pullover. He was lounging comfortably on the couch while flicking through the channels.

"The one you always talk about?" He asked. He turned to look at Lori but caught sight of Alexandria. "Holy shit. It is her."

"How does he know it's me?" Alexandria asked. She was confused at how he recognized her so easily, considering she had never seen him in her life.

"You're spitting image of your mom." Todd said as he stood up from the couch. Alexandria then realized how tall he was, at least 6'5. He walked to Alexandria and Lori and greedily took her hand and shook it.

"Todd Johnson, Lori's boyfriend. It's a pleasure to meet you, Alexandria." He said happily. "I have heard so much about you." He rolled his eyes to Lori. An obvious gesture that Lori had indeed talked about Alexandria, maybe even a little too much.

"Yeah, OK. Bye, Todd. You need to go, we need girl time now. If anyone is going to talk to Alexandria, it's going to be me." Lori began to push Todd towards the entrance of the apartment. Alexandria stood silently as Lori escorted Todd out and said a quick goodbye.

Lori returned with a smile on her face as the front door closed.

"We should go get brunch and talk there, I'm starving."

Alexandria sat on the black couch as she waited for Lori to get ready. She had not expected this to happen. They, really Lori, had decided to talk at brunch at the french cafe at Gotham Square. While Lori was getting ready though, they were able to make some sort of conversation.

"When did you get here?" Lori shouted from the bathroom.

"Yesterday." Now that Alexandria had become comfortable in the apartment, she could see why Lori chose to live here. Although, she had always pictured Lori living in one of the penthouses in the Fashion District.

"Who else knows you're here?"

"Just Lucius."

"Fox?"

"The one and only." Lori came out of her room dressed in black leggings and a loose white button down. Her hair still perfect in the tight bun atop her head.

"True, true. Keep it on the down low that you're back." Lori walked down to the end of the hall and came back with a pair of tan leather riding boots. "So, it's been 15 years since I have seen you."

"I'm sorry I didn't call or email or anything." Alexandria began. Her stomach began to unsettle at how she just abandoned her friends that were the closest people she had to family.

"No, it's fine. Really. In a way, I can look back and say I'm not surprised. You were always the one who did things on her own and would have these hiatuses. I'm just happy that you are okay, and plus you're back and we're both 25 and in the peak time of our lives." Lori pulled on knee-high black socks and continued, "My mom regretted not taking you in after the whole thing, though. You should have seen her after she heard you had to live with a family in Russia. She went berserk."

"I miss her, and your dad."

"They'll be ecstatic to see you. So, how long do you think you'll keep your arrival back to Gotham under wraps?"

"It's going to get out sooner than later."

"Yes, definitely sooner because you're going out with me." She added. Lori pulled on both boots and stood.

"Why do you say that?" Alexandria knew the press was bad here. She had been around it all her life and so had Lori.

"Why, I am Gotham's own fashion designer!" She mocked. Alexandria chuckled at her friend and stood. Even with boots on, Alexandria still towered over her friend. "I don't know how you don't have a boy. They must be begging at your feet. Look at you! ...Or do you have a man?" She said with a coy smirk. Alexandria gave Lori a ridiculous look.

"I don't have time for boys."

Lori continued, "Seriously though, tall, skinny, I can tell you're ripped under those clothes, and you're absolutely gorgeous. Plus you've got that whole exotic thing going on, I'm so jealous of your tan. You'll even give Bruce Wayne a run for his money."

"You're the one to talk, you have a boyfriend! I remember us talking about the perfect man when we were kids." Lori laughed and grabbed her bad. She gestured Alexandria to the front door.

"Yes, those were the days. We can talk about him later."

The two young women sat outside on the deck of the cafe. It was just 11 AM. Thankfully, the weather had taken a turn for the better as the sun continued to rise. They had their coffees and were already finished with their food.

