*Thank-you so much for the reviews on the last chapter. They were greatly appreciated. Thank-you all so much.

Lindsey had just come home with Reagan so she had no idea that Dave and Alex had a big fight and that Dave had left. She was walking a sleeping Reagan up to their room. She stopped as she saw Alex sitting on the floor crying with Chelsea comforting her. "What's wrong, Alex?" she asked.

"My entire life," said Alex. "It's f**ked up. Everything. I don't' know how I let it all get like this but everything is f**ked up."

"Alex, your life isn't f**ked up. If you want to see a f**ked up life it's mine. Look at me. I don't even have a place to live so I have to live here. I don't even know my family anymore. I don't have a job and I don't have a high school diploma. That's a f**ked up life. Knowing that I may not be able to do anything to make Reagan proud is f**ked up. Your life is amazing. I would do anything to have the life you have. You bounced back from what we all want to bounce back from but the truth is.. Some of us can't even bounce back from that. Your life isn't f**ked up."

"You have no idea," said Alex. "None."

"What happened?" asked Lindsey.

"Dave and me had a fight over Chelsea and her acting. Apparently he took her to a movie audition without my permission and then lied to me about it. He acts like it's no big deal. He told me I have to deal with it and that she's going to do the movie anyway."

"You know about that, Mama?" she asked.

"Yes I know about it," she said, "and I'm not mad at you because it's not your fault. It's your dad's fault."

"I don't even want to do it but don't tell Dad because he is SO happy that I got into the movie. I don't want to break his heart."

"You don't have to do what you don't want to," she said.

"I know but I don't' want to upset Dad."

"You know you do a lot of what you don't want to in order to please your dad. You invited Kyra to the party because it would make your dad happy. You don't always have to do what you don't' want to to make him happy."

"I know but I had so much fun with Kyra so maybe this movie thing might be fun."

"It could be," said Alex.

"So is Dad coming home?"

"I have no idea," she said. "I hope so but I don't know."

"Oh," she said.

"And then I get phone calls saying I have secrets and lies that are about to be exposed. I don't' even know what the hell that's all about."

"Chelsea," said Lindsey, "can you take Reagan into my room to lay her down while I talk to your mom?"

"Sure," said Chelsea as she stood up to take the blonde headed sleeping child from her mother. She took Reagan into the bedroom and laid her down on the bed.

"You're still getting phone calls?"

"Yes," said Alex. "Even with my number changed."

"Oh, Alex, don't let it upset you. You are pregnant you can't let these people get to you. Didn't you say it was someone that used to run around with Tony?"

"I'm pretty sure it's Ashley, Chris and Brian. What I don't' understand is why they are still harassing me. I haven't done anything to them. I just want to live in New York with my family and live my life. If they keep harassing me how am I supposed to do that?"

"I don't' know," said Lindsey. "Why don't' you report it to the police?"

"Because I don't trust them," said Alex. "I have to do what I need to do to keep my kids safe and calling the police isn't it."

"But how do you know not calling the police is going to keep them safe?"

"They're not going to touch my kids. It's me they have a problem with."

"Oh," said Lindsey. "I just want you to do the right thing."

"I'm trying," said Alex, "and now my husband left and I have no idea where he is."

"I know," said Lindsey, "but I'm sure Dave is going to be back soon."

"I hope," she said.

"You'll be all right. I know you will be. Just be strong. Okay?"

"Okay," said Alex. "Thanks."

"You're welcome," said Lindsey as she hugged her. "So is there anything you need done or anything I can help you with?"

"Can you keep an eye on the kids? I am going to visit Tony to talk to him."

"Sure," she said. "I don't mind."

"Thanks, Lindsey. I'll be back in an hour or two. If you need anything call my cell."

"Okay," she said. "Good luck."

"Thanks," said Alex as she got up and headed downstairs. She grabbed her keys from the counter and headed out the door. She drove to Tony's and Athena's Manhattan apartment. It took her a while to get through the traffic but once she arrived in the city she parked her car fairly close to their apartment building and then walked the distance to the building. She walked in saying hello to the door man and headed up to their apartment. She knocked on the door as she waited for someone to answer it.

