Disclaimer: I do not own Pride and Prejudice, all rights belong to Jane Austen.
Ch. 35
"So how was your trip Lizzie?" Jane asked after talking in circles about her trip as she helped her unpack.
"I ran into Darcy." She said softly.
Jane stiffened at the name. "Did he say anything?" She asked slowly as if searching for the words.
"Yes, look Jane I think you should sit down." She said and waited for her to sit. "Darcy asked me out." She blurted out as she sat down.
"Tell me everything!" Jane said.
"Well it was pretty horrible to be honest. I made him feel really bad, he told me he loved me and I told him that I hated him and there was no way I'd ever go out with him."
"Really wow! That's unbelievable. Not because he likes you! It's just he always seemed so cold. Wow poor Will."
"You don't blame me for saying no do you?" Lizzie asked.
"No of course not, but I just feel bad that he liked you so much; loved even."
"Don't worry Jane he has all kinds of other feelings towards me. I'm sure that he'll get over it soon."
"What do you mean?"
"I-um he pretty much insulted me and our family and…he is the reason Charlie broke up with you."
"What? But why would he do that?" Jane asked shocked and hurt.
"Alexa and our family. I believe it has more to do with her though. You know the rumors from the party, the way she was dancing in her outfit. The article that just came out about her and that guy won't help. It's just the way she is and the way she spoke to Caroline, who's also to blame!"
"But why would he ask you out if he had a problem with me and Charlie?"
"Like I said Caroline also influenced Charlie's decision but just know that he did love you Jane. His hand was twisted by two people who were afraid we would be like Alexa or something."
"I see." She said quietly. "Did he say anything else?"
"Ugh I've been such a fool Jane, the worst part is that I was totally wrong about George." She went on to tell her about the letter and George's true character. "I was wrong to like him and hate Darcy."
"No Lizzie! Of course not, how could you have known how bad George was, if he is that bad? Then again I don't think Will would make up such a story. Especially about his own sister; it has to be true. Maybe there was some type of misunderstanding."
"Jane, will you never be able to see the bad in people? They can't both be the good guy, there can only be one and I know it's Darcy." She said defeated.
"Poor Will, poor George he seems like a really nice and friendly guy."
"I know, one has all the appearance of being good and the other one is actually good."
"What did you think when you first read the letter?"
"I was confused; it was like I never knew who I was. Everything was turned upside down; I couldn't and didn't want to believe it. I realized how vain I've been, I disliked him the moment he said I wasn't pretty enough for him. I mistook his shyness for snobbery, I listened and believed George's story. All George had to say were bad things about Darcy but when I asked him about George, he never said anything bad about him. I blamed him for breaking your heart when he was just looking out for his friend. I read the letter about a hundred times… I really missed you Jane. I wish you could have been there to talk me through everything."
Jane gave her a big hug. "I missed you too Lizzie. I still need to work on a book report, will you be ok on your own?"
"Yes, will you be ok? About Charlie?"
"Yea Will was only looking out for him. I would have wanted you to tell me if you thought Charlie didn't feel the same way about me." She said with a small smile.
She made her way to her room and went straight to the computer. Everything that Lizzie told her was going through her head and the only thing that made sense was it was all Lexie's fault. Lizzie was right about her all along, all Lexie did was bring them down with her. Now she had lost the one guy that she had ever given her heart to. Someone had to be the bad guy, not everyone can be good.
Sunday:
When she, John, and Sawyer arrived at the airport there were several photographers. She expected as much, there were some when they were leaving Florida but none at the flight exchange she was just glad that Sawyer made her and John wear baseball caps and sunglasses. She was also wearing six inch heels so she appeared taller, it helped a little but they were still recognized.
Once they got to the apartment, neither wanted to go out so they decided to celebrate their second month together by staying in and ordering pizza. They watched several movies and he showed her all the photos he had taken yesterday when they went to amusement park with Louis and Kevin.
After putting and sorting his photos on the computer, she decided to quickly read her emails. One was from Gina and the other was from Jane. Smiling, she opened Gina's first. She had really gotten to like Gina even though all they did was email each other, through her she learned that it was possible to overcome the bad things in life and see the good, still be happy, still hope.
Lexie Bee,
Hi! How are you? My Thanksgiving was great I had fun with my friend Lacy. She says hi, and says that even though you can't really see you guys, you and John are hot and make a cute couple! She found out, when I freaked over the article, I couldn't believe it was you guys and I had to find out from her about your family. LOL, you can Google your name now, but all that pops up is the statement your family released and about the unknown man in your life, along with some info about your family. I hope that you had fun at the beach, I'm sure you had more fun that John was there:)
I just wanted to let you know, unless you heard through the grapevine, about my cousin Richard? Or Fitzy as I have told you. Well in case you haven't spoken to Anne, he's going to be staying with her for the rest of the school year. He's really funny, I'm sure you're going to get along with him fine. He's a huge gamer and loves movies almost as much as you do. He's also a big tech geek. I'm always talking about you so don't be surprised if he says something. FYI: I haven't told him anything about Anne and she agreed to play with him. Let me know how it goes!
