Chapter 9
The next day, Lexi had decided to read more of her mother's diary as she sat and listened to Chopin on her stereo.
December 11th, 1998
I just moved in with some friends of mine since they are now tearing down the building where I used to live. Jeff and Kristina are such great friends to let me stay until the baby is born. I heard that Tommy asked about me and the baby. Where does he get off? He's got his new skinny bitch girlfriend. I just want to get on with my life without him. Hasn't he caused me enough pain as it is? All that matters right now is my baby.
Lexi flipped through a few more pages and saw a picture of her mother with a man who looked like a younger version of the man who she knew as her father. He had passed away when she was fourteen and he was the only father she had ever known, so when she lost him, it devastated her because they were so close. These were the only things she had left of them. She continued to read.
December 15th, 1998
Jeff and Kristina invited a friend home for dinner. I was in the shower when he came in but I will never forget how cute I thought he was when I steeped out with a towel wrapped around my head and in nothing but a bathrobe and slippers. I felt so underdressed compared to him. Although I did have to wonder since his dark suit was the same as Jeff's, if it wasn't the standard dress uniform. He introduced himself as Clint Jackson. But there was a demeanor about him that could light up the room when he smiled at me. I thought I would melt at the sight of him. But let's get real here, I'm about six and half months pregnant and he probably prefers those skinny little super model types. But damn, he sure is fine though.
She looked at another picture of her mom and dad that could have been taken in a photo booth. They were both laughing and having a great time. By the looks of the photo it seemed like they really were in love. She couldn't help but smile, as she continued reading her mother's diary.
December 20th, 1998
Clint came over again today but neither Jeff or Kristina were there. I invited him in. He looked fascinated by my stomach. I have no idea why. He asked me when I was due and then I felt the baby move. He asked if he could touch my belly and for some reason I felt so comfortable that I let him. As the baby was moving he had this look of wonder on his face like it was the coolest thing he ever experienced. We just sat there and talked for what seemed like hours on end about anything and everything.
Lexi continued to read on.
December 25th, 1998
I got a call from the asshole today. He keeps telling me that he's sorry. He walked out on me! Sorry ain't gonna cut it! Why did he have to do this shit on Christmas? Just as we were about to open presents, Clint could hear my conversation with Tommy getting heated in the other room as he, Jeff and Kristina were talking. I slammed the phone down and went into the other room where they were. Clint could tell something was wrong. It was then he asked if I wanted to go for a drive, so I nodded my head. I got my coat and we went to his car which was a black Audi A6. We got in and we drove to a place that overlooked the whole city. It was beautiful. As I sat there, not saying a word and looking over the city scape, I noticed he was looking at me and it was the same way that Tommy used to look at me. But then again it could be my mind playing tricks on me due to the hormones. And then out of the blue I asked him what he had planned for New Year's Eve. He gave me a smile and I could feel myself blushing. I think I asked him out. If I did, then I believe I now have a date. I don't do that! But he is so sweet!
'Go mom!' Lexi thought to herself.
December 31st, 1998
Well here it is, the big night and we are all car pooling and it's Kristina's birthday! If I know her, she'll be drinking for the both of us since I can't drink for awhile. And it looks like Clint has volunteered to be the designated driver tonight. Clint arrived early it seems and he looks incredible but then again he always does. Dressed in black from head to toe with matching dark shades an earpiece, it's the same ensemble that Jeff has on. He also has his short dark hair slicked back in the same style Jeff does too, it's like they are twins almost. Well it's time to go. I'm nervous.
January 1st, 1999
Well I survived my first date since Tommy and it was wonderful. When the clock struck midnight, he kissed me. It wasn't a pity kiss but a genuine kiss. I think I'm developing feelings for him but I'm so afraid of getting hurt again.
Lexi closed the diary and continued to look at the pictures of her parents. Happy memories flooded her head when she thought back to when she was about eight and playing little league. She remember her father, no matter how hot it was, wearing his dark suit and shades with earpiece in his ear. The other kids would tease her about her dad, but to her he was the coolest and she didn't care what anyone thought. She remembered a game where he was sitting in the bleachers cheering her on.
"Come on Lexi! You can do it! Remember, only human kiddo!" He yelled as he clapped and cheered his child on.
"Only human." Little Lexi said to herself as she held the bat tightly in her hands.
"Is that your kid?" Asked an elderly woman sitting next to him.
"Yes she is." The man beamed proudly.
And then little Lexi hit it out the ball park as the crowd went wild. She ran to first, then second, then third and then stole home. She won the game as the kids surrounded her and put her on their shoulders. Her dad was the first one to run out the field.
"And Lexi Morgan wins for the Beavers!" The announcer said over the loudspeaker.
As the kids carried her off the field she was greeted by the Agent program whom she had known as her father as he swooped her up in his arms.
