Disclaimer: I do not own any rights to P&P, all rights belong to Jane Austen.
Ch. 44
As Lizzie drove to the Darcy's she couldn't help but admire the landscape. It was more beautiful in the spring than it was in winter. She couldn't believe she was doing this that she was going to his house. She was extremely nervous knowing she could run into him but that was part of the reason she agreed to come here. She was sure Gina would have said something.
She slowly drove up the driveway taking her time and still admiring the scene. She was shown into the living room by a maid and was told that Gina would be here shortly. She anxiously waited, looking around the room as she sat on the edge of the couch.
"Hello Lizzie! Thank you so much for coming! I'm glad you could make it." Gina beamed walking in.
"Hey Gina thank you for having me," she smiled.
"I hope you don't mind I have other guests, we're all in the sunroom."
"Sunroom?"
"It's really nice this time of day. The sun is in the perfect place so it allows plenty of sun into the room but it's not scorching hot."
She just nodded, feeling embarrassed. "So who else is here?" She pressed hoping Will was also here.
"The Burton's," Lizzie tensed. "Relax Lexie knows you're here this time. I know she can be… intimidating, but you just have to get to know her. She's a really great person. The reason I came to personally get you was because I would like you to speak to William for me. You see Louis asked me out and I said yes but I am worried about my brother's reaction."
"I'm not sure if I'm the right person to do that. I think it would be better if you spoke to him about it." She admitted softly.
"But he'll listen to you!" Gina pressed.
"I can't promise anything. I mean I haven't seen him in over two months."
"I know, Lexie told me about Catherine. All I'm asking is that you try. I would have asked Lexie to do it but he would say she is biased because she has John and it's her brother."
"Ok, I'll try."
"Thank you!" She pulled her in for a tight hug. "I'm waiting to tell everyone until he knows."
"But Lexie knows?"
"Of course she and Louis are really close. Well Kevin and she are also close, but it's different. It's different for everyone I guess. Well you'll see what I mean." She giggled. "Sorry, I don't mean to ramble." She giggled again and pulled them along the hallway.
They entered a room with huge windows looking into a beautiful garden. Lexie and Louis were sitting in a couch facing two chairs with a coffee table between them and there was another couch facing the seats and other couch. Looking around she noticed Will wasn't here but kept her smile, she half expected it.
Lexie and Louis stood as they walked in; Lexie was wearing tight skinny jeans with a loose grey long sleeved halter top. Her shoulders were exposed because of the short hair and the only thing keeping her top on was two tiny strings that went around her neck and crossed her back. It was weird to see her in pink even if it was just her shoes which were Born Twyla Scalloped Ballet Flats. John's letterman was folded over the arm of the couch.
"Hello Elizabeth," Lexie curtsied. "You remember my brother Louis."
"Hello Elizabeth, it is nice to see you again." He smiled and slightly bowed.
"Hi it's nice to see you guys again too." She smiled.
"Please sit, tea?" Gina walked her to a couch.
She was going to say no but noticed that Lexie was staring at her, catching her eyes Lexie looked down at the table. Looking down she saw that there were five cups and remembered Kevin and Will. "Yes." She looked up to smile at Lexie, to show her she got the message but Lexie was looking at Louis as he spoke.
"Would you like sugar or honey?" Gina asked her.
"Sugar please."
Two male voices were heard from the other side of the door making her sit up straighter. The doors opened and Kevin and Will walked in.
"Our parties now complete!" Gina beamed.
"Hello Elizabeth," Kevin bowed.
"Elizabeth hello." Will stuttered.
"Hi Kevin. Hi Will." She smiled at both of them.
Will made his way up to her and shook her hand. "How have you been? How is your family?" He asked casting a glance towards Lexie making her look as well. Lexie took a deep calming breath and began speaking to Kevin ignoring them. He led her to the couch and he sat down next to her.
"They've been good." She smiled at Gina accepting a cup and plate.
"So you live in Colorado?" Will asked not knowing how to speak to her.
"Yes, we live in the city. Next to Jefferson Academy," She said causally, he snapped his head at her.
"Oh that's where Will goes to school!" Gina beamed and Lizzie turned to noticed she was sitting where Lexie had been. She looked across from her where Lexie and Kevin were speaking softly to each other. She needed to take a calming breath; Is it that horrible to see me Alexa?
"Really? I haven't seen you there. I thought you went to a boarding school like Gina." She turned back to Will.
"Yes, I go there. I've been spending my lunch time in the library studying." He slightly smiled as she nodded smiling back.
"So Lizzie, how long have you been living in here?" Gina asked.
"For two months, it's really lovely here. I like the weather." She said looking outside.
"Oh, yes it is nice. Sometimes I wish I were home schooled. I'd get to wake up whenever I'd like." She giggled.
"It's not all it's cracked up to be." Louis piped in.
"Don't listen to him," Kevin added. "We only go to class for three hours and then we can do whatever we like."
"Yes and we need to wait for our friends to get out of school."
"Yes, poor us," Kevin laughed and Lexie giggled.
"Let's all agree to disagree right now and call it a tie." Lexie smiled. "All of us go to different types of schools and I'm sure all of us have our likes and dislikes."
"I agree." Gina giggled.
"So what's it like to go to a public school?" Louis asked Lizzie and Will.
"Gina I'm really bored. How about we do something?" Lexie almost whined after they'd finished their tea.
Lizzie tensed at how rude Alexa was but Gina just giggled.
"I wonder why." She teased.
"I'm just getting really wound up being in here. I cannot be held accountable for my actions." Lexie smiled.
"Do you guys want to come outside with us?" Gina asked her and Will.
