Disclaimer: I do not own Pride and Prejudice, all rights belong to Jane Austen.

Ch. 34

A Nice Surprise:

November 27, 2015

She was waiting in the airport, sitting down looking around as Sawyer got the plane tickets. John was supposed to visit his grandfather for the holiday, but he told her that he surprised them by coming down for the two whole weeks, so she was on her way to surprise him. Her family offered her to use their jet but that would have been a waste; plus she was supposed to leave in three days with them, and today she was supposed to go with Kevin and Louis to the beach but she really wanted to see John. She missed him so much it hurt.

She was thinking of his smile when she thought she saw his face. She was told to wait so she quickly stood up on the chair. By the time she got up to look, he was gone. I must really miss him if I think I'm seeing him she though as she carefully got down.

"Do you know how unladylike it is to stand on a chair?" He teased.

She would recognize his voice anywhere, quickly turning around, once she saw him she screamed leaping into his arms.

"JOHN!" She laughed as he lifted her into a bear hug and spun her around. "What are you doing here? You're supposed to be home!"

He placed her on the ground and gave her a deep kiss. His hands wrapped around her back and snaked their way to the curve of her back as he stuck his tongue in her mouth. She was getting lost in him and it wasn't until someone coughed loudly at them that she pulled away, burying her face into his chest.

"I could ask you the same thing. I came to surprise you, are you surprised?"

She laughed nodding, "Yes," her arms wrapped around him and she gave him a chaste kiss. "I was going to surprise you too!"

"Weird I guess we couldn't stay away from each other." He smiled widely.

"Oh! I have to tell Sawyer before he buys the tickets."

"I already told him, he's the one who told me where to find you." He smiled before he kissed her again.

He was really glad he brought his summer clothes, Lexie wasn't joking, it was really hot in Florida at the moment and it wasn't even noon. He was relieved that he left when he did, he would have missed her and he would have had to wait to see her, but he missed her so much; he had to see her soon it was hard not to have her around the last two weeks and other forms of communication only helped so much. He was glad he was here now, it was a great feeling to see how excited and happy she was, it was contagious.

Lexie had practically been jumping in her seat the whole ride to the beach and once Sawyer parked, she grabbed her bag and jumped out. She had never been here and she was really excited, like a kid at Christmas. The whole time she was in Florida her aunt and grandma took her sightseeing and she was introduced to family and friends. She was happy that she was finally going to spend time with her cousins, she scarcely got to know them and she wanted to be sure they all liked her.

John couldn't stop staring at her as they walked to the beach. She was wearing a big concert-t and short denim shorts with a big sun hat and black glasses, forgetting about the scars. This was the most casual he'd ever seen her; she looked like a regular teenager. He noticed a group of guys walking towards them and Kevin walked up to greet them with Louis following behind.

They walked up to them and he couldn't help but glare at them when they tried to hug her but she extended her hand out to each of them. He introduced himself as her boyfriend and wrapped an arm possessively around her shoulder. Once they found a spot, Lexie pulled him a little further away. He set up the umbrella while she laid out two beach towels and noticed that Sawyer and Kevin and Louis's guards were in the short distance, setting up a tent and pulling out chairs. Turning around he saw that she was looking at the ocean, appreciating it and taking it all in with that big smile on her face.

He pulled out his phone and took a picture of her breaking her from her thoughts. She turned to smile at him and turned back around, grabbing her bag. She pulled something out and then she began taking off her shorts, bringing back many memories. The shirt prevented him from getting to look at her and then she bent over giving him a nice view. She was pulling on some short navy shorts on and once that was complete, she pulled off the shirt. He was relieved when he saw that she was wearing a one-piece suit on. It was navy blue with white stripes and a yellow stipe under her breasts that attached to a navy blue cloth, making it look like a spaghetti strapped shirt. Her curves were still evident, especially how big her breasts and ass were but he wanted to be the only on to know what she looked like naked.

