A/N: Thanks to everyone who read the first chapter! This is my first WoWP fanfic, so it means a lot to me. Here's the second chapter. Please review!

OOOOOOO

Alex walks down Waverly Place, unconcerned with the fact that for once no one is out. No one is on the street. In New York City. After dark. Somehow the irony passes Alex by and she thinks nothing of it.

But after a moment, or an hour, or a lifetime, she finds herself running. A slow panicky grip begins to overtake her and she bolts through the city. Sprinting this way and that, she feels as if she is fleeing from an unseen predator but knows her capture is inevitable. And what will happen to her after that is something she doesn't want to think about.

It is coming closer, its hot breath is on her neck and she feels its talons, or claws, or teeth, and suddenly she trips, and with a scream, hits the ground. And it is all she can do to turn and face her attacker in terror.

But quite suddenly, there is a blast of light, and the monster is gone. The light disappears, and Alex glances up, teary-eyed, to see a boy in front of her. A boy that is almost a man, but appears in a shroud of youthful innocence.

"Mason?" Alex whimpers.

"Get back up, Alex," she can barely hear his words.

She stands shakily. "I've missed you."

"And I you." He smiles sweetly.

"How will I live without you? I can never love anyone again."

"There are other kinds of love, darling. Your family, Harper, they love you. And they need you, Alex."

"But no one wants someone as damaged as me. I'm broken." Alex doesn't care that she sounds like a child, she knows Mason will understand.

"They wouldn't have forgiven you so wholly unless they really did care about you, love. Just trust me. There is so much people see in you. Go back to them, and leave the past in the past. Get back up, Alex."

And he vanishes as suddenly as he came. Alex wakes with a start and stares at the sun on her bedroom wall, wondering if she would ever hear from Mason again, yet knowing his job is done. They can all move on.

OOOOOOO

Alex sits carefully on the island counter, munching on a breakfast burrito. She is wearing a cozy green sweater and Santa hat. It's Christmas Eve and Alex is determined to be happy. Or at least cheerful.

She sees Max waltz in, carrying a clumsily-wrapped gift with "To Alex" scrawled on the side. He smiles sheepishly, handing it over to her. "Couldn't wait until tomorrow; didn't want to make a big deal out of it, you know. It's nothing really..." He says by way of explanation as she gratefully rips off the paper.

When the last of the paper drifts to the floor, she grins as she lifts up her brand new, state-of-the-art camera. It is just the one she has been wanting.

"I know your back-up plan was to be a photographer, and I really hope that's still what you want to do because that's your birthday present, too."

Alex fights off the tears as she grips her brother in a bear-hug. It must have cost him a fortune to buy this, especially since his new back-up plan is to work at the sub station, and the tips are not good.

Jerry made sure, before the wizard competition was even in his children's minds, that they each had a good back-up plan for if they lost their powers as adults. Alex had never put much stock into losing the competition, but it became a necessity when she decided to give up her powers. Worst mistake of her life. With the competition just between the two Russo brothers, it was obvious that Justin would win. So when Max became of age at seventeen, the contest was held and the older brother emerged victorious, becoming the family wizard.

Soon, Alex hears excited voices and snatches of conversation from outside the front door. Phrases such as "You got it?", "You need a hand?", and "Careful not to drop it!" were easily discernible.

Then the door opens and Alex is greeted by the sight of her older brother, Justin, carrying a huge box wrapped in red and green. His face splits into a smile at the sight of his sister and he gingerly sets down the box, before opening his arms, allowing the younger girl to fling herself into them.

Tears stream down her face, and no one questions it, because they know it is he who she has missed most, and he who can give the most comfort. They break apart so Justin can hold her at arm's length. "How are you, Alex?" And it is the most honest question Alex has heard in almost three months. She knows he really cares, really worries about her, really wants to help. And she lets him. She just smiles and nods, knowing he will not judge her for not speaking. He will understand.

"Justin brought something home for you, sweetie! It's from all of us. Better open it sooner rather than later," Theresa beams. Turning her attention to the large box, Alex carefully prods it with her foot. Hearing a rustling from inside, she gasps and tears off the paper, lifting the lid.

Big brown eyes and a wagging tail greet the girl. Justin hurries to lift the golden dog out of its temporary crate so Alex can meet it.

"This is Gracie. She's a three-year-old Golden Retriever." Alex sits cross-legged on the floor, allowing the dog to sniff her hand before stroking her fur. She looks up, as if to say, Issheforme?

Jerry grins. "Gracie's a certified therapy dog. We thought it would be easier for you with someone to talk to." The irony of his statement does not go unnoticed, but Alex decides to let it go.

OOOOOOO

A/N: Thanks again for reading, guys! Stay tuned for chapter 3, the last chapter, in the next couple days.