The next few weeks went by quickly. Homework and Lab write-ups were accumulating faster than Alex could finish, and quickly classes overtook his life. The first round of midterm exams was also upon the entire campus. Alex found he had little free time, so he tried to spend what time he did have with Serenity. They didn't talk much if at all about Alex's adoption; instead they spent their time talking about other things, getting to know each other. Alex felt himself falling hard for her, and he only hoped she felt the same.

As the falling leaves and the first snow of the season ushered in November, Alex was reminded of Jackie and Serenity's birthdays later in the month. He took every opportunity to fish for clues from both about gifts. Alex quickly deduced that it was much harder to shop for a girlfriend, and a friend who was a girl, then a mother and sister.

Alex also responded to Jackie's email, telling her that yes, he was interested in speaking with her grandfather over Thanksgiving. After that, nothing more was said as they were both so busy with school. He also didn't know what to say. Until Thanksgiving, when he met Jackie's grandfather, there was little they could do or talk about. So Alex stopped worrying about it and simply enjoyed his life in Boston. He quickly realized how much his obsession over his roots had taken over his life once he stopped worrying about it.

Alex also had to call his parents and let them know he wouldn't be home for Thanksgiving. He could tell his mother was hurt and upset, but he tried to cheer her up by reminding her that he'd be home for nearly a month over the winter break. In reality, Alex dreaded spending an entire month away from Boston, and away from Serenity. The one consolation was that she'd be going back to New York during that time; but it was a small consolation-if Alex were in Boston he could still visit her. Not really feasible from Montana.

The last weekend before Thanksgiving saw Boston receive one of the largest snowfalls in its history. Nearly three feet of snow fell overnight Sunday to Monday and when Alex woke he was greeted with news that classes were canceled for the next two days. Break had started early, and the students suddenly found themselves with a full week off, instead of the usual three-days.

Jerry wanted to celebrate with a snowball fight. Being from Florida, he intended to make good use of his extra days off before he flew home. One of his teammates lived on the floor below and they decided to battle it out; floor versus floor. Alex, not usually one for that type of activity, was so excited about the canceled classes that he immediately agreed. Twenty minutes later they were downstairs in the courtyard of the dorm; twenty students from Alex and Jerry's floor, and twenty-three students from the floor below theirs.

Ground rules were established (no face hits, minimum distance of five feet, no rocks, don't compact the snowballs too much and so on) and the fight was soon underway. Things were going well, Alex had only been hit by one snowball and their "team" had quickly built a small fortification wall to hide behind. He was having fun.

Just as quickly the game got out of hand as other students from the dorm came outside to participate-likely responding to their shrieks of laughter. Soon it was a free-for-all. Snowballs flying everywhere, the rules that had been set at the beginning were completely ignored.

The snowball fight came to an abrupt end when a large guy, probably on the football team Alex had thought afterwards, threw a large, highly compact snowball at Alex from only a few feet away and hit him squarely on the bridge of his nose. His face, numb from the cold, only felt a brief flash of pain, but the damage was apparently more than the pain indicated as Alex's nose burst forth a gush of blood and stained the snow a bright red. Alex, his face numb from the cold, didn't even know he was bleeding until a girl standing near him looked at him wide-eyed, gave a strangled yelp and fainted into the snow. Immediately Alex was surrounded by people, all yelling different instructions and advice on how to stop the bleeding.

Jerry was the one who led Alex back to the dorm, where they found the RA. Once back inside the warmth of the residence hall, Alex began to feel the throbbing pain in his face. His eyes watered as Alex seemed to feel his nose growing in size, and his head started to ache with a dull pounding that didn't diminish until late that night.

Looking into the mirror later that afternoon, Alex sighed. His nose and eyes were swollen and disfigured and he hardly recognized himself. He was also sporting two partial black eyes, the bruising fading away toward the edges of his face. The bridge of his nose also showed a few small red cuts from the hard ice in the snowball.

"Great," Alex mumbled as he pressed gently the area under his eyes. A sharp pain seared through his head in response to the pressure.

"This will make a great first impression," he added as he moved towards the phone, dialing the Ramirez house and filling in Serenity on what had happened.


Thanksgiving morning Alex rose early. There was still nearly a foot of snow outside, and the roads were a mess. Luckily, there was limited bus service even on the Holiday, so he could still get to Jackie's house for dinner without asking someone to risk their life to come get him.

Alex's face looked a bit better. His nose was still swollen, though it was starting to reduce to its more normal size. His eyes, instead of the dark black and blue of the last two days were now a lighter blue, blending into a greenish/yellow near the outer edges of his eyes. The cuts were fading too, but still evident of you looked closely. Alex hoped Serenity's parents didn't think he had been in a fight or something-he really wanted to make a good impression. Serenity had already told him that it was unlikely her dad would be friendly or talk much, and she told Alex not to take it personally. Alex wasn't sure what to make of her warning.