Though nobody but Gina was looking, both Will and she tensed and she couldn't bring herself to look at him. On one hand if they were left alone they could finally speak but on the other hand she was afraid of what he would say to her. He'd been nice and pleasant so far, attentive but she couldn't get the way he looked at Lexie out of her head. He's just being nice, nothing else.
Lexie anxiously stood up. "Do you guys want to stay in here alone, while we have our fun?"
Will turned to look at her, "What would we do outside?" he smiled.
"Anything is possible through imagination." *She brought her hands up together and arched them apart, smiling hugely. Everyone but Lizzie and Will laughed and she shrugged turning around to grab the jacket.
Lizzie felt like her eyeballs were going to pop out of her head, Lexie's shirt was backless and it almost looked like she wasn't wearing a bra. However there were several straps across her back hugging her body and didn't look like it was attached to the shirt. She couldn't believe Lexie was wearing something so scandalous but then she remembered her costume. She could tell that Will was also looking, longer than she would have liked and she turned away angry.
Kevin quickly stood to help her with the jacket. "All we have to do now is sing the Imagination Song." She giggled. *"I-ma-gi-naaatiooon, Imagi-naaatiooon, I-ma-gi-naaatiooon. Imagination! Imaganatioon." She sang in a baritone voice.
*"Are you going to take us somewhere or not!" Louis yelled, again everyone but Lizzie and Will laughed.
"South Park?" Lexie looked at Lizzie and Will back and forth and both of them were still dumbfounded. Will because he had never seen the show and Lizzie because she had never seen Lexie behave so strange.
"Ok Cedrick is back," Lexie said. "So here is the list, we will meet back here in…what do you think G?" Lexie looked up at her.
"I think forty minutes."
"I think we should make it less," Will said not being happy that Gina was partnered with Louis.
"Well the property is big and there are twenty items." Lexie amended.
"Shouldn't you have told Cedrick to go out a certain perimeter?" Will asked as an afterthought.
"Yes, I've done this with Nicky and Nate. But I thought since we are all adults here, we could handle a larger arena. I let him decide the distance of things and set up flags not pass. Remember you can't split up. Keep track of the time if you're late you're disqualified. There is a piece of paper with each item. So collect the paper and leave the item. If you get lost use your cell phone and call Cedrick, his number is on the list." Lexie gave each group a piece of paper. "Oh yes so forty minutes," she giggled. "Oh the flags are neon orange."
They each entered the forest in different points. Lexie was partnered with Kevin, and Will was set up with Lizzie all by the genius mastermind of Gina. She really wished she could have told Will but she knew he was still upset about Lizzie. The truth was she knew he would be upset and want to shelter her; he still didn't forgive himself about Wickham. He even stopped speaking to Fitz who was hurting because of that and because of Lexie, but at least he was trying to move on.
Thinking about Lexie's reaction to the news made her slightly cringe as she and Louis walked hand in hand, neither saying anything. It was almost like she could still feel the pain in her ear, she knew Lexie could yell loud but wow. She giggled out loud.
"What are you thinking about?" Louis asked.
"Lexie's reaction." She smiled and giggled when Louis shook his head smiling.
"I'm happy to see her so happy," Louis said. "Who knew she could yell so loud." He chuckled. "I feel sorry for John." They both giggled.
"I hope you don't think she was happier than me?" Gina teased.
"No, I liked your reaction better." He stopped walking and turned to look at her before he softly leaned in and kissed her. He had a big smile pulling away and she knew she was blushing like a tomato.
Will hadn't said anything and neither had she, she was too busy looking at the list as if it held the secret to life. She wasn't exactly sure how they ended up together but she was glad. She was sure that Lexie and Will were going to be together when she suggested they split into teams of two but Gina picked Louis and Lexie picked Kevin, leaving them.
"Can I see the list?" Will asked startling her making her trip over a rock and he caught her even though she wasn't actually going to fall.
"Sorry you should watch out for…rocks." She stood straight and handed him the list.
"Yes, rocks can be quite dangerous." He teased and she smiled as she blushed.
"I-"
"Ho-"
They both giggled.
"You go ahead." They said at the same time.
"How"
"I ju-"
"Ladies first." Will bowed his head.
"I just wanted to say thank you for what you did for Kitty. I've wanted nothing more than to find you and thank you so much. Not just for me but my family. I don't know how I could ever repay you." He looked upset. "Kitty let it slip that you were involved and I asked my aunt. Please don't be mad at them." She said softly starring in his eyes.
His face remained stoic as he thought for a moment. "Please if you're going to thank me, let it be for you. Your family does not owe me anything. I was only thinking about you and your happiness. I felt somehow responsible." He looked down at her and gently picked up her hand and held it in his. "Please you are too kind to mess with me. My feelings and wishes are still the same, but if yours haven't changed tell me. One word from you and I'll never speak about this again." He said bravely.
She smiled brilliantly at him and pulled him in for a kiss. Panic set in when he didn't respond and she quickly broke away, "I'm sorry I thoug-"
His lips came crashing down on hers before she got to answer. She had kissed boys before, but it was never anything like this. His lips were soft and tender and made her knees weak. His strong arms wrapped around her to help support her and her hands wrapped around his head.
He softly broke the kiss and held her against his body. "Is this real?" He asked above a whisper.
"I hope so." She smiled up at him.
He laughed and kissed her again. "I love you Elizabeth." He said into her hair.
"I love you too Will." He pulled away.
"Really? You are not just saying that because of Kitty?"
"No, I knew it before then. I thought that you didn't feel the same… after what happened with her."
"You have my heart Lizzie." He said looking into her eyes.
