*~Chapter 25~*
***The Castle***
(Alexis is sitting on the couch reading something and holding a sleeping Matthew when Ned comes in the room. Alexis goes to greet him and they kiss hello.)
Alexis: Hi
Ned: Hi (Alexis immediately senses something is wrong)
Alexis: Ned, honey, what's wrong? (he takes Matthew from her and starts to head upstairs)
Ned: I'm going to go put him to bed. I'll be right back.
(a few minutes later Ned comes back down stairs and sits next to Alexis on the couch.)
Alexis: I know something is bothering you, so just tell me so we can work through this.
Ned: You're right, something is bothering me.
Alexis: What, what is it? Did I do something?
Ned: As a matter of fact yes you did.
Alexis: (worried) What?
Ned: I'm going to give you one more chance to tell me the truth, to trust me with whatever has been bothering you the last few months.
Alexis: oh. (there's an awkward silence)
Ned: If I were you I'd take this opportunity Alexis.
Alexis: I don't know where to start.
Ned: (still angry) The beginning would probably be a good place.
Alexis: (at this point Alexis bursts into tears) I'm so sorry Ned, I should have told you, I know that, I don't know why I didn't. I'm so, so sorry. (Ned pulls her into a hug and she puts her head on his shoulder, as he rubs her back)
Ned: Shhh, shh, I know.
Alexis: (pulling away from him) How did you find out?
Ned: Andrew came to see me today. How come you couldn't tell me this?
Alexis: I don't know.
Ned: There had to be a reason.
Alexis: I was afraid you wouldn't love me anymore.
Ned: That's crazy, I could never not love you because you have a child with someone else.
Alexis: I'm sorry. I know I should told you from the minute I started having those dreams
Ned: Yes you should have, but we can't change the past. This was your deepest-darkest secret and I would have listened, I would have understood
Alexis: I know and I'm sorry, really I am.
Ned: I know you are. Can you promise me something?
Alexis: Anything.
Ned: No more secrets, from now one we tell each other everything.
Alexis: No more secrets. You know I do love you right?
Ned: I know. (they hug)