Leaving the dorm, Alex groaned as new snow started to fall from the grey sky. He hoped it didn't accumulate too much through the day that the bus system shut down.

Twenty minutes later, Alex was standing at Jackie's front door. He rang the bell, waiting nervously, his breath clouding the air in front of him as he tried to breathe deep and calm his anxiety. Jesse was the one to answer, and by the look on his face, Alex knew his snowball-battle scars did not look as healed as he'd hoped.

"Alex, come in," Jesse ushered Alex in after his initial shock, taking his coat and hanging it by the door. "Jackie told us what happened. Who knew snowball fights could be so dangerous."

"Yeah."

Alex answered nervously. He hadn't seen or spoken to Jackie's father since that day in the coffee shop when he'd told Alex that he wasn't able to help him find his birth parents. Seeing him again, Alex found it hard not to be resentful, even though he felt Jesse had done all he legally could.

"Well come on in. Jackie has been anxious for you to meet everyone," Jesse smiled. Alex couldn't help but notice he looked a little uncomfortable. His eyes remained untouched by his smile, and they were far too serious. Alex felt his stomach churn with a new surge of nerves.

"Alex!" Jasmine screamed, running and throwing her arms around Alex's waist as Jesse led him into the formal living room. The room, which had been buzzing with steady conversation, quieted and all faces turned to greet him.

Alex had never in his life felt more uncomfortable or judged. He searched the room for Jackie or Serenity, his eyes passing quickly over the faces of an elderly couple (must be Jackie's grandparents, he thought) and another couple in their mid-40's who were standing with Isabel talking. As his gaze searched the room he couldn't help but notice Isabel and the other woman exchange a knowing look. Alex immediately wished he was anywhere else but there. The other kids were sitting on the floor playing with a young toddler who had a shock of dark black hair that stood straight up; blissfully unaware, they had glanced once at Alex then turning their attention back to the baby. Alex almost smiled as he wished the adults would take the same cue. Jasmine was still holding on to Alex.

"Hi," Alex finally blurted, what felt like minutes later but was actually only a few seconds, all the while trying to smile normally but feeling like he was grinning in sheer terror.

"Alex!"

Turning, Alex breathed with relief as he saw Serenity and Jackie coming from the kitchen carrying trays of steaming mugs. They were both smiling. Nerves easing, Alex relaxed a bit.

Setting down her tray, Serenity rushed forward and pulled Alex from Jasmine's grip. He nearly laughed at the nasty look Jasmine threw her way as she grumpily sat back on the floor with the other kids.

"These are my parents," Serenity smiled as she approached the couple Isabel was standing with. Alex could immediately see where Serenity got her long legs and full lips.

"Maria Guerin," her mother held out her hand and smiled warmly. Alex smiled in return, shaking the outstretched hand.

"This is Serenity's father Michael," Maria turned to the tall, narrow-eyed man standing next to her.

Alex turned his head towards Serenity's dad and immediately felt the waves of dislike and distrust emanating off him. Holding out his hand, Alex waited what felt like an eternity before Maria jabbed Michael in the side, and he grudgingly shook Alex's waiting hand.

"It's nice to meet you," Alex said, trying to sound unintimidated. He wasn't sure he was successful as Michael simply grunted in reply; his eyes narrowed on Alex's face, staring hard as if he were trying to read his mind.

"Alex," Jackie called. Alex turned, relieved to look away from the harsh, judging face of Michael Guerin.

"These are my grandparents," Jackie grinned proudly as Alex crossed the room to where the older couple was seated on the sofa. They each held a steaming mug and were smiling warmly.

"Phillip and Diane Evans," Jackie grinned even wider, and Alex felt another wave of nerves come over him.

"Pleasure to meet you, Alex," Phillip Evans said as he stiffly rose from the sofa, reaching out for Alex's hand.

"And you, sir," Alex replied, his face suddenly feeling very hot.

Diane Evans remained seated, and as Alex reached down to shake her hand, he thought he saw something cross her face; a confused, troubled look. But almost as soon as he recognized it, it was gone, and they were shaking hands, Diane warmly welcoming Alex to their family Thanksgiving.

Introductions complete, Alex stood awkwardly in the center of the room. He could hear Isabel and Maria talking quietly behind him, their voices just low enough that he couldn't make out the words. Paranoia swept him and he almost bolted for the door, sure they were talking about him. Jesse was sitting next to Philip and they were engrossed in conversation about the new governor of New Mexico and some trouble he'd gotten into with the law. Serenity had disappeared, and Jackie was momentarily distracted by the kids on the floor. She was helping them set up a board game, and trying to keep the baby from eating the game pieces.

"Alex?"

