The next day, Tuesday, found Alexis electing to keep out of the loft for awhile.
Kate was home. And radiating confusion.
Alexis had a private thought about what was going on. But didn't want to jinx it. So she left for awhile.
But even upon returning near dinnertime, it was yet very quiet.
Why? Castle had departed earlier that morning. He had a non-negotiable press tour. A long one.
Martha, as ever, was at her acting studio. It kept her occupied.
At least Kate looked a little more cheerful now.
The detective beckoned to Alexis from the couch after she put her things away.
"Will you come sit with me for a moment?" Kate called.
"Everything okay?" she asked the other woman.
Kate just nodded.
It seemed for a few moments that her heart was in her throat. She faced criminals all the time.
What she had to say now should have been a cakewalk. So why was it complicated?
Kate tried again. "Yes. Did you have a nice time out?"
Immediately, Alexis realized the deflection being had. "Mhm. I found something new for work. But I'll show you later. Something tells me you want talk to me."
"Damn—you are straight to the point." Kate laughed nervously. "Have you always been good at reading people?"
"Just my family." Alexis winked. "Please talk to me. It must be big if you stayed home after dropping dad off at the airport this morning."
Kate had to admit that Alexis had her.
While in a state fit for at least interacting with people at home, she wore no makeup. Her hair had been secured in a messy bun on the top of her head. She even wore one of Castle's button-down shirts over her own clothes. But Katherine H. Beckett looked like she wanted to interact with no outsiders... Minus any food delivery person.
"Just… Please be happy…" Kate handed Alexis a small decorative box that she'd been keeping nearby.
"Why would't I b… oh, my…"
Alexis had opened the box and scooped out the contents into her hands. She had been expecting exactly this news. Just not Kate's method of delivery.
For in her hands now sat a tiny pair of green high-top converse shoes.
"Kate," Alexis looked back at her. "Is this real?"
"Yes, and… Alexis Harper, why are you laughing?!"
Something of a wild thought had just occurred to her.
"One second…"
Alexis handed the shoes back to Kate, and fetched a box from her purse. It lay on the floor. Beside the couch.
"I've wanted even one sibling, for as long as I can remember. I have a whole slew of them in the form of most of the Ryan children. And now I'm also getting a pint-sized sibling? Dreams really do come true."
Alexis put the box into Kate's lap.
"I picked those up while I was out… while daydreaming about a sibling."
Alexis indicated for Kate to open the box.
She did. And finally understood what had been funny.
In her hands was a pair tiny high-top Converse shoes. Completely identical to what she'd shown Alexis. Except… These ones happened to be red.
"Wow." Kate looked to Alexis in amusement. "Great minds really do think alike. You found these? Today?"
"I did. Maybe it's because I know you better now, but I just had a feeling that I'd be receiving news of a sibling soon. Perhaps it was my way of willing it into the universe? Who knows?"
The redhead indicated to the red shoes.
"Consider them a beginning as a lifetime of treasure for my little brother or sister, Kate. Please."
Even though Kate knew she carried only one child, she was deeply moved by what Alexis was telling her. And… She wanted to pinch herself. Not many people being elevated to 'big sibling' status at age nineteen would be this joyful.
"I will. Thank you. Very much. And I'm glad you're so happy."
"I feel overjoyed." Alexis remarked while Kate regained her spot. "But… I have one question."
Kate continued to hold the shoes. "Fire away."
"Does dad know?" Alexis asked.
"Mhm. Rick does. We've both known for a small bit." Kate told her. "What did Kevin tell you yesterday about where we were when you came to the precinct?"
"Just that you on an errand… wait…" comprehension hit Alexis like a freight train. "You two were getting a look at my brother or sister?"
"That is exactly what happened. By the way, whoever's in there is due about a month or so after your kid is."
Kate set the baby shoes down. Consciously.
Then she rubbed her temples with both hands.
"I can't begin to tell you how long it took me to convince your dad not to call the tour off. He was determined to stay. Look after me...To look after us."
"You are going to be his wife." Alexis chirped. "Have you told Gram about the baby?"
"Uh-uh. But you know how clever she is: I bet she's caught on," Kate remembered Martha's not-at-all-subtle 'stork visit' supposition on the night that the Ryans had stayed over. "But is just humoring me by not saying a word until I do."
"Why does that not surprise me? Does your dad know?"
Kate nodded as she grinned. "Yeah. I called him. He's really happy. And we're meeting for lunch tomorrow."
"Good…" But Alexis' though train had left the station again.
Quite suddenly an evil expression of glee crossed her own features. Rather an exciting thought had occurred.
And… She was laughing again.