Have you spoken to Will lately? I went home before I came back to school and he was really down. He stayed with my Aunt Cathy's but he refuses to tell me what's wrong. He says he's fine but I know otherwise. If you hear something please let me know. Get him to talk to me like last time. I thought we were going to grow closer but he has completely shut himself in. Anne didn't really say anything, just to give him some time but I don't know how much time I should wait.
Well I hope you like the pictures I sent you, tell John I said hi! Oh and Lacy too, LOL! And she says hit to you too! I'll see you for Anne's birthday; I'm stuck on ideas for a gift. Any would be appreciated.
Gina
….
Dear Lexie,
I really don't know how to say this but please do not hate me. I'm sorry but I don't want to speak to you anymore. You once told me to be honest with you and that's what I'm trying to do. I know we haven't spoken for two weeks but a lot has happened, it was quite a shock to everyone to find out about your family. I felt so bad that I couldn't tell them I was speaking to you, I feel really guilty and like I'm lying to them.
Charlie broke up with me before the break and they moved back home. Lizzie ran into Will and she found out the reason was because of my 'family'. Caroline and Will also convinced him that I didn't like him and Will arranged it for them to move away.
I know the rumors from the party weren't true but Lizzie told me it was a huge factor, not to mention the way you were dancing. The paper from Saturday is only going to confirm the rumors. I never told Charlie that we were half-sisters and Lizzie thinks that because we're related that we're all like you, and after the way you treated Caroline… I really did love him and Lizzie told me that he loved me. Just know that I love you and I always will. I hope you can forgive me.
Jane
She had to reread it to make sure she didn't imagine the whole thing and her heart broke further when it was confirmed. She couldn't believe it she stayed starring at the screen and she began to breathe hard, wanting to pick up the damn computer and throw it against the wall until it smashed into pieces. She wanted to scream at the top of her lungs until she couldn't speak, she wanted to break everything but she knew better logically.
John walked in with their drinks and he saw no emotion on her face as she stared at the screen, sitting there thinking. He knew something was wrong and as he got closer, she tried controlling her breathing.
"Read it," she said standing without looking at him. She leaned on the desk, looking out the window as he sat down and quickly read the email. The next thing she knew he gently grabbed her and pulled her on top of his lap, cradling her.
"It's ok to get angry Lexie, its ok to feel hurt and it's ok to cry." She wrapped her arm around his neck and took a deep breath. "What's going on in that pretty mind of yours?" He whispered in her ear. She started breathing harder and he tightened his grip on her.
"I'm so angry! I just want to yell and break everything. I can't believe she'd buy all that bull! If he loved her, nothing would matter. He would want to be with her no matter what is wrong. He is a grown man who can make his own decisions. She told him how she felt and he doubted her then fuck him! I'm angry that Elizabeth would only help fuel her anger towards me, very convenient. I'd like to write to Will and ask him why the fuck he's blaming me and what he told Elizabeth. And I'm pissed he didn't tell me he was moving!" She huffed out.
"Tell them Lexie, let it out. Tell Jane how angry you are. If you don't forgive her, let her know. Tell Darcy he's an asshat and a shitty friend for not mentioning anything and ask him what Jane was speaking about." He said running his fingers through her hair.
"The thing is, I do forgive Jane. But I really wish I couldn't. I want to let the feelings take over at times, but I need to think rationally. Too many times have my feelings almost ruined things. So I don't know if how I feel is the right way to feel. Does that make sense?"
He smiled and kissed her on the forehead, pulling away he gave her a soft kiss. "Yes, you never know if you're feeling the right thing the situation calls for. Like when you thought I was trying to break up with you and all I wanted to do was talk."
She giggled. "How did I get so lucky to have you in my life?" She asked cupping his chin to pull him in for a kiss.
"We're both lucky." He smiled dashingly at her and she smiled giggling.
Jane,
Thank you for being honest with me, now let me return the curtesy. I forgive you however that doesn't mean I am not angry. I understand I do but I cannot believe that you would blame me for anything. If you told Charlie that you loved him and he still chose to break up with you, then fuck him! He isn't worth your time or thoughts. He is a grown man and if he chose to listen to his friend and sister then that's not my fault or problem.
In all honesty, he probably did not like you enough to look past your faults. I have no idea why you seem to be blaming only me when Rose is an annoying, vain and silly woman. James is an abusive; controlling man; only you and Elizabeth have the tight to call him father because as far as Lydia and Kitty are connected, they have no father or mother. That is why they dress, speak, and act as they do. You think I'm bad? That my dancing was so bad? You should take a look at them, they are mini Rose clones.
If he had a problem with my disorder then I doubt he would have ever dated you because he was well aware about it. As for the rumors from the Halloween, who do you think spread them? Rose and Kitty with Elizabeth's help of course. Had she only learned to keep her mouth shut or bothered to speak to me then the rumors would have most likely been avoided. One thing you fail to realize is that Will and Anne are cousins and we became friends so to set the record straight I doubt I had anything to do with it from his side. If anything blame Caroline, who I treated so poorly. I have no idea why she hates me; I only ever treated her with the same respect she gave me. Next time I see her, if ever I will be sure to show her how poorly I can treat her because she helped spread the rumors to my school.
