a/n: I've tried desperately to avoid writing this chapter, considering I don't think I do Palex any justice (but I sure can write about their friends! Tee-hee!). I even almost cut it out completely, but alas, my muse kept me up late (early?) to churn out this clunker. Good news is, since I'm writing a Paige chapter, I gotta write an Alex one too. So one more chapter and one epilogue to go!

I'd like to say that everyone's been amazing and it's been really surprising. I wish I could respond to everyone's reviews, but they'd all pretty much just say this: "OO-BAH? –shocked face–" So thank you. I hope you're not disappointed.

Chapter 10: For All We Know

Paige Michalchuk was on a mission: to surprise her girlfriend.

It was a strangely warm September afternoon and she was home. She couldn't help but walk with an extra bounce in her step. She was originally too broke to come home this weekend, but thanks to Jay Hogart and his sudden burst of generosity, he offered to foot her gas bill. While she intended to spend her weekend catching up on class readings (she was already procrastinating – college parties were far too distracting), she decided that there were other things – other people – far more important then Edward L. Bernays' "innovative public relations tools and how he has influenced marketing today."

As tempting as being cooped up in a dorm room might seem, surprising her girlfriend – and it made her feel so good to be calling her that – would be far more exciting.

They talked online and on the phone several times a day, but Paige was still beginning to suffer through Alex withdrawals. Sure, speaking to her helped fill the void, but she missed seeing her beyond the 4x6 on her nightstand. She had to be near her. Feeling her skin under her fingers. Tasting her lips under hers. Seeing her at peace first thing in the morning while she slept.

Skipping down the hallway of Alex's now-familiar floor, she sighed, remembering the last time she was there.

Maybe it was destiny that the freak storm happened the day of her mini-farewell party, but as Paige walked down the familiar hallway to Alex's apartment, one thing was certain: she would never forget that day.

She realized it that night as she reached her door, knocking several times with various levels of loudness until realizing no one was inside. She grumbled, setting down her bags – some party. After determining that the floor beside Alex's door was clean enough, she sat. The three of them were so going to regret showing up late. Where the hell were they?

She opened her duffle bag and flipped open her cell. Three missed calls. Hazel's voice pierced through the phone. "Oh my god, Paige, you have to see this – I think the rain just killed my neighbour's cat. I gotta go, I don't think I'll make it to Alex's. I'll see you tomorrow!" Marco sounded confused. "Um, Paige? It's me…I thought I was going to meet you at your place? Anyway, I'm here, and the rain's coming down pretty hard…and Dylan said if you don't call me before 8:30 (Paige looked at her watch – 8:37, damnit) he won't let me leave his sight. Call me ASAP!" Alex's message was left two minutes earlier, and Paige's stomach filled with dread that she wouldn't be able to come either. "Hey, I'm running late. If you're at my place, just hang tight. Spinner drives like a sedated old woman."

Of course she'd come, she thought, sighing happily. She lived here for God's sake.

Wait, why was Alex with Spinner?

When Alex arrived a few minutes later, she was armed with a bag of what smelled like Chinese food and something from The Dot. "Sorry, I would've been here sooner but I made Spinner stop for sustenance," she said, lifting up the food. "Where's Mazel?"

"Mazel? God I'm glad our names sound cute when they're combined," Paige said, giving Alex a quick hug despite all the baggage they were juggling. When they pulled away Paige made no effort to hide her blush, and she noted that Alex seemed to try to prolong their contact.

"Right, um," she fumbled, the pounding against her ribs replacing her ability to think coherently. "They called. Can't make it."

Alex rolled her eyes. "I bet." Alex handed her the keys as she picked up the rest of Paige's bags on the ground.

Inside, after two separate phone calls from their seemingly apologetic friends, Paige finally said (part of) what had been on her mind for so long.

"Ever wonder what's going on with everyone?"

"Hmm?" Alex asked, still working on her plate of chow mein and spring rolls.

"Well," she started, hesitantly, "Everyone's been really…supportive lately."

Alex looked up curiously. "Supportive?"

"Yeah. They've been talking to me about…stuff."

"What kind of stuff?" The glint in Alex's eyes told Paige she knew exactly what kind of stuff, which made her slightly light-headed.

"You know…life stuff…romance stuff. Us-stuff," she said, blushing.

"Us-stuff," Alex repeated. "What do you mean by that?" she joked, arching her eyebrows.

"Shut up," Paige laughed, eating some food off Alex's plate.

"And you wonder why they talk about 'Us-stuff'," Alex mocked, pulling her plate away.

Paige pouted. "But I want more."

"How about you get your own, you barely had any to begin with."

"I'm not that hungry for more."

"Fine," Alex scowled, pushing her plate towards Paige, and sliding her chair closer.

"If it makes you feel any better, I think it's safe to say that everyone wants us to get back together," Alex said, as Paige took the last forkful of rice.

"Hah," she laughed, picking up the empty dishes and putting them into the sink. "No kidding."

"What do you think about that?" Alex dropped casually. She sat on arm of the couch, grinning evilly.

"I think," she sighed and crossed her arms, "that, um…," God, Alex looked hot with that damn smug smirk on her face, "I think…I think it's time for dessert!"

Alex rolled her eyes and shook her head, Paige fully aware that she had barely held it together just now. She didn't know why she did in the first place. I mean, tonight was the night, wasn't it?

