Part XIV: Family Reunions

Marissa stirred and found Alex's side of the bed cold. She stared on the ceiling for a while. She knew pretty well why the love of her life would be out of bed: Their daughter. Alex was still unsure, and feels afraid, for whatever results the DNA tests would come out with. If Anna was her daughter, she will be the sought after child, especially when someone will get rid of Alex. If she wasn't her daughter, she will still be in danger. Anybody who was near Alex is: Including Marissa.

She slowly sat up and took her robe. She opened the door and found Alex leaning against the door frame watching Anna sleep soundly.

The little girl slept peacefully. And to Alex's eyes she was an angel: A gift. Whether or not she was Alex's, Anna will always be her angel: The little girl who brought Marissa back to her.

"She will love you. She already does." Marissa whispered giving Alex a kiss on the neck.

"I know. I just worry. You know that…"

"Yes… Try not to."

"Jodie called. They're couldn't make it earlier but they'll be sure to be here by lunch."

"I miss them. Will Summer be there?"

"Yes…"

They both looked at each other, gently resting their foreheads against the others. They got startled when Anna stirred from her bed, calling out for her mother. Marissa hurriedly went over to the little girl to hold her. Alex watched leaning against the wall.

"Mommy… Mommy…" The little girl sobbed looking up to her mother who was hugging her tightly.

"What is it? Bad dream?"

The little girl nodded and Marissa just gave her daughter a kiss on the forehead. Alex smiled as she watched them. But then a question from Anna seemed to have stunned Alex out of the mood.

"Will daddy come and take us home today?"

Marissa smiled but looked up to Alex who just turned around to walk out the door. This hurt Alex through the heart. Badly.

----

Ryan stood on his porch, staring at his hands with an evil grin on his face. Could it be that he has been bestowed with the same gifts as the great Alex Kelly? It was still somewhat uncontrollable. He still needed practice.

Holding out his hand he felt the burning sensation again. Unlike the first time, Ryan didn't blink. He concentrated on burning the tree a few feet in front of him. Gritting his teeth, he let go making thunder come down from the heavens splitting the tree in front of him again. He grinned.

"Looks like we just leveled the playing field."

----

Alex watched as the Cooper's reunion. She stood by her office window. Somehow heavy hearted at the same time happy. Julie was in tears, when she held Marissa in her arms. Anna was with Summer who was also in tears. The little girl had no idea what was happening. But she was smiling.

"Honey you don't know how much this makes me happy!" Julie exclaimed sobbing as she held Marissa tightly.

Marissa was Julie's only daughter. Having thought she outlived her had hurt Julie day after day after day. Now that she had found her, including her granddaughter, Julie felt safer and reassured. That Anna will somehow continue the Cooper legacy. Marissa's legacy.

Summer could only sob. Happy to find her best friend alive and well. Jodie had been good to her. The Latina loved her completely. But it was really different to have Marissa around. She looked at the little girl she was holding and smiled. Although she had every inch of Marissa in her features, she had the Alex look: Cute and mysterious.

Alex sighed, closing the blinds in her office. She sat down and breathed out heavily. The family she once knew was now complete again. But this also means she had to protect them. Being associated with Alex Kelly was dangerous.

Alex rested her head on her table: Contemplating on the task ahead.

Seth appeared sitting on an Indian sit above her table. He tilted his head confused why the half-god has not tried to blown him to bits.

"Been a while…" He suddenly spoke.

Alex just looked at to him and stared.

"I'm glad they are alright. I swear I didn't know where they were."

Alex was still unmoved. She just stared at him, emotionless.

"Alex… You have to talk to me…"

Alex opened her mouth, about to reply but nothing came out. She stood up and rubbed the back of her neck. Seth watched her worriedly.

"They're here. It's fine. That's all that matters to me." Alex stood still and it worried Seth.

"She is your daughter." Seth said out loud but Alex was still unmoving.

Seth watched her stare at the carpeted floor. She started to slowly pace around her office silently.

"That's not what I'm worried about." Alex turned to her teacher and friend.

"What are you worried about?"

"Ryan." Alex replied sighing.

----

Marissa, Anna and Julie were at the dining room about to have lunch. Jodie and Summer were resting in the living room. Alex was still nowhere to be found. Marissa decided to look for her. Standing up, she gave her mother and her daughter kisses on the foreheads. She went straight Alex's office and found her sitting silently on what once was Caleb Nichol's chair.

"Everything alright?" Marissa asked moving to Alex stopping as she stood in front of Alex's desk.

Alex looked up to her and wore a small smile. She nodded then stood up to hug her. She gave Marissa a kiss but it wasn't passionate. It was more like caring. But Marissa noticed Alex was troubled. The kiss lack the warmth.

They pull apart. Alex's eyes dropped to the floor. Marissa pulled her closer.

"Alex… Everything will be alright. She's your daughter. I know she is…"

"Marissa… I don't care about the tests right now…" Alex replied pulling away from her.

"Then why are you like this? You're… Seem… Troubled…" Marissa whispered putting her palm on Alex's cheek.

"Would she ever consider me as her mother? She calls Ryan her dad. He doesn't even care. Marissa…" Alex began to say but she stopped herself.

Marissa could only pull her close. She didn't know how to answer the questions Alex was contemplating on.

"Mommy… Why is auntie Alex sad?" Anna burst through the door looking sad at Alex's state.

Marissa and Alex smiled as they pulled apart. Alex bent down to raise Anna in her arms. A girl hugged her as she carried her in her arms.

"Don't be sad… You're my favoriiiiiite auntie!" Anna exclaimed showering Alex with kisses in her face.

It had been hard for Alex. But ten years of memories can't be erased in a little child's mind. Alex decided to take in whatever she could get as she smiled back at the angel in her arms.