I know this is a day late, but I couldn't finish it quite in time.
Disclaimer: I do not own Alex, Jen, Lucas, or Ransik. They are property of Saban/Disney. I do own Christy and Chris Collins, Dr. Stein, Commander Steinback, Jesse, Jerry, and Jessica.
Eight Months Later
* * *
It was Christmas time again. Alex had never had a big celebration before – just a gift exchange between him and his father, or after he had disowned him a little dinner with his friends at the Academy. Now, however, he was getting ready for his first dinner with his dad's mom and brother. He was excited. He had gone and bought his first pair of civilian dress up clothes and a nice gift for his grandma and uncle. Everything was as nice as he could afford, not that that was much.
Alex had even tried to make some sugar cookies but had failed and had to ask Jen for some help. It took a while to even get her to let her in and forgive him for letting her down earlier. She still liked him after all that, and he could not believe it. He had hoped she would move on by then, but there was always when she entered the Academy. He was now thirteen years old and she was eleven. She had entered the Academy that year, so they saw each other often. Both enjoyed that more than they were willing to admit.
Alex eagerly knocked on his grandmother's door, cookies and gifts in hand. His grandmother opened the door and greeted him happily, quickly letting him in from the cold. "Hi, Grandma! Merry Christmas!"
"Merry Christmas, Alex!" she replied.
Peter walked in from his room with a big smile on his face and what looked like a cardboard milk container in his hand. "Merry Christmas, Alex! Want some eggnog?"
"Hey, Uncle Peter. Merry Christmas yourself! Sure, I'd like some eggnog, please."
"Wait until you see what mother's made. She's been in that kitchen since yesterday. You'll meet Bill and Jill today."
"Really? That'll be nice..."
"Yup. Here you go, Alex." Peter said while handing Alex the eggnog.
"…But I didn't get them a gift." Alex said, his face sad.
"Hey, cheer up. They'll understand. They don't know you're going to be here either."
"Ok. Then, I guess it'll be all right."
"Yes. We'll have a great meal, too. Sweet potatoes with marshmallows, green bean casserole, Christmas Jell-O, and don't forget the Christmas ham…" The bell rang as Peter was listing the contents of the meal, and he went to get it.
"Oh, Peter, I'm not that great a cook."
"Oh yes you are, Mom. Hello, sis! Bill."
"Merry Christmas, bro!" Jill said while embracing her brother happily. Her husband slipped in with the gifts and placed them under the tree.
"Hey, who's this? I'm Bill."
"I'm your nephew, Alex."
"Nice to meet you, Alex." Jill said cheerfully putting down her child. "Then, I'm your aunt, Jill. And this is your cousin, Lillian, but you can call her Lil for short."
Alex held back a laugh. "How old are you, Lil?" The little girl held up two fingers and smiled shyly. Alex got down and knelt on the floor to be Lil's height. "What have you got there in your hands?" he asked, motioning to the small toy she was holding.
With her fingers in her mouth, the little girl replied happily holding out her toy, "A pony."
"Really? Let me see." Alex took the toy. "Pretty pink. And does she have any friends?"
"Yes. Right here." Alex took the other toy.
"A nice white pony. What's her name."
"It's a boy, silly."
"Oh, I'm sorry. What's his name, and what's her name?"
"His name is Jim, and her name is Kim."
Alex stifled yet another laugh. "Nice names."
"Thank you. Will you play with me?"
"Sure." Alex said. In the background, he heard his aunt, uncles, and grandma discussing him as he started playing with Lil.
"He's Chris' son?" Jill asked.
"Yes." Grandma replied.
"What in the world? Chris said he was dead."
"He did? How terrible! Alex never told me."
"Poor boy probably wanted to forget."
"I guess."
Bill looked at his daughter and Alex. "She's never taken to someone like that before."
"Perhaps the boy's got a way with little kids." Peter offered. "Besides, Lil likes anyone who will play ponies with her."
"I suppose you're right."
"Dinner's ready!" Grandma announced.
The family gathered around the table, Lil reluctantly leaving her ponies when Alex promised they would play with them when they were done eating.
"Bill, will you say the blessing?"
"Sure, Ma. Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for this day and the time we can spend together. Thank you for bringing Alex for us. And thank you for this day. Please bless this food to the nourishment of our bodies. In Your Son's Name, Amen." They continued to eat the meal in silence. After eating, they gathered around the fireplace and read the Christmas story from the Bible. Alex had heard it many times before, but never before had he really paid much attention to it. His family seemed to take it seriously, unlike anyone else who had ever told it.
After they finished reading, they visited for a while and then opened gifts. Alex got some nice "civilian clothes" – some plaid shirts, khaki pants, and blue jeans. He also got a laptop to do his schoolwork on. Lil got some more ponies, which Alex had to play with her afterwards. When it was his grandmother's turn to open gifts, she was surprised to get a present from Alex.
"Oh, Alex! It's beautiful!" she exclaimed when she opened the red blouse. She quickly checked the tag. "And it's just the right size. Thank you." She gave her grandson a hug and Alex said that he was welcome.