You see, after the ride with Jay, she decided that this was the night. Well, maybe 'the night' was the wrong term for it (considering that the 'the night' had happened ages ago). Tonight, she had decided, she'd finally let go of all her issues. That was easier said than done however. She had everything she felt for her bottled up inside, sitting on a spring on the back of her throat, ready to shoot out. Watching Alex pull out the bag from The Dot, she knew that despite everyone's reassurances, she could never be positive about her feelings. They could all be wrong. All signs could be pointing to 'yes', but she could never be too sure with Alex…

"Dessert, yay," Alex said unenthusiastically, still put off by Paige's question dodging. Paige's attention turned to the contents of the bag. She gasped.

"Alex…you got me chocolate cheesecake? From The Dot? You went all the way there in this weather?" she exclaimed, waving her arm around in shock.

"Well the weather in here's pretty chill," Alex joked. The look on her face told Paige not to make a big deal out of it, but she ignored it.

"You did that for me?" Paige was touched.

She shrugged her response. "No big deal. Eat up," she said, cutting a slice. Paige stopped her, placing a hand over hers.

"Lexi…" she began, but was quickly interrupted.

"Paige, it's no big deal. Drop it okay?"

Paige huffed, deciding to ignore Alex if she was going to be like that. She grabbed the slice from her, bringing the plate with her to the couch. Mmm, she thought. At least the yumminess of the cake was easing the tension.

Alex brought her slice over to the couch too, sitting beside her, but leaving a sizable gap between them. Paige rolled her eyes, scooting over slightly.

They ate in silence, both pretending to be interested in what was on TV.

"Thanks, Lexi," she started softly, as she finished her piece. "And regardless of how small a deal it was, it was really sweet of you…" She gently placed her hand on her knee, thankful when Alex didn't pull away or deck her.

"You're welcome," Alex said, slowly placing her hand over hers. Paige looked at it for a moment before smiling at her. She quickly withdrew her hand. "Sorry," she said, sheepishly.

"No big deal," Paige mocked, grinning. "Movie?"

"Sure." Alex hopped up off the couch, grabbing a few DVDs off the TV stand. Paige too got up, going over to Alex's room as Alex watched her curiously. She came back with a pillow and blanket.

"This is a sleepover!" she rationalized, seeing Alex's confused look. She hit the lights and dropped herself onto the couch beside her, throwing the blanket over her too. She found herself unconsciously snuggling into her.

Needless to say, Paige didn't pay any attention to the movie. Her entire focus was on Alex, and by the looks of it, Alex wasn't interested in it either. She took advantage of the dim glow coming from the TV to look her over. Impossibly straight posture, nervous coughs, eyes set on the television. Paige would've thought that Alex hadn't even noticed Paige's gaze, but she could swear that she sensed her heartbeat speed up. She seemed to have been struggling with some inner turmoil, but her eyes were unreadable as to what exactly. Paige was just about to say something, when suddenly Alex picked up the remote and stopped the movie.

"What-"

"-I can't do this anymore," Alex said, staring intently into her eyes, searching for approval. The only light was coming from the blue glow of the TV. "I've been an idiot," she said, laughing sardonically. "And I hope I haven't fucked up my chances."

"Lexi-"

"-Don't. I'm a shit head. I should be happy for you, 'cause you're basically my best friend, and you're off to go live out your dream, and be happy. And I am proud of you, 'cause you're so damn smart, and so beautiful and so fucking perfect, but how can I be happy for you when you'll go to Kingston and find some guy who's just as smart as you, who's got money and a future, and a damn golden retriever-"

"-Lexi, what are you talking about?" Paige stared at Alex, blind sighted by what Alex had just said.

Alex shook her head sadly, as if anticipating the worst. "You'll probably forget about me and my shit-ass excuse of a life. But still, right now more then anything, all I want to do is kiss you but I can't 'cause it'll ruin your plans, and fuck up our friendship, I'm sure I've already permanently fucked up any chance I ever had with you, but-"

"-Alex-"

"-I still love you. Which I'm sure you already know, since no one can keep a fucking secret around here," she said quietly. "I love you," she repeated. Her expression quickly softened. "I love you…and I…I just thought…you should know."

Alex looked away, running her hand through her hair, Paige's heart filling with joy, her brain still processing Alex's rapid fire speech.

"I can call a cab for you if you want," Alex offered feebly, walking towards the kitchen to grab the phone. With a hand on her wrist, Paige stopped her.

Paige stood, weaving her hand in hers. "You going to let me respond or what?" she asked, laughing breathily.

Alex smiled shyly. "I'm sorry," she sighed, squeezing her hand.

"Trust me," Paige answered, wrapping her arms around Alex's waist, "that was nothing to be sorry about." And what after seemed like years, Paige finally mustered the courage to kiss her.

Her heart was pounding in her ears as their lips meet hesitantly, much like their first kiss. Alex took advantage of the extra inch or so she had on her, and gently pushed her back onto the couch. The kiss deepened, feeling familiar but at the same time new. Her hands, her lips – her. Paige had no idea how she was able to give this up for so long.

The two pulled away only when their found themselves short of breath.

"I love you too," Paige whispered as she pressed her forehead against hers. "And believe me – I could never forget you."

The next morning she woke up in Alex's room, lying with her arms firmly set around her, thanking any possible god or goddess that her two other friends had decided not to show up that night.

Now she was here again, outside Alex's apartment. With a quick look at herself in her compact mirror and a few playful taps on her door, she waited, bracing herself for the inevitable loss of breath, rapid heart palpitations, and rush of blood to the head that she always got when seeing Alex.