Chapter Eleven
"Jesus Al, how many pairs of soccer boots do you need?" Piper laughed peering into Alex's training bag.
"I need to be prepared Pipes, this is national trials! I don't want to fail because I wasn't wearing the right boots" Alex replied as she frantically searched through piles of clothes.
Piper watched and smiled as Alex found the pair of socks she had been looking for, only to sniff them, grimace and throw them in the corner.
"So I was thinking" Alex said as she lifted her duvet evidently looking for another misplaced item of clothing. "I might go to my mom's on Saturday and leave for Chicago straight from there. She holds this charity event every year so it would be great to support her with that."
Alex sighed triumphantly as she found her missing glove. She jumped onto the bed next to Piper and planted a kiss on her cheek before lying flat on her back, defeated by packing.
"What do you think?" Alex asked as she used her elbow to prop herself up and look at Piper.
"Mmm" Piper replied flatly.
"Wow Pipes, try not to bowl me over with your enthusiasm" Alex retorted jokingly.
"Sorry, I'm just going to miss you that's all" Piper replied as she turned towards Alex and gently grasped her hand.
"It's only a week Pipes" Alex laughed. "I'm sure you can put up without me for that long."
"I know but I…" Alex looked up at Piper expectantly, her heartbeat rising slightly as she did so. "I like spending time with you."
Alex chuckled, "I like spending time with you too". She planted a soft kiss on Piper's lips before getting up from the bed and picking a shirt up from the floor.
"Hey?" Alex said, turning towards Piper whilst folding the shirt. Piper looked up at Alex and raised her eyebrows inquisitively.
"Come with me?" Alex asked innocently.
"Al, I can't come to Chicago with you- this your big shot" Piper replied, her eyes wide with guilt at the suggestion.
"Not to Chicago, come home with me?" Even from a distance Piper could tell that Alex's eyes were filled with a mixture of hope and vulnerability.
"Alex, I… Are you sure?" Piper asked sitting up on the bed and crossing her legs nervously.
"Yes" Alex replied. "Piper I'm being serious, I want you to come with me". Alex made her way towards Piper and placed both of her hands on Piper's face. "Please?" she whispered as she brought Piper's mouth to hers and kissed her passionately.
"Ok" Piper replied as she withdrew from the kiss to draw breath.
"Is that a yes?!" Alex exclaimed, grabbing hold of Piper and hugging her tightly.
"Yes you pest" Piper replied as she squirmed on the bed trying to escape Alex's clutches.
….
Alex was staring out of the car window in a daze when her phone vibrated. The sudden buzz made her jump slightly. She glanced down at her shoulder where Piper was sleeping peacefully, Alex smiled and slowly lifted her arm free in order to reach her phone. Once the phone was firmly in her hands she gently put her arm back in the same position and allowed Piper's head to settle there once again.
Nicky: Have a great weekend A, have plenty of fun.
Alex smiled, a new sense of excitement bubbling in her stomach as she prepared for the fact that her two favourite people would soon be meeting for the first time. Alex was brought away from her daydreaming by her phone vibrating once again.
Nicky: PS. By fun I mean sex… have plenty of sex.
Alex laughed aloud causing Piper to stir. Alex looked down at the blonde next to her, Piper looked beautiful even when she was asleep. Her lips were parted slightly and her chest was rising and falling softly. Alex gently removed a strand of blonde hair from Piper's face and tucked it behind her ear.
"Hey? Pipes?" Alex whispered, causing Piper to push herself closer to Alex and groan slightly.
"We're almost here" Alex said. Piper opened her eyes slowly and repeatedly blinked at the bright lights.
"Here" Alex whispered, putting her hands over Piper's eyes. She slowly moved her hands further and further away from Piper's face allowing her eyes to adjust to the light.
"Thanks" Piper murmured sleepily. "Did you say we're here?"
"Nearly babe" Alex replied, watching as Piper sat upright and winced as she stretched her neck.
Piper's stomach started to churn as Alex lent between the two front seats of the car and gave final directions to the driver.
"Just this house on the right, with the red door" Alex called to the driver.
"What we're here?! Now?" Piper rushed as she pulled up the camera on her phone to check her appearance one last time.
"Chill babe" Alex said taking Piper's hand and squeezing it lovingly as the car slowed to a halt.
