Chapter 7: The Album

Before opening the package Lexa thought it best to read the note, even though she was almost 100 percent certain what the package contained.

Lexa,

Ok, so I know I went through your things to find this, but I seriously think that it will help. I promised Alec that I'd look after you, and that's what I'm doing. It's not that far of a stretch seeing as how we've always been like family. Anyhoo, I'm guessing by now that you've figured out why I packed this for you, but just in case, let me clarify. I know I pushed you to go to Atlantis, but I believe it will help. New scenery is just what you need, a place away from all the bad memories. Not to mention I'm sure by now you've run into Major Lorne. ;-) Ok, so the reason for the album is to keep you connected. Being in Atlantis will make it easy for you to run and hide, not deal with the past, but you have to, and I think flipping through this album a few pages at a time will help you out. And if at any time it becomes overwhelming, I'm sure Lorne will offer a shoulder to lean on. ;-) Anyway, I'm not really good at this heart-to-heart stuff so… Oh and I tabbed the sections of the album so that you don't open it and find yourself at a spot you're not ready to see. Well uh, good luck, don't panic, face your fears, and uh, well I think you know what I'm thinking!

Luv Ya Kid,

Jack

Lexa's eyes filled with tears as she read through the note, but as she finished a big smile spread across her face. "I knew it!" Her suspicions of why Jack wanted her here so badly had been confirmed. "But, things have changed. There's no way we can get around the Regs anymore. I mean sure, Weir's in charge, but she's fairly hard-nosed and by-the-book, or at least as by-the-book as a civilian can get. And then Colonel Chrome Dome is around whenever the Daedalus comes in. It'd be great if… But," she broke off realizing she was talking to herself. She took a deep breath and read the tabs on the album. Family, Fishing, The Bahamas ;-), Camping, Parties, Civ Friends, Military, and College/ROTC. "Geeze Jack. Did you put a smile next to all references to Marc?" She shook her head. Hmm, am I really ready for this? What if… Maybe I should have Marcus here when I open it, just in case. But then… Lexa's conscious was getting the best of her. She felt as if she was apart of a cartoon, The Devil on one shoulder, The Angel on the other. After a minute or two of contemplation she brushed them away, grabbed the album and headed out the door and down the hall.

Marcus had pointed out his room on the tour and Lexa always had a fairly good sense of direction, mix in her photographic memory, and she had a pretty good idea of where she was headed. But she had seen so much of the city in a short amount of time. She made her way through the halls at a rapid pace and then stopped at an intersection near some stairs. Dang it… I know I'm almost there, but… Urg… As she stood trying to get her bearings she picked up a faint conversation coming from one of the corridors. Sweet, he didn't make it all the way back yet. She turned left and continued on.

Yes, poor Lorne had almost made it back to his room when he was stopped by a scientist who was investigating one of the artifacts his team had recently found off-world. The scientist was going on and on about all these technical things, but he hadn't caught a word, his mind was focused elsewhere. But not to worry, because they were soon interrupted. Lexa caught glimpse of Marcus down the hall, and could tell he so wanted out of the scientist's one-way conversation. "Uh, Major Lorne! I was wondering if we could talk?"

He turned to look at her and noticed the album in here hand that she then quickly maneuvered behind her back. "Of course. We can talk in my room, its just down there," he answered and the two began to walk away.

"Um, Major! What about the artifact," the scientist yelled after them.

"Right, great job! Just keep doing what you're doing," he answered as he hurried Lexa into his room.

"You had no idea what he was talking about, did you?"

"Not a clue. I didn't even think that artifact we found did anything, but you never know around here. So, that's what was in the package huh?" He pointed to the album.

"Uh, yeah. Jack thought it would keep me connected, help me deal? But, there's no way I can open it alone. I don't even know if I can open it at all." She sat down, feeling uneasy.

"Well, yeah, I get that." Lorne took it from her and read the tabs. "Hey, I'm photo-album worthy. Who knew? Or does 'The Bahamas' mean just pictures of the islands themselves? And what's with the smilie face?" He tried to lighten the mood.

Lexa grinned. "Honestly… Yeah, you're album worthy. And the smilie face? Hah, I don't know," she lied, knowing exactly what it meant. She sighed, cupped her hands over her face, and lied back on the bed.

Marcus came over, lied down next to her, slid his arm around her, and kissed her forehead. "Well, I'm here for whatever you need at anytime."

She turned and put her head on his chest. "I know, thanks." After a few minutes of silence Alexa realized what was happening, but still wasn't sure if it was the right thing. "So, think we should open it," she asked as she slowly sat up.

"It's up to you, but it would probably be a good idea," he answered as he pulled her back down.

She gave in and cuddled back up with him. They both held the album and opened it up to the back, to work they're way forward. The first section, was family, and Lexa knew it was going to be the hardest to look through, so she needed to work up to it. As they flipped through, memories overwhelmed her and she was glad she wasn't alone. They made they're way through the College/ROTC section, and then skipped the Military section, to move on to the Civ Friends section. Boy was she glad they were labeled, Jack actually did something smart. After over an hour of looking at pictures and being flushed with memories they were both beginning to fall asleep.

"Hey, looks like were both in need of some sleep, so what do you say we call it a night?"

Lexa agreed, "Yeah. Thanks." They both got up, and Marcus being a gentleman walked Alexa back to her room. She opened the door and turned to say good-night, but before she could think, there it was. The kiss.