Okay so I feel SO BAD that this chapter has taken me so long! This week has been so long and exhausting, that I just haven't been able to find time to write, and when I did I had a really hard time. I hope that you guys will like this though, and I'm really looking forward to writing the next one!
I had a review from one of you hoping to have more of a teenage Alex who's a bit more argumentative and what not, and I promise you that will come, I'm just giving her some time before she begins to become a bit more resistive. But don't worry I've got big plans!
Anyways enjoy this chapter and thanks for sticking with me! -J
Chapter 9
When something woke Alex in the middle of the night she had to hold back a laugh; opening her eyes to find Emily snuggled up next to her, JJ lying on the other side of the older brunette. Seeing Emily was still dressed she figured her mother must have come in to check on her but fell asleep so JJ joined them after changing into her pajamas. Figuring the pair must have gotten in late; the teen snuggled up closer to Emily, allowing her eyes to once again drift shut as sleep took over.
When the alarm blared a couple hours later Emily moaned, pulling Alex closer and burying her face in the teen's shoulder.
"Emily," Alex groaned, reaching out to shut off the incessant beeping noise that filled the room. "I have to get up."
"Too early," Emily mumbled.
"I have school," Alex laughed. "And you have work, JJ's already up," the teen said seeing that the other side of the bed was empty.
"Ugh," Emily said, releasing the teen and rolling over onto her back. "Why am I still wearing this?" She asked noticing she was still wearing the outfit she had worn to work the previous day.
"That's a good question," Alex laughed, moving to get out of bed. "I woke up in the middle of the night to find you here. Apparently you missed me."
"I did," Emily smiled, rubbing her eyes sleepily before sitting up. "Man I wish I had the day off."
"No such luck," Alex replied, already digging through her closet to pull out her uniform. "So now that you're back have you thought about when we're going to start house hunting?"
"I've been emailing a realtor and she's setting up some viewings for us," Emily explained. "We may be able to start this weekend if we're lucky."
"In Spencer's neighbourhood?" Alex asked excitedly.
"I did mention that neighbourhood," Emily replied, laughing at the way the teen's face immediately lit up. "She said she knows of a few houses in that area so we'll see. But remember I make no promises."
"I know."
"Good," Emily said, getting out of bed. "Now I better shower. I'll see you downstairs in a bit."
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After doing her hair and getting dressed Alex grabbed her bag and headed downstairs where she could smell breakfast being made. Coming down the stairs the teen could hear JJ and Sandy talking, pausing at the bottom of the stairs when she heard her name.
"So everything went well with Alex while we were gone?" JJ asked as her mom put a plate with waffles down in front of her.
"Of course," Sandy replied happily. "She's such a wonderful girl Jenny."
"She really is isn't she?" JJ agreed after taking a bite of her waffles. "You know when I found out I was pregnant I was terrified but looking at Alex I just knew I wanted to be a mother," the blonde explained. "I mean I know their relationship is still growing but I want what Emily has with Alex."
"I would say you already have that Jenny," Sandy said, sitting down at the island next to her daughter. "I mean that girl adores you. I think she looks to you the same way she looks at Emily."
"You think so?" JJ asked, seeing Sandy nod in response. "You know I know that Alex doesn't technically need another mother but God I want to be that for her so bad," the blonde admitted. "I'm just so grateful that I'm getting to be a part of her life though."
Hearing this Alex couldn't help but break out in a huge smile, finally deciding to come around the corner to make her presence known.
"JJ," the teen called, running towards where the blonde was sitting and throwing her arms around the blonde from behind. "I missed you."
"I missed you too," JJ replied with a smile, putting a hand on the teen's arm and kissing her on the cheek. "Is Emily up?"
"She was just getting out of the shower when I came down," Alex explained, watching as Sandy immediately got up and began filling a plate with waffles for her. "I woke up to find I had some company in my bed last night by the way," the teen laughed, sitting down beside JJ as Sandy placed a plate in front of her. "Thanks Sandy."
"No problem sweetheart," Sandy replied, kissing the teen's head.
"Emily fell asleep in there first," JJ told the teen. "I poked my head in there and she was already passed out and well I didn't want to be alone," she laughed. "I didn't think we would wake you."
"I only woke up for a minute," Alex said. "It was actually kind of nice to find you guys there," she smiled.
"So we didn't get a chance to talk yesterday," JJ said. "How did rehearsal go?"