When the car stopped completely Alex looked out of the window and smiled at the familiar view of home. Alex climbed out of the car and winked at the driver as he opened the door for Piper causing her to shake her head and laugh. The driver proceeded to the back of the car where he retrieved the girl's bags and handed them over to Alex.
"Thanks man, I owe you one" Alex smiled to the driver.
"Don't mention it, any friend of Nicholls is a friend of mine" the driver returned. "Just remember me when you're famous" he grinned widely at Alex before shutting the doors of the car and climbing back inside.
"Here, let me help" Piper stated as she moved towards Alex and offered to carry a bag.
"Na uh" said Alex. "You're my guest now" she smirked cheekily before walking briskly up the garden path.
Piper watched Alex saunter up towards the house. She was surprised by how quiet the neighbourhood seemed, somehow she'd expected Alex to live somewhere wild and quirky- but Piper liked the look of this place. Alex's house was a modest size, the front garden was mostly paved over except for a small patch of grass and a flower bed that ran along the front of the house. Piper loved how happy Alex was just by being back here.
When Alex was about half way up the garden path the red front door opened revealing a middle aged woman. The woman was wearing dark blue jeans and a cream wool jumper. Her dark hair was tied up loosely, making her look effortlessly beautiful. Piper couldn't believe how much Alex looked like her mom.
"Hey stranger" the woman said, she had a slight southern twinge to her voice, she walked towards her daughter with open arms. Alex placed the bags on the floor and greeted her mom with a huge hug.
"Geez mom I can't breathed" Alex laughed. Once Alex's mom had finally released her grip Alex took a step back, rubbing her ribs vigorously.
"Mom, this is…"
"Piper!" The woman exclaimed as she greeted Piper with an equally big hug. "I've heard so much about you." Alex's mom released Piper and placed her hands on Piper's forearms, leaning back and looking at her adoringly.
"You're right," Alex's mom said she turned to Alex. "She is beautiful"
"Mommmm" Alex groaned as she placed a hand to her face.
Piper chuckled as she witnessed Alex blush for the first time. "It's nice to meet you Mrs Vause".
"Oh and polite too! Please call me Diane" Diane smiled. "Now come on in, it's cold out here."
Alex picked up the bags from the floor and led the way into the house, Diane smiled as she stood aside and allowed Piper to enter her home.
Piper glanced around the house, the front door led straight into the main living area of the house. The living room led directly into the kitchen, the surfaces were scattered with ingredients. The walls were painted a neutral cream colour but the room was lighted up by various colourful rugs, cushions and wall hangings. Piper smiled as she inhaled the smell that she had grown to love, it was a mixture of clean washing and cinnamon and reminded her of Alex.
Alex placed the bags just inside of the door and headed to the kitchen in search of food. Diane entered just behind Piper and sighed as she walked directly into the bags that Alex had just dropped.
"Al, why don't you take your stuff upstairs and then come and help me prepare for tonight?" Diane shouted, chuckling as Alex reappeared with a cookie in her mouth.
"Sure mom" Alex mumbled with her mouth full. "Come on Pipes, I'll show you around"
Piper followed Alex up the stairs and into her room. Alex placed the bags down and watched as Piper walked around the room. Piper smiled, the room was full of soccer posters and trophies- on the far wall there was a US women's team photo, Alex had covered one of the player's faces with a picture of herself. Piper laughed and continued walking around the room, there was a large bookcase in the corner filled with an array of books and a soft beanbag placed in an alcove of the room.
"Do you always snoop around strangers rooms?" Alex asked smiling.
"I do have a habit of doing that don't I?" Piper asked as she made her way towards Alex.
"I'm glad you're here" Alex smiled as she put her hands on Piper's waist and kissed her softly. Piper felt her knees weaken as Alex deepened the kiss, Piper responded by gently biting Alex's lip.
"Urgh" Alex groaned, "That's not fair".
Piper winked at Alex, "Maybe later."
….
Alex and Piper spent the majority of the day helping Diane with preparations for the charity event. Piper had changed into a pair of black leggings and a grey Litchfield University hoody so she could help Diane with the cooking. She had shared her grandmother's samosa recipe with Diane, who was enthusiastically searching the cupboards for spices. Alex was sat at the kitchen table scribbling words down onto a notepad enthusiastically.
"Al, I said you don't have to do it this year if you don't want to" Diane shouted as she heard Alex scrunching up another piece of paper and throwing it into the bin.
"I know mom, but I want to" Alex replied as she entered the kitchen in search of food again. Diane swatting Alex's hand as she went to reach for some of the cake mix that Piper was currently whisking.