Athena finally made her way to the door and opened it. "Hey, Alex, what's up?"

"Not much. Is Tony here?"

"Yeah. Come in," she said. "He's taking a shower. Have a seat he'll be out in a minute."

"Thanks," said Alex as she walked over to the couch to sit down.

"Mommy, who's at the …" said Lexie as she came out of her bedroom. "G-MAMA!" she said as she ran over to her and hugged her.

"Hi, Lexie," said Alex with a smile. "How are you?"

"Good," she said, "where's Aunt Kaylee and Aunt Jordyn?"

"They're at the house with Lindsey."

"Why didn't you bring them?"

"Because I need to talk to your daddy but if it's okay with your mommy tomorrow night you can come spend the night."

"Mommy, Can I? Can I spend the night at G-Mama's?"

"Absolutely," said Athena with a smile.

"How are you feeling?"

"Better now that the doctor gave me these pills to help with the morning sickness. It's really helping."

"I bet," said Alex. "So have you started baby shopping yet?"

"No," said Athena. "We're waiting till we find out what the sex is first."

"I see," she said. "We haven't done any shopping either."

"You look like you've been crying. Is everything okay?"

"Yeah," she said. "I guess it is."

"Just checking. Do you want a drink or anything?"

"No thank-you. I'm good," said Alex with a smile.

Tony had just gotten out of the shower and he came into the living room dressed. "Hey, Babe, Alex is here. She came to talk to you."

"Oh. Okay," said Tony. "What's up, Alex?"

"Do you think we could talk outside on the patio or something?"

"Sure," he said as they walked out onto the patio. They sat down on the chairs and Tony said, "So what's up?"

"Have you been getting weird phone calls?"

"Yeah. Have you?"

"Yes," said Alex.

"What are yours about?"

"My secrets and lies. They keep telling me that I have secrets and lies and they're going to be exposed to the world soon. They sent me a tape of Dave and me having sex from years ago. They claim they have more and not just of Dave and me either. They have some of Ron and me."

"I'm confused and don't take this the wrong way but how many times did you sleep with him?"

"A few. I mean while he was in Louisiana that's pretty much what our whole relationship was and then a couple times or more when I was up here before he got shot."

"Wow, Alex, I would have never thought you'd sleep with him."

"I thought about leaving my husband for him," said Alex.

"Are you serious?"

"Yes," said Alex. "Before he got shot I seriously thought about leaving Dave for him. Of course Chelsea talked me into going back with her dad so nothing really happened for Ron and me."

"Wow," said Tony. "I didn't know you felt that way about him."

"I loved him," said Alex, "but all this secret and lies stuff do you think it is what I think it is?"

"Probably. How did you let it get this far?"

"I don't' know," said Alex. "I wish I hadn't but I did."

"You f**ked up, Al, and you're going to need to fix it."

"I know but I don't really think they are going to do anything."

"You never know," he said.

"So what are they saying to you?"

"I'm pretty much a dead man," he said lighting a cigarette. "I know it's Chris and Ashley. They're f**king pissing me off. They supposedly have dirt on me. I don't know. It's funny how my dad is still f**king up people's lives while sitting in jail."

"I know right," said Alex.

"Want a cig?"

"Tony, I'm pregnant. I'm not smoking."

"Oh yeah. I forgot sorry."

"It's okay. I don't even know what to do. Why can't they leave me alone already. I haven't done one thing to hurt anyone. I'm just trying to live my life for me and my family. Why do they have to come and mess things up. I refuse to leave again. I'm staying. My mom is sick and I'm not going anywhere."

"Neither am I. I'm not going to let them scare me out of New York."

"They wanted money from me to end it."

"You know they aren't going to end anything with the money," said Tony, "they were just looking for extra cash."

"I know," said Alex. "Which is why I didn't give it to them. You know what. I just though of something."

"What?"

"They called right after Dave and me had a fight. They knew I got upset with him for lying to me. They're listening from inside the house or something."

"You know what? They mentioned something to me about something Athena had said inside the house too. You think they're recording us?"