Just so you don't question anything, John is the guy from the newspaper. We've been dating as long as you and Charlie have been. In fact you saw me kiss him at the court hearing which is why I never understood how Elizabeth jumped to her conclusions. So don't try to blame me or make me feel guilty that Charlie broke your heart. John didn't care about the Bennet's or about my disorder. He loves me and accepts my faults, even before he knew I had money he was willing to accept me knowing I was related to your embarrassing family, knowing I take pills. I've tried breaking up with him to spare him from me be he never lets me go. So I refuse to let you bring me down.
Do not worry about my feelings. I will not lament over the loss of a relationship we never had. I will honor your wishes and not speak to you again. I hope you live long and prosper.
P.S. I know you must be really upset but you can eitherSkeeter Davis-End of the World this or Regina Spektor-Rejazz it. The choice is yours, but you should choose the latter. Sure he had valid reasons not to be with anyone, but if he did love you he would have been with you no matter what, John being all the proof I need to know that.
Alexandra.
…
Mr. Darcy,
You are on my shit list for three reasons. First of all you need to speak with Gina. She told me that you seem upset and all she wants is for you to be as open with her as she has been with you. You cannot expect her to be open and honest with you if you don't return the curtesy. There are ways to speak with someone and not reveal any real information. Just speak with her, that's all she wants.
Second, I had an interesting email from Jane today. I will spare you the details but I had to find out from her that you moved? I thought we were friends. How could you leave without saying anything? Do you no longer wish to be my friend?
Thirdly I have no idea what you told Elizabeth about Jane and Charlie breaking up, but apparently I am somehow at fault? Now I know there are two sides to every story and I believe it was more on Caroline's part; I was not shy to let Jane know that she and Elizabeth are full of crap for blaming me. Well not in those exact words, but yes. I also told her that even if you did/and/or Caroline convinced Charlie to break up with her, then to forget about him. If he did love her as she loved him then he wouldn't have left in the first place. He's 18 they could have had a long distance relationship. If he really did love her, he would have seen past her faults. Of course I do not know what exactly happened. I find that the details always get twisted; I am just going on what I know not that I'm claiming to know anything.
I'm sorry for speaking to you in such a way but John told me it was best to let these feelings out, so that is what I did. If you truly do not wish to be my friend you do not need to respond to this email. But please speak to Gina. I don't know if I will see you anytime in the near future-
Live long and prosper,
Lexie B.
"I wish I could stay the night. I'm very comfortable right now." He softly smiled, speaking into the nape of her neck; one of his arms wrapped around her.
"Me too but after what everyone said about how their families reacted, Sawyer thinks it best if we didn't show up together. At least I can go over after school." She said turning to look at him.
"He could always change his mind." He yawned resting his head on the pillow.
"Yes but maybe it won't be as bad as we imagine." She stayed staring at him.
His eyes were closed and she leaned in to kiss him. He softly smiled but his eyes remained closed. She gave him another chaste kiss before she got up to use the restroom. She sent a quick text to Sawyer and Jenny letting them know John was staying the night and that he was going to go to school to her. Finding his shirt, she put it on before climbing back into bed. He was now on his back and when she leaned in to give him one last kiss, he subconsciously pulled her onto his shoulder and she fell asleep with a smile on her face.
Her scent filled the air and he knew he was in her room, in her bed. He slowly blinked his eyes open and saw that it was going to be six. He turned more and pulled her back to his chest, wrapping her in his arms. She no longer smelled like coconuts and cherries, she now smelled like red plum, freesias and him; making him smile ear to ear. She was a little more confident and they couldn't seem to get enough of each other. She seemed different; happy and he was truly happy for the first time in a long time.
He was flipping through the channels as she responded to Jane's email and wrote one to Darcy. He could tell she was still angry when she came to sit with him. He turned off the TV and pulled her onto his lap before she sat next to him.
"I'm sorry if I ruined our anniversary." She said sadly.
"You didn't I'm happy I was here to help you through this."
"Me too," she smiled brightly at him. She stared into his eyes as she slowly leaned in to kiss him. "You are the best thing to ever happen to me." Her eyes filled with unconditional love, she radiated it. "I-I'm so afraid. I can't stop worrying about school, James; something bad is going to happen." She whispered dropping her eyes.
He held her tightly, "I'm going to be here no matter what Lexie." He honestly replied.
She gave him her big bright smile and a curt nod. He lifted her chin and gave her a slow and deep kiss. It wasn't long before their breathing changed and he lifted her up and carried her to the room.
When they got to school everyone was staring at them, she didn't have a chance to meet with Anne and Hurst before school because all she wanted to do was get to class. Halfway through the day, she found it hard to breathe and the voices were getting louder. She had to take an anxiety pill, she knew it was all in her head, she was overstressed and overthinking. She was really glad John arranged to get out of class early so he could walk her to and from class. Sawyer wanted to be there and do it but she told him that she didn't want to feel more awkward than she already felt. At least some people were nicer but there were still many who whispered and spoke about her and looked at her with hostility and disdain.
At lunch, Mary and John walked with her to their table. She gave Mary a big hug and they caught up while they waited for Anne and Hurst.