"So, tell me everything, everything from day one." Lori declared while taking a sip from her cappuccino. Alexandria looked out at Gotham Square and thought of where to begin. The square was the same as remembered, just more shops and restaurants lined the tall buildings.

"Well, the only family I had left after my parents died was my uncle, Leonardo Ward. He lived in Nice, France. I never knew him, I think I had only met him once previously but that was it. When I got to the airport, no one was there to pick me up. It turned out he had died in a car accident the week before and no one claimed his body. So, I was sent to a family in Moscow – Alec and Victoria Delov and their daughter, Talia. I remember being a complete wreck, just completely lost. I had nightmares every night for over a year and they put up with it. Talia was my age so I found a friend in her. They were amazing, I wish I had acted better with them. They taught me so much. Alec was an ambassador in the government and Victoria stayed at home and schooled us. She was unbelievable, she knew so much. She taught me Russian, German, and Hungarian in three months." Alexandria paused to think of what to say next. She had to spare certain important details. Lori watched her friend unknowingly with full curiosity.

Lori was amazed at how her childhood friend grew up and how crazy she turned into the twin of her mother and was even more stunning then her. Alexandria had the same face as her mother, Rose. The same strong prominent cheekbones, full red lips, and perfect features. They shared the same long almost black hair; Alexandria's seemed to have golden red tones when caught in sunlight, same thin figure; however, Alexandria was taller and much more muscular but still lean. Alexandria's eyes made the difference. Her parents both had light blue eyes while Alexandria possessed striking emerald orbs. She always wore her trademark Ray Ban aviators. Lori knew from their shared childhood, that Alexandria was much more like her father, Sebastian, in almost every way. Lucius knew this, too. He knew how passionate, brave, ambitious, and stubborn Sebastian was. All his characters resonated through Alexandria and may even be more prominent within her.

"When I turned 13, I was fluent in 8 different languages. Victoria taught Talia and I about different cultures, all in depth, too. Then they went us to school." Alexandria hesitated. She had to once again lie. She couldn't tell Lori the truth as much as she wanted to. "I went to school till I was 18 and then I left and traveled."

She finished. She kept it simple, and as close to the truth as possible.

"Wow. Hopefully catching up won't take 15 years. But tell me about your encounters in your exotic life, Princess of Gotham. The men." Lori emphasized. Her thin brows raised in a secretive manner. Alexandria let out a laugh and took a sip from her coffee.

"Well, if it gives you any satisfaction, I thought the Greeks were by far the best."

"Really? And not the French?"

"Oh, no. Much to… feminine. At least for my taste, Greek men are strong. They have the sexiest voices and so manly." Alexandria added. Lori laughed.

"Oh, Lex. I've missed you so much. You have no idea how difficult it was." Their conversation grew silent as they both were deep in thought. Alexandria was the first to snap out of it. She didn't want to think anything of it.

"Before we start crying, tell me about this boy of yours!" Alexandria quickly added. Lori couldn't help the big smile that was plastered on her small face.

"Todd? Well, we've been dating for almost a year now… but isn't he something?! He's gorgeous. He plays for the hockey team." Lori began to babble again.

"You are dating a hockey player, I would never have guessed."

"Hey, I am very supportive at games. I could hook you up with one of his teammates, too. They're all so yummy." Lori said at first with a stern look that quickly gave way to a suggestive smile. Alexandria shook her head with humor.

"I don't want to make the conversation a turn for the worst, but have you visited them? Your parents?"

Lori was talking about their graves. Alexandria was silent. The memory of being there at their funeral surrounded by all black irked Alexandria. It was a memory she didn't want to return to. It was turning to winter when her parents died. The trees were bare, and the weather was turning cold. Sebastian and Rose were buried at the Gotham Memorial Cemetery.

"No, I haven't." She stated. Lori nodded and played with her cappuccino.

The question had been extremely bothersome. In the back of Lori's mind, she knew Alexandria wouldn't have gone. Even though she had only been back in Gotham for a day, it was unlike Alexandria to go now or ever in the future.