He quickly pulled off his shirt and Lexie couldn't help but stare at him. It had been too long, three weeks since they had sex and now he was half naked in front of her. He gave her a panty dropping smile, knowing exactly what she was thinking and she tried her hardest not to rub her thighs together. Reaching into her bag again, she pulled out the sunscreen and told him to sit down. She got on her knees behind him and squeezed the lotion into her hands and placed them on his back. The lotion was cold as she spread it throughout his broad shoulders and she had to remind herself that Sawyer was most likely watching her so she wouldn't run her hands all over his body. She couldn't stop staring at him as he finished doing the rest of his body.

When his hands touched her back, she shivered and she knew it wasn't from the lotion. His big hands started to move and she had to concentrate on the waves crashing on the beach and how cold the sunscreen was to suppress her moans. Once he was finished, she quickly put some on her hands and legs before she grabbed his hand and tried to pull him up. He didn't budge and she pouted as she tugged on his arm.

"I need a couple more minutes." She looked at him with a raised eyebrow and he pulled her down, sitting her between his legs and she gave him a curt nod understanding. "You are very sexy." He said softly, burying his face into her neck.

"What? I wasn't doing anything, just putting sunscreen on my arms and legs." She giggled.

"I know but it's been too long. I couldn't help but picture you naked while doing it." He smiled.

"Poor you, all you're wearing are swim trunks. If anyone is suffering it's me." She giggled and leaned her head back as his arms hugged her from behind.

"Yes, but unlike you it's harder for me to hide my arousal."

She nodded and waited a while, she pulled out her phone and took several pictures of them and once he was ready she jumped up and pulled him towards the water. She was about to run in but he stopped her. She turned to look at him confuses and he just smiled brightly and led her to the edge of the waves.

"Just stand still and close your eyes." He said facing her.

She closed her eyes and waited a second before the water hit her feet and then it felt like she was floating. The look on her face was priceless, just like he knew it would be and he leaned down to give her a chaste kiss. He held her as they stood there a while longer; the whole time she kept her eyes closed and tried suppressing her giggles.

"This is the coolest thing ever!" She exclaimed pulling away. "Do you think we actually move?" She asked looking down as the waves came crashing in again.

She laughed and lifted one foot, using him for support as she closed her eyes. He laughed, lifting her up bridal style making her squeal loudly before he ran into the ocean waist deep. A wave of cool water hit them and she laughed as he dropped her.

They swam for a while and horsed around while Kevin and Louis remained on the beach with their friends. Eventually they got tired and as they were walking out Lexie stopped and sat down at the edge of the sand.

"Lexie what are you doing?" He chuckled as she lied down, giving him her big enthusiastic smile.

She covered her ears and a big wave came and engulfed her head, she started to choke and he quickly picked her up, looking her over in panic as she caught her breath. He was surprised to see her big smile, still trying to catch her breath.

"That was awesome! Have you ever tried it? You should try it, but try breathing out your nose when the water hits you." She giggled.

"No that's fine; I'll take your word for it." He laughed and started pulling her back to the beach.

"Come on you have to try it! What if I hold your nose for you and you cover your ears?" She asked curiously giving him a small pout.

"Ok fine." He laughed and sat down. She jumped up and sat near his head and held his nose for him as he covered his ears. It was a weird experience all together and then she wanted to try it again with him holding her nose.

She was looking out at the ocean and he was looking at her, both lying on their towels. They were almost completely dry, when Kevin called out to her, waving her over. He didn't want her to go alone, so he stood and followed her. She paused briefly but kept walking and looking up; he saw that there were now a group of girls with them. He placed an arm around her and she seemed to relax a little.

"This is Julie, Kate and Kyle's girlfriend Sally." Kevin told her and John.

"Hi I'm Alexa and this is my boyfriend John." She said shaking their hands as they stared back and forth between them in disbelief, it didn't help that John was still shirtless.

"Hello," he said curtly, barley shaking their hand.

"I like your bathing suit." Kate told her condescendingly, Lexie could hear the lie in her voice.

"I'm sure that you don't otherwise you would have one similar." She stated indifferently. Julie was about to say something, but Louis beat her.

