HEY! So I got really into this chapter and I really think you guys are going to happy with the way I chose to end this story! I'm going to start the next one right away (still trying to think up a name) but I hope I'll be able to get it posted soon!

Thanks so much to everyone who has stuck with this series! You guys are the greatest! -J

Chapter 13

In the just over 3 months that Alex had been living with Emily, the older brunette had grown accustomed to the teen's rather cheery disposition. Sure occasionally she would grow morose or would have a bad day if she let herself think about her parents, or had a nightmare, but for the most part Alex and Emily had been getting along much better than Emily could ever have hoped for. So when Alex came home from Olivia's the Saturday following dinner with the Ambassador, in a downright rotten mood, Emily had no idea how to react. The teen had come home in a huff, barely saying a word to Emily and JJ before making her way upstairs where she spent most of the day hiding in her room.

Both JJ and Emily had attempted to talk to the younger girl, thinking something had happened with her friends, but Alex insisted that she was fine and simply asked to be left alone while she did her homework. Knowing that Alex was her daughter, and therefore sometimes just needed time to work things out on her own, Emily had chosen to give the teen some space, hoping she would talk to her the next day.

Emily and JJ had slept in that Sunday morning, grateful for the extra sleep after what had been a long week. Emily had promised JJ that she would talk to Alex as soon as she came downstairs, but when noon rolled around and the teen had yet to make an appearance, it was clear to Emily that the younger brunette was going to attempt to avoid them once again.

Leaving JJ to make sandwiches for lunch, Emily made her way upstairs, stopping in front of Alex's bedroom door and listening for any movement inside. Hearing nothing, Emily knocked lightly before opening up the door, finding Alex still lying in bed, wrapped up under the covers.

"Hey we're making sandwiches why don't you come down and eat," Emily said, concerned by the fact that the teen was still in bed.

"I'm not hungry," Alex replied, not even bothering to look at Emily.

"Alex what is going on with you?" Emily asked with a sigh, coming into the room, and pulling the teen's desk chair in front of the bed before sitting down. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Alex replied shortly. "I told you yesterday I'm fine."

"And I don't believe that for a second," Emily said, shaking her head. "Did something happen with the girls yesterday? Did you get in a fight? Is it Logan?"

"What? No," Alex replied, sitting up in annoyance, crossing her arms over her chest. "Nothing happened. Why can't I just want to be alone for a while?"

"Because you're acting strange and you've barely said a word to me and JJ since you got home yesterday," Emily argued. "And because the last time you were acting like this you came home with a black eye and a fat lip. So I want to know what's going on."

"Oh my God, nothing is going on," Alex replied, now raising her voice.

"I don't understand why you're lying to me," Emily said, the frustration now evident in her voice as well. "Why do you insist on pushing me away?"

"And I don't understand why you won't just believe me," Alex replied, still yelling.

"Alex..."

"Emily PLEASE just leave me alone!" The teen finally yelled, surprising Emily who was not used to this side of her daughter.

"Alright fine," Emily sighed, trying to keep her voice calm and remain in control. "When you decide you want to be honest with me I'll be downstairs."

With that Emily stood up and headed for the stairs, knowing that JJ would be disappointed that she hadn't really spoken with Alex, but also knowing that Alex was doing exactly what Emily had done to her own mother as a teen, and there was no getting past those walls right now. Confused, and worried about what was going on with the teenager upstairs Emily knew she needed to come up with another game plan.

"Jen I tried, really I did but she's not budging on this," Emily called as she made it to the bottom of the stairs. "She actually yelled at me Jen, she keeps insisting that she's fine," she explained as she came around the corner finding JJ standing at the island, a piece of paper in her hand.

"I think I know what's going on," the blonde said in response, holding up the paper to a confused looking Emily. "I went to move her books from the counter and I found this," JJ explained, handing the paper to the brunette.

Seeing the Lowell School letterhead, Emily read over the letter quickly, suddenly understanding Alex's behaviour as she read the reminder from Dean Hackett that the meeting between Alex, Emily and JJ and Chelsea and her family would be happening the next day.

"Why does she insist on hiding this from us?" Emily asked JJ, sighing in frustration. "I mean I thought we had been through all this already."

