Disclaimer: I do not own any rights to Pride and Prejudice, they belong to Jane Austen.
Ch. 10
Monday:
Hurst picked up Anne and Lexi today and the reason was because it would be easier for Lexie since he had an SUV. Unlike other times the trio had gone places, Anne sat in the front after debating with Lexie. All Lexie had to do was point out that she needed to sit in the back to keep her foot elevated because it hurt, which wasn't a complete lie. When they go to school, Hurst kissed Anne before he got out of the car to help Lexie, despite her refusal and they entered the school together, the three of them with huge smiles on their faces.
The bell rang after band class and Mary waited with Lexie, while the other students hurried to get out of class. Mary was going to stay for her lunch period to practice the song she would play in the upcoming concert they had every year.
Lexie only had to walk a couple of feet to her locker. Luckily she had lunch and didn't have to hurry to get to class. As she was changing out her books, she felt a sharp pain pulsating from the back of her head. That and the pain from having to stand on her ankle became overwhelming and her bag fell to the floor, dropping nearly everything out of the bag.
While she was trying to figure out how to pick up her things when out of nowhere someone came to help her. She was beyond shocked, she couldn't move or say anything; she was petrified to see it was Johnathan Drake her bully for the past nine years. He quickly picked up her things and placed them in her bag.
"Do you need help getting to class? You only have three minutes left."
It took her a while to register that he was offering to help her. "…No. Thank you I'm have lunch." She said nonchalantly.
He smiled, "Me too. Can I help you with your bag?"
She just nodded and started to walk. It was really awkward and she could tell the silence was getting to him.
"Sooo, what happened to your foot?" He asked as the question came to his head.
"I was out riding my horse on Saturday, he got startled and managed to throw me off. I believe my foot got stuck in the saddle." She said quietly.
"You believe?" He asked confused.
"I hit my head and lost consciousness." She stated.
"And you came to school today?" He asked a little shocked.
"Yes?" She said puzzled.
"At least you didn't crack open your head." He attempted at a joke.
"I have a linear fracture. It should heal on its own." She deadpanned and his smile fell.
"Please give me my bag." She asked before they entered the lunch room together.
He had a shocked look on his face. "Let me help you to your seat."
She gave him a curt nod and started walking outside through a side door.
"Aren't you going to eat?"
"We spend the first part of lunch outside, while everyone one is eating. When they start coming outside, we go inside to eat." She stated.
"I see. I thought you had lunch next period. It makes sense, we've had several classes together but I never saw you at lunch."
She didn't say anything and just walked to their table. She was about to thank him but he sat down across from her.
"You can leave. Anne and Hurst should be here soon. I don't mind waiting alone. Thank you for your help." She said looking in his his.
"If I did not know any better, I would think you were trying to get rid of me." He chuckled.
She contemplated her answer. "I am trying to spare you from having to sit with me."
"You make it sound horrible to be in your company." He smirked.
She bit her lip confused. "But you do not like me."
His smile fell but she wasn't looking at him anymore. He was about to respond but a laughing Anne and Hurst were walking up to them.
"John! What brings you out here?" Hurst asked surprised.
He glanced at Lexie and saw that Anne was inspecting her, making sure she was fine.
"Hey. I was just keeping Alexa company, now that you're here though I'll just be on my way." He said standing up.
"We're going to eat in a while if you want to sit with us."
John saw Anne giving him a look saying he wasn't welcomed. "No thank you. I'll see you in class."
"Are you ok Lexie? What happened?"
"He helped me with my bag. What took you guys so long to get here?" She asked not wanting to talk about it more.
Anne and Hurst blushed a deep shade of red. "Are you having trouble getting to class?" Hurst asked.
Lexie skipped going to practice after school, after lunch she couldn't help but feel paranoid and her head was still hurting along with her arms. Hurst took her and Anne back to the De Bough's where they did their homework together before Hurst took Lexie back home. When she got to the house, Jane and Lizzie were the only ones who cared and helped her when she needed it.