"Hey are you guy's hungry? We have burgers and dogs; there are sodas in that cooler and beer in the other one."

"How did you get beer?" Lexie asked as John got both of them a plate.

"Why are you gonna narc?" Kyle asked sneering.

"Look I don't care if you drink or not, the choice is yours but if Sawyer and them find out you'll be in a lot of trouble." She said more to Kevin and Louis.

"Who cares? It's not like they're going to cut us off anyways. Besides we all know that they use to drink when they were our age." Kyle answered.

"Some parents do care if their children drink."

He scoffed and she turned to look at Kevin and Louis pleadingly. Keven looked away, walking up to grab one and Luis looked down, unsure of what to do.

"Thank you for the food and sodas." She stated.

"Don't you want a beer? John? Right?" Jason asked.

"No thank you." He said handing Lexie her plate.

"Come on; don't tell me you're whipped."

Lexie glared up at him and he placed an arm around her shoulder. "She wouldn't care if I did it or not, but yes she has me wrapped around her finger."

He turned them to walk away and as they left, they could both hear the girls talking about her leg. John held her tighter and walked faster. Once they sat down he looked at Lexie trying to read her. She looked down at herself and then around the beach with a sad look in her eyes.

"I like your bathing suit." He said lifting her chin up. She looked at him sardonically.

"I-when we went shopping they wanted me to get one like everyone else. I-I tried them on but I didn't feel comfortable. It felt as if I was naked, I really liked this one I mean I don't understand what the difference is between those suits and just wearing a bra and panties. Well I mean at least a bra supports you, not that those girls needed anything to support."

"You know I'm only looking at you right?"

She rewarded him with a bright smile and nodded as she bit into her hamburger. She paused and glanced at him before looking away and swallowing. "That was just horrible timing," she giggled shaking her head as she lifted the plate to her face, taking another bite.

He lowered her hand, placing the plate on the ground along with his. "I like that you leave something to the imagination. I like that only I know what your naked back looks like, and your stomach, your butt." He caressed her face and she leaned into his touch blushing slightly.

"You know you can drink John. I know you do." She told him changing the topic, even his words affected her.

"I know, but not when I'm with you."

"But we're together all of the time." She said confused.

"Not when you have a girls night."

She nodded and kept eating.

"Hey guys can I join you?" Louis asked walking up to them.

"Sure!" Lexie said happily moving next to John.

"Thanks, Jason can be annoying when he drinks."

"No problem on our end. Do you drink?" She asked.

"Sometimes but I don't really like beer."

"You prefer alcohol?" John asked.

"Vodka and what Jason loves to call 'bitch drinks."

"What's that?" Lexie asked causing Louis to worry if she took offense at the word bitch. He was trying to think of how to word it but John answered.

"A Smirnoff, or like Hard Lemonade. Drinks that are intended for women, like fruity flavored ones." He stated.

"Oh ok." She said happily, Luis was confused; all of the girls he knew saw that word as an insult.

"Doesn't that word offend you?" He asked her.

"Bitch?" She asked Luis nodded. "No girls are bitches as you just witnessed." She said indifferently.

"What if someone called you a bitch?" He asked skeptically.

She tilted her head and pondered upon it. "No, I suppose not. If I am being one then I deserve it. Thinking about it now, what I told Kate might have seemed like I was being a bitch but I was just being honest. I suppose I'm desensitized because of The Boondocks." She giggled.

"You're weird." He told her and she smiled brightly.

"So I've been told." She lightly shoved John causing him to drop his burger onto the sand. "I'm sorry."

"It's ok." He said taking her burger form her plate before biting into it.

"Would you like me to get you another one?" She asked.

"You don't want to share with me?" He pouted and took another bite.

She giggled, "No not really." She laughed when he frowned. "Can I get it without onions?" He nodded and she gave him a chaste kiss before she stood up. "Would you like anything Louis? Another hamburger?"

"Yes, with everything?" He asked hesitantly.

She smiled happily and took off.