She pulled him in for a long and loving kiss. She was a bit hurt that he would question her feelings but she understood why.
"Ok Lex, please tell me when can spread apart or something. We will only win if we cover more ground."
"What makes you think we have any competition?" She giggled.
"Well Gina and Louis might try to find some things to throw suspicion off of them. We are all assuming that Elizabeth and Will are going to hit it off right away. It might be awkward at first for them but they might find several things."
"True, true. Sure we can split up but if we get caught we're going to lose."
"How about we keep within speaking distance?"
She walked further away, "Suurrre. Shouldn't we be the adults and have kept Louis and Gina apart? I mean Anne is always keeping an eye on me and John."
"Don't you find it annoying?"
"Well no, she does it out of love. If she did it to be a cock block then I'd be furious."
"Lexie!" He laughed, "What?!"
"I mean… isn't that what it's called? What I mean is that the proper thing to do would be to wait until marriage to have sex. So that is where she is coming from. But she knows the decision is mine to make and she supports it. I think she just likes to treat me like a kid. Now where Hurst is concerned I am very positive, like 99.09 % that he encourages Anne. What do you think about me and John?"
"You're right it's up to you. I do it and I can't tell you not to do it. Plus I'm still getting to know you." He teased.
"Good, as long as you don't judge me." She giggled, "Yes, had we known each other longer this conversation would be really awkward. One thing I could never talk to Hurst about is my sex life. Well I don't tell anyone anything; they just know I have sex. But never Hurst it is a don't ask, don't tell kind of deal."
"That's cool." Kevin said. "So, how would you feel if I wanted to smoke weed right now?" Kevin smirked at her.
"You know the smoking can ruin your lungs and all that other bull right?" She asked and he nodded. "Feel free, can I take a hit?" He faltered in his step. "What? I'm not a complete square." She giggled. "I tried it once with Hurst. Ok well several times." She laughed.
"Wow, I guess I don't know you. Does John do it too?"
"It did influence a lot of music, artists, and writers. He dabbles a bit in it. He doesn't do it around me because he doesn't want to give me any. Which is ridiculous! I have a 'Fuck you' attitude towards this. I love him to death but he is not the boss of me. He does it, why can't I?" She said returning next to him.
"Not everyone thinks the same as you. I don't want anyone to think I persuaded you."
"I do not believe in peer pressure. Sure I believe it exists as a reason for people to make up excuses, but fuck people! You didn't hold a gun to my head; I make my own decisions, plus I'm the one who asked you. What I mean to say is I won't throw you under the bus. This was my decision and I will own up to it." She giggled. "Now pass the dutchie to the left my friend." She laughed.
"What if we run into one of them?" He asked looking around.
"Paranoid already; must be good stuff." She giggled. "I'll give them the same little speech I just gave you. I hate how it has a stigma on it because it's illegal. Well it's not illegal here. We're just under age." She took a hit and passed it back to Kevin. *"They just keep holding me, won't let go, holding me, won't let go. I need a hammer, a hammer, a hammer, a hammer to hammer them down." She sang. "It doesn't make me a bad person nor does it make you a bad person. It just makes us feel good."
"I guess." He said nonchalantly, letting the drug take effect. "Did you hear that?"
She just laughed. "No relax Bro," she giggled. "It's cool, no worries, just chillax." She laughed and took the joint away from him and took another big hit. Her cell phone rang and she exhaled quickly. "Do you mind if I accept? It's John."
"Um, I don't know. Sure." He said not caring, "Keep looking." He took another hit.
"Hey!" She answered happily. "I miss you!" She giggled.
"I miss you too. What are you doing?" He chuckled.
"Smoking, we're still at Gina's. Right now I'm partnered with my partner in crime Kevin and we're doing a scavenger hunt. What about you?"
"Lexie!" He said angrily and took a calming breath. "Just be careful. I'm just heading home with Pa and I wanted to hear your voice. Are you ok?" He asked concerned.
"I really, really do miss you. Very much, I'm going crazy. Yes, I'm cool fool." She giggled. "I just want to dance and sing. Hey can I ask you something?"
"I'm going crazy too, just a couple more days. What's your question?"
"Should I be chaperoning?"
"Let them have fun, they're both responsible. She helped us out when you were in the hospital." She could hear the smile in his voice.
"True, true. You are right, I think my Annie senses are tingling though."
"She does always know when to interrupt." He laughed and she giggled.
"I just meant that, the responsible thing to do would be to check on them, teenage hormones and such. Hey, Kev! What would you do in the woods alone with a girl? 'Trick question, they're not alone!' What would we do in the woods alone?" She whispered into the phone.
He gave a low moan. "I could think of several possibilities."
"Sounds promising," she smiled.
"Always."
"John," she breathed.
He already knew she was blushing, all the possibilities running through her mind. "Well we were interrupted last night." He whispered cautiously glancing at his grandfather, luckily he was busy.
"I know, I thought we'd have more time."
"Tonight?" He asked hopefully.
"Tonight, I'll let you rest. I love you and I can't wait to be in your arms, and more." She added softly.
"I love you too, I can't wait either."
"You know that I love you right? You are my world, my universe, my reason to keep living? Wow that sounds so serious. I would still live though, I mean you know what I mean… right?"
"I know you do Lexie. You know I love you right?"
"Yes, I know. I really want to be with you. I don't want to wait to get married I wish we could just get married now." She giggled. "Mmhh, I miss you in more ways than one."
"Me too baby."
"Fuck, this is hard I wish I had gone with you." She pouted.
"Me too, be careful. Call me when you're through playing match maker."
"Hey! Gina is playing match maker. I'm just a pawn. Or spare tire, I like that more," she giggled.
