A/N: This chapter was difficult to write. It was very emotional for me because I have known many people with these sorts of issues (I won't give anything away;). I promise you, from the next chapter forward, it will not be as heavy or downtrodden. It will be light and sexy with occasional problems dealt with in a positive way.

This chapter took a lot out of me. As always…please review and favorite and follow, etc. etc.

I always communicate with my readers!

7

"Should we talk back at the house?" Olivia inquired. "Your mother said to tell you we're leaving.

"She actually spoke to you?"

"Yeah…we had a major breakthrough in the five seconds before I came in here," Olivia smirked. "Come on…let's wrap this glorious evening up and we can talk at home, OK?"

"OK…I've got some words for my brother, anyway."

"Al…" Olivia warned softly.

"Don't worry, Liv…I'll save it for private." She kissed Olivia and the two exited the restroom, hand-in-hand.

… … … …

The ride back in the Range Rover was fairly quiet, Olivia and Alex in the very back, Olivia's arm around the blonde, Alex's head on her shoulder, Jonathan in the middle seat, and Mr. Cabot driving, Mrs. Cabot in the passenger seat. All had partaken in enough wine and the dinner conversations that were had, were exhausting for all.

"Johnny?" Alex inquired softly, as they pulled up to the gates, Mr. Cabot put the car in park and walked up to the gate to slide the card.

"Yes, sis?" He sounded perturbed.

"It's only 9:30…Do you have any plans for the rest of the evening?"

"Only to drink myself into a stupor…" he whispered, grinning devilishly between the headrests only loud enough for the women to hear.

Alex took a deep breath, Olivia gently squeezing the back of her neck, feeling her fiancés nerves bristle. Would you like to join Liv and I on our veranda for those drinks?"

"Sure. Sounds wonderful!" he spouted facetiously.

"Fantastic." Alex's retort was equally sarcastic.

… … … …

Once they made it into the house, Alex's parents retiring to the study to read and watch TV, both women changed clothing—Olivia in a pair of short white running shorts, and a navy tank, her hair haphazardly banded in a high bun.

Olivia sat on the foot of the bed, right foot up, inspecting her pedicure as she periodically watched as her fiancé change into a pair of short olive green shorts, and an over-sized white v-neck t-shirt. Olivia put her foot back down and watched Alex as she stood at the sink and took the multiple bobby pins from her hair, releasing her flaxen hair from its confines. She looked absolutely stunning—the way her silky hair swayed as she brushed it into a perfect ponytail, how her t-shirt hung loosely on her trim body, yet hinted to her toned, feminine physique, her perky nipples subtly poking through. The way those smooth, long ivory legs went on for days…

Olivia's core began to heat up, tingling sensations and aching in her lower lips. Her pleasure had been cut short earlier but was returning now, full force. She leaned back on the bed, hands behind her, arms straight, enjoying the view for as long as Alex would allow her, as her fiancé remained lost in thought, now putting lotion on her elbows. The blonde switched the sink light off and turned around, her eyes catching Olivia's, almost stopping in her tracks before smiling.

"Hey, you…" Alex whispered as she crept towards Olivia.

Olivia's face was serious, knowing the arousal in her eyes was quite obvious. "Hey…" Olivia reached up for the blonde and Alex stepped in between the brunette's open legs. Olivia slid her hands down Alex's waist to her hips, reaching around to her ass, clenching firmly. "You're so beautiful, Alex…" Alex stepped closer as Olivia lifted her shirt and pressed a soft kiss to the attorney's firm belly, the blonde shivering from the contact, her hands going to Olivia's hair. Olivia then turned her head, pressing her cheek to the attorney's firm abs, hands clutching her hips, closing her eyes. They stayed like that for a few moments, until a light knock was heard at their door.

Alex leaned down and kissed Olivia's lips lightly before whispering, "And now…performing in the center ring…"

Olivia didn't know exactly what that meant but, she was pretty sure, something was about to happen. Alex walked to answer the door and Olivia stood, readjusting her hair into a high ponytail.

"Evening girls…" Jonathan cooed, his mood now a one-eighty from the car ride.

"Evening bro…" Alex let her brother in, closing the door behind him. He had a bottle of Jack Daniels in the crook of his arm, three red plastic cups, three diet Cokes dangling from his thumb by the plastic rings holding them, a spoon, and a bucket of ice. He had changed into a pair of khaki cargo shorts and a black t-shirt, feet bare.

Olivia watched Alex's face for her reaction. Olivia knew, from personal experience, that Alex became nervous when others imbibed in the hard stuff. Her porcelain features displayed only a slight fretfulness.

