Part X

Alex was lying on the couch in the Cooper's living room with Marissa in her arms. Summer and Jodie had already left earlier to catch some time alone. Alex was still fast asleep when Marissa turned to face her. The brunette touched her lips making her stir. She didn't open her eyes, but she held on to the brunette tighter. It made Marissa smile. Softly she kissed Alex's lips.

I love you Alex…

I love you…

Marissa closed her eyes, burying her head to the blonde's chest. Alex was still in deep slumber. Her chest was slowly rising and falling. Her heartbeat was steady. Marissa smiled as she listened. Suddenly, she felt irregularities on Alex's heartbeat. It wasn't constant anymore. Marissa looked up to Alex whose eyes are still closed. She was not pale, but the breathing wasn't normal. Marissa gently shook Alex so she would wake up. Slowly Alex opened her eyes.

"What is it? Is it time to go home?" Alex asked sleepily.

Lying on her side, Marissa touched Alex's cheek. There was worry in her eyes.

"No… But… Can you stay here?"

"I don't know. I have to start packing and stuff. Why?" Alex gave her a quick kiss on the lips.

"I just want you here with me…" Marissa replied resting her head on the blonde's chest.

"We have to ask your mom…" Alex replied stroking Marissa's hair.

"Alright... But please, stay." Marissa pleaded.

"Ok…" Alex replied and then became silent.

She listened to Alex's heartbeat. It was back to normal. She wondered if Alex was just nervous because she was pretending to be sleeping. Or if there was something wrong.

If this keeps up I have to make her stop playing.

She's draining her energy.

Alex fell asleep again, causing Marissa to sigh.

I think training is not the problem.

I assume the pressure and the stress is.

She needs to rest.

Marissa tucked Alex's stray hairs to the blonde's ears.

----

SUMMER!

"Seth! What are you doing here?"

"I'm looking for Alex. Marissa told me she was with you." Seth replied slightly out of breath.

"She was. She has practice till four. She's probably in the gym. Why are you here again?" Summer searched for her mobile phone.

"My dad has this thing with Mr. Cooper. I tagged along having no classes and all." Seth turned his head to stare at girls passing by.

Wow!

Summer pressed her number two speed dial and waved goodbye to Seth. He was too busy drooling over girls.

"Hi honey it's me. What time do you pick me up today?" Summer walked towards the quad.

In the gym, Alex was sitting down on the bench stretching her left arm. She was watching the rest of the team do passing drills when she felt pain on her chest. It shook her to the point she knelt down to the floor. Bianca, one of her friends, who was watching over the practices saw her and helped her sit back up.

"Are you ok?" Bianca asked while rubbing Alex's back.

It took a while before Alex could respond. She tried to endure the pain. She put her right hand to her chest, gently rubbing it. She felt her heart speed up then slow down again.

What's wrong with me?

"Alex?" Bianca asked again.

"I'm fine… Thank you. Just felt dizzy back there. Maybe I should go home." Alex smiled at her friend who was obviously worried.

"Want me to take you home? Or should I call Marissa?"

"I'll be fine. Thanks." Alex replied and slowly stood up.

HEY CHAMP!

Someone yelled from the bleachers. It was Seth waving at the two of them.

"Hey!" Alex waved at her brother.

"Done with practice?" Seth asked as he reached a seat behind the team bench.

"Yeah she is." Bianca answered leaving Alex with her mouth open.

"Ok…" Seth furrowed his brows confused at the scene.

"Thanks Bianca. Just tell them I need to go already." Alex gave her friend a hug then dragged Seth out of the court.

"New babe?" Seth asked shifting his eyebrows suggestively.

"No. She's been a friend. Even before Marissa. Don't get any ideas." Alex glared at him.

"If you say so…" Seth replied as he watched his sister drink from the water fountain.

"Just because I'm gay doesn't mean I have to ask my friends out." Using her towel, Alex swatted her brother in the head.

----

Marissa got out of a group meeting. She checked her mobile phone and found a missed call: Alex. Marissa smiled and put the phone back in her bag.

I'll call her later.

Maybe we could watch movies at her apartment...

She ran into Tiffany and Bianca along the halls.

"Hi! How was practice?" Marissa asked.

"It was ok… Still tedious but ok…" Tiffany replied slightly sighing.

"Alex seemed sick though…" Bianca added opening her bag looking for something in particular.

"Why? What Happened?"

"She seemed tired that's all…" Bianca smiled then turned back to her bag.

"Well I'll see you guys later ok?" Marissa waved goodbye.

She turned around but stumbled upon a student's bag.

"Ooops! Sorry!" Marissa bent down and fixed the person's bag.

"Marissa?" The voice asked.

"Yes… Who…" Marissa looked up and smiled.

"DJ!"