Part XXI:

Marissa tried hard to bake the cookies. It was the fifth batch and she was hoping they turn out alright. Alex was going to spend the night in their house the next day to do their project. Alex's apartment was considered a bad venue to be alone with Marissa, or so Alex says. Marissa agreed in any case. She was finally going to talk to Alex. In school terms but she was happy with it. It was more than enough for Marissa.

Unknown to the baking brunette, Julie and Caleb were taking peeks at her in the kitchen. Their daughters have been unhappy since the break up. And even if Sandy and Kirsten talked to them already, they could not help but feel sad at the outcome of the relationship. They all thought it would last.

DING!

Marissa nervously checked the cookies. And a smile crept on her lips.

Finally…

Alex's chocolate chip cookies were now ready to serve. Marissa sighed contentedly as she let the cookies cool off. She stared at the ring in her finger. It was the ring Alex had given her. She never took it off even if they have broken up. Tears started to roll on her cheeks. The pain of the lost of Alex's affection was hurting her so badly, she barely got through everyday. She hid it so well, or so she thought.

Julie watched her daughter sadly. But the girls' feelings were not in her control. She could only pray that tomorrow changes everything, for her daughter's sake.

----

Alex was combing her long blonde hair when her phone rang. Slowly she went out of her room and walked towards the living room. Picking up, she sighed a little then spoke.

"Hello."

Hey. What's up?

"I've been better…"

Look… I… Heard… You're going to their place. I just thought… Maybe you should let her explain…

"From Summer huh? We're just doing our project. We already had this conversation. She's happy…"

You know that's a lie. Why do you have to keep lying to yourself? It hurts I know, But you're being stubborn.

"Jodie… I don't need this right now…" Alex rubbed her forehead in frustration.

Why did you have to break up with her anyway? I mean you're the one who told me things can be talked over and compromise for each other. Why can't you take your own advice?

"Jodie…"

Don't Jodie me. Talk. You're running away from something that was good for you. And you were good for her.

"She's not ready for forever Jodie…"

You know. You're young. You're just a sophomore. Why think of forever? Even straight people who are married sometimes grow apart. Loving someone is a risk. She's not the one who's trying to play it safe keeping DJ around. You are.

"She likes DJ…"

BULLSHIT! She loves you and you know that. So stop playing dumb and open your eyes.

"I…"

Don't even think about it Alex. She deserves a chance. A chance to at least explain herself. You of all people should know that. Because she gave you a chance when you almost messed up with Inna.

"I'm sorry…"

She's hurting Alex. Summer is afraid she's going to lose her.

"I'll do what I can…"

----

KNOCK! KNOCK!

Julie walked towards the front door and opened it. It was Alex.

"Hi Mrs. Cooper." Alex smiled and handed her a bag of fruits.

"Julie, Alex. Even though you're not dating my daughter anymore, you're still part of the family." Julie smiled and walked towards the kitchen.

Marissa slowly walked down the stairs, gazing shyly towards Alex. Alex smiled at her sweetly then walked towards the couch. Marissa breathed in deeply. This was going to be her first conversation with Alex for a span of 20 days.

"Um… We can do it here instead of the kitchen. My mom will be making dinner later so it would get a little messy…" Marissa said motioning Alex to sit on the couch.

"It's ok." Alex smiled and put her laptop on the coffee table.

The two sat silently. Sensing the need to continue the conversation, Marissa spoke again.

"Um… Where do we start? Do we need books? I can go upstairs to look for any…"

"No. Not really… I actually finished the project yesterday. I asked your dad for help."

"You did?" Marissa frowned for not being able to contribute.

"It's ok. Don't worry… I just wanted to show you so you'll understand ours. We might report you know." Alex smiled.

Marissa tried to smile back. But she was really upset. The project finished meant Alex will go home already. It also meant she wouldn't have time to make up for everything.

"You alright?"

"I'm fine. I guess I'll copy it so you can go home."

"I was thinking maybe you'd want company since your dad will take your mom out to dinner…" Alex looked into Marissa's eyes and saw them light up.

She smiled.

"How did you…"

"He told me." Alex brought her eyes to Marissa's hands where she played with her ring.

"Stop playing with it. It might come off."

Marissa dropped her head shyly.

"I wouldn't take it off. I never took it off."

"I know." Alex gave out a small grin on her face.

"You do?"

"I have eyes. And I look at you."

"You do?"

"Of course I do. I always had my eyes on you." Alex smiled and scooted closer to Marissa.

The brunette stiffened. This wasn't the scenario she was expecting.

"Too close? I can scoot away just a little bit." Alex moved away from Marissa.

----

"Are you sure we should be leaving them at home… alone?"

Caleb laughed as he drove out of the driveway. He was going to take Julie out to dinner. Prior to that day Alex had already asked Caleb for this favor. She wanted to talk to Marissa and perhaps work something out. Caleb was more than glad to help. At least Marissa would be happier when they get back.

"Yes… It isn't like they never did it before honey."

"Please spare me the details. Still they might not work out and hell breaks lose!"

"Julie… They are in love. They won't hurt each other. Trust me."

"They already have."

"But that doesn't mean they can't mend it in time. Trust them Julie. Just the way I trusted you after all these years."

Caleb held out his hand and took Julie's. Julie smiled knowing reconciliation can be possible.

----

Alex sat on the floor in Marissa's room while Marissa lay in bed. They were watching South of Nowhere on TV. Marissa stole glances at Alex who was below her watching the show intently. She sighed wishing the blonde was beside her. Slowly, she closed her eyes in frustration. She didn't realize she had fallen asleep.

Alex silently thought of things to say to Marissa. She wanted her back, but she had to address their problem first. She turned and smiled. Marissa slept peacefully as she hugged a pillow tightly. Alex stood up and sat beside Marissa's body. She ran her hands through the brunette's long hair. She smiled. She had missed the feeling. Alex bent slowly, and placed a soft kiss on the side of Marissa's head. The brunette stirred at the sensation. She turned and found Alex smiling lovingly back at her. Slowly she sat up and faced the blonde.

"I…" Marissa started to speak.

Alex put her fingers on Marissa's lips and took her by the hand and the two slowly stood up. They stared at each other silently. They made mental pictures of how the other's eyes drown them. Slowly Alex began to pull Marissa closer, until finally she envelopes the brunette into a warm hug. Marissa buried her head into Alex's chest.

"I wasn't afraid of growing old with you… having no grandkids and all…" Marissa began to speak softly and Alex listened.

"I was afraid that one day… It was going to be like this… You'll be holding me in your arms and yet the love's no longer there…"

Alex felt Marissa's tears on her chest. She brought her lips to the brunette's hair and sighed.

"I never stopped loving you…" Alex said closing her eyes.

"I love you then… And I love you now… I'm sorry I ran away… I thought you were going to be happier…" She continued on.

Marissa slowly looked up to Alex with tears in her eyes. Alex stared at her sadly.

"I promised myself I wouldn't be making those beautiful eyes cry. But I did. I always did…" Alex said holding back her own tears.

"No… This is my fault…" Marissa wiped her tears then felt Alex cup her cheeks.

"I need you back. I want you back in my life…" Alex said softly looking deeply into Marissa's eyes.

"I was supposed to say that…" Marissa replied and let out a small smile.

"Not the answer I was hoping for but, works for me." Alex smiled back and leaned closer.

"Think we could make up for lost times?" Marissa asked putting her hands around Alex's neck.

"You bet we will…" Alex whispered and captured Marissa's lips falling into a passionate and loving kiss.

"I love you…"

"I love you too…"