"Kate," Alexis' face was as straight as she could keep it. "Our kids are going to be the same age. Has that hit you yet?"
"Believe me… That was one of my first thoughts." Kate reached into the chest pocket of the button-down. "But I have a present for you."
Alexis' heart skipped a beat—she couldn't imagine what else there was. "How? I mean… what is it?"
Kate extracted a piece of film paper from the pocket and passed it to Alexis. "Here. It's a picture of your sibling."
Alexis accepted the picture. Took in the sight. She was getting used to looking at sonograms now. Alexandra had been showing her the ropes. Even sent an old picture of one of her own.
Alexis' heart remained joyful. But at the same time… It was her feelings that were beginning to turn flips.
She repeated a query from before. "Is this real?"
"One hundred percent."
Kate then moved closer to Alexis when she saw tears cascade down her face. But she didn't blame her.
Alexis was very smart. Kind. Trust-worthy. Loyal.
But her world had also turned upside-down recently. Kate had fully anticipated a tipping point such as what was happening now. After all... Her friend was only human.
"Just relax." Kate wiped Alexis' tears. "You are okay. Do you want to talk about it?"
"Yes." Alexis exhaled deeply so she could center herself. "Uh… One of the first thoughts I had in the hospital after Pieterjan left was that I want to move house. So you and dad can have space. But… I also want to raise my kid somewhere different from where I grew up. Am I crazy for that?"
"Not at all. But you wanting a fresh start? That makes perfect sense."
Alexis looked at her in surprise. "Do you mean that?"
"Mhm. You're an adult, so we can't keep you here forever. No matter how much your father may try."
"He loves me, but sometimes when he gets concerned… he goes... overboard…"
Kate was immediately beset with years of memories to back Alexis' observation up.
"Trust me, I know full-well about that side of him." Kate shook her head to clear it. "But you have my support."
Alexis beamed at the latter part of Kate's words. She had—in her own ways—already been looking out for her for half a decade now. Alexis loved that Kate did. The detective's kindness and overall concern for her well-being made her easy to talk to. Plus… Kate was a fun person.
"Thank you, Kate. I appreciate that." Alexis told her sincerely.
"I also promise to reign Rick in when he starts thinking of hare-brained ideas to keep you here." Kate decided. "And I promise to rope your grandmother in… Once she comes down from whatever kind of overdramatic response she'll probably have to what's being discussed now."
"She did help raise me… And… At this point… I think she knows me better than my own biological mother does." Alexis glided her hands against her middle. "Being comically over-exaggerated and overdramatic in response to me wanting to move sounds exactly like something in her wheelhouse. I would actually be a little disappointed if she didn't."
But Alexis did sit up straight. To her, it felt like a tremendous issue had been lifted from her shoulders.
"Wow, Kate. Thank you." she said once more. "You've always been a great friend to me."
"I love knowing you. Always have."
Kate rose to her feet, stretching.
Then she checked he watch.
"Hey." she said to Alexis. "Are you hungry? I was thinking about ordering in… Maybe watching a movie?"
"I'm down for that." Alexis dug her phone from her dress pocket when it chimed at her. "Just… Not Thai."
"I've already had aversions to that, too," Kate lamented. "So don't worry—I will find us food no one will reject. But now I have to go to the takeout menu drawer in the kitchen…"
However, the detective had yet to turn around before Alexis' phone lit up in reminder of the unread message.
Kate pointed at the device. "If that's your girlfriend, you can tell her you're going to be a big sister. Just not anyone else. Okay?"
Alexis bobbed her head. "Okay."
Smiling, Kate headed to the kitchen. Time for pondering dinner.
Alexis checked her phone to find an unread message from Alexandra. I was just thinking about you. Everything all good?
Alexis' heart skipped a beat. Yes! I just had a talk w/Kate about something you & I can discuss tomorrow.
Oh?
She & I are about to have an impromptu girl night, otherwise I would call now. But… She did tell me something I could share with you.
Do tell.
She told me I'm going to be a big sister!
Even though Alexis could see her, Alexandra was gleeful. I am SO happy right now! But are you?
I am. But it's just got me thinking…
About the same item you want to discuss tomorrow?
Correct. But don't stay up worrying.
I won't. Give Bean a pat for me, since I can't be there to do it the way I want ;)
A warm feeling shot through Alexis' body as she remembered the feeling of Alexandra's kisses to her middle.
I will. Please give Bette hugs & kisses for me xo
Will do. See you tomorrow xo
Alexis fell asleep later that night looking at cheap apartments.
But her dreams were once again full of life at Amethyst Falls. Needless to say… Her dreams were happy.
Little did she know Alexandra lay awake in her own bed. Thinking about the same thing.