Part XXI: Coming Out

It's been a week since Marissa got out of the hospital. She and Alex spent most of their time watching home videos in Alex's apartment whenever they were done with homework. Marissa didn't stay for sleepovers though.

In school, they were the same. From a far, they were friends, nothing special. They just hanged out a lot.

As of now, Sandy doesn't know that the two are dating yet. Tonight is going to change all of that.

"Are you sure you're doing that right honey?" Alex asked worriedly.

Marissa was trying to bake a cake for dessert later that night.

"I'm following the cookbook baby. It'll be fine." Marissa gave Alex a kiss on the cheek.

"Do you have any idea where our groupies have gone off to?" Alex scratched her head.

"Probably on dates…" Marissa giggled.

"I'm done Alex. Can you please put it in the oven? I'll just wash my hands."

"Sure." Alex took the cake and put it in the oven.

While she set the timer, she felt Marissa's hands on her waist. She stood up straight and faced her girlfriend.

"So… What time are they coming in again?" Marissa asked.

She was tracing Alex's face with her fingers ever so seducing.

Alex bit her lower lip before she answered.

"About… Three hours more. Why?"

"Oh… Nothing… I just had something in mind…"

Marissa brought her lips to Alex. Softly kissing as she dragged Alex out of the kitchen and the living room. Alex held on to Marissa's waist. Slowly Alex laid Marissa on the couch without breaking the kiss. Marissa's hands held on to Alex's neck. At times she would caress the back of her girlfriend's neck. Soon enough, Marissa felt Alex's tongue on her lower lip. She allowed it to enter which intensified the kiss even more. Gasping for air they slightly parted. Alex traced Marissa's chest so lightly it gave shivers. She ran her fingers from Marissa's chest, slowly around her breasts, then her stomach. Finally stopping on top of Marissa's jeans and would go up again.

"Tease…" Marissa whispered.

She earned a grin from Alex and they kissed again.

Alex slowly shifted and her kisses trailed Marissa's neck. She slid her hand inside Marissa's shirt: gently caressing her girlfriend's stomach. Marissa gave out soft moans as Alex nipped her neck lightly.

DING!

The sound halted their movements. They stared at each other for a while. Then they laughed.

"Remind me not to make out with you while you're baking… or cooking…" Alex buried her head onto Marissa's shoulder, hugging her.

Marissa caressed her girlfriend's back. She kissed Alex's head from time to time.

"I have to check that." Marissa smiled.

Alex slowly sat up on the couch and looked for the TV's remote. Marissa gave her a kiss on the cheek and went to the kitchen.

----

Sandy and Kirsten arrived at the airport. They dragged Seth along.

"Did you call Alex already? Or did the flight come in early?" Sandy asked impatiently.

"Relax honey. She'll be here." Kirsten replied.

"Yeah dad… Maybe she got caught up with that girl… UFF!" Seth didn't finish.

Kirsten gave him an elbow in the stomach. She glared at him.

"What was that son?"

"Nothing dad..." Seth just shrugged.

"SANDY COHEN!" a man shouted from a distance.

"I know that voice… I know that voice…"

"CALEB! What brings you here you old man!" Sandy gave Caleb a "manly hug."

"I'm here to pick you up. Your daughter asked us to." Caleb smiled.

Julie appeared from behind and they all shook hands. They were in Caleb's car when Sandy decided to ask Kirsten.

"What's so special about today?" Sandy looked at Kirsten.

"Well, you're about to find out." Kirsten replied as they went off to Alex's apartment.

----

Marissa and Alex were fixing the dinner table while they waited for their parents to arrive. Marissa stared at Alex while she arranged her end of the table. She felt lucky. She remembered how they first met. How she was so mean to Alex just because of her foot wear. She was grateful Alex had a big heart. She remembered the first time they touched. And the first time she kissed Alex out of her jealousy. Marissa laughed and Alex noticed it.

"Care to share the funny thought?" Alex asked smiling at her girlfriend.

"It's nothing. Probably just a pigment of my demented mind..." Marissa replied grinning at Alex.

"Well alright. We're done here. All we need now is to wait for the guests." Alex stretched her arms.

Marissa walked over to Alex and pulled her to a tight hug.

"I love you Alex." Marissa kissed Alex's cheek and rested her head on Alex's shoulder.

"I love you too…"

"Hey guys!" Seth screamed as he barged into the kitchen.

Marissa didn't jump out of Alex's embrace. She just turned her head still resting on Alex's shoulder.

"Aren't you two sweet…" Seth grinned.

The couple just smiled. Moving out of the hug, they went to the living room holding hands.

"Hi mom... Hi dad…" Marissa let go of Alex's hand and hugged her parents.

Alex did the same.

"So what was so important that you had to bring all here?" Sandy asked.

The parents sat on Alex's couch while Alex and Marissa stood at opposite ends of the table.

"Straight to the point are we?" Alex smiled.

"Well of course… You called me up to come here. You had Caleb pick us up. I smell quite a scrumptious meal waiting… What's the occasion?" Sandy asked excitedly.

"Dad… Promise me you won't do dramatic scenes when I tell you what I'm about to tell you…" Alex was serious.

Sandy stood and rubbed his daughter's back reassuringly.

"Whatever makes you think I'm dramatic?" Sandy joked.

"Dad… Marissa is my girlfriend."

Sandy froze. He stood stiff beside his daughter. Everybody else wasn't as shocked Sandy though. They knew anyway.

"Dad?" Alex asked looking at her father who was turning pale.

THUD!