The rest of the week was pretty much the same. Mary skipped lunch, Johnathan would help her and wait with her until Anne and Hurst showed up. She was on edge and kept looking over her back, he was up so something and she knew it. She wouldn't have minded as much if he didn't keep trying to get her to talk. She just gave him curt answers and wouldn't ask him anything. What's gotten into him? He must be up to something; he's never nice to me.
Her thoughts were running wild with Anne, Hurst, Johnathan and her meeting with Dr. Stone that she didn't have time to think about Will or the party tomorrow. She was also glad that she was spending a little time with Lizzie and Jane when they would help her, and Rose was in a good mood and ignored her. It was Friday and she was going to stay the entire weekend at Anne's. Her ankle was doing much better and she managed to do more things without using the crutches, but the headaches would come and go.
It's A Small World:
The De Bough household was busy with everyone running around, trying to get the house ready for the dinner party and the two guests who were going to stay. Mrs. De Bough insisted that Anne help her, so Lexie took the bus to Dr. Stone's house. It was difficult using crutches but she would alternate between using them and walking.
She really enjoyed coming over to Dr. Stone's house, it was more relaxing than being in an office and they always spoke for more than an hour. When Dr. Stone answered the door, she greeted Lexie with a hug and kiss and started fussing over her as they walked into the living room.
The first thing she told her was about Anne and Hurst, and then she spoke about her father's cold treatment and the accident. She hesitantly told her about Will and although it took some time she told her about how he made her feel and how she was feeling at the moment, and that she wanted to stop taking the pills.
Dr. Stone was shocked, this was the first time Lexie ever opened up in one session and it was the first time that Lexie ever thought about not taking the pills. Unfortunately it wasn't as simple to just stop taking them. Some of the medication she took was known to be addictive and could suffer from withdrawals. The only thing she could do was prescribe lower doses until Lexie showed that she didn't need them. Lexie didn't look happy about it, but agreed.
The doorbell rang and Dr. Stone excused herself with a confused look on her face. Lexie heard an excited yell and she made her way to the foyer. She saw Dr. Stone hugging and dancing around with a woman around her age, behind them was a tall blonde girl who was beautiful. By the way she was awkwardly standing; Lexie could tell that she was scared or shy.
"Victoria! What are you doing here? Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"
"I wanted to surprise you! I came down for a party; by the way this is Georgiana. Georgie this is my sister Dr. Samantha Stone." She said pulling the girl forward.
"It is nice to meet you Mrs. Stone." She quietly said looking down.
"It is nice to meet you too, I have heard a lot about you and your family." The girl gave her a small smile but said nothing. "I wish you would've told me you were coming Vicky. I am busy right now and do not know how long I will be." Dr. Stone said sadly.
Lexie instantly felt bad for being here and spying in the first place. "You do not have to worry about me Dr. Stone I will leave. Thank you for seeing me today, I hope we can continue our conversation later on in the week."
They all looked at her in shock, adding to her discomfort.
"That isn't necessary Lexie. Come I'd like you to meet my sister." She walked up to them avoiding the strangers gaze. She felt hands on her shoulders and looked up. "Lexie, this is my older sister Victoria Reynolds. Vicky this is the girl I've told you so much about, Alexandra Bennet." She said proudly.
Lexie gave a small smile. She knew Dr. Stone wouldn't say anything bad about her and felt honored that Dr. Stone mentioned her to her family.
"It is nice to meet you Alexandra! My sister speaks very highly of you." Mrs. Reynolds said.
"The pleasure is all mine and please call me Alexa, Alexandra is quiet long." She smiled.
Lexie was going to shake her hand, but was pulled in for a hug instead. Lexie returned it with equal affection and Mrs. Reynolds inhaled deeply once Lexie had her arms around her.
"Alright Alexa; this little miss here is Georgiana." She pulled the girl forward again.
"Hello, it is nice to meet you." Lexie smiled outstretching her hand.
Georgiana touched her hand and smiled. "It is nice to meet you too." She replied quietly.
"My sister tells me you are quite a violinist, Alexa. How long have you been playing?"
"I have been playing since I was in the fourth grade."
"Is that the only instrument you play?" Georgiana asked looking down.