"Hey! That's for later" Diane laughed before asking Alex to go and ask the neighbours if they had any paprika. Alex sighed and left the house.
"She's stubborn alright" Diane laughed whilst Piper nodded in agreement.
"So, this event tonight? Do you run it every year?" Piper asked, looking up from the mixture.
"Have done for the past seven years" Diane nodded. "The whole neighbourhood comes together for it, we hold an auction and have a good party. All of the proceeds go to the homeless kitchen that I help to run when I can".
Piper looked up at Diane and smiled. The more time she spent with this woman the more she realised why Alex was so caring and considerate.
….
"Wow, they look amazing!" Alex said entering the kitchen some time later with a piece of paper in her hand. She safely tucked it into the pocket of the jeans was wearing and continued to admire the spread of food in front of her.
"Job well done I think!" Diane replied, her cheeks were flustered red from the heat of the kitchen and she had flour on her forehead.
"Why don't you relax now Mom? I was thinking of taking Piper for a brief neighbourhood walk before we need to start getting dolled up" Alex stated, smiling across the counter at Piper.
Piper's heart swelled at the way that Alex was around her Mom, the genuine love that Alex had for the woman in front of her was palpable.
"Come on Pipes, let's explore" Alex said, grabbing Piper's coat from the couch and helping her put it on. Alex held her hand out for Piper who accepted it and intertwined her fingers with Alex's.
Alex proudly paraded Piper around the neighbourhood and it made Piper feel amazing. They walked down the small high street which contained a convenience store, a hardware shop, a doctor's surgery, pharmacy and a small pub. Alex shouted out greetings to everyone they passed and never once let go of Piper's hand. Once at the end of the high street Alex led Piper down a small alley way between two rows of houses. At the end of the alley way was a metal gate which squeaked when Alex opened it. The gate led to a soccer field, the pitch was uneven and the grass was an inconsistent length. The goalposts at either end of the field were rickety and it looked like a strong gust of wind would easily blow them over.
"This is where you used to play?" Piper asked in disbelief, it was a long way from the Litchfield University stadium.
Alex nodded, "Always gives me a reality check coming back here. I owe a lot to this pitch"
"What do you mean?" Piper asked.
"I mean, if I hadn't ever played on this pitch I would never have been scouted for my scholarship and I would never have met you"
Piper laughed at Alex, "Deep" she mocked.
Alex placed her hand on the side of Piper's face- "I'm glad I met you kid". Alex stroked Piper's cheek with her hand before pulling her closer for a passionate kiss. Piper placed her hand over Alex's and continued to kiss her longingly.
….
"Did I put all of the food in the car?" Diane asked.
"Yes, mom it's all in there I checked twice" Alex laughed. "Relax OK? It'll all be fine" she said, kissing her mom on the cheek. Diane was wearing a burgundy dress that was layered around her chest and fell below her knees. Her hair was tied up, with the exception of a few strands that were framing her face- as Alex kissed her Mom on the cheek she smelt her perfume which brought back thoughts of happiness and memorable nights.
Diane smiled at her daughter, "You look so grown up".
"Mom, don't go all gooey on me" Alex laughed. Alex was wearing a lace dress, the lace around her chest and arms was thin and allowed a glimpse at the skin underneath. She was wearing her black frame glasses and her eye makeup was darker and sexier than usual.
Alex looked at the clock on the wall and turned around to go and check on Piper. As she turned Alex froze on the spot at the sight of Piper walking down the stairs. Her blonde hair fell past her shoulders in loose curls, her makeup beautifully accentuated her features and her body was hugged by a slim fitting red dress. She looked more beautiful than Alex ever imagined she could. Alex's heart ached at the sight of her.
"Fuck" Alex murmured causing Diane to look up from the bags she was currently checking, she watched proudly as her daughter walked over to Piper and kissed her softly. "You look beautiful babe".
Diane smiled and walked towards the two girls, "Wow, Piper you look stunning!" Diane exclaimed.
"Thanks Diane, so do you!" Piper replied genuinely.
"She's right mom, you do look beautiful" Alex added, she placed her hand on Piper's waist unable to stand this close to her and not touch her in some way.
…..