"Hurry up Fitz! How is it that someone as tall as you can walk so slow?" Anne said haughtily.
Hearing her voice, Lexie jumped up and ran to Anne, scoping her up in her arms and spinning her in the air. "I missed you so much."
"I missed you too babe." Anne said lovingly as she cupped her face. Lexie gave her a big smile understanding; she glanced at the doors before she gave Anne a big kiss on the lips and caressed her face as she pulled away.
"I don't know how I survived these past two weeks without you! We have to tell your mother! I can't go on like this. It's torture knowing I can only see you at school." She said desperately, continuing to hold her.
Lexie stood and ran to hug Anne scooping her tiny body in her arms and spinning her. "I missed you so much!"
"I missed you too babe," Anne said lovingly cupping her face and Lexie understood. She looked towards the door making sure no one else saw and gave Anne a big kiss on the lips and caressed her face when she pulled away.
"Soon I'll be 18 and we can be together." Anne said and gave her a chaste kiss. "Darling this is my cousin Richard, Rich this is my really special, really good friend Alexandra." She held Lexie, looking at her full of love.
"Hi Richard, Anne has told me so much about you." Lexie smiled brightly and pecked Anne on the check.
"I-um-I'm Fitzrichard." He said dumbfounded, looking very lost.
Lexie had to turn around to hide her big smile, and she pulled Anne back with her to the table. She sat next to John who looked as lost as Richard. Anne sat next to Lexie and the next thing she knew Hurst was walking outside with a big smile on his face. As with Anne, she jumped out and ran up to him and jumped into his arms. He easily lifted her and spun her around, returning the hug with equal affection.
"I missed you so much Yelnats."
"I missed you too my Little Bee. How are you holding up?" He asked cautiously as he put her down.
"Better now that I'm with Anne." She said with a quick wink and went back to sit next to Anne, placing an arm around her shoulders.
"Fitzy if you're just going to stand there at least close your mouth!" Anne demanded and he slowly came walking up to the table, sitting between Mary and Hurst the whole time staring at Anne.
"Stanley this is my cousin Richard Fitzwilliam, Rich this is Stan Hurst. Say hello."
"Hi," he said looking at Anne. "Do Will and Gina know about this?" He waved between her and Lexie.
"What did I miss?" Hurst asked. Anne smiled and turned to Lexie, pulling her in for an opened mouth kiss, which Lexie returned.
Hurst started to frantically cough and Lexie broke out in fits of giggles. "I-I-I can't breathe! It's too much!" She started to lean back and John had to catch her, she began laughing in his arms and everyone but Rich joined in.
"I'm confused." Rich stated.
"Rich, this is my boyfriend Stanley." She placed an arm around Hurst, "My really good friend Alexandra Bennet and her boyfriend, Johnathan Drake." Anne said calming down.
"How close are you guys?" He asked, trying to gather his thoughts.
"How would you define our relationship Lexie?" Anne asked smiling.
"We are really close, like sisters who taught each other how to kiss." She stated.
Hurst had to clear his throat. "Did you know that John?!"
"No. But I always wondered how you knew to kiss. I thought I was just awesome." He smiled.
"You are very awesome," Lexie said grabbing his chin and gave him a deep kiss. He was shocked at first but returned it and when they broke away he could see how shocked Anne, Mary and Hurst were as well. She wrapped an arm around his waist and leaned into him. "Should I tell the story or would you like the honors dearest?"
"I think you should tell them."
"Ok, so on one of Rose's many rants; she told me that I didn't need nice clothes because I would never catch any guy's eye, I was probably going to end up a lesbian." She stated. John tensed and she grabbed his arm and placed it around her shoulder. "I asked Hurst what a lesbian was and after he told me I spoke to Anne about it."
"Lexie, that was in middle school!" Hurst exclaimed.
"I know so Anne suggested there was only one way to know and it would be good practice; proving that one, neither of us were lesbians and two that it was good practice."
"Did you know Mary?" Hurst asked and Mary blushed.
"Who do you think taught Mary to kiss?" Anne smiled.
All the guys looked between Mary and Lexie, making Lexie giggle. "Eww no! At the time we were cousins!" Mary's smile fell. "You'll always be my family Mary, don't forget it!" She told her sternly.
"Ok, so you two are not secret lesbians?" Rich asked trying to clear everything.
Lexie broke out laughing again and everyone joined in. "That was hi-larious! You have no idea how much I needed to laugh today." Lexie smiled. "No I am deeply in love with the man of my dreams." She looked at John and softly kissed him, cupping his face. "But I would probably turn into one for Anne." She stated matter-of-factly.
"What happened to your hands?" Rich asked, he gave a soft cry when Anne kicked him under the table.
"That is none of your business and it is rude to ask!" Anne bit out angrily.
Lexie placed a hand on her arm, calming Anne. "It's ok Anne. Long story short, I was thrown on glass."
Rich was about to say something but Anne wasn't going to let him. "Lexie," She stated. "There is something Mary and I need to speak to you about."
Anne placed her hand on the table and Lexie looked down at it. Anne was telling her it was really urgent. Lexie placed her hand on the table and began tapping her finger, asking if it was bad. Hurst saw they were using their secret code and asked Rich how he liked the school so far.