"How's the manor? It's been ages since I've seen it." Lori tried to lighten the mood and it worked.

"Beautiful and stunning, still. Although, I do have a lack of furniture. I need to furnish the great room, kitchen, theater, parlor, and playroom. And I'll have to fix up the grounds. I have so much shopping to do, and if you don't mind, would you like to come with?"

"I thought you would never ask. I was going to demand that we spend all day together anyway, and what better way to go shopping!"

"What kind of seats do you even buy for a theater?" Alexandria asked in complete confusion.

Lori and Alexandria were walking arm and arm down Ross Street, the heart of the village. The two had been to Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware. They had succeeded in buying furniture for all the rooms, even the great room, but the theatre had been the last one without any furnishings.

"Those big recliners, but no one actually likes those. I know this store coming up that has these huge couches that are as big as beds and fit so many people. I think it would be perfect."

Sure enough, Lori was right. The couches were perfect and Alexandria loved them. They sat on the model and tested it out.

"I want the entire theatre floor to be like this. Just one big bed." Alexandria stated as she lay out on the gigantic sofa. Lori joined her.

"That would be awesome. So, I was thinking…"

"Oh boy." Alexandria turned on her stomach to face Lori. Lori lay on her back with her eyes trailing the ceiling.

"Plotting, actually. I have an idea. You date Bruce Wayne." She simply said. Alexandria searched her friend's face for any falter.

"Lori, why would I do that?" Lori turned onto her side.

"Because, Bruce is the Prince of Gotham and you are the Princess of Gotham and you two can have the most gorgeous little Gotham babies! It's already like a match made in heaven, plus he is a total babe." Alexandria was interrupted before she could retaliate and scold her friend for thinking such wild things.

"Excuse me, Miss." An older man in black dress clothes with thin glasses and dark unruly hair patiently stood next to Alexandria. She sat up and cocked her head at the man.

"Yes?" His eyes narrowed at her.

"I'm going to ask that you only sit on displays…" His speech slowed and stuttered. "I – I'm sorry, but are you..."

"Alexandria Ward." She finished for him. Her lips tightened. People were beginning to notice her.

"Miss. Ward, it is a pleasure to meet you, can I be of any assistance?" The man eagerly asked.

"Yes, actually. I need one of these for a room the is 30' by 30' as soon as possible." She said with a smile. She watched the man pull a pager out of his pocket and begin tapping profusely.

"And what color? We have many different ty-"

"Black."

He continued with the necessary questioning for shipping and payment. Shortly after, Alexandria and Lori exited the store with another purchase.

"You know," Lori began as they were now walking back to her apartment. "My mother is going to want to throw a party for you."

Alexandria sighed. She placed her aviators on her face.

"Katie and her parties." Alexandria mumbled. She hated the attention. Without a doubt, Alexandria would have all the spotlight at the party.

"We'll have dinner tomorrow night, at my parents?" Lori hopefully asked.

"Of course. They still live at the same place?" Alexandria asked sarcastically. Lori's parents have always lived in a penthouse overlooking Gotham Square. Their penthouse was one of the biggest in Gotham. Katie would never let it go. She loved it too much and it was perfect for throwing parties – which the lady had a passion for.

"Duh, you think my mom would move?" Alexandria laughed.

"I'm guessing yours is the Bugatti?" Lori gestured to the classic car that was now diagonal from them. They approached the sparkling vehicle. "I'll come over in the morning and help move everything in and then we can get ready for dinner."

"Sounds like a plan. What do I wear?" Alexandria asked. She threw her purse into the passenger seat.

"Something nice, we're having dinner with my parents. The fanciest of fancy. So, that means a dress, Alexandria."

"I'm not opposed to dresses as I was when I was ten, Lori."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. I'll see you tomorrow morning." They shared a tight warm hug and departed. Lori crossed the street into her apartment and Alexandria settled into the Bugatti.