"How long have you guys been dating?" He asked watching her walk away.

"It will be two months this Sunday, well on the fifth but we celebrate every fourth Sunday."

"Is that why you came to visit her?"

"No, I just missed her." Louis looked like it was a hard concept to accept. "You seemed surprised." John chuckled.

"Yes, it's just that my brother's girlfriend is a bitch. He would never go and visit unless she commanded it. She would have gotten angry if he had taken her food. Plus he has to be the perfect gentleman and do everything for her, but Lexie just did things for you without being asked to."

"She is always thinking of others first. Plus had I offered, she would have told me that it was her fault I dropped the burger. Or found some excuse to do it herself; we're going to share anyways." He shrugged.

"She doesn't get angry that you never offer?"

"Didn't you get to know her this past week?" He asked confused.

He shook his head no, "She was mostly with our grandma and my mom. That's why we were coming here today to spend time with her."

"Sorry I ruined your plans."

"Don't be, she seems really happy. I mean she was happy already but with you she…she seems different. I thought that she was going to be um….Besides, you didn't it was Kevin's friends. They invited themselves; I doubt she would have had fun with us if they were all drinking."

"You must come here a lot to have friends to hang out with. I thought you lived in Colorado."

"Yes, my mother's family lives here, so we often come for the holidays. Sometimes we'll go elsewhere but this is like a second home to us."

"She really doesn't care if you drink or not. She means what she says and she says what she means." He chuckled and looked over at her. Kevin was speaking to her and he could see she was in her mask. "Sometimes when she's nervous or trying to explain something she rambles and goes around in circles but that's how you know she's comfortable with you."

Louis looked at him, looking at Lexie as she walked back. "You love her." John nodded. "You remind me of my mom and dad. My grandparents show it sometimes, which is weird knowing my grandmother."

"She's not so bad once you get to know her." Lexie said sitting down and placed his burger on his plate. "If you think about it she has to be the way she is. People will gossip and talk about her anyways, always watching waiting for her to mess up or show any signs of weakness. Anything to criticize. She'd rather be feared than loved. People don't mess with you when they are afraid of you. It's like being the boss of a company, if you're too nice people walk all over you. Well if you're nice they do that anyways. Of course there should be a middle ground. Otherwise you give into the dark side, or you just get used to being in charge but I think it also has to do with your childhood or maybe life experiences?... My best friend Anne does the best impression of her mom and she can keep a straight face. Well I've never been there when she does it to other people. But I wish I were more like her, and her mom and grandma at times; you know? Assertive." John chuckled and kissed her cheek. "What's so funny?"

"You."

She giggled and nodded.

"I thought you said she rambled when she was nervous."

"Sometimes." He corrected and Lexie just laughed.

"Sorry I don't usually ramble." Louis smiled brightly at her understanding that she was comfortable around him.

After they finished eating, Lexie wanted to try making a sandcastle and they invited Louis to join them while the others continued drinking and just sitting around. Louis was actually having a good time, he had thought that she was going to be depressing or weird but she was actually a lot like a little kid. He was looking around when he saw several men in the distance with cameras and really long lenses.

"Shit!" Louis exclaimed.

"What is it? Did I build it wrong?" Lexie asked studying her work and comparing it to John's which was a lot better.

"No, we have to leave now. Get dressed!" He said standing to walk away.

Lexie was confused and she saw Sawyer walking towards them with a scowl on his face.

"We need to leave now, get dressed. Just grab your bag and the other guards will pick up." He stated and it was obvious he was angry.

She just stood and walked between Sawyer and John. Kevin and Louis joined them and Kevin looked mad, he didn't even say goodbye to his friends and he walked ahead of them to the SUV. Once they were all in, Sawyer immediately took off.

"What happened?" She asked confused.

"There were photographers taking photos." Sawyer answered.

"I didn't see anyone, did you?" She asked John who nodded no.

"They were using special lenses." Sawyer stated.

"Oh ok. Am I in trouble?" She asked sadly.