Anne told her it was pretty bad and she turned to John and whispered in his ear and he gave her a curt nod. "Ok how about the four of you come over after school. The guys can get to know one another and we may catch up?"
They all agreed.
"I can't wait to tell Gina! That was so funny." Lexie said sitting down on the couch.
"I told you guys like that kind of thing." Mary giggled.
"Do you think they got upset?" Anne asked curiously, all of them broke out laughing.
"Ok so what happened?" Lexie asked cutting to the chase.
"Well during the last week of break we had several guests. Rich and Will were there and Billy Collins, Charlotte and… Elizabeth." Anne said looking at Lexie.
"That explains a lot." She stated. "Charlie broke up with Jane and they all moved away. Elizabeth found out that Darcy broke them up and he blamed me. I am sure Elizabeth emphasized that it was my fault." She said sadly.
"That bitch!" Anne stood up and paced.
"There must be more to your story." Lexie said looking down.
"Yes well now you know Will moved. I suppose we all know why, it was obvious that he liked Elizabeth and he took her back to the hotel the last time we saw her. That was the last time we saw him too, he wasn't at dinner and the next morning he looked as if he hadn't slept. He really looked horrible and refused to speak to us, he asked Mary to drop off a letter to her before we took him to the airport."
"Gina said he was upset as well. I wrote him an email and told him how upset I was." She said quietly.
"That's good Lexie it's not good to hold in those feelings." Mary told her, grabbing her hand.
"That's what John said, now I feel bad. Should I apologize or tell him you have spoken to me?"
"Did he write you back?" Anne asked.
"No," Lexie stated sadly, checking her phone. "Nor am I going to waste my time worrying about it. I have you guys, Hurst, my family, and most importantly John."
"So Rich what do you think of our quiet little mountain town?" John asked as they walked into the game room.
"It is different from the city." He said. "So what is Anne really like?" He asked Hurst.
"She's something," he chuckled. "She is a very talented artist, very caring and loving… *She's like a bald eagle; beautiful, bold, majestic, but mess with one of her chicks and she'll use her talons to rip your fucking eyes out." He fondly smiled.
"She is proud but rightfully so. Lexie and she are two peas in a pod." John said.
"Or something," Rich mumbled, causing both guys to chuckle.
"They have been best friends since third grade, they're like sisters."
"Holy shit! I just realized that she's related to Elizabeth!"
"No." They both stated sternly together making Rich confused.
"They are half-sisters. They are not close. We are Lexie's family; John, Anne, Mary and I."
On Wednesday she was called out of class to report to the office. Edward and Sawyer were both waiting for her with bad news. Somehow James got a hold of Edward and threatened to release some photos he had of Ashley, which Sawyer believed weren't bad. James also threatened to release the letter she sent him referring to her suicide but Lexie told him that she had that in her possession.
Edward left to speak with his lawyer and Sawyer took her back to the apartment. Once they got there, the front desk informed them that her 'parents' were here. Rose and James came with a copy of her birth certificate and demanded to see their daughter. Wanting to avoid any problems, they allowed them upstirs. Sawyer began yelling and demanding things, and she took the opportunity to sneak off and see what they wanted. She had a bad feeling about this but her curiosity got the better of her.
Her heart was pounding loudly in her ears as she opened the door. The walk down the hallway seemed like an eternity.
"Oh! There is my sweet baby girl! Oh how I missed you!" Rose shrieked as she entered the living room. She came up to try and hug her but Lexie moved aside.
"Why are you here?" She asked indifferently.
"Lexie dear, we came to take you home. You must be so lonely being here on your own we miss you so much." Rose said sweetly.
"I am home and I wish for both of you to leave." She said calmly.
"Alexa you are going to come home with us now." James barked.
"You forget James that I am emancipated, you no longer have any power over me and cannot force me to do anything anymore."
A dark look came into his eyes and he took a step towards her. Rose placed a hand on his shoulder to stop him.
"Just cut the crap. What do you want? Just so you know, I know you are blackmailing my family."
"You will not speak to me like that!" He hissed.
"I will have someone escort you out. Be aware that this is the last time you will ever be allowed in here or near me!"
"Fine Alexa, we want what you owe us." Rose said sitting down on the couch.
"What I owe you? I owe you nothing!" She said in disbelief.
"We fed, clothed and raised you for 17 years, not to mention that your whore mother ruined my family and demanded money from us she clearly did not need! Plus your stupid horse that we fed and took care of. You are a mistake! A mistake that we had to deal with!" She huffed out.
"Don't take offense when I say you did a crap job of being parents. Except for you James, I doubt I would be where I am if you had not pushed me to play and study so much. However that does not make you a good father." She said nonchalantly.
"Well we are not leaving until you give us something! I gave Ashley over $3,000." James threatened taking another step further.
"Well you are not getting anything from me or my family! You deserve nothing!" She said and he took another step forward, angry. "I am not afraid of you anymore, I hate you and your embarrassing family with every fiber of my being!"
"You are the only embarrassment Alexa! And you will learn not to speak to me in such a manor! You must have forgotten not to disobey me! I AM YOUR FATHER! YOU ARE MINE!" He seethed coming closer to her.
