*~Chapter 3~*

***The Docks***

(The next morning. Ned is walking along the docks when he runs into Sonny. The last person he ants to see right now, in Ned's mind Sonny is the reason him and Alexis are growing further and further apart, He's losing his wife to a man he hates and he knows it. As much as he wants to deny it deep down he knows the truth and every time he sees Sonny he's reminded of that fact.)

Ned: What were you doing with Alexis so late last night?

Sonny: It was just a business meeting, calm down Ned.

Ned: Yeah, well maybe if you'd stop coming on to my wife I would. She's married to me, not you, so stay the hell away from her.

Sonny: There's nothing going on between Alexis and I. (He knew differently but he promised Alexis he wouldn't say anything about that kiss and if it wasn't for that promise he would have said something right then and there.)

Ned: Just stay away from her.

Sonny: Alexis is my attorney, we're going to see each other. If you and Alexis are having some sort of problem I am not the cause of it, take this up with her not me. Now if you'll excuse me I need to be somewhere. (he steps around Ned, and continues on his way as Ned is left standing there glaring at him.)

***Alexis' Penthouse***

(Alexis rolls over in bed to find Ned gone. She sighs as she gets up and puts on her robe. She notices a note left on the dresser.)

Alexis,

I went for a walk. I'll be back in an hour, so no need to worry. Kristen's still sound asleep, I moved her back to her bed. Hold my place.

Love,

Ned

Ned: I thought you were supposed to hold my place.

Alexis: I just got up not 2 minutes before you came in. (they kiss hello) And why did you let me sleep so late? I need to be in court in an hour.

Ned: Can't you just push it back and spend the day here with your husband and your daughter?

Alexis: As much as I want to I can't I'm sorry.

Ned: All you have to do is pick up that phone, it's really not that difficult, but I see you'd rather go be with Corinthos.

Alexis: We've been over that a thousand times. And why are you acting like this, what ahs gotten into you?

Ned: Like what Alexis, it's not like I'm asking that much of you.

Alexis: Like your jealous, but there is nothing to be jealous of. And you know what I don't have time to deal with this right now. I have to be in court in less than an hour. (she heads in to the bathroom)

Ned: At least you realize there's something that needs to be dealt with.

Alexis: Yes I do, but not now. Later. We need to get away from all this, sit down and have a serious talk.

Ned: I couldn't agree more.

Alexis: Good, we finally agree on something. Now I need to get ready. I'll be home in time to go to Jax and Skye's engagement party with you, I promise.

Ned: Yeah ok, got get dressed. I'm going to go check on Kristen.

***The Lake House***

*Note: In case I forgot to mention it Ned, Alexis, Jax and Skye are all friends

(Later on that evening. Alexis was home as promised, which avoided another fight. They seemed to be getting along for the most part, but it didn't change how either of them felt and they both realized that. The only time they seemed to be even slightly the way the were was when they were with their little girl.

Ned, Alexis, and Kristen have just arrived at the party. Everyone is in attendance even Rae flew in from Llanview for the special occasion. And to their surprise everyone seemed to be behaving themselves, a miracle in its self.)

Alexis: Congratulations. (giving both Skye and Jax a hug)

Skye: Thank you.

Ned: You both deserve this. (hugs Skye)

Kristen: Auntie Skye look at my new dress! Isn't it pretty?

Skye: Yes it sure is.

Jax: Very pretty. Thank you guys for coming.

Alexis: Your welcome.

Skye: Hey I want to introduce you to my mother come here. (They follow Skye to where Rae standing) Ned, Alexis this is my mother Rae Cummings. Mom, this is Ned, Alexis, and their little girl Kristen.

Kristen: Hi! You like my dress?

Rae: Hi Kristen, and yes I like your dress

Kristen: Thank you.

Ned: It's nice to meet you.

Rae: You too. Your daughter is absolutely adorable.

Ned and Alexis: Thank you.

Skye: Alexis I actually have a favor to ask you.

Alexis: Yeah and what's that?

Skye: Would you mind being my matron of honor at the wedding?

Alexis: Oh I'd love to.

Kristen: What about me?

Alexis: What about you? (she picks her up)

Kristen: I wanna be in the wedding. Can I?

Alexis: Well I don't know. Your going to have to ask Auntie Skye and Uncle Jax.

Kristen: Auntie Skye can I be in yours' and uncle Jax' wedding? Pretty please, I'll be your bestest buddy.

Skye: Well how can I say no to that. Jax what do you say, shall we have Kristen here be our flower girl?

Jax: I don't know, do you think she really wants to, she has to get all dressed up and...

Kristen: I do, I really, really do Uncle Jax.

Jax: Well then I think we have ourselves a flower girl.

Kristen: Yay! (She practically jumps out of Alexis' arms and goes to tell the rest of the Quatermaines)

Jax: Actually Ned while we're on the subject would you like to be my Best Man?

Ned: Sure why not... It's not like it'll kill me.

Alexis: Ned.

Ned: What?

Alexis: You know what. (her cell phone starts ringing and Ned looks quite annoyed) That's me.

Ned: Ignore it.

Alexis: I can't do that. (sympathetically) You know how I get when someone is trying to reach me. (she answers it and starts to walk outside and Ned follows her) Alexis Ashton... Yeah...ok not that I need to tell you this but don't say anything until I get there.

Ned: So what does Corinthos want now?

Alexis: You know I can't discuss my clients with you and I'm sorry honey but I have to go.

Ned: Yeah I know Corinthos calls and you go running.

Alexis: (not wanting to start another fight totally ignores his last statement) I'll see you at home. (she kisses him quickly and leaves while Ned goes back inside)

Jax: Where's Alexis?

Ned: She had to go. (clearly still mad)

Skye: Is there something going on between the two of you? I hate to see you guys fighting.

Ned: No we're fine, we'll be fine. (Kristen comes running over)

Kristen: Daddy, where'd mommy go?

Ned: Mommy had to go to work. (picks her up)

Kristen: Again?

Ned: Yeah but you'll see her later. I promise.

Kristen: Is she coming back to the party?

Ned: I don't think so princess, but we'll see her at home.

Kristen: How come mommy always has to work?

Skye: (saving the day) You know what Kristen, I think Jax and I need help opening our presents, do you want to help?

Kristen: Presents?

Skye: Yep, come on. (she goes with Skye forgetting all about her question and Ned mouths a thank you to Skye)