"No, it's just a precaution." Sawyer said softly.

She turned around to look at Louis and Kevin who were in the back. "Sorry." She said sadly.

"It's ok," Louis smiled.

Kevin turned his body away, ignoring her and she inhaled sharply before she abruptly turned around and sank into her seat. John understood and wrapped an arm around her and she buried her face into him, holding on to him.

As soon as they arrived to the house Lexie jumped out of the car and ran into the house, straight to her room without saying anything. Edward saw the sad look on her face and tears in her eyes so he waited by the door waiting for the guys to come in.

"What happened?" He asked trying to control his temper.

He had warned Louis and Kevin to tread lightly around Lexie and watch what they say to her, that she was sensitive. These past two weeks she had been happy and this was the first time they had seen her upset. He just hoped whatever they did could be fixed and he was glad John was here.

"There were photographers so we had to leave." Sawyer informed him.

"I see. Thank you." He went up to John. "You might want to call your grandfather and inform him. Your picture will surely be in the paper tomorrow."

"Yes, thank you." John nodded agreeing.

"Please excuse me. I have several calls to make as well. Sawyer." Edward said and they both left, followed by Kevin who left without saying anything.

He forgot where his room was and asked Louis to take him, and he learned where Lexie's, Kevin's and his room were. He quickly called his grandfather and his grandmother to tell them what happened. His grandfather said he would speak to Edward and he was just happy that he wasn't mad. Knowing Lexie needed some time alone, he quickly took a shower and got his camera out. Finding Lilly, he asked if he could take photos of the house and then went outside when he was given permission.

The house was a secluded beautiful two story mansion, with a pool, palm trees everywhere, ivy growing up the walls of the house and fence and they had a basketball and tennis court with a small golf course. There was a porch that surrounded the first floor and it looked as if each room had its own balcony. The ocean could be seen from one side of the house and the rest of the view was the surrounding land.

When the paper came out revealing who the Burton's were, he asked his grandpa why he hadn't said anything about how rich they were. He replied that he didn't want it to effect his decision about being with Lexie, he wanted to be sure that he was with her because they loved each other and he didn't want his feelings to change or be biased because of how wealthy she was.

John was in a navy blue button up shirt with black slacks and he was waiting for Lexie to come out of her room. They had been texting each other but he hadn't seen her yet and he was going to escort her to dinner. She walked out with her head bowed wearing a cream colored dress with matching flats. Her hair was in a half ponytail and she was wearing some makeup. She walked up to him and engulfed him in a hug.

"Were you ok on your own?" She quietly asked.

"Yes, I took several photos and I took a nap." He smiled petting her hair.

"Will you show them to me later?" She smiled up at him.

"Of course," he smiled and told her about some of the photos he took as he led her to the dining room. He pulled out the chair for her and he was glad that he was sitting between her and Louis.

"I'm sorry about the photographers Alexa. I believe they were tipped off." Edward said apprehensively.

Lexie just nodded and continued eating. "I don't understand why you just don't buy the photos." Mrs. Burton said.

"Mother, we can't just buy every photo they are bound to take of her. Besides I spoke with Sawyer, Jacobs and Baker, they don't have anything to make a story of."

Lexie didn't say much throughout the rest of the dinner and Kevin did everything he could to ignore Lexie but no one noticed except her and John. After dinner they went to the living room and Lily asked Lexie to play them something on the piano or violin. Lexie looked at Kevin, who rolled his eyes in annoyance and she feigned fatigue. She looked at John apologetically before she left; the adults soon went to bed as well.

"Hey do you want to play video games?" Louis asked him.

"Sure that sounds great." He smiled. Kevin was still on the couch, on his phone as they were leaving; John couldn't help it, he hated to see Lexie like this. He stopped in front of him. "I know I'm just a guest here but you need to apologize to Lexie." He stated coldly.

"Why should I apologize to her? She's the one who ruined my whole day! What if they find out we were drinking?" He huffed.