Lexie smiled and felt the same pull she felt with Anne and Mary. "I also play the piano, but the violin is my heart and soul. Do you play any instruments?"
"Yes I play the piano and guitar; and I am learning how to play bass guitar," she smiled.
"I was thinking of going to the music store, I need time to think and music always seems to do the trick. If it is all right with Mrs. Reynolds and Dr. Stone; would you like to accompany me? I have time and would enjoy the company and we can allow them to speak." Lexie smiled.
"Yes I would like that! Oh can I Mrs. Reynolds?" She asked excitingly. Dr. Stone gave a nod to her sister.
"All right, just be back within two hours. Your brother wanted to meet up before the party."
"I promise we shall be back before then. If anything Dr. Stone has my number, we will be taking the bus, if that is all right; and it always runs on schedule." Lexie reassured them. Lexie went to get her crutches, everyone stated there concern but after Lexie assured them that her sprain was almost healed they were able to leave.
"What type of music do you play Georgiana?"
"I play classical, traditional sacred piano and I enjoy playing more modern music on the guitar. You?"
"I too play in the classical style for both the piano and violin. But I am afraid I devote too much time on the violin to be proficient on the piano. Not to say I am a bad pianist, but I love to play the violin it makes me feel free. My teacher always says, *'The function of music is to liberate in the soul those feelings which normally we keep locked up in the heart."
The bus started moving and Lexie felt dizzy from a headache, Georgiana noticed but Lexie assured her she was fine.
"Did you travel a long way to Meryton?" Lexie asked as her headache faded.
"Yes, we just got in this morning and made or way to Doc-t-… Mrs. Stone's house," she corrected nervously.
"Dr. Sto-"Lexie began.
"I meant no offense-" Georgiana cried out.
"Georgiana, none was given and none was taken. Dr. Stone worked hard for her title. I am not ashamed that I see a psychiatrist; I don't like the stigma that comes with it however. Many people believe that you have to be crazy, but I see it more like therapy. There are many forms of therapy; physical, relationship, drug, even music is a form a therapy. There is nothing wrong with seeking help when it is needed. I will not go too far as to say I am not crazy though, for only crazy people say that." She said with a small smile and giggled.
She didn't say anything and Lexie placed a hand softly on her. "Does-does it help?" She quietly asked looking down.
Lexie had to think about the question. "It helps me. But I cannot speak for others experience. It took me a long time to open up and sometimes I don't… But she has never made me talk about anything I did not want to. Not to say that she doesn't have her tricks; though I am aware of them, I do not mind."
"It sounds as if you have been seeing her for a long time. Don't you believe that if seeing her was working you would have gotten bet-ter by-" regret came upon her face. "I am so-"
Lexie held her hand up. "Again I took no offense. I have been seeing her for the past nine years. I like to see her; I…I am required to see her and even if I were not I would still wish to. To me she is more than just my doctor, she is my friend. She does not judge me nor do my friends and that means a great deal to me. Do not apologize for speaking your mind." She smiled and squeezed her hand to reassure her.
"All right Alexandra I will not judge you either." She grabbed her other hand and returned her smile.
"Alexa please; Alexandra is too close to Alexander." She said laughing.
"I wish my name could be made feminine. I was named after my father and my nick name is Georgie, which doesn't help and my cousin calls me Gigi, which sounds like a dog's name." She pouted.
"How about Georgia, like the song not state," she giggled and laughed at Georgiana's scowl. She looks like someone! "Ok; no. Oh how about Regina? Gina?"
"That's feminine. Did the idea also come from a song?"
"Not directly, have you heard of Regina Spektor?"
"No I don't think so."
"Ok, we are going to have to stop by the CD section." She laughed.
Once at the store Lexie led her straight to the CD's and immediately found what she was looking for. They went to a listening station and Georgiana put on the headphones as Lexie picked The Flowers-Regina Spektor. Georgiana fell in love with the song and brought the CD immediately, choosing the name Gina.
As she was paying, the manager came up to Lexie, noticing she had crutches and asked if she was ok. Lexie told him she was fine and that she was still able to play the violin fine. He told her that they just got a used electric/acoustic violin and offered her to try it out. Lexie wasn't in the mood to play and told him she would return when she had more time, but Gina instead she play.