"Because she's a Prentiss Em," JJ replied, reaching out and rubbing the brunette's shoulder comfortingly. "This whole situation really embarrassed her and she's obviously worried about it, but rather than tell anyone she feels like she needs to bottle it up."

"So what do I do?" Emily asked, her eyes worried.

"You need to talk to her Em," JJ replied. "Whether she wants to or not."

Emily sighed, really not wanting to get into an argument with her daughter, but knowing she needed to talk to her. "Will you come with me?" She finally asked, wrapping her arms around the shorter woman's waist and kissing her forehead.

"Of course," JJ smiled, allowing Emily a few more minutes, as the brunette continued to hold her, resting her head on the blonde's shoulder. "You ready?" The blonde eventually asked, as she ran a hand up and down her girlfriend's back.

"I'm ready," Emily nodded, pulling back and then taking JJ's hand in hers before heading towards the stairs. When the pair made it to Alex's bedroom door, Emily knocked lightly before entering, Alex letting out an annoyed sigh as Emily took her spot in front of the bed again, while JJ sat at the end of the bed.

"Emily," Alex began in the same annoyed tone she used earlier, cut off when the older brunette handed her the letter from Dean Hackett. Realizing that she had been caught, the teen was unable to look either woman in the eye.

"Were you going to tell us?" Emily asked. "Or were you just going to go to the meeting on your own?"

"I don't know,' Alex admitted with a shrug.

"Alex," Emily sighed. "I thought we were past you trying to keep all this from us. This meeting is important; we want to be there for you. We want to make sure this situation is dealt with so we don't have another incident like the last one."

"I know," Alex replied quietly, picking at her comforter nervously.

"Then why did you hide the letter from us?" JJ asked.

"You know the last couple weeks school has been so easy," Alex replied. "I go to class and rehearsal and no one bothers me about anything. I get to hang out with my friends and Logan and there's no one standing behind me whispering or laughing," she continued. "But tomorrow that changes, because Chelsea will be back and everyone will follow along with her just like they always do. You know I actually let myself forget all about Chelsea coming back, and then I got that letter and it was like reality just slapped me in the face."

"Honey, it doesn't have to be like it was before," Emily said, reaching forward and placing a hand over Alex's effectively stopping her from picking apart her comforter. "We can make sure that Chelsea doesn't bother you anymore, but in order to do that JJ and I need to be at that meeting tomorrow. We need to all work out a plan to ensure that there aren't anymore issues between you girls."

"How can you guarantee this meeting is really going to make Chelsea leave me alone though?" Alex asked. "I mean she could say that she'll stop bullying me but that doesn't mean she'll actually follow through with that."

"That's where we come in," Emily replied.

"Emily can be very persuasive," JJ added with a smile.

"What are you going to do threaten her?" Alex asked, a smile playing at the corner of her mouth for the first time all weekend.

"Of course not," Emily laughed. "But I'm not going to leave that office tomorrow until I can be absolutely sure that that girl isn't going to be giving you anymore problems. Okay?"

"Okay," Alex smiled. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you about this. Honestly I just kind of wanted to pretend it wasn't even happening. I'm just happy you know? And I'd like to stay that way."

"I know," Emily replied, standing so she could take a seat on the bed, pulling the teen into a hug.

"We want you to be happy too Lex," JJ said, placing a comforting hand on the teen's leg. "You can't let this girl scare you or ruin things for you."

"You need to keep talking to us hun," Emily added. "We need to know if there's something going on so we can make sure you aren't unhappy," she said, kissing Alex's forehead. "Now do you think you can snap out of this grumpy mood of yours and come eat lunch with us?" She joked.

"Yes," Alex laughed. "That actually sounds perfect because I'm starving."

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The rest of that night had gone by smoothly, but both Emily and JJ could tell that Alex was nervous about the next day, as she was quieter than normal and had opted to go to bed early. Emily had called Hotch to explain the situation and the unit chief had told both women to come in when they could, and that he would deal with Strauss if she had any problems.

