A/N: Now, of course we must have a chapter in Sara's point of view. I thought this was the perfect time. Let's let the "criminal" face her mistakes, shall we?
Headliner
Chapter 13
I didn't know what to feel. Should I be angry that my child is somewhere I checked or overjoyed that she's safe? Should I be glad Lindsey kept her there or annoyed that she didn't feel the need to call us with the news? The questions rolled around in my head. I was glad Nick was driving. I don't think I could've focused on the road. As it was, he nearly drove into a ditch or oncoming traffic several times. He cared so much about Lexi and yet he'd known her for such a little time. I glanced at the speedometer. He was breaking eighty. I thanked God that the police seemed to have more pressing matters tonight than patrolling the streets for speeders.
It occurred to me, as we pulled down the street Catherine lived on, that we needed to call Greg and Warrick. They didn't need to search anymore. I was unsure of how to approach the whole situation and I knew Nick was just as confused. I seriously doubted he had ever disciplined this kid and it didn't set well with him that he had to start. I rang the doorbell and Catherine pulled the door open, giving us a small smile. Behind her, I could see the two girls sitting on the couch. The television was off and each girl had their hands folded in their lap. I figured Catherine had already given them a talking-to. I hoped both teenagers were expecting more. They were certainly going to get it, especially the one that belonged to me.
Catherine stepped aside, allowing us to enter her home. The girls looked up and I saw shame lining each of their faces. At least they knew they were in trouble. I figured starting off ignoring the problem would be a waste of time, so I jumped right it. "Hello, Alexis. Long time, no see."
Her cheeks turned bright red. "Hi, Mom, Dad."
Nick nodded to his daughter. I peered back at him. Man, they were sure picture images of each other.
I spoke again. "We don't need to take up any more of Catherine's time, so I'll just say that I am very disappointed in both of you. Come on, Alexis, let's go." I watched as she grabbed her backpack and headed to the door. Lindsey started to give her a wave, but Catherine shot her a glare and she stopped.
Nick was driving again. He hadn't spoken a single word except to thank Catherine again for calling him. I, however, had absolutely no problem voicing my anger. Lexi kept her eyes pinned on her shoes.
"Alexis Nicole Sidle, what on earth were you thinking? You know the rules. You don't go anywhere without telling one of us. If you can't get a hold of us by phone, you leave a note on the counter. You know that! "
She didn't say a word. I noticed Nick staring at her in the rearview mirror. I wondered when he was going to begin his chat. I hoped he didn't leave me to do all the disciplining. That would definitely not go over well. Nick was driving to his own house, but I didn't question the decision. After all, that was where Lexi resided. That thought made my blood boil momentarily. I turned square in my seat. The car was not the place to fight. No, home would be much better. Then I could yell without worrying about Nick crashing.
He parked the car and everyone remained seated. Only when I unbuckled and moved to exit, did Lexi jump out of the car and run to the house. She used her key to unlock the door and sped inside. From the walkway, I heard her door shut. Nick followed me inside and locked the door behind us. I was on the warpath and went straight to her room. "Alexis Nicole Sidle, you get your little self out of that room right now and be on the couch in ten seconds."
She obeyed much faster than I expected. I began to stomp to the living room, but Nick grabbed my arm. He pulled me back and whispered in my ear, "Sara, maybe it's best if we just ask her to explain herself. Surely she has an explanation. You can always yell at her, but let's just give her some time to tell us what she was doing."
In all honesty, I thought that idea was ridiculous and that we should tear her to pieces, but as it was his house, I agreed. "Okay, Alexis, you need to explain yourself. What were you doing at Lindsey's house without telling anyone."
She took a deep breath and began. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you where I was going, I really am, but I had to go. I just had to."
I was very skeptical of her answer. "And why is that?"
"You hate this house. You hate that I live in this house. You never come to see me and I know it's making you resentful towards Dad."
"What on earth would give you that impression?" I asked appalled.
"The way you turned him down when he asked you to live here. I hate how you ignore that there's a problem. You both want me to live with you and I don't know how you expect me to choose between you. You're my parents and I love both of you. I don't want to have to take sides." She began to cry and Nick bent down to her.
He embraced her. "Oh, sweetie, we don't expect you to choose between us. We're just going through a phase."
"You may not expect me to choose, but she does," she choked out.
I must've looked like a deer caught in headlights. It seemed as though I had made another mistake towards my kid. It was a good thing this wasn't a baseball game, because I definitely would've struck out by now. "Lexi," I said sitting on the couch, "I don't want you to choose between your father and me. I just don't want to be away from you for so long."
"Then why didn't you agree to move here? It's not like you have to share a room. We'd be a family. Don't you want that?"
"Of course I do, Lex. It just wasn't good timing."
"It never is," Lexi complained. She got up and went back to her room. Nick moved to go after her, but I stopped him.
"Just let her be."
He turned to me, obviously puzzled. "You sure?"
"Yeah. She needs her space. Hey Nick, is your offer still open?"
He smiled. "Always."
A/N2: Hmm. I think Lexi was certainly convincing. I hope there was some resolution for you all there. Oh yes, and for all of you who truly hate cliffhangers, I gave you a bit of a break. There will be more to come. Let me know your thoughts.