The violin was connected to an amp and she quickly played her scales to warm up. She saw Gina pull out her phone, but didn't think anything of it. She didn't know why she chose to play Creep-Radiohead but it just came to her. She played the vocal melody as the rest of the song played in her head, soon everything faded, everything was forgotten; it was just her and the music.
It wasn't until she played the last note that her surroundings came back to her. She looked around and saw that she had a small audience around her. They all appeared to be a happy but sad as they clapped for her. Lexie looked at Gina and saw her putting away her phone. Gina wiped the tears from her eyes and Lexie told her it was her turn to play something and Gina looked as if she had been sentenced to death. Lexie assured her she was only teasing her and apologized, they needed to get back to Dr. Stones.
"If you are early you are on time and if you arrive on time you are late." Lexie smiled.
"I hope you are not disappointed in me for not playing." Gina said in a small voice.
"Of course not, it is your choice. No one should ever have to be forced to play."
"Yes…I know that my aunt is going want to hear me play, well demand it actually. I am not looking forward to it."
"The trick is to just get lost in the music, forget everyone else in the room and play from your heart."
"I wish I could play as well as you do. I hope you do not mind that I recorded you playing." She said hiding her face.
"I do not mind," she smiled. "How long have you been playing?"
"For as long as I can remember, everyone tells me I am a great player. I always thought I was but after seeing you perform I am not so sure. I play very proficiently as you do, but I lack the emotion."
"Do not sell yourself short, there is nothing wrong with knowing you are a great player as long as you are aware that there will always be someone who will be better. I do not mean it harshly nor am I saying I am better. It is just that I know I am great; I have won many awards and many people will tell you that I am great. But I am aware that I am not the best and it is not my goal to be the best. I just love to play. People always turn everything into a competition and want to over exceed, but whatever happened to just listening and appreciating music." She stopped. "I am sorry I don't mean to ramble, I can assure you it is the topic at hand."
Gina giggled. "Do not worry Alexa, it is quiet all right. I understand you are proud of your playing, but keep yourself grounded by acknowledging that there is someone who will be better; no one can be the best."
"Yes and I am sure that others would disagree with you on my performance. I know that many players frown upon swaying as much as I do. They prefer proficiency. When I am forced to play, I do not do it as much but I still get lost in the music." She smiled brightly.
"I will try to take your advice and do just that."
Will:
He was excited, today he was turning 18 and he was going to see his sister and the woman who practically raised him, Mrs. Reynolds. They were arriving early and he told them that he would like to meet with them and spend some time together before the party.
The first thing he did when he was ready was text Mrs. Reynold to see what time they would be arriving and she told him they were already in town but she was going to stop by her sister's house first. She invited him over and he thought about it, but quickly decided against it.
He tried to occupy his time with other things but found he couldn't wait much longer, he was happy. He wanted to see Gina and he knew he wouldn't get much time at the party with her. He wanted some form happiness today, when all he had been feeling this past week was depressed and sad all thanks to Alexa Bennet. He asked Mrs. Reynolds for the address and was soon on his way.
He pulled into the driveway and was introduced to Dr. Samantha Stone. He noticed Georgie was missing and asked for her. He was beyond shocked to find out she was with Alexa Bennet, he couldn't believe what a small world it was. How did she manage to creep her way into his life?
First Anne was her best friend, his aunt liked her, and now they were at her doctor's house. He began to worry about Georgie being out with her, the last thing she needed was someone bringing her down and telling her what a horrible place the world was. She needed someone who was headstrong and outgoing. She didn't need a friend like Alexa, not after everything she had been through. She needed the past to stay in the past. He only had to wait a while before they returned and he wanted to get out of there as soon as possible. The last thing he wanted and she needed was to form some sort of attachment to Alexa.