She saw him lift his hand from the corner of her eye but she didn't move or flinch. She kept starring at him, knowing he would hate it.
"JAMES!" Rose shrieked standing up.
Sawyer and two men came running in stopping him; Sawyer with a gun she didn't know he had.
"If you do not leave I shall call the police for trespassing." Sawyer calmly stated.
"You have until the end of today; if you do not comply I will make sure everyone knows all about you." James told her pulling his arm away from one of the men who had come up to him.
"Do not make him angry Alexa." Rose warned as she walked out.
"What the hell were you thinking coming up here alone?!" Sawyer shouted coming up to her as everyone left. She launched towards him and tightly hugged him. His arms wrapped around her instantly and she broke down. "Look I'm sorry, I shouldn't have yelled at you like that. It frightened me when I turned around and I realized you were gone." He said softly caressing her hair as he led her to the couch.
"Please check the cameras to make sure they didn't take anything." She said trying to compose herself.
"I only wish it got audio as well but I um disconnected it." He admitted, blushing a deep red, turning away embarrassed.
She lightly blushed and giggled. "You could have said something. I would have put music on, but I recorded the conversation?" She said unsure.
"What?"
"Well I believe it was the whole thing. I thought either they were going to try and win my affection or it would go bad. Last time I was alone with him it went bad so I was thinking on my way up; my plan was to provoke him into something and then the Bur-my family wouldn't have to pay them. I was going to solve my own problem. They shouldn't have to deal with them because of me. Then I was worried he would try to say I hurt myself again, and everyone who knows the rumors would believe him again, even with a video." She said sadly.
"What if he hurt you?" He said holding onto her.
"What would be one more time?" She tried to say nonchalantly but her voice cracked.
"You know she wouldn't have been able to stop him." He said thinking about her shrieking voice.
"She never did." She said sadly and sniffled. "Now do you want to hear what I did manage to get?"
The next morning they sold their side of the story to the best seller.
The Burton Heiress Revealed!
A source close to Alexandra Bennet has finally come forward. According to the source, Alexandra suffers from severe depression, anxiety attacks and has a mental disorder known as Anxious Personality Disorder (APD) and is known to have a history of self-infliction. Seven weeks ago Alexandra hurt herself, resulting in hideous scars on her legs and hands. Rose and James Bennet, her adoptive family, finally had enough of her behavior. Worrying about their other children, they decided it was best to kick her out. (In case many of you did not know, Ashley Burton took her own life and the Bennet's feared that Alexandra was heading down the same road, but they couldn't take it anymore.)
The young man she was seen with over the Thanksgiving break in Florida is no other than Lambotons own Johnathan Daniel Ian Drake (17). Johnathan is being raised by his grandparents, Carl Johnathan Robert Drake and Helen Emilia Drake, after his parents, Nicholas Carl Drake and Francine Sophia Drake, passed away 9 years ago in a horrible car crash. Both Johnathan and Alexandra attend Silver Magnet High and are both at the top of their class. According to the source, the couple is not an official item but they have been seeing each other for a while. Currently Alexandra is staying with an unknown man.
The Burton's refused to comment yesterday when we caught Edward Burton, Alexandra's uncle, downtown. We tried reaching the Drake's for a comment but they also refused to release a statement at the time. Below: Ashley Burton and an unknown man (left), Alexandra Bennet (center), Ashley Burton (right).
The picture of Ashley and James looked innocent enough, James couldn't really be seen but she knew; they were kissing and it looked like they were in love. The picture of her was from last year, she looked nothing like her old self. In the picture her hair was braided to one side, she sat perfectly straight and she wasn't smiling, she looked bored. Now she had bangs, wore eyeliner and lip gloss, had new clothes and she smiled and laughed more. She also believed she lost weight. The other picture of Ashley, she hated. She hated that the old her looked so much like her. The picture also had a black bar across her chest but her bra straps could be seen. She was smiling at the camera seductively.
She couldn't believe it, it was all there and worst Johnathan was in the article. That old familiar feeling was taking over. She numbly walked back into her room and walked over to the window, she could see a large crowd of people gathering in front of the building. She slumped into the recliner and numbly looked out the window. There was a heavy feeling in her chest and she felt sick. She got up and walked up to the radio. She turned it on and searched for her 'Down' playlist on her mp3 and How To Disappear Completely-Radiohead came on. She didn't even bother kicking off her shoes before she lied down on the bed and just listened to the music.
She was trying to fight her feelings, she needed John, she needed to be in her arms, she needed for him to tell her it would be ok but she didn't want to ask him. She was tired of being weak which is why she wouldn't take her pill. No doubt reporters were also at his house, attacking him and his family all because of her. She felt numb and empty, depressed, when would she ever stop hurting him?
Sawyer saw the empty look in her eyes as she slowly lowered the paper. He was surprised she didn't start crying but he remembered what John said. She walked to the room without saying a word and then he heard the music blare through the wall. He decided to leave her alone, it was still early and school wouldn't start for a while.
When it was time to leave he had to bang on the door but she didn't answer. He heard a contrast in music. It was coming from her backpack, knowing it was her phone he searched for it. He knew it was wrong to spy but he was her body guard. John's name and picture were displayed on the screen and he quickly decided to answer it.
