Chapter 31
Entering her bedroom, Alexis sat down in the chair beside the window. Looking out at the trees swaying in the breeze and watching a few patients take their daily stroll she absently caressed her child.
"Well, how do you think we ought to handle this situation, sweetheart? I don't want you harmed in any way and I don't want to ever feel trapped again. Ned always had a way of making me feel trapped when he wanted something from me that I didn't want to give. It just never occurred to me that not standing up for myself could be harmful to me. Quite honestly, I'm still having a problem with it. But, I have to consider the possibility now for your sake. I want you safe and I want the chance to spend as many days with you as I can before you grow out of your need for your mother."
Alexis allowed herself to daydream for a few minutes. She envisioned her daughter at two, cuddling with her just before sleep claimed her to dream of rocking horses, teddy bears and rainbows that ended in pots of gold. At twelve, sporting a training bra with puberty raging and pimpled faced boys eliciting scarlet blushes where indifference once held court. At sixteen when needing to be seen as an adult proved both exciting and frightening. At eighteen, when mother's are left behind to go in search of new worlds... new promises; with one step forward and one solemn glance back... hesitating... hoping to catch a glimpse of just one remaining apron string left hanging... just in case.
Bringing herself back to the present Alexis focused on her discussion with Johnny the previous afternoon.
"Do you remember what Johnny said yesterday, sweetheart? He had to remove Ned bodily from my room last week. So that tells me that Ned is still up to his old tricks. I guess the real question should be why does Ned feel he has a right to dictate my medical care? It doesn't make sense. Shouldn't it be Stephan or Nicholas? Seems as if there's more going on here than I can remember. Did Ned finally succeed in pulling me into his world this last year? I guess that's the one question I need answered before he gets here."
Getting up she went in search of Johnny. Surely Johnny would see the need in having that one question answered before Ned arrived.
"Johnny?"
Calling out to Johnny she found him just coming from the kitchen with a gentle smile on his face.
"You've been hanging out with Joy again, I see. I love to see that smile on your face. Come sit with me. I have a question I need answered before Ned gets here. Do you have a minute?"
"Sure, partner. Sounds like you've decided to see him. What can I do to help?"
Sitting down on the sofa beside Johnny the doubts and fears that were settling within her regarding Ned's arrival eased as she looked into Johnny's caring eyes. No matter what happened this evening, Johnny would take care of her.
"There's something I need to know before Ned gets here. It will help me in how I deal with his visit."
"If I have an answer that won't further harm you, I'll be more than happy to give it to you. What do you need to know?"
"Were Ned and I having some sort of relationship... I mean, were we married or something last year?"
"That's an easy one and one I don't mind answering at all. No, you two were not married and you were not in any kind of romantic relationship. As far as I could tell, you were just friends."
Breathing a sigh of relief, Alexis ducked her head and laughed uncertainly.
"You have no idea just how much I needed that answer."
"And you have no idea just how happy I was to give you that answer."
Laughing together that they had wholeheartedly agreed on the question of Ned Ashton, Johnny finally quieted and became serious.
"Do you want me around tonight, Alexis?"
Looking down at her hand where it rested just above her child, Alexis tried to visualize the possibilities of what could go right versus what could go wrong in the visit. But, what it all boiled down to was could she handle the visit alone without it threatening her in any way. Was she strong enough to deal with Ned on her own yet? Feeling uncertainty and fear rise at the thought of facing Ned alone, Alexis looked back up at Johnny.
"Why don't we make it a foursome? If Joy is here with you then Ned won't feel he's being chaperoned as much and I'll have my support base in place just in case I need it. And Johnny, I have to tell you I'm real apprehensive about Ned coming. I mean... I'm just letting you know what's going on in my head."
"Don't worry partner, I'll take care of everything. Why don't you go lay down for a while and rest. If you want, I'll send Joy in to talk to you for a bit to get your mind off everything for a few minutes."
"That would be nice, Johnny. I think I would like to lay down and rest for awhile and having Joy to chat with would be lovely. Thanks, Johnny, you're the best."
Parting company with Alexis, Johnny went back to the kitchen to talk to Joy before calling Ned.
"Joy, I told Alexis that she could count on you and I to stick around here tonight while she visits with Ned. I hope you don't mind."
"You know I don't, Johnny. Is there anything I can do for her, woman to woman?"
"Yeah, she could use a friend to talk to right now. She's laying down in her room waiting for you. Try to get her to doze off for a while. Tonight is going to be really rough for her Joy and she's going to need to be rested."
Hugging Johnny on her way out the door, she reassured him again.
"We'll do whatever is necessary to protect her, Johnny. You and me together until she is able to on her own again. I'll be back in a while to fix dinner for four."
"Thanks, Joy."
Watching Joy leave the room, Johnny pulled his cell phone out and dialed Ned's number. Sighing heavily he prayed he wouldn't have to get physical with Ned tonight.
"Ned. It's Johnny."
"It's about time. What took you so long in getting back to me?"
"I had to make sure it was ok first. Look Ned, same rules apply no matter what the change in circumstance is. You cannot project anything negative her way. And if I feel that you can't handle that then out you go. Now, that being said; I need to prepare you for what you will find when you get here."
"Johnny, don't push me. I've already agreed to you being there and not interfering with Alexis' care. Why are you coming down on me again? What's changed... has she gotten worse?"
"No." Johnny took a deep breath then let go of the words quickly. "She woke up Sunday afternoon, but she is still very fragile."