Emily had spent much of that night thinking about the meeting; considering all the things that she wanted to say to this young girl who had been torturing her daughter, but knowing that most of them were inappropriate and were likely to only make matter worse. Tossing and turning most of the night, the brunette was up later than JJ Monday morning, something which hadn't happened in the last month or so.

After taking a quick shower and getting herself ready, Emily made her way downstairs where JJ and Alex were sitting at the kitchen island, both with bowls of cereal in front of them.

"You're up late," JJ pointed out as Emily headed straight for the coffee maker, grabbing a travel mug since she knew she didn't have much time.

"I had a hard time sleeping," Emily replied as she poured the coffee that JJ had obviously made for her into her mug before making her way over to Alex. "You ready for today?" She asked as she placed a kiss on the top of the young brunette's head.

"I'm ready for it to be over with," Alex replied honestly, dropping her spoon as she decided to stop pretending to eat. "We should probably go soon," she pointed out as she took a look at the clock. "We don't want to be late."

"She's right," JJ agreed, standing up and taking both hers and Alex's bowls to the sink before going to grab her briefcase from the office.

Grabbing her own briefcase before putting on her boots and coat, Emily then put a comforting arm around Alex before following JJ out of the condo and down to the car. The drive to the school was made in relative silence; JJ occasionally commenting on the weather or traffic in order to make small talk, but both brunette's seemed content to simply sit quietly. When they arrived at the school Emily and JJ followed Alex towards the large building; the teen leading them straight into the main office where she immediately stiffened up finding Chelsea and her parents waiting in front of Dean Hackett's office. Seeing the look on her daughter's face, Emily immediately placed a hand on the teen's back, wanting to assure her that she and JJ were there for her.

"Oh good we're all here," Dean Hackett said, coming out of her office as she saw Alex, Emily and JJ arrive. "Why doesn't everyone come on in," she suggested, holding out an arm indicating that the two families should follow her inside.

Waiting for the Shepards to go in first, Alex grabbed Emily's hand and gave it a squeeze before leading her and JJ into the office, where Chelsea was already sitting between her parents. Following the Shepards' lead, Alex, Emily and JJ took seats in the chairs set up across from them, Alex sitting in the middle seat with her head down as Dean Hackett moved around her desk to sit in her chair.

"Now I don't think that all of you have properly met, so Emily and Jennifer these are the Shepards Natalie and Daniel, and their daughter Chelsea," Dean Hackett explained, motioning to the family. "And this of course is Alexandra Campbell and her mother Emily Prentiss along with her partner Jennifer Jareau," she explained as both families gave each other curt nods, while the two teenagers in the room seemed content to simply stare at the floor. "Since Chelsea's suspension has officially ended and she will be back at school I wanted us all to gather so we can discuss what we're going to do to ensure that we don't have another incident like the one we had before Thanksgiving," she continued, taking a pause just as there was a knock at the door and Mrs. Greer came in.

"Dean Hackett, sorry I'm late I was just with a student," the teacher explained, as she took the last available chair in the room.

"I thought it was a good idea if Mrs. Greer joined us today since most of the issues between Alex and Chelsea were occurring during rehearsal," the Dean explained. "And as I explained to everyone on the day of the fight we need to discuss Chelsea's future participation in the musical."

"Which is something that my husband and I are particularly worried about," Natalie Shepard chimed in from her seat next to Chelsea.

"Yes I know," Dean Hackett nodded. "Agent Prentiss, Agent Jareau I think I should inform you that I have spoken to the Shepards throughout the last two weeks, and while they both accept Chelsea's suspension and understand the presence of this incident in Chelsea's permanent file, they're a little concerned about Chelsea not being allowed to participate in the play," she explained. "Since Chelsea is a senior, and will be applying to colleges very soon, they're concerned about her being banned from her main extra curricular and what this might mean for her chances of getting into college."

"I just don't think it's fair that this incident is going to jeopardize my daughter's future," Natalie said, placing a hand on the blonde's shoulder.

"Well I'm sorry but I don't really think it's fair that my daughter should be forced to work with your daughter after everything she put her through," Emily said, her face stern as she stared down the mother across from her.

"With all due respect Miss Prentiss," Natalie began, earning a raised eyebrow from Emily who knew that the older woman had heard the Dean refer to her as Agent. "My daughter made a mistake. Don't you think she's been punished enough?"