"Great actually," Alex replied with a smile. "Elizabeth helped me refresh on my lines so I was ready to go so Mrs. Greer was happy to have me back," she explained. "Plus with no Chelsea there it was even better. Absolutely no pressure."
"That's great," JJ said. "And hopefully when Chelsea gets back to school you still won't have to deal with her being at rehearsal."
"Yeah…right," Alex replied, busying herself with her breakfast, feeling a little uncomfortable thinking about Chelsea's return to school and what it would mean for her.
"Jen you could have woken me when you got up," Emily called as she came down the stairs, preventing JJ from making sure Alex was okay about Chelsea returning to school.
"Sorry babe but you were out cold," JJ replied. "Plus I thought you would appreciate the extra sleep. I wanted to see my mom before she heads home."
"Sandy are you leaving right away?" Alex asked, looking a little disappointed.
"Yeah I'd like to get back early and since all of you will be out for the day there's no point sticking around," the older woman explained. "Don't worry though I'll be back soon for the play!"
"Well I'm really going to miss you," Alex said, getting up and giving Sandy a hug. "Thanks for staying with me."
"It was my pleasure dear," Sandy replied, placing a kiss on top of the young girl's head. "And I will miss all 3 of you very much."
Emily and JJ watched this interaction with smiles on their faces both loving seeing Sandy and Alex getting along so well, enjoying the sense of family that was slowly growing bigger and bigger.
"I better get going if I want to catch the bus," Alex said looking at the time. "I'll talk to you soon Sandy," she continued, giving Sandy one last hug before turning towards JJ and Emily. "And I'll see you guys tonight."
"Be good," Emily said hugging the teen before Alex turned to give JJ a hug as well. "Hopefully we'll be home early tonight."
"Alright well I'll meet you here," Alex replied, slipping on her shoes before heading for the door. "Bye Sandy! Thanks again!"
"We probably need to head out soon too," JJ said once Alex had left and she noticed the time.
"Well I'm all packed," Sandy said. "I'll head down with you girls and get on the road."
While Emily and JJ grabbed their briefcases Sandy retrieved her luggage; the three women meeting in front of the door to put their shoes on so they could head out.
"Sandy I really can't thank you enough for doing all this for us," Emily said before grabbing the older woman's bags for her. "You really helped us out."
"I was glad to be able to do it Emily," Sandy replied with a smile. "I've really enjoyed being able to get to know you and Alex. I can see why my daughter has been so happy."
"Thank you," Emily smiled, leaning in to give JJ's mother a hug, feeling grateful to have earned Sandy's approval.
"You'll call me when you get home mom?" JJ asked when the pair had broken apart.
"Of course Jenny," Sandy replied, pulling her daughter into her arms. "You two have a good day, and keep being safe," she said. "And you keep me updated about that little baby of yours okay?"
"Of course mom," JJ replied with a laugh. "Of course.
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School seemed to drag by that day for Alex who was simply looking forward to rehearsal since the day before had gone so well. Excited, the teen made her way straight to the auditorium as soon as the last bell rang, telling the girls; who were now all involved in the play in some form, that she would meet them there.
When she arrived, the auditorium was silent, Mrs. Greer not even there yet since Alex was so early. Enjoying the silence, Alex walked up on to the stage, standing in the middle and looking out into all the empty seats, trying to envision what it would be like when it was finally time for their actual performance and it would be full of people. Feeling excited, yet nervous the brunette couldn't help but let a goofy grin grace her face, looking forward to seeing Emily, JJ, their families and the team out in the audience watching her.
"Well look at you slugger," Logan's voice called out, breaking Alex from her thoughts. "First one here. You must be trying to suck up."
"Ha Ha," Alex replied, a big smile on her face. "Actually I was just excited for rehearsal so I came straight here. You guys are still working on the set?"
"Mrs. Greer actually just asked me to do a few touch ups so I thought I'd do it today," Logan replied, coming out to stand next to Alex, looking out into the empty seats in front of them. "Plus I was kind of hoping to catch you all rehearsing."
"Oh you're spying now huh?" Alex joked, earning a grin from the blonde boy.
"Maybe I am," Logan smiled. "You know I'm actually glad I ran into you because I wanted to ask you something."
"What's that?"
"Well there's this old theatre downtown that plays old movies all the time," he explained, suddenly looking a little nervous. "They're playing The Wizard of Oz this weekend and well of course that made me think of you," he smiled. "So I was wondering if maybe you'd want to go see it Saturday night? You know…for like inspiration or whatever."