"I think so," said Alex, "but how?"

"Trust me they have all sorts of shit out there. Remember when my dad and me were recording you and Dave?"

"Yeah," said Alex.

"They're doing the same."

"But how would they get something in my house?"

"Mail.. Um get anything new lately?"

"Nope," she said. "I don't know. This is crazy."

"It is," said Tony. "So what did Dave lie to you about?"

"Taking Chelsea to a movie audition."

"I knew it," said Tony. "I bet you wanted to kill him."

"I did but I told him to leave," said Alex. "He wasn't going to stand there and disrespect me so I told him to get out."

"Always the same Alex," he said with a smile. "So let's go back to you and Ron for a second here. What did you see in him? He was a thug and just like the rest of us."

"No, Tony. He wasn't. Ron was actually a sweet guy. He had that tough guy image about him but he was really sweet."

"If it makes you feel any better Ron was sweet on you since he met you that night in the club. You probably would have married him but I intervened."

"I know," said Alex. "But as long as Ron was involved with that life there wouldn't' have been a way we could have worked out."

"You know he would have dropped everything to be with you," said Tony.

"I know," said Alex.

"He was a big family guy. He wanted a wife and he wanted kids but it never happened for him well… yeah it never happened for him."

"I know," said Alex. "He loved his nieces like they were his own. He loved Chelsea and he loved Ben. Ben was the first guy other than Dave that he felt comfortable around. He never cried for him a day in his life."

"Wow," said Tony. "Ron was a good friend. I think he had the potential to be more than what he was. It would have taken the right girl to come along to change him."

"Yeah," said Alex.

"You do know when he was in Louisiana he was paid to take you out right?"

"I know," said Alex. "He told me but he also said he wasn't going to. And that's how our physical relationship started."

"Weren't you married?"

"Nope. Well, yeah, kind of but it was AFTER I filed for divorce."

"Oh," said Tony. He had noticed something about Alex and said, "are you crying?"

"Yeah," she said.

"You must have really liked Ron," he said.

"I did," said Alex. "And then I watched him get shot right in front of me. I had his blood all over me. I tried to save his life but it wasn't good enough. Is it bad that I still have the clothes unwashed from that day?"

"You have the blood covered clothes from that day still?"

"Yes," said Alex. "That's one of the last things I have to remember him. I know it's morbid but it's true."

"Sick, Alex. Where do you keep them?"

"In a plastic bag, in a box in my closet. Dave has no idea though."

"I see," said Tony. "Wow. And the other thing does it help you remember?"

"Sometimes," said Alex. "Do you think this whole thing could escalate?"

"If my father is involved yes," he said. "I think I should pay my dad a visit."

"That's crazy, Tony!"

"It might get him to get Brian, Ashley and Chris to back off. He can't say it's not them because it's clear that it is them. They know too much about you and me for it not to be. I will do what I need to do to protect my family. Lexie and Athena are my life. I will do what I have to to make sure they are safe. Even if it means going to visit that asshole in jail."

"That's crazy. You know he hates you," said Alex.

"I'm not a fan of his either," he said. "Do you want to come with me?"

"Um.. And face the man that tried to kill me for years and the man that killed Ron. I don't think so."

"I don't want to go alone," said Tony. "Please. I'm just going to tell him to tell Ashley, Chris and Brian to back off."

"And that could make it all worse."

"It's not going to make it worse," said Tony. "He might make it stop."

"That's doubtful," said Alex. "Look, I just don't want to face the man that killed Ron."

"Alex, it won't even be that long. I promise. Just come with me, please. I don't want to face him alone."

"Fine," said Alex, "I'll go but the first time he says ANYTHING about Ron or hurting me I'm leaving."

"Fair enough. Thanks, Alex."

"You're welcome," said Alex. "I'm going to go. I have to go make one stop before I go home. I'll call you later so you can tell me what's up with the jail visit."

"Okay," he said, "and be safe."

"You too," said Alex as she got up and walked inside. She said her goodbyes and headed out the door.