"Mmhh. Je ne peux pas attendre d'être l'intérieur de vous.'' (I can't wait to be inside of you)
"Je ne peux pas attendre soit'' (I can't wait either)
''I love you Alexandra Burton."
"I love you too Johnathan Drake, Mon tout."
"Mon tout. I'll speak to you later."
"Muah." She kissed the air.
"Muah." He chuckled and hung up.
Lizzie and Will practically jumped apart when they heard Lexie and Kevin laughing. Turning, they saw Lexie passing something to Kevin before she softly exhaled and a huge cloud of smoke came out.
"I wish I could make those cool circles." Lexie could be heard as they got closer.
"Right! How the fuck do people do that?"
"You could probably Google it." She nodded.
He started humming, "What was that song? I can't get the girls voice out of my head!"
"RIGHT! Plus the beat is fucking sick." She agreed excitingly. "Ugly Boy by Die Antwoord, here let me play it."
*Oo, I love my ugly boy
So rough and tough
Don't care about anything but me.
Yes I just love him cause he's so crazy,
Just crazy about me. (2)
She began swaying her hips and when the rap came in she started shuffling. Lizzie coughed loudly; not liking the fact that she was putting on a show in front of her new boyfriend. Lexie yelled loudly and jumped around to see them. Lexie was so red, she thought she was going to run off but she laughed instead. Ignoring them, Lexie turned around and kept dancing and singing as Kevin frantically moved around behind her, trying to shove something deep into his pocket. Will immediately left her side and was in front of Kevin in aa couple of steps.
"What were you two doing?" He seethed.
"Looks like we're winning." She smirked and held up two long pieces of paper.
"Were you two smoking!" He accused.
"I was." His eyes widened. "Whatever it's my body I can do what I want!" Lexie said sounding like Cartman. Kevin tried not to laugh but failed miserably.
"Lexie! Gina could have seen you guys." Lizzie threw in her two cents.
Lexie turned to look at her impassively and she felt like someone threw her into a freezer as Lexie stared into her eyes. She was about to say something but Will beat her.
"I would really like it if you left now!" He spoke through clenched teeth, as he tried to control his temper.
Lexie laughed in his face. "Of course, I'm sure your father will understand. Would you like to tell him, or shall I?" Will turned his head away from her, knowing the truth of her words as she smiled triumphantly.
"Lexie!" Lizzie scolded her.
"Alexa!" She corrected.
"It's really bad for you!"
"Oh really? Which commercial did you get that from?"
"It's a fact." She said tersely and waited for Will to back her up, but he had yet to move.
"I can understand your perspective Will, but you know better than to think I would influence Gina." She placed her hand on his arm.
"I don't know you at all." He bit out pulling his arm away.
He tensed as she stared at him. Her eyes boring into his, a part of him knew he was right but Georgie could have seen her. He couldn't say anything and she sighed and pulled out her phone.
"Hey G, Kevin and I are going to head out… Will caught me smoking and he's kicking us out because I am a bad influence on you." Lexie turned her back to Will as he stared at her in disbelief. "Sure." She hung up the phone and began walking towards the house as they followed after her. Gina and louis were already waiting empty handed.
"Looks like we won." Lexie smiled at Kevin who was still in shock.
"Lexie please don't leave. You know my father is expecting you guys for lunch." Gina pleaded.
"Georgie she was smoking!" Will seethed.
"So? I smoke, does that make you think any less of me?" He glared at Lexie who replied by flipping him off. His mouth hung open as his face got redder by the second. "Fitzwilliam stop it! Lexie didn't even know, otherwise we would have already smoked."
"I think you should say good bye to them now Georgie." He said tersely.
"You didn't talk to him!" Gina yelled at Lizzie. Lizzie was shocked and was about to say something, "Louis and I are dating Will, and they aren't going anywhere. There I said it." She stuck her nose up at him.
"What! But? When?"
"Believe me I wanted to tell you but I knew you would overreact."
"We're going to give you some time alone G. We'll be inside." Lexie said signaling for everyone to follow her.
"Look Will just listen to what she has to say." Lizzie said softly giving his hand a squeeze before leaving.
"So what else don't I know about you?" He asked failing to hide his hurt.
"Please don't pretend to be shocked you know so little. I thought that we were getting closer, but you've shut yourself in so much. I tried Will, I tried, but there is only so much I can do. Even Rich says you've been distant with him!"
"Why didn't you tell me about Louis?"
"You know why. You would only bring up, him! That's in the past Will it doesn't define me, and yes he knows about everything, and he still likes me." She said matter of fact.
"Does father know?"
"No I wanted to tell you first. No one but his family and Lizzie know."
"How do you think he'll take the news?" He glared.
"He'll probably start planning the wedding." She dryly laughed.
"I'm serious Georgie!" He towered over her but she straightened up and squared her shoulders.
"Please stop treating me like a kid Will. You and I both know why he is here. I'm the one who personally told him that Lexie was coming for the holiday." She stated.
He couldn't help but stare at her this wasn't his little sister anymore. He knew she was right and it hurt him that she had grown up so much when he pulled further away from her.
"Lexie," Lizzie said when they were far enough. Lexie just kept walking, Kevin and Louis a step behind her. "Alexa!" She rolled her eyes.
Kevin and Louis stopped as soon as Lexie did. When she turned around and walked towards her, Kevin and Louis followed standing protectively behind her.
"If you're going to give me a speech about how 'drugs are bad mkay?" She said like Mr. Mackey, "then you can save it. I heard it in primary school."
"Can I speak to you alone?" Lizzie asked hesitantly.