He told John that she was in her room and it didn't appear that she would be coming out. John asked if there was a way to get into the building without being detected.
When John came downstairs he could hear his grandmother speaking to all of the maids and butlers. Once she saw him, her face turned sad and she gave him an apologetic look. Without saying anything she walked up to him and handed him the paper. He was angry when he finished reading the article; he knew the Bennet's were responsible. He really wished he had gone over yesterday, she called him to tell him what happened and he could tell she was trying not to cry, but she assured him she would see him tomorrow.
"John, I have spoken to your grandfather and he does not want you or the children to go to school until things die down, or we figure something out. There are also photographers at the gate and we had to disconnect the phone because it keeps ringing." She said annoyed, but he knew it was at the situation and that she didn't blame Lexie.
"I have to go see Lexie." He stated.
"John, it would be best if you stayed here." She warned.
"I will be 18 in a couple of days and I will make my own decisions." He stated and turned to walk back upstairs.
"Fine but let one of the butlers take you, hide in the back." She said smiling.
"I'll hide in the trunk if I have to." He said without turning around.
He arrived through the back entrance, where the employees entered and when he entered the hallway he could hear the music. He walked into the living room and saw Sawyer starring at her door. They gave each other a small smile before he went up to the door and banged on it but there was no answer.
"Don't you have a spare key to her room?" John asked.
"The manager is sending one up, I've been waiting but he's dealing with the paparazzi." Sawyer said annoyed.
"Where are the breakers located?" John asked.
"In the kitchen," he stated and went to go turn them off.
Once the music died, he knocked again. "Lexie! It's John. Please open the door!"
"JOHN!?" He heard muffled through the door.
"Yes, please open the door darling."
He heard the door unlock and it slowly opened. She slowly looked up at him and he could see the tears in her eyes. He held out his arms for her and she collapsed in his arms, crying uncontrollably. He lifted her up and carried her to the bed, he held her as cried.
"I'm sorry. Your family must hate me." She said quietly.
"No they don't. But I did have to sneak out."
"I'll speak to my uncle. He can use my money to pay for guards for all of you."
"Last I heard our grandfathers were trying to figure something out."
She nodded. "How do you feel?" She asked.
"I am angry, but not at you. Know that no one blames you." He kissed her forehead.
"How can you not blame me John?! I know that none of you blame me and I do not understand why! If I had just gone with them; if I had just given them money! My demon is telling me it's all my fault. I hate myself, I hate that they dragged you down and your family, and I hate the Bennet's I wish for nothing more than to make them feel as they have made me feel. I will find a way to make them pay." She said darkly.
"Lexie you know better than to think that way. That is not you at all, you did the right thing, I would have broken up with you had you gone with them. If you had given them money they would have only asked for more and more. You would never be rid of them. Do not worry about making them pay. Karma is a bitch."
She leaned up and gave him a soft kiss, inhaling his scent. "I love you."
"I love you too." He smiled at her.
She laid her head back down on him and they lied there for a while before his phone started going off.
"Hurst?" She asked when he started replying.
"Yes…" he said awkwardly.
"And people from school." She said knowingly.
"Yes," he sighed. He could feel her tense before she started to slowly pull away. He put his phone down and wrapped her back tightly in his arms. He repositioned himself so he could lie in her arms. "I don't talk to anyone about you Lexie. Not even with Hurst, you're mine and mind alone. I don't want to share any part of you."
"You could. I mean I speak with Anne, Mary and Gina. Except for sex, I don't want them to know about you; well what they haven't heard. Plus I don't want to hear about Anne and Hurst. I mostly tell them about our dates or how happy you make me. Is that ok? I thought it was what girls were supposed to do."
"I'm happy that you talk about me. It makes me feel important." He smiled.
"You are very important to me. You're all I think of." She said and giggled.
"We are so cheesy." He chuckled and they both started to laugh.
There was a knock on her door and John got up to answer it. It was Edward, John led her into the living room but when she saw her uncle she ran up to him and gave him a tight hug.
He smiled sadly as he embraced her. "We are doing all we can to make sure John and his family are protected." She nodded and softly broke away to sit with John. "I have spoken with your grandfather and he thinks it would be best if you released your own statement." He said hesitantly and she sat up straighter.
"What will that accomplish?" She asked softly.
"It might not accomplish anything at all but the press might back off. The only reason they are obsessed is because they know nothing about you."
"I. Don't. Know." She exhaled. "What do you think John?" She turned to look at him.
"The choice is yours, but I could see how it might help in your favor." He smiled.
Lexie was anxiously waiting in the waiting room with Sawyer. It was a very trying week and Dr. Stone was able to see her short notice after the emails and calls did nothing.
"Dr. Stone!" Lexie ran up to her and gave her a tight hug.
"Lexie! How are you holding up?" She asked petting her.
"Horribly, I have taken an anxiety pill at least every day this past week. I do not know if it is my nerves or my mind getting the best of me. I refused to go to school yesterday and today. The press is following me. My paranoia is getting the best of me and they want me to release a statement."
"Are you going to?" She asked leading her to the couch.
