Part XXIV:

Alex stretched out her arms and yawned. It was another day in school. She was burning her time doing research in the library at her lonesome. Marissa was spending time with Summer. They were attending a meeting in a club they were members of. Marissa would text her now and then just to make sure Alex wouldn't worry. And of course, just to make sure, Bianca wasn't taking advantage. Marissa liked the girl because she was their friend. But she couldn't help but be conscious of the girl's feeling for her blonde girlfriend.

Alex slowly stood up and made her way out of the library. She waved at a few people who greeted her. Even though she was no longer a member of the basketball team, people still knew Alex Cohen. She practically had her name hanging on a streamer in the gymnasium. Reaching her locker, she opened it. She hid her books then suddenly felt the locker door hit her head. She fell on her knees, feeling the world spin around. Slowly she got up looking towards her assailant, but her eyes were blurry. She furrowed her brows trying to identify the figure. Then she felt a hard object hit her across the face. She fell flat on her back bleeding immensely.

Bianca who was a few lockers away from Alex heard the commotion. Some of the students were screaming. As she turned she found a blonde girl lying on the floor. DJ was standing looking down at the girl with a grin, with a baseball bat in his hand. Bianca hurriedly ran towards Alex. She stopped as DJ pointed the bat towards her.

"If she doesn't stay away from Marissa, I'll kill her." DJ grinned then walked away.

Bianca bent down and hurriedly called 911 on her phone. As she waited for someone to pick up, she yelled at the top of her lungs.

"GET THE SCHOOL NURSE! GET ME MARISSA COOPER!"

----

Marissa suddenly stood up from her chair, earning the club members attention. Summer looked up to her confusingly then pulled her back.

"What's wrong?" Her friend asked.

"I don't know. I just… felt something…"

Suddenly there was a loud knock on the classroom door.

Tiffany.

"I'm here for Marissa Cooper." The girl said out of breath.

Marissa nervously stood up and walked out the door clinging to Tiffany.

"What's wrong?" Marissa asked worriedly.

"It's Alex. She's been attacked."

"Where is she?"

"The hospital... My sister called 911. The other students were so scared nobody had guts to call you. When I got of class she told me find you immediately."

Marissa didn't have to think twice. She ran towards the hall into her car and off to where Alex was.

----

Alex stirred and smelled the things around her. She tried to open her eyes but to her surprise everything was dark. She couldn't see a thing. Alex started to panic and sat up. She felt a hand hold on to her. The voice sounded like her mother.

"What's wrong honey?" Kristen asked rubbing her daughter's arm.

"I can't see mom…" Alex replied fearfully.

"I CAN'T SEE!" Alex yelled then began to cry.

----

Marissa had flowers in her hand as she made her way towards Alex's hospital room. She saw Kirsten and Sandy right outside talking to Alex's doctors. Kirsten saw her then smiled at her weakly. Marissa smiled back and walked pass them. She gently opened the door and found Alex standing near the window. She was seemingly looking outside. Marissa closed the door and spoke softly.

"Hi…"

Alex turned to her side but didn't look back at her. She turned towards the window again. Marissa looked at her stunned by the cold welcome she was getting.

"How are you?"

"Better…" Alex replied with a sad tone.

Marissa walked closer and hugged Alex from behind. She felt the blonde sigh deeply. But she didn't pull away from Marissa which was a good sign.

"I wish I could see you…" Alex said softly.

Marissa rested her head on Alex's back. She was confused because she was right there with the blonde.

"All you have to do is turn around… I'm here…"

"I can't see you Marissa… Even if I turn around… I'm blind…"

Marissa's eyes grew wide and slowly turned Alex around to face her. They were facing each other but Alex's blue eyes were wandering. She felt her heart break as she brought her fingers to the blonde's cheek.

"I'm here baby… I would never leave…" Marissa said softly leaning to kiss Alex on her lips.

----

"How's Alex?" Summer asked as she hung around Marissa's room.

"She's doing better. She goes home tomorrow."

"Did she get her eyesight back?"

"Not yet… She will…" Marissa said trying to be hopeful.

"I'm sure she will sweetie… What happens to DJ now?"

"Her parents are planning to file a complaint."

"Hope DJ goes to jail… That was certainly barbaric…"

Marissa nodded and stared at the picture in her nightstand. It was a photo of her and Alex during the spring break vacation.

----

Alex sat on her couch uncomfortably. Kirsten was going to stay with her for the time being. They were all hopeful Alex would regain it. Suddenly she heard the door open.

"Marissa?" Alex asked.

"Yes… How are you?" Marissa smiled closing the door behind her.

"Better now that you're here…"

Marissa smiled and sat beside Alex. She leaned in and gave her a loving kiss.

"I miss looking at you…" Alex blurted out resting her forehead against Marissa's.

"I miss you looking at me…" Marissa pulled Alex and rested her head on Alex's lap.

Kirsten came out from the kitchen and stopped as she saw the two in the living room. She smiled knowing her daughter will always be taken cared of.