The usual disclaimers. Please read and review.

Chapter 2

Condolences

Still wrapped in the jacket, the teary eyed Eames answered their door...her door. Tears began to fall anew with that realization. Joe, Joe, what will I do with out you? She opened the door and the jacket wrapped around her tighter, trying to protect her from the unknown.

Alex barely managed a smile as she looked at her mother and father. Her mother reached for her first. Catching the smell of the khaki, she wrinkled her nose. "Lexa, this is dusty."

The jacket and her wrapped tighter together. "It's what I need Mom." Her voice quivered. Her mom furrowed her brows. Her father nodded and coaxed Alex to the couch. She sat between her parents, as they wrapped their arms around her. He felt their breath on his collar and knew that they were there to help protect her. He relaxed, allowing his folds to touch their hands and arms, including them in his embrace.

They sat on the couch as the light faded out of the room. But still, the jacket held on, knowing it was doing what it should be doing without question. Keeping her warm, and protecting her from the elements.

After time, her dad spoke of Joe in short happy stories that he remembered. Lexa smiled, trying to remember those times. Her mom kept shoving the sleeve up so she could pat her hand, but the jacket slid down to protect her hand. Each time, she and the jacket would collide. Lexa's mother sighed, and rolled her eyes, trying to satisfy herself with just grasping her daughter's arm through the jacket.

More people from her unit arrived and gave their condolences. Sightly amused of her dress. Alex greeted them with sadness, loss, but with strength she knew didn't come from her. Each new person caused the jacket to wrap a little tighter. Tighter against the unknown elements.

The numbers amazed and scared her. She hadn't realized how many had known, or cared about her or her Joe. She spent much of her time on the couch, wrapped in her jacket, feeling the warmth and protection.

A quiet visitor stepped up to Alex. He was very tall. Alex's mother could have sworn he would break in half as he bent to look at her. Alex looked up, and felt relaxed in the chaos of visitors. She smiled sadly. "Bobby?"

He gave her a quiet smile, looking into her honey brown eyes. The jacket relaxed at his touch, knowing this person would not hurt her. "I'm, I'm so sorry Lexa. Mom sent over a casserole." Motioning to the table laden with dishes. Alex smile softly into his chocolate colored eyes. He took a seat next to her on the couch, cautiously putting his arm around her shoulders. The jacket softened with his touch, allowing him to feel beneath it's rough surface. Alex sank against his shoulder, feeling his warmth.

Her mother moved closer to the other side of Alex, furrowing her brow at it's coarseness, and bulk. "Lexa, this jacket is just too big for you."

Alex smiled, slightly turning towards her. "No Mom, it's just perfect."

A/N: I apologize for the shortness of the story. But, I wanted to do one more about the jacket, as well as an indication of what was going on in the other characters' lives. I promise to try to make my next sequel a little longer (can't believe I said that...can't believe that this story went beyond the first! ).