"I don't know if I should even bother, I hate that people care so much, I am nobody isn't there more important things going on in this world?"
"It's the same with celebrities. Just because they are famous people wish to know about them, when all some of them want to do is act. I think that you should release a statement. The less mysterious you are and the more normal you seem, the less interested they will be."
"Normal? I am not normal."
"You are a 17 year old girl, you have friends, a boyfriend, and a family from what you have told me who loves and cares for you. You love music, movies, and to be with your friends. That is all normal. Yes, you take medication there are a number of people who do; the only difference is that you happen to be wealthy."
"That makes a lot of sense."
The Real Alexandra Bennet.
I sat down with Alexandra Bennet yesterday and asked the questions we have all been dying to know. My first impression of Alexandra, who asked that I call her Alexa, was that she is a very lovely young girl who seems to glow with happiness making me question the article from Wednesday.
When I asked Alexa to tell me about herself she said, "I am sure how I describe myself and how others would describe me differ greatly. I would say that I am a … ok I might need some help." Her boyfriend Johnathan Drake, who is as handsome as he appears, had this to say. "Alexa is a beautiful, unique, smart and talented girl." Alexa said, "I love to play the violin, I love music and movies. I love to ride my horse Aries and I like to be with my friends."
Alexa is at the top of her class at Silver Magnet High and maintains a perfect 4.0 average. She takes AP classes in the G.T. level and plays both the violin and piano. "I work hard for all that I have achieved, I practice and study for hours at a time. When I was in the third grade I was offered a scholarship to Silver M." When asked about her disorder she stated. "Yes, I do have an APD. My doctor says it developed from childhood. I do suffer from anxiety attacks, but I am no longer depressed, nor did I ever hurt myself. Well I used to subconsciously scratch myself but now that I am no longer taking my medication I have realized it and stopped." College: "I am still undecided as to which college to attend, as for my career I would like to continue to play the violin, but I love math and fancy the idea of becoming an accountant."
When asked about the mysterious man she was staying with: "Sawyer is an old friend of my mother's and a close friend of the Burton's. He is a father figure to me. In the last two months I have known him he has become my friend." The question on everyone's mind: "Are you and Johnathan dating? If so how long have you been together? It seems like you've been a couple for years." (Referring to the photos from Thanksgiving) She giggled and looked at him, placing a hand over his. "We have been dating for two months and a week. It is a funny story. I was on my way back home to surprise him and while I was waiting at the airport for Sawyer to buy the tickets, I thought I saw him. Well it wasn't him, but he was there and he snuck up on me. He came to surprise me! We couldn't wait two whole days to see each other."
The Bennet's: "I am the product of an affair, my mother slept with a man she knew was married but fell in love with him regardless of that fact. My biological father James Bennet raised me, along with his wife and four other children." When asked how she felt about being a product of an affair; "Feelings often drive and push you to do things you normally would not do. You cannot control how you feel no matter how much you try. I am not ashamed; I know my mother believed herself to be in love." On abandonment from her mother; "I have been alone all my life, I cannot change the past, so it is irrelevant." On her mother's death: "I am no one to judge her decision, I am only sad that I did not get to know her." On being kicked out; "I am emancipated for a reason. I was not kicked out, nor would I ever agree to return to that house." "I was not loved as a child, I was punished for things beyond my control, I learned to cope and survive." "In losing one 'family' I gained one who loves me and has welcomed me with open arms."
I asked how much money she has to her name and how she plans to spend it but that was one question she didn't answer completely. "I have an allowance of $800 a month. I use that to buy food, necessities, go out, and spend time with my friends. I never get to use more than half of it though. I do not need anything nor do I want much. Sawyer drives me everywhere, my grandmother and aunt bought my clothing, my uncle and grandfather use my money to pay for my housing and the housing for my horse." "I do not want to have control over a big amount of money. I would like to give some to charities, but I would be sure it actually is used for the cause."
"I am no one special, I am just a regular girl trying to learn to deal with my emotions, trying to finish school, go to college, get a career, get married and have children. I hope to grow old and have a big family. Yes I have money, yes I have a disorder, but those things do not define who I am. I am still trying to discover that myself." I had on last question for the couple, if they were going to tie the knot. Alexa laughed, "Although we have been in the same classes since primary school, we recently became friends this year. We are both still young, very young. I do not know what the future holds, but I would not mind being married to a great man like John." John: "I agree, I don't know what the future holds, but I wouldn't mind being married to her."
In my conclusion, Alexandra is everything John told me, a beautiful, unique, smart and talented girl. Alexa finished the interview with this sentence. "Thank you for taking the time to meet with me and get my story. I know there is actual news out there to report. I know that you will write what your perspective of me was and I know that there will be people who will believe the other article, but thank you!" Alexandra Bennet and Johnathan Drake (below)
John was dressed in a grey button up shirt, smiling brightly with an arm around her shoulder. Lexie was wearing six inch heels, lifting her just below his nose. She had a purple long sleeve shirt. The real surprise was that she looked completely different, her hair was cut short below her chin and it was parted to one side and the stylist had given her loose curls. She had a big bright smile on her face, matching John's. Her arm was wrapped around his waist and they were both glowing.