"I'm so proud of you." He said as he hugged her.
A few moments later, they were greeted by her mother.
"Hello, you two." She said with a smile.
Jackson wrapped his arms around her and greeted her with a kiss.
"Ewww!" Lexi said.
"You won't be thinking 'ewww' when you grow up young lady." Her mother said.
"I have an idea. How about the three of us go for ice cream?" Jackson said with a child-like gleam in his eye.
"Yay!" Lexi yelled.
"Okay ice cream it is." Her mother said.
Lexi had one parent on each side of her as she held their hands and they made their way to the black car. She giggled as both her mom and dad swung her like a monkey in between them. It was many of the happy memories she had of both her parents before her father died. After that her mother was the only thing she had left. After her mother died not too long ago, Lexi had never felt so alone.
The day of Connor's show at Mero's gallery had came and he was nervous about showing off some of his latest work. He fumbled with his tie when his grandfather, The Architect walked in.
"Dammit!" He cursed to himself.
"Here let me help with that son." He said.
"Thanks."
Connor turned around and let the old man tie his tie. Once he was done, Connor finished by slipping on a silver tie clip as he inspected himself in the mirror. The Architect could not help but notice that with each passing day that he was looking more and more like his father, only he wasn't his father. His mannerisms were different than Smith's. Connor let out a deep breath and turned to old man.
"Do I look alright?" He asked.
"You look handsome." The Architect said as he patted him on the back.
Connor put on his dark glasses and it was only then that he looked like a spitting image of his father. The Architect watched as he inspected himself one last time in the mirror and looked at his watch.
"I think we better get going."
The Architect looked at the clock.
"I agree, we don't want to be late for your showing."
Both men made their way down to the stairs and out the door where the limo was waiting. They got inside and made their way to the gallery. Once they were there, they were greeted by Mero and Persephone as Chopin was playing in the background.
"So good to see you again Connor!" Mero said.
"Yes, likewise." He answered.
"So where is the charming young lady we met at Phantom?" Persephone asked.
Connor looked around hoping that he would see Lexi.
"Well she said that she would be here." Connor answered.
"Well it would be a shame if your muse missed this." Mero said.
A few moments later, Lexi entered the room in a stunning black floor length evening gown. When Connor saw her, his breath was taken away. She spotted him and walked slowly over to the group where he was.
"I'm glad you're here." He told her.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world." Lexi answered with a smile.
Mero motioned for The Architect.
"If you'll excuse us for a moment, your grandfather and I need to catch up on old times. It's been awhile" Mero told them.
"Yes it has." The Architect agreed.
Mero, Persephone, and The Architect excused themselves and left Connor and Lexi alone. They went to the corner of the room and started talking as they watched them make small talk.
"They make a cute couple don't you think?" Persephone said.
"Yes, it's nice to see that boy smile for once." Mero answered.
"I know that he does like her." The Architect said.
"So what about you and The Oracle?" Persephone chimed in.
The Architect rolled his eyes at her question.
"We are so different, besides I don't think she even thinks of me in that way."
"But you think of her in that way." Mero teased.
"Especially when you're around her." Persephone said.
"Alright ... maybe I like her ... a little bit." The Architect admitted.
"Why don't you just quit beating around the bush and ask her out already?" Mero told him.
"Oh please Mero! I'm an old man."
"Oh darling you're never too old for love." Persephone told him.
Meanwhile Lexi and Connor were looking at his paintings.
"You look beautiful tonight." He said.
Lexi could feel herself blush.
"Thanks." Was all she could say.
They stood there not saying a word for the longest time as the music played. Out of nowhere there was a gunshot and everyone fell to the floor.
"Oh no! Not again!" The Architect said.
"Everyone on the floor now!" The masked gunman yelled.
Everyone who wasn't on the floor got on the floor immediately. The gunmen went around and stripped the patrons of their jewelry and their wallets. Once they were done combing the room and looting whatever they could get their hands on. They opened fire on the guests.
"NO!" Lexi screamed.
Something in her was telling her to get up and she did. As if by an unseen force she raised her hand and all the bullets stopped in mid-air and landed on marble floor with a clink.
"What the hell?" Was all Connor could say as he watched.
"Shit!" The gunman yelled
He charged at her and swung. She blocked his every move with ease. Not too long after that his goons came after her with clubs. They too swung at her and she blocked their punches just as easy as she threw them around like rag dolls around the room. It was like she was in a trance as she fought. All of them laid in a heap on the floor as she was the only one still standing. Finally the police arrived and took them away.
"How did you do that?" Connor asked her.
"Do what?"
"What you just did?"
She shook her head.
"I don't know. I have to go."
She ran out of the gallery.
"Lexi!" Connor shouted as he ran after her, it had started to rain.
Lexi continued to run. What was happening to her?
