*~Chapter 18~*

***Alexis' Penthouse***

(Alexis is standing by the window watching the rain fall. She has a million different thoughts running through her head after seeing Helena at GH today. She tried not to let her get to her, but she couldn't help it everything Helena said was true. Ned isn't safe with her and neither is her child. Andrew was right to take Andrea and leave all those years ago, because for all she knows one or both of them could be dead. Should she leave Ned to keep him safe and alive or be selfish and put his life on the line just so she can be happy? Not being with him would kill her, but at least she wouldn't have to live with the guilt that if he died it was all her fault. Just then Ned enters the penthouse)

Ned: (entering the penthouse) Hey Alexis, are you here? I'm sorry i couldn't make it to your doctors appointment today. The guy I was meeting with just kept....(seeing her just standing there, he walks up behind her and puts his hand on her shoulder) Alexis?

Alexis: (turns to face him, tears falling down her face) Hey when did you get back?

Ned: Honey what's wrong? What happened? Is it the baby, is something wrong?

Alexis: No, no the baby is fine. You don't need to worry.

Ned: Then what has you so upset?

Alexis: Nothing absolutely, nothing.

Ned: Alexis, there is definitely something bothering you and I'd like for you to tell me what it is. This has been going on for awhile now.

Alexis: Really, I'm fine.

Ned: This marriage thing will never work if we're not completely honest with each other. (she just looks at him regretfully, crying uncontrollably) Please tell me what's wrong.

Alexis: I'm sorry Ned, but I can't marry you. (She tries to leave but he grabs her arm) Just let me go.

Ned: What do you mean you can't marry me? What changed between last night and right now, you do still love me, right?

Alexis: Yes, I've never loved anybody more in my entire life.

Ned: Then I don't see the problem.

Alexis: It's because I love you that I can't marry you. So please just make this easier on the both of us and let me go.

Ned: No Alexis, I'm not just going to let you go. Your carrying with our child, not my child, not your child, our child. You can't honestly think you can just leave.

Alexis: I would never keep this baby away from you.

Ned: I don't get it Alexis you just said you were leaving and that you wouldn't marry me.

Alexis: I want you to be a part of this baby's life. I'm not leaving you because I think you'd be a bad father, I've seen you with Brooke and your a fantastic father.

Ned: Then why Alexis? I want us to get married and raise this baby together, I thought you wanted that too.

Alexis: I do desperately, but we can't so just stop delaying the inevitable, we can't be together anymore. I love you with all my heart Ned Ashton and don't you ever forget that. (she kisses him slowly and longingly. She so desperately want to be with him, but she can't because it's not safe. She gets up to leave and walks towards the door, Ned tries to stop her but she jerks her arm away to fast, so he just stands there and watches her go in disbelief. When she gets to the door she looks at him regretfully as if to say I'm sorry. When she opens the door to leave though she finds someone standing on the other side just about to knock.)

Alexis: Nikolas? What are you doing here? (letting him in)

Nikolas: (sensing tension) Did I come at a bad time because I can came back later.

Alexis: No, no you didn't. What's up? How are you and Gia ? Everything ok?

Nikolas: We're fine it's you I'm worried about. I came over to see if you were ok, are you? (Ned looks interested in her answer)

Alexis: Why wouldn't I be ok?

Nikolas: Well when I was at GH earlier I saw you talking to Helena, you looked pretty shaken up, but I thought I should leave you alone with your thoughts, but when I left I realized I should have made sure you were ok. (as Nikolas is saying this Alexis looks at Ned but struggles to meet his gaze)

Alexis: I'm fine Nikolas, really I am, that was just Helena being her normal wicked witch of the west self. Thanks for coming by though It was really sweet of you.

Nikolas: Ok well if your sure.

Alexis: yeah, I'm positive. I really need some time here with Ned so I'll talk to you later?

Nikolas: Yeah, bye. See ya Ned.

Ned: It was nice seeing you again Nikolas. (he leaves) So that's why you were leaving.

Alexis: I'm still leaving.

***Author's Note***

I know it's been awhile since I've updated and I said I would have part one finshed weeks ago, but my life got hectic while I got readjusted with the whole homework factor, so thanks for being patient with me. I promise I'll update more regularly for now on. Please continue to read and review. Thanks again!