Moving his eyes from the kids on floor, Alex saw Jesse, Philip and Diane staring at him expectantly.

"What?" he asked, eyes widening involuntarily.

"I was asking about your family, where are you from again?" Philip Evans said, his gentle face having a calming effect on Alex's refreshed nerves.

"Oh. Uh, I'm from Montana," Alex nodded, shifting his weight uncomfortably.

"Alex, please sit down, you're making me nervous," Diane Evans laughed lightly as she reached out and patted the cushion of the armchair that sat perpendicular to the sofa.

Alex moved wordlessly and sat, feeling the three of them staring. He could still hear the hushed tones of Isabel and Maria. Alex hazarded a glance in their direction and noticed Michael staring at him strangely. His eyes were no longer narrowed in distrust and anger, but in concentration. Alex looked away.

"That's pretty far. How did you decide to come to Boston for school?" Philip asked, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees.

"I'm studying Biology. And I wanted to get out of Montana. Northeastern had the best program of the schools that offered me scholarships, so I came here," Alex abbreviated his journey.

"Did you not like living in Montana?" Diane Evans asked her tone sincerely curious.

"Oh, no! I love Montana, it's beautiful and I'll likely end up back there after school. I just needed a change," Alex prayed she would stop questioning him about leaving Montana. He didn't want to air his whole family drama in front of everyone.

"Sometimes we just need a break, right Alex?" Jesse spoke up.

Alex smiled and nodded, thankful for Jesse's intervention.

"Are you interested in becoming a doctor?" Philip asked.

"I don't think so. I'm more interested in the research aspect of Biology, but of course I haven't determined anything just yet," Alex answered vaguely.

"Our son is a doctor, a very talented one," Diane smiled as her eyes searched Alex's face.

"I've heard," Alex nodded, happening to notice Jesse's eyes widen momentarily.

"Enough with all the questions," Jackie laughed as she joined them perching on the arm of the chair Alex was in. She was holding the baby that had been on the floor.

"Who's this?" Alex asked, reaching out and shaking the tiny hand of the little boy.

"This is Simon," Jackie smiled, "he's Serenity's little brother."

"I think I'll take him upstairs and lay him down, it's nearly time for his morning nap," Suddenly Maria was there, taking Simon from Jackie's arms and disappearing from the room.

"Where's Serenity?" Alex asked quietly, as Diane, Philip and Jesse started talking about something else.

"I'm not sure," Jackie said, "maybe in the kitchen? Don't worry. She won't leave you out here for long. Not with her dad. She wouldn't do that to you."

Alex glanced again at Michael. He had moved to the opposite armchair, but he was still watching Alex.

Isabel announced a few minutes later that dinner was ready, so the group slowly made their way into the large formal dining room. Maria had reappeared without Simon, and moments later Serenity came back into the room. Alex hung back, waiting to be told where he should sit. After much shuffling and moving around, he ended up between Serenity and Jackie and across from Michael and Maria. Not the ideal seating arrangement.

Alex, used to small Thanksgiving dinners at home with his parents and sister, was completely unprepared for the massive scale of the current Thanksgiving dinner. The serving dishes were heaped high with steaming piles of food, and Alex had to wonder how it all got done.

Diane Evans said a short prayer, and the food began to move around the table. Alex took a little of everything, not wanting to be rude. His plate was soon overflowing and he was afraid he wouldn't be able to finish it all. The adults started talking about politics, and Alex blocked them out, focusing on his food. Shortly into the dinner, Alex felt Serenity's hand on his leg, and dropping one of his own hands he smiled at her. They held hands under the table the entire meal, and Alex felt a slight rush because of it.

"So, what's the real reason you didn't want to go home for Thanksgiving, Alex?"

Alex met the hard stare of Michael Guerin and was momentarily at a loss for words. It was the first time he'd spoken since Alex had arrived and the edgy tone of his words was hard to misinterpret. Michael was harboring some strong anger, almost hatred for Alex. Dinner over, the table which had moments before been buzzing with talk was now silent.

Instinctively, Alex released Serenity's hand.

"I'm not sure what you mean?" Alex finally said, genuinely confused by the question.

"I mean, surely your family could afford to bring you home for such an important holiday," Michael seemed to spit the words at Alex.

"Dad," Serenity warned in a low voice. Michael didn't even look at her, his hard stare remained on Alex.

"Maybe it's time for dessert?" Isabel stood, gathering the dinner plates of those around her.

"Well?" Michael questioned, ignoring Serenity and Isabel.

"I didn't want to go home," Alex answered, resisting the urge to look at Serenity. He could see out of the corner of his eye that she was appalled. She stared at her father, her jaw slightly slack with surprise.

"I agree with Isabel, it's time for dessert," Maria made a move to stand, but Michael, not wavering from his hard stare at Alex, slammed his fist down on the table causing the whole thing to shake.