"Inspiration huh?" Alex replied; a teasing grin on her face. "So are you inviting the whole cast then?"
"Oh uh…" Logan stuttered, not noticing the smile on Alex's face.
"Logan relax I'm kidding," Alex laughed.
"You're hilarious really," Logan replied, sighing in relief before letting out a laugh. "I was actually hoping that it would just be the two of us….you know….like a date."
"I'd like that," Alex replied, trying to sound calm but feeling giddy inside.
"You would?" Logan asked, now smiling from ear to ear.
"I would," Alex said. "But I'd have to ask my mom," she explained. "I don't really know what her policy on dating is to be honest."
"Alright well, let me know then," Logan said. "And if it helps let your mom know that I have an older brother, he's in college and he'll drive us there. And pick us up. And I'd be willing to meet her beforehand or whatever she wants okay?"
"Okay," Alex laughed. "I'll let you know."
"I look forward to it," Logan smiled as voices began to fill the auditorium; students filing in to begin rehearsal. "I better get to work," he then said, pointing towards the back stage where set pieces were sitting to be finished up. "Good luck."
"Thanks," Alex replied with a smile, watching as Logan walked away just as Zoe, Spencer and Olivia came up beside her.
"Was that Logan again?" Zoe asked, following Alex's gaze as she continued to watch the blonde get to work.
"Oh...uh yeah," Alex replied, turning her attention to her friends and trying to keep the embarrassment off her face.
"Was he just welcoming you back again?" Spencer teased.
"We were just talking," Alex replied, not wanting to tell her friends about what Logan asked her quite yet, wanting to make sure she was allowed to go on a date before she told anyone else.
"I wish he would just talk to me," Olivia said, causing the other girls to laugh. "What? He's totally good looking."
"Well he's really nice," Alex said, ignoring Olivia's comments just as Mrs. Greer entered the auditorium.
"Alright ladies and gentlemen I want to take it from the top today," the teacher called out. "I need everyone in their place. Miss Campbell front and center please."
"Catch you guys later," Alex smiled, putting her excitement aside, ready to get to work.
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After rehearsal Alex checked her phone to see she had a message from Emily saying that they were running late and would be home around 6pm. Getting a ride home from Zoe's mom, Alex rushed up to the condo, dropping her bag and jacket in the entry before going into the kitchen to start pulling out some pots. The teen didn't have a lot of cooking experience, but she knew how to make pasta, and since she wasn't sure how Emily would feel about her going on a date, she figured she'd do something nice before asking.
"I so don't even know how to ask her if I can go on a date," Alex said, putting some sauce in a pot while she waited for her water to start boiling, looking at Sergio.
The teen set the table and got everything ready, pulling out some garlic bread from the freezer to put in the oven once Emily and JJ got home.
"What do you think Serg?" Alex said going to the cupboard and taking out some cat food to pour into Sergio's bowl. "Smells pretty good in here doesn't it?" She continued, scratching the kitten on the head before going to check on the food.
It wasn't until she heard voices coming down the hallway that the brunette put the garlic bread in the oven, leaving the two agents a few minutes to get ready before dinner would be ready.
"Wow it smells good in here," Emily called as she and JJ entered the condo, pulling off their shoes and dropping their briefcases before making their way into the kitchen. "You're making dinner?"
"Yeah," Alex replied with a smile as she stirred the pasta once more. "It's just pasta, but I thought you guys would appreciate not having to get dinner ready."
"We do, thank you," JJ replied.
"You guys have a few minutes until it's ready if you want to put your stuff away," Alex said, knowing Emily didn't like to leave her gun out of her safe when she was home.
"Thanks hun, we'll be right back," Emily said before heading up the stairs with JJ to place her gun and badge in the safe in her closet. "So I haven't been doing this whole parenting thing very long, but something tells me that teenagers don't cook dinner without ulterior motives." The brunette said once they were out of earshot, making JJ laugh.
"You're probably right," the blonde replied. "Do you think she's in trouble at school?"
"Nah I think the school would have called," Emily said as she opened the safe and deposited her things, holding out a hand so she could place JJ's things in as well. "She must want something."
"Well I guess we'll just have to wait and see," JJ said, taking the brunette's hand as they headed back into the hallway and towards the stairs. "But in the meantime I'm starving so I sure hope Lex can cook."
