Part XX: If I Only Knew

The two girls froze. They know Caleb and Julie would have seen them kissing. Marissa held Alex's hand tighter. Alex turned and looked at Marissa. They smiled at each other.

We're ready.

"Yes I am. Alex Cohen." Alex extended her hand which was warmly taken by Caleb.

"My… My… You're a handful aren't you?" Caleb gave Marissa a wink.

Marissa felt confused. If your dad barged into an intimate moment with your girlfriend, he wouldn't be winking at you at all. Well, not unless he was ok with.

Marissa sighed.

"Well tell me… How are things in school? How come your dad didn't move out here?" Caleb asked as he put his hand over Alex's shoulder and started to lead her out the room.

"Oh uh… Well…" Alex couldn't reply.

She reluctantly looked at Marissa then allowed Caleb to lead her.

"Honey, I'll just take Alex for coffee ok?"

Julie smiled and nodded.

"Marissa, she'll be fine." Caleb added and waved goodbye.

The remark gave Marissa room to breathe.

"She seems nice." Julie said as she tried to arrange the flowers Alex bought.

"I know mom. She is…" Marissa looked at her legs.

I have to make this right. I love Alex. And I'm tired of not being able to show her that.

"Mom… Alex is my girlfriend." Marissa suddenly spoke.

Julie remained unmoved, still arranging the flowers.

"Mom?"

"Oh I'm sorry dear. It's just these flowers are beautiful. Who sent them?"

"Alex…" Marissa replied sadly searching for her mother's face.

"What a sweet girl…" Julie answered.

She turned and sat beside Marissa.

"Honey, she's your girlfriend."

"Is that a question or a statement?"

"It's a statement Marissa. For how long?"

"Two weeks. We haven't been really going out. But we keep each other company in school."

"You love her?"

Marissa looked at her mother's eyes.

"I do mom… So much…" Marissa replied.

Julie smiled and rubbed her daughter's cheek.

"Mom… I'm sorry if it's not what you want… But it's what I want…"

Julie couldn't help but be teary eyed.

"Oh mom I'm sorry… I'm sorry I couldn't be like Lindsay…" Marissa dropped her head in shame.

Julie rubbed her tears away and made her daughter look up by slightly raising her daughter's chin.

"There is nothing to be sorry about Marissa. I love you both… You're the most beautiful angels in the world…"

Julie hugged Marissa tightly. Marissa rested her chin on Julie's shoulder.

"… All the years I've waited Marissa… for you to see that you can tell me what you feel is right. To make your own decision…"

Looking at her daughter,

"… I won't be around forever honey. You have to make your own choices, regardless if people approve of it, even us. If you feel this is right and you're not doing anything wrong. Go for it. You have to prove it's worth it though." Julie smiled at her daughter.

"She's worth it mom. She is…"

"I'm sure she is. Besides honey… I think dating basketball players is hot…" Julie grinned.

"Ew! MOM!" Marissa laughed and held her mother tightly.

Things are looking up.

----

Alex and Caleb were handed a couple of lattes then they went out to walk their way back to the hospital.

"So you and my daughter…"

Alex looked at Caleb nervously.

"… Are dating?" Caleb asked.

Alex stopped walking. She breathes in deeply and decided to reply.

"Yes sir."

"Do YOU love my daughter?" Caleb asked with outmost seriousness.

Alex gathered up all her courage and stood up straight looking at Caleb straight in the eye.

"Yes sir I do. With all my heart."

Caleb saw fire in Alex's eyes. She didn't even blink when she replied. Caleb smiled.

"I'll hold you to that kiddo. Better not break my daughter's heart." Caleb grinned and gave Alex a playful pat in the back.

"You can count on me sir." Alex replied smiling.

"Caleb. Call me Caleb."

----

Julie was giving Marissa some soup when Caleb and Alex went back in. Everybody was smiling.

"So… Marissa… Me and your mom should get going. What time will your sister be back?" Caleb asked.

"I don't know dad. She was with one of Alex's friends." Marissa replied.

Julie handed the bowl to Alex.

"A few teaspoons more I'll say that's enough for tonight." Julie smiled.

"Ok Mrs. Cooper."

"Julie." Julie pointed out.

She took her bag and then held on to Caleb's arm.

"We'll see you tomorrow ok? Take care of her Alex." Julie winked.

"I will Julie." Alex smiled and closed the door.

"She knows Alex." Marissa smiled at Alex.

"Your dad knows too." Alex grinned.

"Here… Finish this first. Open wide…" Alex fed Marissa till the bowl was empty.

"I'm full." Marissa rubbed her stomach.

"Good." Alex put away the bowl and stood beside Marissa's bed.

Marissa held on to Alex's neck and pulled her closer to a kiss. Softly at first then became more and more intense. Alex rested her hand on Marissa's sides, gently rubbing them. Pulling Alex closer, Marissa craved to enter her girlfriend's mouth. She ran her tongue on Alex's lower lip. And as if Alex would ever deny Marissa… She let her tongue in. Feeling each other's tongue… the rough feeling causing them to moan softly… Alex suddenly realized the hospital wasn't the place to have anything intimate. Doctors might barge in anytime to check on her girlfriend. Slowly Alex softened the pace. Careful not to disappoint her girlfriend. Then they slowly parted.

"You have to slow down Ms. Cooper." Alex smiled, resting her forehead against Marissa's.

"Days are like forever when I'm not with you Ms Cohen." Marissa replied smiling at Alex.

"We'll make sure you'll never be without me then." Alex smiled and gave Marissa a quick kiss.