"Ready to party?"

"Well, if by party you mean drink a lot…we already killed three bottles of wine at dinner…" Alex offered as she walked to the sliding door and opened it. The three poured onto the veranda, leaving the screen open. They sat in the three, low, white-wooded chairs, Jonathan's back to the railing, the two women facing him.

"Aw…the night's still young…" he slurred.

They waited silently while Jonathan prepared the cups. Olivia could see the thoughts running through her fiancé's mind as she watched her brother. It was a beautiful night, the sound of the waves on the shore lulling and soothing—but Olivia sensed something else in the air.

Olivia watched Alex and her brother, the tension in their lack of conversation almost overpowering. Alex's eyes began filling with tears threatening to fall as she now shifted her gaze, staring ahead at the water. The blonde's gaze moved to her brother as he handed her a drink, which she took.

He then handed Olivia hers, "M'dear…"

"Thank you…"

Brother and sister simply looked at each other, not saying anything. Olivia waited patiently as Alex and Jonathan had their moment.

"It's like old times, isn't it, Al? Remember when we used to do this back in the day?"

"I was in my early twenties, Johnny…and you were almost thirty…'

"But we had some good talks, didn't we?" he tried.

"We definitely did…" she smiled lightly. Alex's face became intense, lower lids filled with tears. She paused a few moments before saying softly, "I think you need help again, John-John…" A tear made its way down Alex's face.

Stunned, Jonathan looked at Olivia and then back at Alex.

"She doesn't know…" Alex continued, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand and taking a sip of her drink. "But she deserves to…she doesn't deserve to see me like this and not know why…I don't keep secrets from Liv…"

Jonathan leaned back and took a long swig from his cup before resting it on his leg. He smiled that gorgeous Cabot smile, his blue eyes twinkling. "So, go ahead…tell her…"

Alex shook her head, wiping at new tears. "You tell her. It's your story." Alex sniffed and took another sip. "But I want her to know somehow…and it's better coming from you…"

Olivia reached over and slowly, soothingly began rubbing the blonde's back, reminding her that she was there. Alex fell into the touch and pushing lightly against Olivia's hand, indicating that she should continue.

"What do you want me to tell her, Al? That I am a recovering opiate addict? I'm an occasional alcoholic? That I've been in addiction treatment off and on for ten years? On the wagon, off the wagon, right Allie?" He finished the rest of his cup in one large mouthful, now pouring straight liquor into his cup and taking a swig.

Olivia swallowed hard not expecting that divulgence.

Alex's lower lip was trembling now that his disclosure was out. Her face contorted in anguish as she covered her mouth with her hand, setting her emotions free. Olivia took her hand to the back of her neck, massaging lightly.

"And…" Jonathan looked at Olivia, "…she didn't tell you any of this?'

Olivia shook her head.

"Well, that's pretty amazing. So the pact we made years ago really did stick."

"Did you think it wouldn't? You told me not to say anything to Mom or Dad and I still haven't. You told me that you would go to treatment so many times…that you would stay clean…you've told me to lie for you all of these years…but I won't lie to Olivia. That's where I draw the line, Jonathan."

Alex brought her lips inward, and sniffed heartily, her nose now running relentlessly. Olivia squeezed her shoulder, her own eyes tearing from her fiancé's struggle.

"It's just not fair, John-John…Do you know how hard it is to carry your secrets for you? I'm the one being honest and revealing everything about my life and you're the one with all the secrets that won't come clean and get your life together." Alex was sobbing now, her body convulsing. "I've told Mom and Dad every truth about me and my life and they hate me. You've told them nothing and you're the golden child! I'm getting chastised while you're getting all the accolades!" The attorney was shaking, her cheeks red and wet from anger and immense sadness.

Alex stood, hugging her body as she padded to the opposite end of the veranda and began pacing. She turned and looked at Jonathan, her nose red, her eyes puffy.

Jonathan just looked at Alex, his lids heavy.

"When did you start the pills again, John-John?"

He didn't answer, just gave another slow blink and a smirk.

"Please tell me you didn't take any this evening before the wine and…now the Jack…"

Alex took another breath, obviously tired of his skirting around the topic. "You were fine yesterday afternoon and this morning surfing, but I know how you are on the painkillers—your eyes are glassy, you get this ridiculous grin on your face, you're irritable one minute, goofy the next…you're not you…. When did you start taking them?"

Jonathan looked at Alex unwaveringly.

"Maybe I should give you two a few min—" Olivia leaned forward slightly, unsure of what to say or do. The brunette thought, perhaps, Jonathan would feel freer to talk if she wasn't there.