"Your daughter didn't make a mistake ma'am," Emily replied, trying to control her anger. "Your daughter made a choice. She made a choice and then continued to repeat it every time she made a snide comment or harassed Alex online."

"Okay yes Chelsea made some bad choices," Natalie agreed. "But she feels bad about that. She was obviously feeling angry since Alexandra took the lead in the play from her…"

"Alex didn't take the lead from her," JJ interrupted. "She earned that part."

"Yes but…"

"I understand jealousy Mrs. Shepard. I really do," Emily said. "But I can't understand a young girl who's nearly 18 years old picking on a student who's not only 14 years old, but who's also a new student. I mean how are we supposed to trust that Chelsea won't continue to bully Alex if she's let back into the play?"

"That's something that I'm also concerned about," Dean Hackett said, as Mrs. Greer nodded in agreement. "And I'd actually like to hear from the girls on this issue. Chelsea?" She said, turning her attention to the blonde expectantly.

"I know that I treated Alex poorly," Chelsea began. "And I really am sorry for that. Truly I am," she said, sounding a little rehearsed to Emily who was currently biting her tongue to prevent herself saying something she would regret. "I made some terrible decisions, and I was an awful person. But I really don't want this to ruin my chances at getting into a good school next year. I promise that if you give me a second chance I will do better. I won't bother Alex and I'll focus all of my efforts on doing a good job on the play rather than trying to ruin Alex's parts."

"Do you even understand why I slapped you?" Alex finally broke her silence, looking up at the blonde. "I mean do you really understand why I was so upset?"

"Um because of the things I said about you," Chelsea replied, sounding unsure. "Because of the messages and the taunting?"

"I didn't care about the things you said about me," Alex said shaking her head. "I didn't care when you made fun of my singing, or when you made up stupid rumours about me because I knew you were just jealous and that was your way of dealing," the brunette explained. "But you saw us at the mall. You saw my family, and me and you didn't waste any time messaging me and everyone else so you could tell the whole school what you saw. You just couldn't leave it alone, and frankly I don't care if everyone knows I have two moms," the teen continued, missing the surprised look on JJ's face beside her. "I really don't, because I'm not ashamed of that. But you tried to make it sound like something negative. You said it was disgusting and you said some really hateful things and then you tried to pass judgment on me because of it. You have no idea what I've been through Chelsea. You have know idea what these two have done for me," she said gesturing to both Emily and JJ. "And you have no idea what they mean to me."

"I…I'm really sorry Alex," Chelsea apologized quietly. "I…I didn't think about what I was saying and it was so stupid. I'm honestly ashamed about what I said, and I'm so sorry that I hurt you that way," the blonde continued. "And I just want to apologize to you Agent Prentiss, and you Agent Jareau as well. I'm sorry about the things I said about both of you."

Emily and JJ both nodded, still unsure of this young blonde, but both watching Alex, knowing they needed to let the young brunette make a decision about the senior girl on her own.

"I don't care if Chelsea comes back to the play," Alex finally said looking to Dean Hackett.

"Honey are you sure?" Emily asked.

"I'm sure," Alex replied before turning her attention back to Chelsea. "I don't care if you come back, but I have a few conditions. Outside of the lines written in the script you and I have nothing to talk about. I don't want to hear your opinions about my singing or my family. I don't want to hear whispering or laughing every time I turn around and I really don't want to get messages with new rumours every time I go home," she went on. "I'm not going to sit back and say nothing anymore, so I want to know that you can agree to this."

"I think that sounds pretty fair Miss Shepard," Dean Hackett said. "Do you agree?"

"Yes ma'am," Chelsea agreed.

"Parents? Are we all in agreement?" the Dean asked, receiving nods from the four adults in the room. "Alright then I will write up a contract this afternoon that Miss Shepard will sign agreeing to Miss Campbell's terms," she explained. "If Chelsea is to break any of these conditions Alex is to let myself of Mrs. Greer know, and she will be removed from the play immediately."

"And she will be unable to audition for the spring musical as well," Mrs. Greer added.

"Do we have an understanding?" Dean Hackett asked.

