Chapter 16

Entering her apartment, Alexis fell onto the sofa exhausted by the day's activities. Bringing her hand up to caress her child she smiled warmly.

"Hi, little one. How did you fare today? It was certainly interesting wasn't it? You think we should take Mac up on his offer to become detectives? No, I don't think so either. We do just fine as attorneys. It seems your daddy is finding his heart again. But don't worry, that's just an observation."

"Are you sure about that Alexis?"

"Kristina, surely you are not going to start in on me now after the day I've had."

"No, just trying to keep you honest."

"I love you dearly, but you and I are not going to have this conversation. I've made my decision and there's nothing left to be said about it."

"I'm not saying anything. But, you need to remember I have inside information. Remember it's your heart that I'm living in and it's kind of crowded in here."

"Ok, now that's just so not fair. You know I am not going to take a chance on losing you again, so you leaving my heart won't happen. But Kristina, could you lighten up a bit. I'm not strong enough to fight you both… not tonight."

"Time Alexis. All you need is time."

Jumping at the sound of someone at the door, Alexis stood wearily and went to see who it was. Seeing Zander with a handful of take-out calmed her anxiety and she let him in with an exaggerated flourish. She needed to laugh again. It had felt so good laughing with Felicia. And Zander possessed a unique talent for making her laugh too.

"Hello Partner, what did you bring me? Took you long enough. Little Kristina is fighting mad at you for making her wait for her supper."

"Alexis..."

"Looks, like the Grille. Can you afford that, Zander? Well no matter, supper's on me anyway. Come on in the kitchen and let's get down to some serious business."

"Alexis..."

"Man, I am starving. I don't think we ate lunch. Did we eat lunch, Krissy?"

"ALEXIS..."

Whirling around at the sound of Zander shouting at her she stopped.

"Why are you yelling at me?"

Shaking his head unbelievably. He set the containers down on the table and leaned against it.

"How can you spew so much out of your mouth so fast and keep up with it all? Man, I feel like I need a sea-sick pill?"

Laughing at his analogy Alexis hugged him tightly.

"This is what I needed, Zander. Just plain silliness and you came through for me."

Hearing the phone ring she went to answer it.

"Alexis Davis."

"Not checking your phone messages anymore?"

"Hi, Ned. How are you?"

"The question is how are you and more to the point where have you been, I was worried."

"Just trying to get back to a normal routine. I've been out protecting the world again. That's my job remember."

Hearing the relaxation in her voice and not wanting to chase it away, Ned didn't question her about who she had been trying to protect this time. It was good to hear a somewhat normal voice from her again.

"I remember. How about I bring breakfast over again in the morning?"

Looking toward Zander and waiting for his response while she told Ned that Zander would be staying the night and that breakfast would not be necessary, she winked her thanks at him when he nodded yes.

"How about we have lunch tomorrow instead?"

"Ok, that sounds great. I'll meet you at the Grille at noon. Sleep tight, Alexis."

"Night Ned, and thank you."

Hanging up the phone and returning to the dining room to join Zander she sat across from him and cocked her head to the side studying him.

"What?" He asked.

"I didn't put you on the spot did I? I mean it's great having you here and I thought it might be nice to just spend some time together."

"Yea, it's fine. I already told Sonny I would be staying here tonight and before you go all mad on me, no he didn't ask me to and no he is not working an angle here. This is where I want to be, besides I have something I want to talk to you about."

Reaching over to lay her hand on his she smiled gently at him. "I'm sorry, Zander. When it comes to him I'm just very raw right now and I tend to lash out at those I love when I am trying to protect myself and keep a bit of distance between myself and what could harm me."

Laying his own hand over hers, he gazed at her knowingly.

"It's ok. I really do understand. You already know I do the same thing. Even though Sonny and I came to our own understanding tonight, I am here for you. You come first. You've been there for me and now it's my turn."

"Thanks, Zander. That means a lot to me."

Reaching for the plate he filled for her she began eating.

Zander could tell something was on her mind and lay his fork down with just enough force to bring her attention back to him.

"Ask me."

"What?" Her eyes widened a bit feigning innocence.

"Look, I may miss a lot, but I think I'm getting the hang of this thing of being able to tell when something is on your mind. So, ask me."

Alexis' shoulders dropped a bit in resignation. There were questions she needed answers to and the only way she was going to get any answers or insight into the questions that were taunting her was to simply ask. It was her fear of the unknown that stood in her way. So she hedged again.

"I'm afraid to, Zander. If I don't know what's going on I can stay angry. But, I know something is up with him. I want to stay angry. I need to stay angry. Zander, I can't let him get to me again. He almost destroyed me the last time. I can't let that happen again. I have my baby to consider now."

"It's ok, Alexis. Let's just finish our supper and talk about something else. I understand where you're coming from so let's leave it alone for now."

"You know, you're a pretty smart guy, Zander. But I shouldn't be surprised since smart people are the only ones I surround myself with."

"Yea, smart enough to know that you got the better end of that left-handed compliment."

Patting his hand she laughed fully and sat back in amazement at the boy who sat in front of her.

"Uh, Alexis. Would you stop staring at me like that? Looks like you're about ready to hug me again and I really think I've had my quota for the day so back off would ya? Besides we need to talk about my registration tomorrow."

Giggling at the look on his face, his last statement registered a few seconds later than it normally would have.

"Registration?"

"Yea, at PCU."

He tried ducking, but wasn't quite fast enough and got sucked into another hug. Fighting for breath he began laughing himself.

"Zander, you just made me want to dance for the first time in months. How many classes are you going to take? You're going to live with me while you're a student. That way I can help anytime you need it. What courses are you going to take? Have you decided on a major? Oh, this is so exciting..."

"Alexis... Alexis... STOP, you're giving me a headache. Since I don't remember all the questions you just threw at me I'll answer the last one I do remember. I'm studying law."

He stood patiently watching the tears fall down her cheeks as she reached for him again pulling him into the most loving embrace he had ever known before.

Wrapping his arms around her he let her cry. He knew she would approve of his choice, but the flood of emotion that swept over her took him by surprise.

Releasing him, Alexis stepped back and wiped her tears away.

"I am not going to apologize for those tears, Zander. For the first time in months, you gave me happy tears."

Grabbing his hand she led him into the living room as the realities of what he wanted began to work their way into her mind.

"Ok, this is going to cost. Law School is expensive, but we can get around that."

"Whoa, wait a minute. Alexis, the money is not an issue. That's already been taken care of. I have a um... what do you call it... a benefactor who has agreed to see to the expense until I am set up and can repay him."

"Him?"

"Don't ask."

He watched as a far away look came into her eyes and knew she guessed who he was talking about. It was going to be difficult for her to remain unaffected by it and he figured at that moment it was affecting her so much she felt the need to run.

"Um... as much as I want to sit here and talk about law school with you, I need some time to myself. Do you mind? Can we talk in the morning?"

"Sure, Alexis I understand. You just holler if you need anything. I'll be right here."

Leaning down she kissed his cheek. "Thanks, partner. See you in the morning."