Lexie took a second to think about it and answered with a curt nod. Kevin and Louis turned and walked a couple of feet away, looking at them.
"What has gotten into you?" Lizzie asked getting closer.
"Nothing." She stated.
"It's Johnathan isn't it? Or has all the money gone to your head?"
Lexie took a domineering step towards her and a smile crept on her face. "I know how you like to assume things, so I'll let you think what you like. But don't for one minute pretend that you ever knew me." He smile fell before she turned and started walking away.,
"Please Lexie." She scoffed. "You were a severely depressed girl who never smiled. What else was there to know? It's not like you ever tried to be happy." She accused.
Lizzie stopped dead in her tracks and sharply turned around. Lizzie felt cold under her intense gaze, her eyes turning black. "I never had a reason to be happy Elizabeth." She sneered. "Look," she took a calm breath. "The past is just that, the past. I don't have room for hate in my heart Elizabeth, I cannot focus on that. It is too painful."
Lizzie was confused, "I-" she took a step forward.
"Forget it, I don't care. I really don't. Think whatever you want, whatever helps you sleep at night. I'm happy now and that's all I care about. Be happy Elizabeth, that's all I want for you and William." She said sincerely placing a hand on her.
Lizzie felt a warmth spread through her where her hand was. She wanted to smile but the feeling disappeared as soon as Lexie took her arm back and turned to leave.
"Hello Kevin, Louis, Alexa," Mr. Darcy acknowledged them as they entered the sunroom. He saw Lizzie enter from behind and waited for his children who did not follow.
"Hello, Mr. Darcy." Alexa curtsied. "Thank you for having us in your home. Gina and William will join us shortly. I don't know if you've had the pleasure of meeting Elizabeth Bennet." Lexie indicated towards Lizzie.
"No I have not," he said looking her up and down. He walked up to her and reached for her outstretched hand.
"Hello Elizabeth, it is a pleasure to meet you." He said sternly.
"It is nice to meet you too Mr. Darcy." Lizzie shook his hand.
"Are you enjoying your stay?" He turned away from Lizzie and asked the Burton's.
"Yes but we were about to leave." Kevin answered trying to sound normal and stay calm.
"But Geo-Gina said that you were joining us for lunch." He replied confused.
"They are daddy there was just a misunderstanding." Gina said walking in with her head held high.
Lexie smiled at her, "Yes I forgot to mention to my brothers that we would be staying for lunch. I hope you don't mind." She asked her brothers and turned when Will huffed but Mr. Darcy didn't notice.
"Dad I was wondering if I could go shopping with Lexie and her mother tomorrow." Gina asked as they ate.
"Shopping?" He asked hesitantly making Gina's smile fall a little.
She knew he still didn't trust her and she began worrying if he would approve of her and Louis. "I was hoping to find a dress for this Friday." She said speaking to the table as everyone but Lexie looked at her.
"Isn't that one dress per event rule so horrible? I mean why buy a dress you are only going to wear once?" Lizzie said taking the focus off of Gina.
"Event?" Mr. Darcy asked, his interest perking.
"The Jackson's hold a charity auction each year in March and it just happens to be on Friday." Kevin said.
"Yes and although I have many lovely dresses, my grandmother insists on buying me a new one. 'One can never be photographed wearing the same dress twice.' Although I hate shopping I would really enjoy the company." Lexie smiled.
"Why of course." He beamed, "What is the charity for?"
"Dinner charity. The money they raise gets donated to different charities for cancer. It will be held in the country club." Louis answered knowing Kevin wouldn't know. "This will be the third year they hold it in Colorado I believe." He smiled.
Gina and Louis were a nervous wreck as soon as lunch ended. As they walked into the sunroom, Lexie walked up to them and squeezed their hands, somehow giving them strength.
"Dad-"
"Mr. Darcy I was wondering if I could speak to you and Gina privately?" Louis spoke up. A huge smiled appeared on his face as Lexie beamed at him with pride.
How long have they been dating?" Will asked Lexie and Kevin in a clipped town as soon as his father, Gina, and Louis were out of the room.
"You should really speak to Gina more often." Lexie replied coyly.
He gently grabbed Lizzie and pulled her out into the hallway with him. She followed along and she could see how tense he was. She tugged on his arm, stopping him looking softly into his eyes.
"I'm sorry this is not how I hoped this day would go."
"It's ok Will." She said cupping his cheek, a big dashing smile appeared on his face.
"I like it when you call me Will."
"Me too," she smiled and leaned up to kiss him.
There was a loud cough coming from behind him. They turned as saw Gina glaring at them for some reason before pulling Louis by their united hands with her into the sunroom. He looked up and saw his father looking at him disapprovingly.
"I suppose we also need to speak?" He turned and walked back into the room without allowing Will to answer.
Will confidently pulled Lizzie into the room where his father sat, waiting.
"How do you two know each other?" He asked as they sat across from him.
"I met Elizabeth back in Lamboten."
"How is it that you are in Colorado?" He asked Lizzie.
"My parents recently got divorced and I moved here with my mom and sisters."
"She is Alexa's half-sister." Will amended taking a page out of Gina's book.
His father snapped up his head in interest. "Really? Oh yes, I remember reading about it in the paper. I would have never guessed you were related to her." He replied.
Lizzie couldn't help the shocked look that spread her face but he didn't notice. "Yes, she takes after the Burton's." She smiled. Will squeezed her hand seeing the fire in her eyes.
"You've met them?" Mr. Darcy asked interested.
"Yes on New Year's."
"You're the friend William wanted me to meet?" He said a bit out.
"Yes she is." Will answered.
"I see-" There was a knock on the door. "Enter."