"Why didn't you want to go home?" Michael's voice was quiet, but laced with a fury that Alex didn't understand.

"Dad stop it! Your being a total jerk!" Serenity was on her feet, leaning over the table, her chest heaving from her outburst.

Michael didn't even flinch, he simply moved his stare from Alex to Serenity, and back to Alex. The rest of the table was silent. No one moved, no one spoke. Alex could hear the other kids in the kitchen talking. The clock in the entryway chimed.

"Let's go, Alex," Serenity finally said, her jaw set. She reached out and pulled Alex by the arm towards the entry.

"We're going for a walk. When I get back, I expect you to stop acting like this," Serenity yelled.

Alex let himself be pulled into the entry where Serenity threw him his coat and started pulling on her boots.

"What are we doing?" Alex finally asked. He was slightly shocked by the sudden turn of events, and couldn't figure out what was going on between Serenity and Michael.

"Walking, I need to cool off."

"But, it's snowing out," Alex said incredulously.

"So?"

Alex shrugged and pulled on his own boots. They were still dripping melted snow he'd tracked in not an hour earlier.

"Wait," Jackie came striding into the entry, pulling her own winter coat on. "I'm coming with."

Once outside no one spoke for a few blocks. The snow was still falling gently, and had accumulated almost half an inch since Alex's arrival. The threesome walked the silent streets, each alone with their own thoughts. Finally, Alex couldn't take the silence any longer.

"Will you please tell me what the hell that was all about?" He stopped walking, waiting for an answer.

"My dad and I don't get along," Serenity replied wryly.

"No kidding," Alex replied with heavy sarcasm. "Why? What happened?"

Jackie and Serenity exchanged a look, and Jackie offered a gentle smile, nodding. Alex was silently thankful for Jackie's support.

"I had some trouble with a guy last year. My dad thinks, because of that situation, that I can't make the right choices and that I'll make the same mistake again. He hasn't forgiven me for what happened. So naturally he thinks you're like that other guy. But you're not. He just doesn't trust me anymore," Serenity said, her tone indicating she wasn't ready to explain what she'd done. Her face betrayed her sadness.

Alex wanted to know more, to know what it was she'd done. Instead of pushing her to explain, he simply took her in his arms and held her in the falling snow; he tried to let her know he was there, and he would be there as long as she needed. Jackie watched them with a sad smile. After awhile Serenity pulled away and they walked for a bit longer, until they were all so cold they couldn't stand it and they headed back.


Back in the house the atmosphere had changed. The rooms seemed brighter, the mood more festive. There was loud laughter and conversation back in the living room. Taking off all their coats and boots, the trio headed towards the happy sounds, curious.

Alex let Serenity and Jackie lead the way as they entered the living room. Coming in behind, Alex first caught sight of a petite woman with long, shining black hair. She had a bright, wide smile and was laughing heartily at something Maria had said. Alex found her smile infectious, and was soon grinning himself.

"Aunt Liz!" Jackie squealed as she jumped over the kids who were gathered back in the center of the living room (with two more dark haired girls in the mix) and wrapped her arms around the dark haired woman Alex had noticed.

The room itself quieted once again as Serenity also hurried forward and embraced the dark haired woman. Alex was still smiling, and his gaze shifting around the room he felt his smile falter.

Isabel was staring at him in absolute horror. Her eyes were wide, her face flushed, her mouth was moving as if she were trying to form words. Alex stared as her gaze shifted ever so slightly over Alex's shoulder. Turning, Alex saw Jesse and another man approaching the living room just behind him. Jesse's amused expression quickly transformed into an expression of shock and horror that mirrored Isabel's.

But Alex was no longer paying attention to either Jesse or Isabel. His eyes were fixed, taking in the look, the shape, the stride of the dark haired man that was standing next to Jesse. He was so familiar.

Suddenly, a memory played before Alex's eyes. He saw a smiling face beaming down on him; the dark brown eyes were full of sadness, but also full of love. The face, his father, was saying goodbye. The face…the face was familiar. The face was standing before him now.

Alex took a step forward, his jaw falling open as he suddenly realized what was happening. The meaningful looks he'd seen and the cryptic conversation he'd overheard all took on a larger, deeper meaning. Everything made more sense; the lawyer's connection; Isabel's cautioning to Jesse.

The memory which had once been something Alex thought he'd imagined in his desire to know he hadn't been unloved by his birth parents now was so strong in context and feeling that Alex wondered how he'd ever led it fade or doubted it's meaning.

His heart pounded fiercely in his chest. Suddenly finding it hard to breath, Alex took another short step forward. He tentatively reached out and without a word, soundlessly fell to the floor. The last thing he remembered was the look of immediate recognition on the stranger's face; on his father's face. Then the world faded to black as Alex lost consciousness.