"WHAT? WHY DIDN'T YOU CALL ME? SHE NEEDS ME THERE WITH HER."
Totally exasperated with Ned, Johnny counted to ten before answering him.
"No, Ned. She did not need you here upsetting her every time she took a breath. I think you and I should have a talk before you see Alexis tonight. Why don't you meet me in the parking lot at 7:00?"
"No, I don't think so. I am on my way out there right now to see her."
"And you will be escorted off the premises by armed guards before you ever step foot in the door. Why must you make this so hard, Ned? Are you worried that you won't be able to run her life or something?"
"You don't know anything about my relationship with Alexis. And I'll guarantee you that once she finds out how I have been treated, you will have to find yourself another job."
Johnny tried once more to explain the situation, but found he was talking to a dead line. Redialing he called the front desk and asked for the office of security.
"Gene, there is going to be a man arriving very soon that I want stopped from entering the building. His name is Ned Ashton. If he arrives before I get out there, call me and I'll be right out. Under no circumstance is he to be allowed into the building. He is trying to get to a patient that has to be kept calm at all costs. You might want to cover all entrances to the building. Can you handle it for me?"
"Sure, Johnny. Whatever you want. I'll call and make sure all entrances are closed and locked for the next hour except the front entrance and when he gets here I'll call you. Will you need me to stick around after that?"
"I'll let you know, Gene, and thanks. I owe you."
Hanging up with Gene, Johnny called Kevin.
"Hey, Kevin. Just wanted you to know that I've called security to be on alert. They are closing down all entrances except the front door for the next hour."
"What's up, Johnny? Who's trying to make trouble?"
"It's Ashton. He called earlier to see if he could come out. I put him off until I had a chance to talk to Alexis about it and she agreed to the visit. So, I called Ashton back and told him Alexis woke up Sunday. Well as you can imagine he went off and is on his way here now to see her. In his current frame of mind he will only harm her so I called in security. Hope you don't mind, but it was either them stopping him or me taking care of him. Once he gets here he will be detained. I will talk to him and let him know what Alexis decides. You are welcome to join me if you like. But, right now I have to go talk to Alexis."
"Is she ok, Johnny? Is she handling things ok right now?"
"Yeah she is; better than I would have expected. She's very aware that she has to be careful with all of this and made sure I would be around tonight with Ashton in case she needed him removed or something."
"That's good to hear. I'll keep an eye out for Ashton and will be there to back you up."
Johnny hung up and pocketed his cell phone. Dreading what he was faced with, he walked back into Alexis' room to let her know what was going on. Entering her bedroom he stood just inside the door until the girls noticed him. They were sitting on each side of the bed chatting aimlessly when they noticed him enter.
Alexis knew something was up. There was an odd look on Johnny's face. Motioning him in she waited until he was seated at the foot of the bed.
"What is it, Johnny? Something's wrong."
Taking hold of Joy's hand for strength and Alexis' hand to comfort her, he began to tell them both what had taken place.
"Alexis, I've had the building locked down. Ashton is on his way here and he's acting like a total jackass again. Sorry for the language. When I told him that you were awake he went off about why he wasn't told and how much you needed him. Well, you've known him long enough to get the picture."
"Yes, I get the picture. So, I take it he's not waiting until this evening to come out here. He's on his way to save the day. Right?"
"Yeah. It's still up to you how you want to handle this, but in my opinion I think the boy needs to be taught a lesson in how to care about the women he comes in contact with. This is exactly what I was talking about yesterday regarding his lack of respect for you."
"I know, Johnny. I see your point. Tell me something, do I have to worry about Ned knowing enough about the last year that if he can't hold his tongue I may find out something I'm not prepared to handle?"
"Yes. I'm sorry, Alexis, but that has been my concern all along."
"I understand, Johnny. Don't worry, it's ok. Joy if you and Johnny don't mind; can you give me a few minutes alone please. I'll write a note for you to give to him, Johnny. Maybe if he knows it's my choice not to see him today then he'll calm down. I hesitate to say it, but I agree it's too soon for Ned to be here. I'm just not ready for him yet. Is that wrong of me, Johnny?"
Alexis was having a problem in the decision to turn Ned away. There were so many times that he tried to dictate what she would do or how she should feel and somehow over the years it became normal. She had simply accepted that that was the way Ned was and if she wanted him in her life then she would have to accept his domineering ways. Would he still be willing to be her friend if she stood up for herself and told him 'no' every once in a while?
Johnny watched as a myriad of emotions crossed Alexis' face. Standing to move around the bed so he could kneel beside her. Johnny took her hands in his and forced her to look at him.
"Alexis, I've always wanted you to take a stand for yourself. And no, it is not wrong for you to decide what's best and when it's best. That's been one of the problems all along. You're taking care of yourself now and that's good. Actually, I'm thrilled to see it. Don't question your right to be an individual with your own set of personal ideas and beliefs. For you, this is a pretty serious decision; are you ok with it?"
Taking account of the concern she saw on Johnny's face, she took his face between her hands and brought his face closer and kissed him on the forehead.
"Actually, I am. I think I'm more relieved than anything else that I don't have to face Ned tonight. Normally, I would have forced myself to endure it in silence, but a very special friend of mine helped me to see that it was ok to say no if I wanted to."
Chuckling at her admission, Johnny stood and holding his hand out to Joy walked toward the door.
"Let me know when you have that note written. We should have a good twenty minutes before he gets here."
"I'll be out in a few minutes, Johnny. And thank you, both of you."
