*~Chapter 17~*
***Alexis' Penthouse***
(Ned is sitting on the couch working on his laptop when Alexis comes in form her lunch date with Skye. He puts it on the coffee table and she comes over and sits next to him)
Ned: So what did Skye want to talk to you about? (she just looks at like you know very well what Skye wanted) So what did she want?
Alexis: There's really no need to play dumb Ned.
Ned:(innocently) What?
Alexis:(still kind of annoyed) I know you couldn't go to lunch with me because you wanted Skye to talk to me about talking to (points at him) you. (touched) I know your concerned about me, but really I'm ok. I swear to you if you could fix this I would come to you, but you can't (Ned tries to say something) Listen, I know you want to try, but some things just have to be left in the past. So let's just focus on the future, our future.
Ned: Your right. I'm sorry.
Alexis: You have nothing to be sorry about. I'm touched that you care the way that you do. It just shows me how much you really do love me. It's things like this that make me more certain that we can survive anything.
Ned: You don't know how good it is to hear you say that.
Alexis: Well, it's true. I haven't felt this secure in a relationship...ever. Your the best thing that has ever happened to me.
Ned: That goes both ways. I love you so much, sometimes I wonder if you can even fathom what I feel for you. I promise this is going to last forever, because I can't imagine my life without you.
Alexis:(trying not to cry) I love you too. (they share a tight embrace)
Two months later....
***GH***
(It's now May Ned and Alexis are in the best place they've ever been. Alexis' nightmares haven't been happening as often, calming Ned's fears.
Alexis is leaving GH when Helena steps off the elevator and heads toward Alexis)
Helena: Well, well, well look what we have here. The bastard child is having yet another bastard.
Alexis: What do want Helena and not that it's any of your business, but Ned and I are getting married.
Helena: Is that anyway to speak to you mother.
Alexis: (looks disgusted) You are not my mother.
Helena: I feel awfully bad for Mr. Ashton though, I wouldn't want anything to happen to him because of his unfortunate ties to you.
Alexis: You are going to leave me, Ned, and this child alone. Do you understand?
Helena: I'd watch my tone if I were you Natasha.
Alexis: I'm not a scared little kid anymore you can't really expect me to be afraid.
Helena: Oh, but I would be if I were you.
Alexis: I'm not letting you lay one hand let alone a finger on my baby or Ned.
Helena: He'll leave you anyway, just like oh what was his name again oh yes Mr. Bennet. Once he realizes what a threat you are, he'll take off with this child and leave you once again miserable and alone. Have a nice day Natasha. (leaves, having achieved what she wanted. Alexis is left standing there scared and alone)