Alex got Peter a white shirt and tie to wear with his usual suit. Peter was very appreciative. "I can always use these for work. Thank you, Alex."
"Uncle Bill and Aunt Jill, I didn't know you were coming or else I would have got you and Lil something, too."
Jill looked at her husband and both smiled. "That's very thoughtful of you, Alex, but we're happy just getting to meet you." Jill said warmly.
"Yes, and you are so much like your father. You are very polite, too."
Alex smiled back. "Thank you. I'm glad that I got to meet you, too." He sat and talked with his aunt, uncles, grandmother, and cousin a while longer before getting up. "I have to get back to the Academy. Thank you for having me and for the great meal. Bye." He hugged everyone and left.
* * *
Lucas, Jerry, and Jesse were still in the room when Alex got back. Lucas started to ask how it was to have Christmas with his family, but refrained because of what Alex had said early. Instead, Alex asked the first question. "Have they called with results yet?" he asked while sitting down.
Jesse looked up. "Yes, they did. Here." He handed Alex a stack of three papers.
Alex eagerly accepted them and looked through them. "This is exactly what I was hoping for. I'm going to fax these to my grandparents, and I'm going to call them." Alex did just that. When his grandparents received the papers, they were overjoyed that a little bit of their daughter was still living on, and agreed that it was the best Christmas present either had ever received.
After the phone call, Alex called Jen to wish her a merry Christmas.
"Hey, Jen. Merry Christmas." Alex said with a smile.
"Merry Christmas, Alex." Jen said wistfully. "How'd your day go?"
"It went well. Everyone loved the cookies we made."
"Good."
"How'd your day go?"
"It went very nicely. Mom, dad, and I went over to my aunt and uncle's house and we ate and exchanged gifts. My cousins and I talked a little. Why don't you meet me in the courtyard? It's not time for bed yet. Besides, it's a little noisy in here. Allie and Jessica are having a party in our room with some other people."
"So, that's where Jesse disappeared to a second ago?"
"Yup. He's over there under the mistletoe with Jessica." Jen rolled her eyes. "They are so weird."
"That's for sure. And, yes, I'll meet you in the courtyard." He closed the link. "Hey, Lucas, Jerry, I'm going out for a walk."
Jerry rolled his eyes. "More like out to meet with Jen. Why don't you just tell her you like her? She's alright for an eleven-year-old."
"Because. I. Don't. Like. Her."
"All right, all right, Alex. Don't need to be so defensive when you don't like her."
Alex grabbed his jacket and walked out of the room. What was so important that Jen wanted to see me in person? I just wanted to tell her 'Merry Christmas.' He walked out the door to the courtyard; he immediately zipped up his jacket and crossed his arms. It's snowing out here. Maybe she wanted to show me that it was snowing? He saw a small figure shivering out in the snow.
"Hey, Alex." said the red-faced girl.
"Hi, Jen." he looked her over head to toe. "Where's your jacket?"
"I-I forgot it inside." she said sheepishly. "I didn't realize it was snowing out here."
"Really? Somehow, I find that hard to believe. It's winter. Everyone knows to bring a jacket when they are going anywhere outside."
"Yah. You want to sit down?"
"Sure." Alex sat a few feet away from Jen. He always did that ever since she had made her confession; he did not want to make her feel uncomfortable or get the wrong impression.
"Uh, Alex? I asked you to come here to tell you something."
"Oh. And what is that?"
Jen sat there quietly for a few moments. "I don't like you anymore. I like Lucas."
"Really? That annoying guy? No offense, but he asks way too many questions."
"Well, at least he pays attention to me."
"I pay attention to you, too."
"Yah, but not like I wanted you to. It sure is cold." Jen scooted up next to Alex.
"It would have helped if you'd brought your jacket." Nervously, Alex wrapped his arm around her to keep her warm. His body tensed the moment he touched her. That was the first time he realized he liked her. "Um, Jen?" he said while removing his arm from around her body.
"Hmm?" Jen asked quietly.
"Why don't we head to that party? It'll be warmer than out here, and more comfortable." Alex suggested, trying to sound nonchalant.
"Sure. I make you uncomfortable when I'm near you? I thought you didn't like me."
"Um, I don't"
"Oh, Alex, don't even try to lie to me. I can always tell when you are. You can't look me in the eyes."
"Really, I don't. It's just I don't like being that close to girls."
"Whatever. You're always close to Jezzi. Admit it. You like me."
"No, really, Jen, I don't like you."
"Okay…whatever you say. Let's just head inside." Jen put her arm around his waist, trying to keep warm, but failing. Alex gently pushed her away. He opened the door for her, and they went up to the party. Inside, he quickly found Jesse.
"Hi, Jesse. I need to talk to you."
"What about, man? I was just about to…"
"Look, just listen. You can get back to Jezzi in a moment. She's not important." He pulled Jesse away from the rest.
"What is it?" Jesse asked impatiently, crossing his arms and leaning against the wall.
"I-I like Jen."
Jesse laughed. "Oh, man, this is rich. Why don't you just tell her?"