"You're a nut," Emily laughed, kissing JJ's temple before the pair headed down the stairs.
"Perfect timing," Alex said as she placed dinner on the table, taking her normal seat as Emily and JJ joined her.
"So how was school today?" Emily asked, as she began dishing pasta out onto her plate as JJ grabbed some salad.
"Pretty good," Alex replied as she grabbed some bread. "Actually managed to get all my work done so I didn't have to bring any home."
"Awesome," JJ smiled as the trio passed around the food, loading up their plates. "And how was rehearsal?"
"Great actually," Alex replied with a smile, thinking of Logan. "Although I'm starting to feel a little nervous. I mean it's getting pretty close."
"Aw you're going to be great," Emily assured her. "I can't wait to see it."
"Me either," JJ agreed. "And I know the team's looking forward to it as well."
"They're all going to come?" Alex asked.
"Yep, and Haley too," Emily replied. "Plus the Jareaus and my mother."
"Have you talked to your mom about rescheduling dinner?" Alex then asked.
"I'm going to call her later but I was thinking about inviting her over Saturday night after we finish looking at houses," Emily explained.
"We're looking at houses Saturday?" Alex asked excitedly.
"Yep we found a few online that we really like but we want to check them out," JJ said. "We think you'll really like them too," she added, knowing that the teen would be fond of the area they were looking in.
"I can't wait," Alex said eagerly before biting her lip, considering how to bring up the topic of Saturday night. "Do you think maybe we could have dinner with the Ambassador Sunday night instead though?" She asked, keeping her gaze on her dinner, feeling suddenly nervous.
"Why do you have plans with the girls?" Emily asked, seeing that the teen had become anxious.
"Um no…." Alex replied. "…It's something else."
"Something else?" Emily said confusedly, looking to JJ who simply shrugged, both women watching Alex who had yet to look up from her plate.
"Well yeah….um…well there's this guy…" Alex began, shoving a forkful of pasta into her mouth.
"A guy?!" Emily exclaimed, not expecting the teen's nervousness to be about a boy.
"Emily," JJ interrupted, not wanting her girlfriend to freak out when her daughter looked so apprehensive.
"Sorry," Emily said, seeing the stern look on JJ's face. "A boy huh?"
"His name's Logan, and he helps make the sets for the play," Alex explained, chancing a glance at the older brunette. "There's this old theatre downtown and they're playing The Wizard of Oz this weekend and he asked me if I wanted to go with him."
"Just the two of you?" Emily asked, knowing the answer but wanting to hear it anyways.
"Well yeah," Alex replied quietly. "I mean it would be like a date."
"A date," Emily croaked, putting her fork down, suddenly not so hungry anymore. "But you're only fourteen."
"Em she's in high school," JJ reminded the brunette, receiving a raised eyebrow in reply, as Emily struggled to wrap her mind around the idea of her daughter going on a date.
"This boy is your age?" She asked.
"Well he's in the 10th grade," Alex replied with a sigh, feeling like this conversation was not going very well. "He's really nice though, and he has an older brother in college that would drive us there and pick us up. He'll even come meet you before we go," the teen explained, watching as Emily began to pick her nails, biting her lip in thought. "Look if you don't want me to go I won't. But it's just a movie. A kid's movie at that."
"No, no," Emily sighed, placing her hands in front of her to stop herself from picking. "You can go. But I do want to meet this Logan before you leave."
"Really?" Alex asked happily, looking from Emily to JJ who had a big smile on her face.
"Really," Emily relented, unable to hold back a smile at the excited look on her daughter's face.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you," the teen exclaimed, getting up and wrapping her arms around Emily's neck. "Can I go call Spencer?"
"Sure babe," Emily replied, kissing the teen's cheek. "But take your plate up with you, you hardly ate anything."
"Okay thanks," Alex called, grabbing her plate and fork before heading up the stairs, excited to tell her friend what had happened today.
"You okay?" JJ asked with a laugh, watching as Emily kept her eyes on the stairs, a slightly sad expression on her face.
"Yeah…I just…I mean…a date," Emily stuttered, meeting blue eyes that were filled with amusement. "It just seems so soon."
"She's a teenager," JJ pointed out.
"Yeah but I haven't had her that long," Emily replied. "To me she's just a kid. It seems to soon to have to deal with this."
"Well I think you better get used to it babe because this is only the beginning," JJ laughed, amused by the horrified look on her girlfriend's face.