About 15 minutes later Alex found herself driving outside the cemetery Ron was buried in. She was debating if she wanted to go visit his grave or not. She thought about it for a couple minutes before she decided she wanted to give Ron a visit. She got out of the car and walked over to his grave. She took a seat in front of the tombstone and read. "Ronald Tyler Moretti. April 15, 1984- August 10th 2010" She felt the tears come to her eyes as she traced the letters. "Hey, Ron," she said choking back from crying, "you probably know that things are starting to get a little crazy around here now. I don't get it. Dave and me have been up here for two years and then out of the blue we started being harassed. I don't even know what to do. I think everything is about to fall apart. I have contemplated telling Dave about it but I don't want him to leave me. I love him, Ron, and I can't lose him but if I don't tell him they're going to tell him anyway. I don't know what to do anymore. It was always so easy when you were around because you had an answer for everything but now it's like I can't find the answers when I need them. I don't even know what to do. I just wish you could be here to make everything better. I'm sure if you were here none of this stuff would be going down now. I worry about my future and the future of my family because of this. I don't know where it ends, Ron. I just want to live in peace with my family and move on with my life. This entire thing has made me start thinking about you and everything that came a lot with it. I really miss you right now and I know I haven't been a good friend because this is the first time I've come to visit you since I've been up here. I couldn't bring myself to come visit you for the longest time because I always felt like it was my fault that you died. I know it wasn't but I can't help to feel that way. I always wonder if I wouldn't have been in New York that day if things would have turned out so much differently and if you would still be here. Most people thought you were some heartless thug but to me you were so much more than that. You were a sweet guy and sometimes I also wonder would have things turned out differently if Tony wouldn't have sabotaged our meeting so many years ago. You were a sweet guy that I loved and I will always love. I'm sorry for not coming to visit you until now and I'm sorry for not coming to your funeral. It was too hard for me. I didn't want to come in and have everyone look at me and talk about how I was the reason you were there. Thank-you for the money you left me. I used it for good. I opened a domestic violence shelter to house victims of domestic abuse and Dave turned your pizza shop into a barber shop. Thank-you so much. I am going to go but I will be back another time to visit you. I love you, Ron," she said as she kissed her hand and placed it on the tombstone. She got up and brushed her pants off before heading back to her car.

On the way back to the car she ran into Ron's mom. "Alex?" she asked.

"Hi, Mrs. Moretti," she said wiping her eyes.

"What are you doing here? I didn't know you were in New York."

"I came to visit Ron," she said, "I felt it was time. And my husband and me have been in New York for 2 years now."

"Oh. I was wondering because Ron gets very few visitors and you're never one of them. How are you doing?"

"I'm all right," she said. "How are you?"

"I'm good. It's good to see you again."

"Good seeing you again also," said Alex with a smile.

"How is Ben doing?"

"He's a challenge but he's doing good," she said.

"That's good. And you have a little girl too. Chelsea? How is she doing?"

"She's good," said Alex. "We actually have a set of twins too plus another one on the way. We also have Dave's two kids from previous relationships."

"Oh wow. You have a house full don't you?"

"Yeah," said Alex, "if you want you can stop in anytime to visit."

"I would like that thank-you," she said. "You know you're just like family to me."

"I know and you're like family to me too."

"How is your mom doing?"

"Her cancer is back so she's so so."

"Sorry to hear that. Where do you live?"

"We live right outside of the city. I will call you with the address later. Feel free to stop by anytime you'd like."

"Thank-you , Alex. Congratulations on your little one," she said as she hugged her.

"Thanks," said Alex with a smile. "I will talk to you later."

"Bye," she said with a smile as she walked toward Ron's grave and Alex walked to her car. Alex got in the car and let out a sigh before buckling her seatbelt and headed home.

*A/N: Alex must be hiding something big if she's saying her entire life is messed up. Tony obviously knows what's going on but it's a bad idea for Alex to go visit Dr. Ciccone in jail. Given their past it's not a good idea and especially her being pregnant. Not a good idea at all. Then Alex went to visit Ron's grave.. the first time since he's been buried.. so you know something is going on. . so what did you think? Please review and thank-you for taking the time to read.