"Yes," Chelsea and Alex both replied as everyone else nodded.

"Thank you Dean Hackett," Daniel Shepard said, speaking for the first time. "We're sure Chelsea won't be causing anymore problems."

"I should hope not," Dean Hackett smiled. "I'd like to thank all of you for coming and if there are any issues at all I hope you'll come to me anytime," she said. "And if it's okay I'd like to have a word with the girls and Mrs. Greer before they return to class."

At this the four adults stood, saying their goodbyes and shaking hands before exiting the office. Emily followed JJ out into the hallway; the blonde practically speed walking, the brunette too proud of her daughter to even notice.

"She was so great in there," Emily said, catching up to the blonde. "I mean how mature she was and the way she just set out those terms like that. She was so…hey are you okay?" Emily cut herself off, as JJ turned around, her blue eyes glassy with tears.

"I'm just…I...oh God I'm sorry it's so stupid," JJ stuttered.

"What? What is it?" Emily asked again.

"She…she said she had two moms," JJ smiled, wiping away the single tear that rolled down her cheek with a laugh. "And apparently the hormones are in full force today," she said embarrassedly.

"Hey it's okay," Emily smiled, taking the blonde's hand in hers. "But are you really that surprised babe? I mean you know how much she loves you and you're so important to her."

"I know it just…It was just really nice to hear," JJ admitted with a shrug. "Look I'm gonna wait outside, I don't want Lex to see me like this. Tell her I'll see her tonight?"

"Okay I'll be out in a few," Emily replied, squeezing the blonde's hand before watching as she headed out to the front of the school. Emily waited a few more minutes before Alex appeared, coming out of the office with a small smile on her face, immediately wrapping the older brunette in a hug. "I'm so proud of you, you know that? You were great in there."

"Thanks," Alex replied, holding on to her mother for a little bit longer before pulling away. "Do you think I made the right decision?"

"I think you made a very mature decision," Emily replied. "Probably a more mature decision than I would ever be able to make."

"Well the way I see it if Chelsea stays on the play then she has a better chance of getting into college and getting out of my hair next year," the teen laughed.

"Good point," Emily laughed, shaking her head. "So what did the Dean want?" She then asked, gesturing towards the office with her head.

"She just wanted to make sure I was absolutely positive about my decision, and that Chelsea really understood," Alex explained. "Hey where's JJ?" She then asked, looking around in confusion.

"Oh uh she just stepped outside," Emily replied. "She was just feeling a little emotional."

"What? Why?"

"Oh well…you uh referred to your two mothers in there," Emily said, not wanting to lie.

"Oh," Alex said, looking a little confused. "I didn't realize that would upset her."

"Oh, oh no honey that's not it at all," Emily assured her. "She was just really happy you know? And so she got a little emotional and I think she just didn't want you to see."

"Is she outside?" Alex asked, Emily nodding in response. "I know I'm already late for class but do you think I could just go talk to her for a minute?"

"Sure," Emily smiled. "I'm actually going to go see if I can talk to Mrs. Greer for a minute," she said, kissing the teen on the forehead. "I'll see you in a bit."

Heading outside, Alex found JJ just outside the front doors, leaning against the building, pulled from her thoughts as she noticed the teen approaching.

"Hey," Alex greeted, coming to stand beside the blonde. "You okay?"

"Yeah of course, I just needed some air," JJ replied. "You were great in there kid."

"Thanks," Alex smiled, wanting to talk to JJ about what she had said in the Dean's office, but unsure of how to bring it up. "JJ…" she began. "I um….I know you and Emily haven't been together that long, and everything, but I hope you know how much I care about you. And I know that you're not technically my mother, but that is how I see you. I mean I love you and Emily and I'm so happy that you guys are together," she continued, bringing more tears to the blonde's eyes. "So I hope it's okay that I referred to you as my mom in there."

"It's more than okay," JJ replied with a teary smile. "Actually hearing that come out of your mouth made me happier than you'll ever know," she admitted. "Because I want nothing more than for you to be my daughter."

"I want that too," Alex smiled as JJ pulled her into a tight hug. "I love you JJ."

"I love you too kid," JJ replied emotionally. "I love you so much."