"Excuse me Mr. Darcy, you have a call from Mr. Densmore." Cedrick said.
"I am sorry but I have to take this. We will speak about this later. It was a pleasure to meet you Ms. Bennet." He said shaking her hand.
"The pleasure was mine," Lizzie smiled.
Dr. Stone was always encouraging her to express herself more and John said this was a good idea. If she made the first move she would be able to control the rest of the moves in this, to some extent. Either way she would know where she and Jane lied and if they would be able to have a relationship. She did not expect one or a reply, John just told her to get was on her mind off of her chest. Here it goes… Send! She clicked the button.
Hello Jane,
I know you said you no longer wish to speak to me and you do not have to reply. I don't expect one anyways. I don't even know if you'll read this…
I hope you are doing well and holding up fine, considering everything that has happened of course. I find that I am well. I am sure you have heard by now that Will and Elizabeth are now together, and I am positive she told you she saw me.
It got me thinking about you.
I've had a lot of time to think and I find that I am not angry at you anymore, nor do I harbor any ill feelings. I never did. I don't really know what else to tell you. I just wish you the best and I want to tell you to never stop dreaming. You are a kind and beautiful person, with a beautiful personality. You are sugar and everything nice. Just remember not everyone is or thinks like you. In fact probably a handful of the world's population is not even as sweet as you are.
I doubt you are the same as you were back in Lamboten, I am not the same person you never knew. Well I'm still me but I have grown. Changed wouldn't be the word I'd like to use. I would like to believe that this me has always been there, just dormant. But don't let the world drag you down. Always remember to smile, keep your head up and just keep swimming. I wish you the best in life Jane, even if we never see or speak again I just wanted to tell you this, I had to.
Alexandra Burton
"Hey Kitty, where's mom?" Lizzie asked cheerfully.
"It's Catherine." Kitty stated, "She took Lydia to the store."
"And you didn't go?" She put a hand on Kitty's forehead. "Strange you look OK and you don't feel sick," she teased.
"I just didn't want to go!" She snapped. "Is that all you think of me Lizzie?" She asked hurt.
"Kitty I-"
"It's Catherine." She spat, her phone began to ring and she left the room ignoring Lizzie.
"Hey Lizzy, how was your lunch?" Jane asked walking into the kitchen.
"It was great. Will was there after all." She said cautiously.
"Oh yea? How are he and his sister?" She asked but Lizzie couldn't pick up anything in her tone of voice. The truth was that she had already read Lexie's email.
"They are good, I also met their dad and Alexa and her brothers were there."
"Did his dad seem nice?" She asked ignoring Lexie's name.
"I don't think he liked me." She stated.
"Why do you care if he likes you or not?" She eyed Lizzie, waiting to see if she would tell her.
"Um, Will asked me out again and I said yes." Lizzie averted her gaze and Jane remained quiet. "You're not mad at me are you?" She looked back at Jane.
"No, Lizzie I'm happy for you. But I didn't know you liked him." Jane softly admitted.
"I didn't know it either until after Thanksgiving. But then that whole thing with Kitty happened. I think I always liked him."
"You know she likes to be called Cat." Jane stated not wanting to thing about Thanksgiving.
"What's with her, two months of living with Alexa and now she thinks she's better than us. It's both of their faults where here anyways."
"You could have stayed with dad Lizzie." Jane said. "Besides, you wouldn't be with Will and I think Lexie had a good influence on Cat." Jane said sweetly.
"She's had a big influence all right." Lizzie teased.
Jane smiled, "Well I guess things have a way of working out."
He woke up as early as he did every morning, despite not having slept much but it wasn't because he was upset or stressed, it was because he was too happy. He and Lizzie were now dating and his cheeks hurt from smiling too much. He now had her number an email address so he could speak to her when he wanted to. Yesterday she left shortly after they spoke to his father and they spent the rest of the day and night texting. They mostly spoke about catching Lexie smoking and Georgie. His father noticed how could he had been to Lexie throughout lunch and when they were leaving and he demanded that he apologize. He was happy to finally have someone to speak to with things that plagued his mind.
After he got ready, he sent Lizzie a good morning text and before he knew it he was asking her out to dinner tonight. He was nervous as he waited for her answer and he was more nervous now because he'd never been on an actual date alone. His plan was to take her to dinner and a movie afterwards. He now had a lot of pent up energy and was taking Perses out for a run when he saw a shadow in his peripheral vision.
Turning he saw Aries running so fast it was almost like a blur. He commanded Perses to run towards them and then caught up to them. He was close enough to see her look back in acknowledgement of them, but instead of keeping her pace or slowing down she sped up. Luckily for him Perses was stronger and faster and he had no trouble catching up, in response she pushed Aries harder and it soon turned into a race that ended as soon as it began, Aries began to slow down and he followed.
He turned around and saw that big beautiful smile on her face, almost on the verge of laughter. "Wow! That was so fun! Thank you!" She beamed.
"I thought you were trying to avoid me."
"So then you were trying to pester me?" She asked confused and then giggled.
"No… I just wanted to speak to you."
"Oh ok," she giggled again. "I thought it would be fun to race. I have never had a real opponent. Louis and Kevin find it too dangerous if I am involved. I wouldn't mind speaking to you but I'm expecting a call from John."
"It won't take long." He assured her.
"Ok. Surre." She said getting off of Aries.
"I wanted to apologize for yesterday." He stated.
"I can see things from your point of view, so there is no reason to apologize. However, I am offended you think I would influence Gina badly. Yet again, I understand." She petted Aries. "I am not a good role model. I have sex with my fiancé who I love to the moon and back. Well even further; but still. I smoke an 'illegal', but very helpful drug. I haven't tried drinking yet but I am very curious, I'm also interested in ecstasy, but not particularly any other drug." She frowned. "But to each his own."