The charity event had been set up in the local pub. It had been transformed with posh table clothes and fairy lights making it look unrecognisable. A small platform had been set up at one end of the pub, leaving space for a small dance floor. The rest of the room was filled with round tables each covered with white table clothes. A small band were perched on the platform and were playing soft music as the guests mingled in the main area of the room. Diane busied herself with making sure everyone was having a good time whilst Alex proudly introduced Piper to everyone she knew. White suited waiters patrolled the room offering glasses of champagne and samosas to guests- Alex took two glasses of champagne from a waiter's tray and handed one to Piper. They clinked their glasses together before each downing the contents.
"We're not very classy are we?" Piper chuckled.
"Hey, we're college students- we're allowed to be un-classy" Alex replied.
The girls were pulled from their conversation as the band suddenly stopped playing. They both looked up at the platform to see Diane standing with a microphone.
"If everyone can please take their seats we'll begin the event" Diane beamed.
The crowd of people shuffled around the room as they tried to find their places. Alex and Piper took their seats, they were sat on a table with a group of girl's that Alex used to play soccer with. Alex exchanged greetings with all of them and asked about what they were all doing now. Piper learnt that the four girls were all at college and were also still playing soccer.
"You play for Litchfield now don't you?" one of the girls asked Alex.
"That's right," Alex replied, grabbing two more champagne flutes from a passing waiter's tray.
"I've heard a rumour that some of the Litchfield players have been offered national trials" another girl added.
Alex shrugged coolly taking a sip of her drink, "I just concentrate on the soccer," she smiled.
Piper slid her hand under the table and squeezed Alex's thigh lovingly, causing Alex's heart to race uncontrollably.
Once everyone had settled Diane once again took the microphone and started the auction that made up a huge part of the event. The audience laughed and cheered as the neighbourhood bid on soccer tickets, food hampers, weekends away and even a date with a particularly arrogant looking guy- who proceeded to take his shirt off and fling it into the audience when he was 'brought' for 300 dollars. Following the auction the band started playing again. The other girl's on the table took this as a sign that they could continue their barrage of questions towards Alex in relation to the national team.
"You must know something surely? Aren't you the captain?" They asked.
"I've heard it's really obviously when a scout is present at a match"
"No, they disguise themselves idiot!"
"Please excuse me," Alex stated politely before pushing her chair back. "I need a shot, you coming Pipes?"
Piper nodding eagerly as Alex extended her hand and helped Piper get up from the table. They made their way over the bar where they were greeted by a large bearded man who introduced himself to Piper as Daz.
"Daz, you got any tequila behind there?" Alex asked innocently.
"You're going to get me in trouble someday Vause," Daz replied as he placed a large bottle of tequila and two shot glasses on the side of the bar.
Alex smiled back at the bartender before pouring out two shots and handing one to Piper, they knocked the liquid back and spluttered as it set their throats on fire. Alex laughed at Piper's reaction and kissed her on the cheek.
…..
"Al, ready?" Diane asked as she placed a hand on her daughters back. Alex nodded and squeezed Piper's hand as she left the table.
"Show time" she whispered. Piper laughed, Alex had been very secretive about the contents of her speech. All she was willing to share is that it was tradition for her to stand up and say a few words. It was only when Alex was stood on the platform that Piper relished in her full beauty. Alex radiated confidence on the stage, she waved goofily at the audience making Piper's heart flip and making the audience laugh.
"Evening everyone, I hope you're all having a good night and if you're not I have a secret stash of tequila so come and find me afterwards", the crowd laughed and Diane shook her head and laughed at the side of the platform.
"But seriously, tonight is about giving to those who are less fortunate than us. The fact that so many of you turn up year in year out and support this cause means a lot to me and my mom. I think many of us don't realise how lucky we actually are, I know I didn't. I say didn't because that's changed for me recently, I used to think that when I lost a game or missed a penalty I was unlucky. But recently someone has changed that for me."
Piper's heart swelled as Alex made eye contact with her.
"This person has made me realise that it doesn't matter what you have going on in your life, as long as there are people in it that give you purpose. Even if we don't manage to change people's lives tonight, at least they know that there are people out there rooting for them. There are people fighting their corner, and that there are people there for them when they need a hand. I've learnt recently that having people who love you all around you is all that really matters in life."
The crowd rose to their feet and applauded Alex who smiled back at them.
"Now let's party!" She shouted.
…..
Nicky: How was the charity event Sport?
Alex had glanced at her phone whilst greeting people at the door of her house. The event had finished but the majority of guests had made their way back to Diane's house for an after party. Alex glanced through the front door and could hardly recognise her house for the amount of people crammed inside.
