Part XXII: Secret No More

December was bringing in the cold wind. For Marissa and Alex, it was another to snuggle up some more. Marissa waited at the bleachers as the school held a pep rally for the varsity teams. Of course she was not just there to support the school. Alex was the new captain of the girl's basketball team.

Everyone in the family was cool with their relationship. When Sandy stirred the day they decided to come out, he was in shock. But Alex and Marissa proved them that they could make it work: as long as their parents and love ones were behind them. Not all girls are as blessed like Marissa and Alex. They were thankful they had a wonderful and understand family.

Summer appeared from the crowd holding Jodie's hand. She waved at Marissa who waved back. They sat beside Marissa.

"Is she here yet?" Summer asked as she scanned the gym.

"We came in together. She'll be out with the team." Marissa smiled.

"Are you coming to the bonfire later?" Jodie decided to join the conversation.

"Uhm… No… Alex has this surprise. She didn't really say if we're going to the bonfire either. But I'll call case we do."

"Where's Lindsay? Not here to cheer for the future in-law?" Summer joked.

They all laughed.

"I think we won't see Lindsay. She mentioned she has a date tonight."

They laughed again.

Drums began to sound. And people began to cheer. The varsity teams are coming out from the dugout.

Alex felt the heat of the glaring lights as she got out of the dugout. She searched for a particular face right away. When she found it she smiled. As she stood in center court she only thought of the very same girl shouted at her the first day of school: the same girl who could drive her crazy with just one kiss. Marissa.

Marissa knew Alex was smiling at her. She mouthed the words "I love you." And Alex mouthed "I love you too" in return. And as the program proceeded, Marissa just watched her girlfriend enjoy the spotlight. She was proud of Alex.

As the students dispersed Summer, Jodie and Marissa waited for Alex in the parking lot.

Alex appeared and gave Marissa a kiss. She rested her head on Marissa's forehead and held her girlfriend's hands.

"I think that's our cue." Jodie said and dragged Summer happily to her car and went off.

"So… What now? Got anything planned today?" Marissa asked as she rested her arms on Alex's shoulders.

"Let's see…" Alex searched her pocket and took out a necklace with a heart.

Marissa smiled.

Gently she put it around Marissa's neck.

"How do I look?" Marissa grinned.

"Perfect."

"Guess what…?" Marissa winked as she took the same kind of necklace out of her purse.

She put it around Alex.

Alex smiled and gave Marissa a quick kiss.

"Are we going to the bonfire?" Marissa asked.

She pulled Alex into a hug.

"Um… No. I have a better idea." Alex slowly moved out of Marissa's embrace.

She opened her car and searched one of the bags inside. Marissa just watched her.

"How do you feel about a trip to California?" Alex held out to American Airline tickets bound for California that night.

"I… Now? Are you sure?" Marissa asked confused.

"I'm in the mood for the beach…" Alex smirked.

"I'm sure you are…" Marissa grinned back.

So they got into Alex's car and drove off to the airport.

After a few hours they finally arrived. Alex took off her shoes and hurriedly ran to meet the waves. Marissa giggled at Alex who was playfully running along the shore. Marissa took off her shoes and ran to Alex.

"Breezy…" Marissa said as she shivered.

Alex hugged her and gently rubbed her arms.

"Better?"

"Way better." Marissa eased into Alex's embrace.

"You think we'll make this work?" Marissa asked as she watched the waves.

"We'll make it work." Alex gave her a kiss on the cheek.

Marissa smiled.

"I love you…"

"I love you too…" Alex smiled back.

"Look… The tide just turned…" Alex whispered with a smile etched on her face.

Marissa turned to look at her girlfriend, feeling more love than she had ever felt years.

Alex turned and looked at Marissa then slowly she leaned and captured Marissa's lips with hers.

The rest of the world faded as they let the night pass by...

So this is the story of two extraordinary women, who met and fell in love in college. They live in a world which sometimes would be cruel to them. But they will stay together. In the end, if they worked hard enough, they will always be together. It's the world of MALEX… and it will last forever.

-FIN-