He turned away and lightly blushing, knowing first hand that she and John have sex.
"My attitude is, do what makes you happy. Don't judge my decisions, I don't judge yours. I used to care what people think; John once told me that people will always talk, and he is right, so I am learning to believe in myself and not let what other people think affect the things I want to do. I just want to be happy, what's wrong with that?" She took out two apples and fed one to Aries and Perses. "It is a rhetorical question of course. So your apology again is pointless, but appreciated so thank you." She smiled up at him.
He got off his horse. "So I'm forgiven?"
"There is nothing to forgive, but essentially yes." She giggled and gave another apple to Pesres and Aries.
"Well?" He asked after several seconds of silence.
She turned to look at him confused as he stared intently at her, waiting.
"I don't understand."
"Elizabeth said if I apologized, you would also apologize."
"First of all she is the last person you should go to give you advice about me. Second I did nothing wrong, so I won't apologize. Besides I already defended my point of view. If I apologize it would only be because we were in your property. Thirdly even though your apology is again unnecessary; I will not accept it if it was insincere." She turned and pulled out a tin case from her pouch and patted Aries. "So I am sorry for smoking outdoors at your home."
He watched as she pulled out what looked like a cigarette and lit it. She inhaled softly and held her breath in before blowing out the smoke away from Will who was looking at her as if she were a wild animal. She just smiled and took another hit, he could feel his jaw tense and his teeth were hurting.
"This was the reason I came out here. I was going to wait until you left, but I felt like you were being an asshat and decided to do what I wanted." She smirked.
"I am sure you know you have a huge influence on Nicky." He said trying to control his temper. He felt much disrespected and she was the last person he would ever thought would do that to him.
"She actually has a huge influence on me and she knows it." She smiled thinking about the little girl. "Nicky is a kid, she's too young to think about these things. When she's older John and I have agreed, *'there's a time and a place for everything and it's called college."
"How can you be joking about something like this? What are you going to tell your children? How do you think John's family feels? What about your own?"
"Unfortunately there is a lot I will need to tell my children someday," a pained look came across her face and he felt the same coldness from before. She inhaled and closed her eyes. "I hope that John and I raise them well enough to make good decisions, and be good people." She took another hit and he turned away in anger. "I do not believe I am a bad person." Anymore, well hardly she thought, "I have excellent grades, I don't go out partying. I know when to behave appropriately in front of complete strangers and company…. In my defense Caroline is a bitch and Charlie broke Jane's heart. I got into an excellent college on a scholarship no less and I do believe I am selfless at times, but I acknowledge I can be selfish about certain things." She inhaled deeply again, John.
"My family will love me regardless. Besides this isn't a daily habit for me. I am on vacation though so 'when in Rome.' Tell me if I was eighteen and smoking a cigarette would we be having this discussion?" She shrugged not caring.
"Smoking is bad for you." He said looking away, hating he was losing this argument.
Music started playing and she smiled, opening the tin she put out the joint and stuffed in in her bag.
*"I can understand your hesitation but
You can't understand mine.
I'm hoping you hear me because I know you are blind.
I want to leave here tomorrow but I really should leave today."
"Excuse me." She frantically searched for her phone in her pouch.
"Hello Sarah, please tell me you have good news!" She held her breathe in. She pulled the phone away from her ear and yelled at the top of her lungs. Will winced and Perses moved away startled but Aries, unaffected scooted closer to Lexie.
"Thank you!" She giggled. "Ok-yes-will you have Saw-and a st-ok, thank you, thank you, thank you!" She jumped in the air and put her phone in pouch. She took out an apple and tossed it to Will. "I'm really sorry I have to go. Thank you." She said mounting Aries.
"But-"
"I'm sorry it's urgent. We'll meet up." She said pulling on the reigns. She turned, "Text me or something, bye." She turned and rode away before he even got a chance to respond.
Lexie ran into the house excited as her father and Sawyer followed walking behind her smiling. Her mom was waiting in the living room and stood as soon as Lexie ran into the room.
"So?" Lilly asked Lexie.
"He sold me both cars!" She ran up to her and gave her a big hug.
"I'm glad I know how much you wanted them." She smiled enjoying Lexie's enthusiasm and embrace.
"Actually we got three cars." Her dad chuckled entering.
"What?!" They both turned to look at him with big smiles.
"Well, why do you think it took so long?"
"Which other car did you get?" Lilly asked as she and Lexie sat on the couch.
"The '67 Impala." He smiled brightly, Lilly gave him a questioning glance and he gave her the not now look.
"I can't wait to see it." Lilly answered.
"Oh yes, it was a really nice car! I really liked it, it's the car Dean drives in Supernatural." Lexie smiled.
Sawyer walked in with a box and Lexie jumped out of the seat running towards him. "What's in the box?" Lilly asked.
"Yorkies!" Lexie beamed.
"Yorkies?"
"Yes! Yorkshire Terriers. They're all white, except this little guy right here." She beamed and picked up a small white puppy with a brown spot on his right eye and ear with a black spot on his front left leg. "You will be named Runt or Nerd, my little one." She hugged it to her face.
Lilly walked up to the box and saw six white dogs that were a bit bigger than the one Lexie was holding. "Are you going to keep all of them? How did you end up with the liter?"
"I figured if I got one for Lexie then you would want one and my mother." Edward teased. She rolled her eyes and looked at the box.
"Yes, and I figured I could get one for Anne, Mary, Gina, and for Sarah if they would like one. If not I am sure I know several people who might like one. Do you want to hold one?" Lexie beamed putting her puppy down and picked up another to see if it was a girl or boy.