Alex: Unreal, so amazing
Nicky: U haven't had sex already have u?
Alex laughed at her phone.
Alex: No lol, she looks insane
Nicky: No shit Vause
Alex glanced down the street to make sure that there was no one else left to welcome and then shut the front door and joined the party. The sofas in the small living room had been separated to allow more room for people to talk and dance, the leftover food from the event lined the counters and the dining room table displayed an array of alcohol. Alex settled for a glass of water and smiled as she spotted her old soccer coach on the other side of the room.
….
Piper: Lorna, you were right! Her Mom is so nice
Piper was in the upstairs bathroom of Alex's house, making sure that she looked acceptable before resurfacing in the party downstairs.
Lorna: Told you! Glad you're having a great time ;)
Piper left the bathroom, and stood in the corridor admiring the inspirational quotes on the wall. She noticed that the door opposite the bathroom was marginally open revealing a bedroom that Piper assumed was Diane's. Piper opened the door slightly and gazed in wonder at the oasis inside, the room was decorated with blue and green blankets and had a calming feel about it. Piper slowly stepped inside, drawn to the back wall of the room that was covered in old photos in white frames. Piper noticed a familiar face in almost every one. She smiled at a picture of a young Alex struggling to lift a trophy almost twice her size. The one next to it was a picture of a young Diane holding a toothless, smiling toddler.
"Cute photos aren't they?"
"Shit!" Piper jumped as she spun around to found Diane smiling at her. "I- er- I'm sorry" Piper stuttered.
"Relax" Diane laughed.
Piper smiled, "You must be so proud of her" she said referring back to the pictures Alex.
"Immensely" Diane replied, she sat on the edge of her bed and patted it, gesturing for Piper to sit down next to her. Piper obliged and smiled at Diane.
"Do you know what though? Nothing has made me as proud as seeing the way she looked at you tonight". Piper looked directly into Diane's green eyes which were glistening slightly with the threat of tears. "I can't thank you enough for the happiness you've brought to her Piper, even over the phone I can tell the smile that's on her face every time she talks about you."
Diane smiled and squeezed Piper's hand.
"Diane?" Piper asked cautiously.
"Yes sweetheart?" Diane replied, maintaining eye contact with Piper.
"I think I'm falling in love with your daughter" Piper said, looking up at Diane with vulnerable eyes.
"I think she's falling in love with you too darling".
….
"There's my girl!" Alex said as Piper approached her, Alex placed her hand on Piper's waist and planted a kiss on her head.
"Hi babe" Piper replied, wrapping her arms around Alex.
"Are you okay?" Alex said looking down at the beautiful blonde on her arm.
Piper nodded in response, "Just getting a bit tired."
"You go upstairs and get ready for bed and I'll join you in minute, OK?" Alex asked sweetly.
….
Alex closed her bedroom door and turned to face the room. The lights were off but Alex could just about make out that Piper was stood at the end of the bed.
"Pipes?" Alex asked warily.
Alex walked towards the blonde who stood still at the end of the bed. She reached out towards Piper, her hand was met directly with the skin of Piper's toned stomach. Alex's breath hitched as she realised that Piper was just wearing her underwear. Piper held onto Alex's wrist and guided Alex's hand up her body revealing the lingerie she was wearing. Alex could feel that the lingerie had lace straps running down the sides of Piper's body, the lace joined into a type of corset over Piper's breasts. Piper continued to guide Alex's hand down her body, letting it rest on her ass which was barely covered by the lace underwear. Alex moaned as desire rocked her body.
Piper removed her hand from Alex's wrist and instead put her hands in Alex's dark hair as she pulled her head closer and crashed her lips against Alex's. Piper dominated in the kiss, her tongue ran across Alex's bottom lip before entering her mouth, it was passionate and filled with desire.
"I want to make you feel good" Piper whispered in Alex's ear as she broke away from the kiss. She softly kissed Alex's ear before trailing kisses down her neck, as she kissed and sucked at Alex's skin she simultaneously pulled down the zip at the back of Alex's dress. The dress slipped down Alex's body. Piper's hands explored the new canvas that was Alex's skin. She could feel Alex's heart beat as her hands traced Alex's toned stomach. She placed her hands over the cups of Alex's bra causing Alex to whimper in anticipation.