"She just told me she likes Lucas. She's over there with him right now. She's probably telling him." He watched jealously as Lucas smoothly looked up at the mistletoe, said something to Jen, and kissed her on the lips. It seemed like hours to him before the two parted.
Jesse watched. "Well, you had your chance before. I don't know what to tell you man. Now can I please get back to Jezzi?"
"Go ahead." Alex said, rolling his eyes. He walked up to Jen. "Jen, we need to talk."
"Didn't we just talk?"
"Yah, but this is important." He dragged her away. "I should have told you when we talked earlier."
"Alex, not now." Jen pleaded. "I just told Lucas. We're happy. Please, don't say what I think you're going to say, please."
"But, you need to hear it from me. It's important." Jen started to walk away, but Alex grabbed her shoulder. "I love you, Jen." He pulled her close, and kissed her. She slapped him and quickly walked away. Man, I was a fool. Why couldn't I have realized this earlier? I let the best thing that's ever happened to me slip away. I guess I should have known; she was bound to get over the heartbreak and move on to someone else sooner or later. Just, why'd it have to be that looser? He's smooth with the girls, that's why! I've got to get out of here. Jen watched as Alex fled the room; as soon as he was out of sight, she went back to Lucas.
Back in his room, Alex threw himself on his bed. He punched his pillow two, three times. He decided it was his worst Christmas ever. "Why, Jen?! Why?! What did I do?! I need you." he said aloud to no one, or so he thought. Suddenly, the lights turned on. In front of him was Ransik.
"Aw, little Alex having girl troubles? Let me help you." he said with a phony British accent.
"No way, Ransik." Alex said, getting into fighting stance. Ransik slowly approached him. "What do you want with me?! Why do you want to kill me?!"
"Oh, don't know, eh? Well, maybe it has to do with your father and mother betraying me?! Maybe that's it?"
Ransik threw a punch at Alex. Alex dodged. "I don't get it. How could you hold up this much …" he paused and kicked. "jealousy for this long?" Ransik grunted, pulling a sword from his back.
"It wont' be in me anymore once you're gone." He swung his sword at Alex. Alex rolled away, grunting aloud. The sword managed to scrape him a little, and he began bleeding. Alex came from behind and punched Ransik.
"I'll be around longer than you think." He kicked him. Ransik turned around, sword still drawn. He kicked Alex in the stomach. "Ugh. Is this your idea of a Christmas gift, Ransik?"
"Yes, a pleasant one for me, maybe a not so pleasant one for you, but hey, that's in the eyes of the beholder. At least you'll be with your mom and dad." He scratched Alex with the sword. He was taunting Alex to come closer so that he could stab him.
"I see. Well, you won't be getting it. Ugh!" He charged, punching Ransik square in the stomach with all his might. Ransik toppled over, breaking a lamp, but Alex did not care. Alex was winded still from the blow Ransik had given him, and he took the opportunity to catch his breath. Ransik kicked Alex against the door, knocking him out. He cut his skin and would have killed him had Jesse not entered and hit the security button.
"Ransik, over here!" Jesse exclaimed. "Come and get me. Better to pick on someone whose able to fight back, unlike Alex. Or my sister. Remember her? Katherine? You killed her to retaliate against my parents. Come on, I've been waiting for this for a long time!" Jesse ran up to Ransik, punching him in the stomach, then kicking him in the face. Time Force security came in when Ransik was on the ground, and arrested him. "Merry Christmas, Ransik." Jesse said happily, rubbing his hands together and blowing on them. He turned his attention to Alex once security was out. "Alex, come on, man, wake up. Man, that's a big gash on your arm. Wake up, Alex!" Alex did not wake up until the next morning.
"Whe-where am I?" he asked quietly. Jen looked up from where she was sitting.
"You're awake, finally. You're in the hospital. You took quite a blow from Ransik."
Alex looked at Jen, surprised she was there of all people. He looked at his arm when he tried to move it. "Ow. What happened?"
"Ransik cut you're arm pretty badly. And, you have a concussion. I'll go get the doctors." Jen left, but returned in a few minutes with a doctor. She left the two alone, figuring Alex would not want her to see him admit pain or weakness.
"Hello, Alex. I'm Doctor Stein. How are you feeling?"
"Pretty beat up, which I guess should be expected, but I had Ransik. If only I hadn't taken time to catch my breath when he was down. He's a mutant now, he doesn't take forever to recover, I should have known." Alex's adrenaline was flowing quickly, creating a sensation Alex liked.
"Whoa, Alex, relax! Lay back down. You're in no condition to get up."
"Fine, doctor, I'll lay down."
"I'll have some food brought in now so you can eat."
"No thank you, Doctor. I'm not hungry." Alex yawned. "Could you please send Jen back in?"
"Sure thing, Alex, but don't go to sleep, please. You're concussion is pretty bad."
"Thank you." Alex closed his eyes, and Jen entered just as he drifted off to sleep.
"Alex? Alex! Alex, wake up! Doctor! Alex, he's asleep!" Jen exited and brought the doctor back into the room.
"Oh no! Get out, Jen. Go get help! This isn't good, not good at all."