"Ok," she smiled and Lexie handed her a girl. "Oh my, this is so cute!" She giggled.
"I know! I'm going to go get grandma!" Lexie grabbed her puppy and took off like a little kid on Christmas.
"Edward," Lilly started and made her way next her husband with the puppy in hand.
"It was Sawyer's idea." He threw it out there as he sat back and wrapped an arm around her as she nestled into his arms.
"In my defense it was love at first sight. You should have seen her smile as soon as she laid her eyes on Runt." He smiled. "She was playing with the Bell's dog and found out it had just had puppies. She said he was the cutest." His smile fell a little, "Mrs. Bell furthered the connection when she called it hideous and told Lexie she could keep it but Lexie wanted to pay for it."
"I see, well that was nice of her."
"I could tell Lexie wanted to take them away from her so I couldn't just leave them there could I?" Edward pouted. "Can you honestly tell me you don't wish to keep one?" He smiled and petted the puppy nestled in her hands.
She giggled, "Do they allow pets in the penthouse?"
"They better; otherwise I'm complaining about the old bat from two floors down. Her dog is the spawn of Satan." They all laughed. "Something is off with her today. She needed something to cheer her up."
A ping of jealousy hit both of them but it faded quickly. Sawyer did live with her after all and he was supposed to be observant. If things had worked out how he had wanted Lexie would be calling him dad instead of Edward and they pushed their feelings aside.
"But she seemed so happy." Lilly said worriedly, "Should I speak to her?" She asked Sawyer.
There was a soft knock on her door and thinking it was Louis, she yelled it was open. Her mother came in and Lexie quickly took her puppy off the bed and placed it on the floor. It began crying and Lexie was looking sadly at it.
"I do not mind if he is on the bed but don't let your grandma catch you." She smiled and Lexie giggled picking Runt back up. She hesitantly made her way to the bed and sat down.
"Is everything ok?" Lexie asked.
"I actually wanted to ask you the same thing." She gave her a small smile.
Lexie softly looked at her and turned to look out the window. "It will be later but for now I suppose I am a little under the weather." She admitted slowly.
"Would you like to speak about it?" Lilly asked hopefully.
"I was going to speak to Anne about it…" Lilly nodded her head and Lexie could pick up on her sadness. She cuddled Runt in one arm and crawled over to her, placing her head on her mother's lap. It was strange but so very comforting. "I spoke to William this morning and he said something that has my thoughts running wild. It's not so much what he said it was my answer."
"What did he say?" She asked caressing Lexie's hair.
"When we were at the Darcy's yesterday, we spilt up Will caught me smoking weed outdoors. This morning, to piss him off, I started smoking in front of him. He asked me what I would tell my children and my I told him that unfortunately there would be a lot I have to tell them." She said sadly. "What am I supposed to tell them about my childhood? When should I tell them? Do I tell them the truth or should I embellish it? Worse, what if they turn out like me?"
Lilly couldn't help but smile as she ran her fingers through Lexie's hair. Lexie was still looking out the window as she spoke, she'd imagine if they had a girl she would look like Lexie. Louis's hair was almost like Lexie's when he was born but as he grew it turned just like Edward's copper colored waves she loved so much. She even had Edward's eyes, Ashly's eyes. After they found out about Lexie, she imagined they would quickly find her and raise her as their own. She loved Kevin and Louis very much and would never trade her life but she always wanted a girl. It was funny how life worked out.
"I know there is a lot I do not know about you Lexie but I believe all you can do is give and show them the love you never had. You can always wait until they are older to tell them but know that you do not need to tell them everything." Lexie didn't say anything but nodded. "Besides, I would not worry about it until you are about to go into labor." She smiled and Lexie giggled sitting up. "Or better yet, until they are able to speak."
"You are right if course, I feel really silly. I don't even plan on having children for a long time."
"Hey it's not silly to think about such things. Ok?" She cupped Lexie's chin. "This is something serious, but be happy that it is something you still have a long time to think about. Lexie, there is nothing wrong with you. I love you for who you are, just the way you are. You are strong, brave, smart, and a good person. Maybe there should be more people like you." She smiled.
"I love you too mom. Thank you for speaking to me, it makes me feel better." She placed Runt down and wrapped her arms around her.
Lilly returned the hug and gave her a kiss on the head. "I'm always here if you want to talk about anything, even if you just need someone to listen to you. Just remember I will love you no matter what."
"Are you going to tell father about me smoking? I mean you can obviously and I will accept my punishment."
"How did you manage to get it?" She asked in mom mode.
"I'm not going to mention names but I got it from a friend and I brought it with me."
"You do this at home?" She raised an eyebrow.
"No not really I've tried it a couple of times and I liked it. So I only sometimes do this when I'm with my friend. I thought I would have more of opportunity to do it out here."
"I see."
"Please do not try to guess who it was from or assume." Lexie added.
"Do you still have any? If so please hand it over."
Lexie placed Runt on the floor and he followed her to a bag by the door. She pulled out her tin and walked over to her mother. "That's all of it."
"Thank you. I will speak to your father about your punishment." Lilly said and hugged Lexie.
"Ok, may I at least still be able to hang out with Gina? I hardly get to see her." Lexie pouted.
"I can't promise you anything, but we will see."
"Ok, thank you." Lexie hugged her.
*SpongeBob imagination.
*South Park Imagination Song
*South Park Kyle getting annoyed with Imagination Song.
*Hammer Bob Marely
*Ugly Boy-Die Antwoord
*Chef South Park.
*T (Track 9) In Humor and In Sadness-'68