Piper gently eased Alex back onto the bed and then straddled on top of her. She trailed kisses down Alex's arm and stopped just above her bra cup, Piper repeated the action on the other arm causing Alex to squirm beneath her. Piper thrusted her hips into Alex as desire for the girl underneath her took over. Alex moaned softly as Piper lifted her bra and placed her hand over the now exposed breast. Piper tilted her head back in pleasure at the feel of Alex's stiffened nipple on her hand. Alex smirked and kissed Piper's neck.
Piper put her hands behind Alex's back and attempted to unclasp her bra. Alex smiled at Piper sweetly as she struggled to undo the clasp.
"Hey?" Alex whispered shakily. "Just relax". Alex took Piper's face in her hands and kissed her passionately, moving her tongue slowly and purposefully in the blonde's mouth. Piper slowly attempted to undo the bra one more time and managed to slide the clasp free. Alex continued to kiss Piper as her bra was thrown to the floor. Piper took Alex's nipple between her fingers and squeezed gently, causing Alex to groan into Piper's mouth. Piper enjoyed Alex making these noises on her behalf and continued to tease and tug at the nipples. Alex's hips were starting to thrust upwards, she was desperately trying to create friction between her legs.
Piper continued kissing Alex as she reached down between Alex's legs. Alex moaned again as Piper made contact with her underwear. Piper gently pressed down with her hand causing Alex to moan louder this time, she started to make circular movements with her hand making Alex's hips buck. Piper gently pulled Alex's underwear down to allow her further access, she continued the circular movements on Alex's skin and sighed as she felt her finger become wet. Piper pushed her fingers through Alex's folds and inside of her.
"Pipes" Alex sighed as Piper thrust two digits in and out in a rhythmic pattern.
"Does it feel nice?" Piper asked, an air of vulnerability about her.
"Yes Piper, it feels great" Alex groaned as Piper continued the rhythm, this time stroking Alex's clit with her thumb. Alex whimpered as Piper sucked the skin at the base of her neck whilst continuing to thrust with her fingers.
"P.. Pipes" Alex stuttered. Piper could feel that Alex was getting close, her walls had started to contract around Piper's fingers.
Piper positioned her face next to Alex's ear and whispered, "Come for me Alex".
At the sound of Piper's sultry voice Alex fell apart, she closed her eyes tight and arched her back as she rode out her strong orgasm. Piper kept her fingers inside of Alex until she felt her body relax, then she slowly extracted them causing Alex to groan at the loss of friction.
"Are you sure you've never done that before?" Alex asked breathily as Piper lay down beside her.
"Never" replied Piper smiling. "I enjoyed it though."
"So did I" Alex laughed, she opened her arm out allowing Piper to settle against her body. Piper rubbed her legs together slightly as she cuddled next to Alex.
Alex smiled, "Time for me to repay the favour"- she winked at Piper. "You are my guest after all".
Alex maintained eye contact with Piper as she slid down the bed, lightly trailing her fingers down Piper's sides as she went. Piper arched her back slightly in response as Alex allowed her lips to drag along Piper's stomach. Alex unclipped the side of Piper's lingerie- allowing her to remove Piper's underwear. Alex stroked the area with her fingers and was surprised to see that Piper was already more than ready for her. Instead of using her fingers Alex lowered her mouth and closed it around Piper's sex. Piper gasped at the unusual sensation but quickly began to buck her hips as Alex started to lap at Piper with her tongue. Piper moaned loudly as Alex flicked her clit expertly with her tongue. Pressure started to build within Piper as Alex thrust a finger inside of her whilst continuing to use her tongue on Piper's clit.
"Alex" Piper moaned, putting her hands in Alex's hair as encouragement for her to carry on. Alex sped up in response causing Piper to bite her hand in a bid to keep quiet as she came violently. Alex moved up the bed again, evidently satisfied with her efforts.
"There," Alex said. "Now we're even".
Piper smiled sleepily before curling up again Alex once more.
A/N: Hello everyone! Ok, so I underestimated how long I would be away for! I've had a lot of heartbreak in my life over the past couple of months so needed a bit of time to get my head around it before I start writing this story again. However, I love this story so so much. I re-read it all this week and fell in love with it again- there was no way I could keep you guys hanging for much longer. I already have plans for the next few chapters so fingers crossed I won't be so long next time. Thank you so much for being patient! I feel like I'm a bit rusty at the moment in terms of writing so please excuse me if this chapter isn't as great as the previous ones. As always I'd love to hear what you think. Thanks again- C. x