As they were walking up the driveway, Lexie saw another car behind Mrs. Reynolds and froze. She recognized it instantly and all she wanted to do was run, turn around and run to Anne's. Stupid ankle! Maybe Hurst wouldn't mind coming to get me. Her thoughts were racing, causing her head to hurt and she felt as if she was about to panic. She was focusing all of her attention on trying to breath, she barely heard Gina asking if she was ok. Don't take the pill, you can do this, don't give in! Gina rubbing circles on her back was doing wonders and soon she was ok but Gina looked terrified.
"I am sorry Gina," she deeply inhaled, "I tend to get anxiety attacks."
"Let me go get Dr. Stone-"
"No!" She yelled. "No thank you I am fine, it is nothing out of the ordinary. Please do not mention this to anyone." She pleaded.
"Ok, but only if you promise you are fine."
"Well my ankle is still a tad sore, but I am fine." She smiled weakly.
As they made their way to the door, Lexie felt her nerves trying to work against her. She allowed Gina to walk a little bit ahead of her but when she got to the entrance, she froze. Luckily Gina let out a big squeal and ran up to the new addition to the group.
He picked up Gina in a bear hug and had a huge smile on his face until he looked at her and he frowned. He turned his attention back to his sister and Dr. Stone patted the seat next to her. She knew he wouldn't want to see her again, right now she was happy for the pills. Yes she was hurt and it stung more than she thought it would but she didn't show it. It was her thoughts that she was afraid of, if she dwelled on it too much. She had to go to her shell, she had to feel empty.
"Lexie, this is Fitzwilliam, Georgiana's brother." Dr. Stone said.
"Alexandra Bennet nice to meet you." She said coldly but held her head high.
"Pleasure," he coldly replied.
Conversation continued without Lexie contributing much to the conversation and soon they had to leave. Will offered to take Gina out so that Mrs. Reynolds could continue speaking with her sister. Dr. Stone shook her head no to her sister sadly, though Lexie looked fine, she knew better something was off. Mrs. Reynolds said that she would head to the De Bough's and rest before the party.
Once they were gone, Lexie collapsed back onto the couch. She felt a tear drop and wiped it away as Dr. Stone walked back in; she knew and came to comfort Lexie with a tight hug. Lexie returned it with equal endeavor as tears fell from her eyes.
"Anne was wrong; he didn't wish to ever speak or see me again." Lexie said regaining her composure.
"I am sure he was just shocked and overwhelmed by everything. He did not expect to see you."
"Anne wanted me to attend his party. Now I know to avoid it all together." She said sniffling. What's wrong with me, since when do you cry?
"You cannot spend all night hiding in your room. You need to do this, you need to face him. The sooner you do, the sooner you will realize that it will only make you stronger. Just like every obstacle you have overcome."
"What if it makes me weaker and I do not wish to leave the pills after all? What if I need them more?" She asked softly.
"We will cross that bridge if we get to it. You never know how things will turn out, nothing is written in stone. Boys are very confusing and we as women do not always understand them and vice versa."
"That reminds me," she said wanting to change the topic, "Jonathan Drake has been acting strangely this past week."
"Are you sure you are not just being paranoid?" She asked running her hand through Lexie's hair.
"I am paranoid. Nothing good comes from that man. It is his behavior that is making me paranoid though, he has been nice to me. He helps me and sits with me for a while trying to make small talk."
"So you think he has an ulterior motive?"
"Yes, I wish he would get it over with so things can be normal. I allow him to help me but I do not speak much to him, soon he will tire of his game when he sees he cannot get anything."
"I think that is a good plan. But you never know he might have changed."
"You are right of course; I will keep you informed, hopefully this weekend he would have returned to his old self and just leave me alone." Her head hurt again. "Would it be all right if I lie down? My head hurts."
"Yes of course, make yourself at home as always." She gave her a kiss on the forehead and helped her up the stairs to a guest room.
She lied down and hugged one of the pillows as more tears fell from her eyes. She hated to cry; she needed to contain her emotions, if she didn't she would break down. Her thoughts went to the party and she decided to attend; she wouldn't let him get to her. She would rise above like she always did. She never allowed anything to get to her in the end. Not her family, not Johnathan, or anyone else and she wasn't about to start now.
*Quote by Sabastian Faulks
*Creep-The Dueling Fiddlers.