"You were the one who was drinking it's your own fault. There is no reason to blame her for anything. She didn't ask to be a part of your family and she didn't ask for the attention she's going to receive, she doesn't deserve your hostility." He stated and turned to leave followed by Louis.

There was a light knock on her door and assuming it was John, she quickly went to answer it with a smile on her face but as soon as she opened her door, her smile fell.

"May I please speak to you?" Kevin asked.

She softly nodded and moved aside to let him in. He made his way to her desk and she went to sit on the bed, just looking at him waiting for him to speak.

"I'm sorry." She said softly breaking the silence.

He sighed, "No I'm the one who's sorry… I was angry because I was afraid of getting caught drinking. My father has already caught me and he was beyond angry. Especially because I got Louis drunk," he admitted softly. "He um. He's going to send me to a boarding school."

"By your logic, had I not been here the photographers wouldn't have had anything to catch. You must hate me," she said sadly looking down.

He looked at her shocked. "No! I don't. It was my fault, nobody forced me to do it. My father warned us to look out for them but we've been here two weeks and this was the first time they caught us."

"I shouldn't have been here today. I should have been home." She said hugging herself.

"Lexie you did nothing wrong. I was the one drinking, I knew the risk and I will be the one to face the consequences. Besides it's not certain they caught anything. Do you forgive me for being a jerk?"

"Only if you can forgive me."

He sighed, he knew he wasn't going to win. He could see why John told him something, Lexie already hated herself for it, and she didn't need his hostility. "Again there is nothing to forgive. But if it will make you happy, yes. I forgive you."

He saw her smile spread across her face and she stood up to give him a hug. He held on a little bit longer, feeling happy and then left.

He was in his room editing some of the pictures on his computer when his phone vibrated.

Lexie: *Meet me outside, in the back*

He couldn't help the smile that spread his face. *I don't know. I don't want to get in trouble.*

Lexie:*We won't*

He quietly made his way downstairs and walked out the kitchen door. The moon lit up the sky and looking around he saw Lexie looking up at the stars as she held a blanket. He walked up to her and gave her a kiss as he took the blanket from her. Grabbing his hand, she pulled him further away from the house and once it was out of sight, she stopped them and he helped her set up the blanket. He sat down and pulled her to sit in between his legs.

"I like it here; you can come, lie outside and look up at the stars all year round."

"I'm glad you had a good time with them. Louis said you seemed happy and you seem more relaxed."

"Yes, it was awkward at first. They were walking on eggshells, well except my grandmother but after a while it was like I'd always been here. They really like me and I was able to find out more about my mom."

"That's good. So you had a good vacation?"

"Yes, my most favorite part of all was today."

"I'm sorry the paparazzi ruined it."

"I did enjoy the beach but I enjoyed your company more. You made it all the more fun."

He kissed her neck. "I love you."

"I love you too." She turned her head to look back at him and gave him a soft kiss. "Thank you for speaking to Kevin."

He chuckled, "How did you know?"

"He wouldn't have apologized….so soon or even at all but who knows."

"I told him that it wasn't your fault he chose to drink."

She gave him a small smile and nodded before she turned to look back at the stars. Eventually they lied down because her neck was getting strained. He was using one of his arms as a pillow and she was lying down on his other arm. A long time passed before she started kissing him and eventually straddled him.

"Lexie we have to stop." He said looking up at her, both breathing hard. She groaned and slumped down on his chest, laughing he rolled and turned them around.

"It's been too long." She pouted.

"You just need to wait two more days, we'll be home on Sunday." He smiled.

"I've waited for three weeks and you've only had to wait two! Guys are so lucky; if there was a God I'd say it was a man. Why would a woman make periods necessary?"

"You know you could have taken care of yourself." He smirked at her.

"It's not the same." She sighed and his mouth fell open at her admittance. "I could remember everything; your touch, your smell, the look in your eyes but I prefer the real thing."

"Really?" He asked huskily.