"Olivia…no…this involves you, too. From now on, everything involves you and my family needs to understand that."

Olivia leaned back again as Alex walked up to her brother's chair and kneeled in front of him, placing her hands on his knee.

"Where did you get them? Same place? Is that where you went this afternoon?" Alex pleaded.

"Boy, you're good," Jonathan started. "Maybe you should be the detective." He looked at Olivia haughtily.

Olivia looked sternly at him, determination in her eyes.

"You've got it, Allie-Al. That's where I went this afternoon when I dropped you off. Bart McGregor…my in-town dealer, still lives in Amagansett. And, yes…I took some today around five…but it's been straight alcohol since then…"

Alex's face contorted with grief, "Johnny…" she stood and slipped inside, Olivia following closely behind her.

Alex dropped onto the edge of the side of the bed and let her body slide to the floor, knees at her chest, whimpering. Olivia kneeled and wrapped her arms around the shaking blonde, who clutched her tightly.

"I want so badly to waltz into the study and tell my parents everything. If they knew…he might actually change…and tell the truth!"

"I know, Baby…but it has to be his idea." Olivia began rocking the attorney. She felt Alex go limp in her arms, a tired snivel emanating from her.

"He's gonna die if he doesn't stop…"

A strong presence was felt behind Olivia. She felt a strong hand on her back and she loosened her grip on the attorney and looked over her shoulder. Jonathan's tired face tried a smile. Olivia pulled away and stood, giving him some closeness with Alex. Olivia moved towards the wall and leaned, folding her arms, feeling her own tears form once again.

"Hey…" Jonathan whispered.

Alex looked up, her face drawn, grief-stricken, unbearably heartbroken.

"You're a fucking doctor, Jonathan!" she scolded.

Olivia took a wad of tissues from the bedside table and leaned over the two, handing them to Alex before returning to her spot on the wall.

Jonathan sat next to Alex, knees bent, leaning against his sister. "I know…but it's hard…"

"I know it's hard, John-John…you and I…we're so similar…"

Jonathan's eyes now showed his emotion. "We are…but you're so much stronger than me, Allie."

Alex shook her head. "That's not true…I might be bolder, but I'm not stronger than you…"

"Like you said…" his voice cracked. "Mom and Dad know everything about you. See how strong that is? And you stick to your guns, regardless. I can't do that. I know they'll hate me. I know I'll shatter their dreams of the perfect son. I don't have the strength to let that happen. You, though…"

As Alex's lower lip trembled, Olivia watched the heartbreaking scene in front of her. She wanted to console Alex so badly, but kept her distance.

"You are amazing, Alex. You are determined. You are relentlessly loving."

"Your secrets are eating you alive, Jonathan. They're killing you. The drugs, the booze, the denial…it's going to kill you…" Alex's face contorted again as she buried her face in her folded arms, Jonathan's arms wrapping around her. "And I can't lose my brother…" She sobbed openly, turning into his embrace.

She looked so tiny next to him, so helpless, as her body shook.

"Hey…" He pulled away, lifting her chin with his index finger. "I am not going back to work. The two week vacation I was telling you about…that was two weeks until I go into treatment."

Alex's face lit up.

"It's a new facility in Florida. It's supposed to be the best and, rather than only ninety days, it's a six-month long program that deals with multiple issues. It's supposed to be the best."

Alex smiled, her lower lip trembling. Jonathan pulled her head toward his shoulder.

"I don't want to leave you, either, Al. I would never wish you that kind of pain. I would never want to leave you alone with William and Catherine Cabot—to deal with them alone." He smiled and Alex did as well, tears still streaming.

"John-John…make it stick this time…please…I want you to be a part the life Olivia and I are building. I want you to be around for your nieces and nephews…"

Olivia felt salty tears again as she put her hand over her mouth to muffle her own whimper.

Alex looked up at her, smiling slightly.

"I know," Jonathan whispered. "And you're right…I am a doctor, an educated man and have made some fucked up decisions. I want to have your strength." He looked at Alex. "For a baby sister, you sure are a lot wiser than this old man…will you help me be stronger, Al? Come clean…slowly? I want to be free," his eyes filled with tears.

Alex nodded and hugged her brother resolutely.

Olivia continued to cry, so many emotions flowing through her.

Alex looked at Olivia again and smiled.

"Oh, and…sorry about this afternoon…I had no idea Mom and Dad would be home that early…"

Alex smiled. "You're a prick…but I'll get you back. Payback is a bitch."

She caught eyes with Olivia and they smiled.

… … … …