I only have one word at the beginning of this one: Enjoy!

Chapter 16

Alex still stood outside, waiting. She had just rearranged her focus, this time watching the traffic drive by, when she felt something she could only describe as a shift of energy. Her senses seemed to come alive and her skin got tingly. Her heart stopped for a second and her blood seemed to be boiling, but in a good way. She knew right away what –or rather who- had caused this.

From that moment on, everything seemed to be happening in slow motion.

Her body started to turn. Her head started the motion, followed by her neck, upper body and then her lower body as well. It felt as if it took her ages to reach the point she'd been aiming at, when in reality it was only a matter of seconds.

Her eyes had been seeking Marissa's desperately. They moved around quickly, scanning every molecule that was floating in the air for a sign of Marissa. And then she felt that piercing gaze, and she moved her eyes in the right direction where they immediately locked with Marissa's. If someone had been standing between them, they had probably been killed by the energy released in that single moment their eyes met. An intense gaze settled between them, a gaze that said more than most people say in a lifetime. And as they had their silent conversation, a smile started creeping on Marissa's face. Alex saw this happen and instantly she could feel her own muscles tugging at her mouth, pulling the same smile on her face. And then a sudden movement caused the slow motion to turn into a fast forward situation.

Marissa started running towards Alex, as fast as her legs could carry her. Alex didn't even have time to consciously realize what was happening. Before her brain had processed any thought, Marissa had literally jumped into her arms, her legs wrapped around Alex's middle, her arms around her neck and her lips seeking contact with those lips she'd been aching to kiss.

As their mouths crashed against each other, both Alex and Marissa let their tears of joy flow freely.

"I missed you so much" Marissa breathed out in between kisses.

Alex replied, her lips never really leaving Marissa's, "I missed you too baby, God, how I missed you."

Their lips met over and over, Alex's strong arms holding Marissa up against her. Marissa had placed her arms firmly around Alex's neck, the urgency to keep her close obvious.

It wasn't until Marissa felt Alex's arms trembling that she pulled back from the kiss. She rested her forehead against Alex's, feeling content and happy. Her eyes shut for a split second before she spoke up smiling.

"Honey, you can put me down. I don't think your arms will hold me much longer."

Alex gently lowered Marissa until her feet were placed firmly on the ground. As she pulled back a few inches, she took her first up close look of Marissa. She took a deep breath, taking in the beauty she had been missing so long.

"You look gorgeous," she spoke in awe, offering Marissa the red rose she was still holding.

Marissa lowered her head, a blush creeping up her face. Shyly she took the flower.

"I don't know how you can say that… I look like I've just been run over by a truck." Her voice had become small, almost childlike.

Alex took Marissa's hands into her own, her thumbs caressing the skin she found there. Slowly she brought them up to her face before gently kissing the knuckles on Marissa's hands.

"You look absolutely beautiful," she said, bringing her right hand to Marissa's chin to lift it up. Her eyes met Marissa's and she looked deeply into them. "Absolutely beautiful," she whispered again.

Marissa could tell from the love she saw in Alex's eyes, she meant every syllable of it. Drawn again to the blonde woman standing in front of her, she moved into the arms that always made her feel safe. There was no kissing, just holding.

She pushed her nose deep into Alex's neck, breathing in the scent. All she had memorized came rushing back to her as she realized that nothing had changed about them being together.

Alex still smelled the same, their bodies still fit perfectly together, their kisses were still filled with the same love. Alex's eyes still told her everything without needing to say the words and most importantly to Marissa; Alex still needed Marissa as much as Marissa needed her. The connection they shared had survived seven years of being apart. The way they clung together was only the tiniest proof of that.

Softly Marissa murmured into Alex's ear, "you know… all those mornings you kissed my forehead, thinking I was sleeping… I was just pretending, I was wide awake. I just loved it so much and I didn't want you to stop doing it because you knew I wasn't asleep."

Alex chuckled before throwing in her own admission.

"To be honest with you… I always knew you were just pretending. But I figured, if she wants it this way, who am I to interfere?" Marissa placed her lips on Alex's neck for a fraction of a moment.

"Thank you for loving me so much Alex," she whispered. Alex pulled back again to place a gentle kiss on Marissa's lips.

"There's no way I could ever not love you sweetheart. My love for you is the only thing that has kept me alive… to think…" her voice trailed away.

Marissa knew instantly what Alex was trying to say, for she felt it too. Her love for Alex had kept her sane. If she had thought she'd lost Alex forever, her heart would have been dead. And along with her heart, so would she.

"Don't think Alex. I'm here, with you. Thanks to you." She looked up at the sky for a moment before continuing.

"I can breathe in fresh air, I can see the sun, I can hear birds and cars and planes, thanks to you. I can live because of you. Don't think about what could have been anymore. Because we are together now. Don't let those bad memories haunt you. We've been given the chance to create new ones. And I'm ready to do just that with you."

Alex almost melted at Marissa's words. Marissa was right. She took Marissa's hand into her own.

"Let's do that, let's create new memories."

They started to walk towards the car, attached at the hip, when Alex heard noise. Curious what all the fuss was about, she turned her head just in time to see doctor Hamilton being pushed into the police car. She saw him watching her and Marissa and she couldn't help herself. With her one free hand, she waved avidly at him. As the police car drove off, she smiled smugly at doctor Hamilton who was still watching her angrily. What a great new memory to start with!

Marissa had seen Alex wave and burst out laughing. The sound of Marissa's laughter filled Alex with tremendous joy. They reached the car and Alex quickly moved to open the door for Marissa. She then ran to her side of the car, but just before jumping in she noticed Luke standing at the gate. He was watching Alex and Marissa with a big smile on his face.

Their eyes locked for a moment and they shared a meaningful glance. Alex shot him one more smile, filled with gratitude before entering the car. She moved in to give Marissa another quick peck.

"Let's go home." She said happily.

Marissa had a dreamy look in her eyes. "Yes, let's go home."

Well people, I hope you are satisfied with the way Alex and Marissa were reunited. Anyway; we're almost at the end of this journey... Next up: The Epilogue