She nodded staring at his eyes and he could see how much she wanted him, he leaned down and softly kissed her lips. He was doing everything he could to control himself, knowing he couldn't have her no matter how much he wanted to get lost in her. When she demanded entrance to his mouth he complied, when her hands began to explore his body he followed suit and touched hers but when her hands tried unbuttoning his pants he broke away and pinned her hands above her head.

"To more days," he said huskily as his hard erection pressed into her.

"You gave me enough to go on; I think I can finish on my own." She smirked up at him. "But we have to leave now before I-"

His lips came crashing down on hers and he roughly moved his lips against hers, dominating her. She arched her back to press her body up against his and he moved her hands to one wrist. His left hand began to explore her body and made its way under her shirt before he unbuttoned her shorts. She started breathing harder as his hand slid down her shorts and he moaned when he felt that she was completely bare.

"This is a nice surprise," he breathed as he kissed his way down to her neck.

"I had a spa day two days ago and it's all the rave because of the bikinis. Do you like it?" She asked lifting her hips up to create some friction.

"Yes," he breathed.

He gave her a passionate kiss as his hand went further down and he chuckled at how wet she was. He gently rubbed her, spreading her arousal around as their tongues slowly danced. She was moaning into his lips as she began rocking her hips.

"Please John, you make me feel so good." She softly begged.

He let out a throaty moan as he slowly sunk two fingers into her. Slowly rocking them in and out of her, she kept her whimpers and moans low. He loved watching her, knowing he was the one that made her feel good. He began moving his hand faster and she soon sighed his name as she came. He let go of her and broke away bringing his fingers to his mouth. She grabbed his hand and slowly brought it to her mouth, all the air left his body when she slowly took his fingers in her mouth and she liked them clean.

She smiled innocently up at him, "Two more days."

Lizzie:

Charlotte tried waking her up early to go over to the De Boughs for breakfast one last time before they left. She told her that she still didn't feel good and luckily Charlotte didn't let Billy into the room. She could almost hear him from the hallway.

She was reading an email from Jane, who was already heading home. She sounded happy and said that she had a lot of fun and that Aunt Maddie took her shopping. She even seemed happy to be going home and that seemed good. She said she hadn't once thought about Charlie and she was really excited about a dress she bought. There was a light knock on the door and she reluctantly made her way to answer it. She peeped through the peephole and saw Mary standing there.

"Hey Mary, what's up?" She asked opening the door.

"Well I'm on my way to the airport. Um-I was asked to give you this." She said holding up an envelope.

"I thought you were going back with Anne." She said confused.

"I am, we are taking William." She stated.

"Oh."

"Yes. Well I hope you are feeling better." She said handing her the envelope and walked away.

"Thanks Mary!"

Mary turned and gave her a small smile before she continued walking.

Her name was written on the envelope and she knew from the handwriting it was from Darcy. A part of her didn't want to read the letter but she really did want to know what it said. She wanted to save it for the plane ride but Charlotte would see it and ask questions. If she waited until she got home, she knew she wouldn't have the time to read it right away. She carefully opened the envelope and fiddled with the folded letter in her hands. Thinking it might be bad, she decided to keep packing but it was calling to her. Looking at the time, she decided to read it quickly before Charlotte and Billy got back.

Dear Elizabeth,

I know that after what happened yesterday, you probably wish to never hear from me again. But do not worry, I did not write you to pour my heart out again. I only write to tell you of the two things which you accused me of. Wickham and your sister Jane. I do not know if you will even read this letter so I might as well tell you everything.

Mr. Wickham worked for my father; he was a good man who passed away when we were young. Wickham and I grew up together, we were inseparable as kids and my father grew to love him. He loved him like a son, even showed it more to him than to me. It wasn't until we got to high school that I started to notice that he changed; he was a year older than me and we were apart for a whole year. I didn't want my father to be upset or disappointed so I would help hide his behavior. He would skip class, started getting bad grades, and the people he began to hang around with were known drug users. Little things began disappearing here and there and he often asked me for money. One day I had enough and told him no, and he stopped. I focused all of my energy on school and work.

This summer we were both working for my father and I came home early. I saw him and followed him only to watch him walk into my father's room. I didn't think much of it at the time but the next day my father accused me of stealing from him. I told him the truth and he didn't believe me. George had already convinced him that I was the one with a drug and womanizing problem. Apparently he was already warning my father about my behavior out of concern. Even after taking a drug test he didn't believe me.

With Rich's help we set up a camera in my father's and my room, and we caught him stealing again. I black mailed him to leave my family alone and he agreed and asked me for money to get out of debt. Remembering the good times we use to have and how much he was there for me I gave him the $1,000 he asked for. He disappeared for two weeks and then he was back asking for more money. I spoke to him, knowing what he must have used the money on and he swore it would be the last time so I gave him $1,500. He left but not for good. This next part is very painful for me, for it involves my younger sister Georgiana.

You see this whole time I thought he had left us, he was actually keeping in touch with her. He had convinced her that he was in love with her and she fell in love with him. They were close as well growing up but it was always brotherly. We both saw him as an older brother so she didn't hesitate to give him money and jewelry to the point where my father had to cut her off. When she didn't have anything to give him, she was going to confess everything to me hoping to get money but he freaked out, got angry and beat her. You see she was pregnant and telling me would have surely been bad for him.

I was just happy that I got home early again that day. I could hear her screaming for help, when I opened the door I was so worried about her that I went straight to her and he took off. She is only 15 years old. I finally confessed everything to my father. Adding insult to injury, my sister refused to press charges, even after we told her that we had to pay him off in exchange for some pictures he had of her. She was heartbroken and left with more than just physical wounds. We have not heard from him since. This is where my story ends. If you do not believe me, you may ask Rich or Mary even.

In regards to Jane and Charlie, I didn't mean to hurt her though the reason may seem insufficient; I was only looking out for my friend. You see besides Rich, Charlie is my best friend and only friend. If there is anything I can do to prevent him from getting hurt, I will do whatever I can to do it.

I moved here with the Bingley's in order to get away. It was evident from the beginning that Charlie liked Jane a lot, but it wasn't until their one month anniversary date that I realized his feelings were deeper than hers. I did not doubt that Jane liked him, nor that she was genuine in her feelings. I just didn't want Charlie to get hurt again. You see he always gets into these kinds of relationships, the girl uses him and he ends up heartbroken. With the help of Caroline, who really dislikes your family, we convinced him it was for the best if he broke up with her and I asked my father for help to keep us from returning. Again I'm sorry if I hurt Jane, I thought it was the best thing to do at the time.

I wish you all the best and happiness in life. I know that you will be great at whatever you wish to do.

Fitzwilliam Darcy.

She reread the letter several times before she broke down. Again he had messed up her feelings and confused her. She felt really bad for him and stupid for believing George. Charlotte found her crying on the floor.

Tall, Handsome, Stranger

Yesterday we finally caught Alexandra Bennet, granddaughter of Thomas Burton. She was down at the beach with her Cousins Kevin (17) and Louis (16) Burton, but we're more curious to know, who's the tall, dark and handsome man she was spending all of her time with? Sources say that they couldn't keep their hands off of each other. Is this a random guy she just met down here during her two week stay? A friend of her cousins? Either way it seems as if she's off the market and by the looks of these photos it seems very serious.

There were three pictures below the article. In one John was carrying her bridal style and she had her arms around his neck as they looked at each other; the other John was sitting down with his leg stretched out, using his other to support his arm as Lexie leaned back on his chest, sitting between his legs. The last one was of them walking back to their spot with their food. He had his arm around her as she carried both plates with her.

She found herself laughing as she clipped the article, it was comical to think this was front page news worthy, yet here it was. Once she finished, she placed it in a new book she was beginning, a book about them. Her plan was to give it to him for his birthday and hoped that he would like it. She didn't know how much more she could put in it before then, but the rest was for their future memories. She smiled as she thought about the article. They couldn't keep their hands off each other, and it was true; she wasn't worried about showing her feelings about him out in the open and she hoped that she wouldn't revert back to her old self now that they were back.