The next morning goes well with getting Piper to class. Alex goes to the admin building during Piper's second lecture to find out which Professor would be considered an authority on allergens, allergic reactions, as well as signs and treatments. She got a name and building location of the individual and stopped by to set an appointment with a Professor Lisa Manchester. Alex is thrilled that she's willing to talk to her then. She texts Bradley to have him ready to escort Piper should she not be back in time.
"Ms. Manchester, my name is Alex Vause. I'm head of security for student Piper Chapman. Me and my team like to be proactive, so be did an exercise throwing out every possible threat, no matter how unlikely."
"So Ms. Vause what can exactly can I help you with?", asks Lisa.
"I hear you are the most knowledgeable Professor on campus when it comes to allergens and reactions. And please call me Alex."
"I would agree with that. I've studied in the field for years since completing my Master's degree on the topic. Do you want a general overview? Or did you have something more specific in line"
Alex is happy she thought to print out Piper's allergen list and brought it with her. "I'll start with the overview first please. Then I'll give you some some paperwork so all bad allergens can be highlighted."
Lisa explained what each allergen was, the strength of each allergen in regards to Piper, and where it was usually found. There didn't seem to be many food items on the list, but there was one that called lupin that was rarely used. Lisa even told her the brands that might contain it. The other one that popped out was sea cumbers, which shoot venom out of their bodies which can be quite toxic, if there is an allergen as high as Pipers.
"Thank you so much Professor for your time an insight on allergens."
"No problem Alex, I happy to help. If you have any further questions, here's my card, with contact information."
Alex makes a mental note to learn even more about the toxins and injectables. She then checks in with the team to see where everyone is and if they've clocked anything she needs to know about.
Bradley: Alex, Piper's class is about to end, should I take her directly back to the SUV.
Alex: Yes, please do. Tell Piper I'll meet you soon and to call or text if she needs anything
Bradley: Will do. See you shortly.
Alex: Bradley is bringing Piper back to the van, keep and eye on them and any threats.
Chase: You got it boss!
Piper was surprised to see Bradley instead of Alex and of course asked why. 'I hope she's okay. She usually tells me when I should expect pick up by anyone but her'. Bradley said all he knew was that Alex had a meeting on campus and would be meeting her soon. But to text or call her if Piper needed or wanted anything.
They arrived back at the van and all but Alex were present. They asked her to go ahead and make herself comfortable inside and that wouldn't be long. The other guys followed her and Colton moved closer to the driver's seat. Alex arrives a few minutes later.
"Where were you Alex?"
"Sorry Pipes, I went to set up a meeting for a little info. from one of the professors. Only she happened to have time right then to talk to me in depth. Sorry I didn't notify you of the change. I really didn't think I'd get to talk to anyone today.
"With what department? And did you get the answers you were wanting?"
"Well I'm not sure of the department but the woman I met was a wealth of information about immunology and allergens. There are a couple of things I need to research on my own, but she gave me an excellent starting point and overall knowledge base to work from. And that's all I mentioning about the topic right now."
Piper smiled 'I wonder what she's studying up on and why' maybe she'll tell me more later..
"Anything else on your agenda for the day Pipes?"
"Well, my internship starts in a little over an hour. That gives us time to eat before arriving at the station."
Alex is amused over how energetic her favorite blonde sounds. She returns the smile "Excellent. What food places are near the station Pipes?"
"Besides your typical fast food chains, there's sandwich shops, a chinese buffet, and a high end italian place."
"Okay, everyone vote on your favorite." Bradley and Colton want buffet. Chase wants a sandwich. "And you Pipes?"
"The buffet sounds good to me today."
"Looks like that's the main choice." Alex states, "Chase you okay with that?"
"Yes Alex, I'll be okay with that."
"Once we scope out the area and see how close everything is, then eating the same place won't be a big issue. Alright guys?!"
"Yes Alex" the guys respond.
The team eats. Piper is having trouble keeping her hands off Alex. She decides to talk about the specific radio station she's interning at this semester. Alex shoots Piper all the facial expressions she loves, while trying to stay professional at the same time. They drive around the station to get a better feel for it and the area.
Upon parking Alex discretely takes Piper's hand. Piper leads the team in the building and introduces them to the management. Alex goes over what the team needs to keep Piper in eye sight and to keep possible threats away. Meanwhile Colton and Chase guys scope out the entire building making sure that they identify all exiting doors and which ones require a keycard.
Alex, Bradley, and Piper follow Piper's new Program Director Matt around as he shows them each room she will go into on a regular basis, and introducing them to staff members along the way. Piper then needs to fill out some paperwork.
Alex turns on her mic and pulls Bradley away for a quick chat. "Okay I'm thinking one of us should have her in eye sight at all times. Some of the rooms have huge glass panels, so we can stay outside of those to not throw off the staff. But we need to be in the room or standing against the wall just outside. How's that sound?"
Bradley likes the idea. Colton and Chase tell the team about the door situation and the reception areas. Alex has them monitoring and patrolling those areas, while her and Bradley monitor the areas where Piper is or is expected to be.
The afternoon goes smoothly with the entire team being friendly and even learning more from conversations with staff members. Piper is glowing after getting to spend time in her element. Alex smiles and makes note to ask about it when they are alone.
Back in the apartment, Alex starts cooking dinner while Piper goes to read chapters for her classes.
With a raised voice,"Pipes, dinner will be ready in about fifteen minutes. Can you find a stopping point"
"Be there in a few Alex. It smells wonderful from here," Piper yells back.
Piper finishes up the last page of the chapter she was reading then heads to the kitchen.
"Hey Babe! So what exactly are we dining on tonight?"
"I made chicken parm with spaghetti and garlic cheese bread. Would you like some wine with dinner?"
"Yes please." Piper grins the full-faced happy smile that Alex loves.
"I like when you smile all radiant like that, leaving no doubt about how you feel."
"You make me happy Alex. You know I love when we get quality time together. I get tired of other people being around. Part of me wants to shout to the world about just how amazing my girlfriend is."
"I feel the same way babe. I wanna tell everyone that your my girl too. But let's dig into dinner and save the affection for after." Alex winks at Piper."
"Mmmmm, this tastes really really good Alex. It's been awhile since I've had chicken parm.
"It's one of the dishes my Mom taught me. Her version edges mine out, but I'm getting closer every time I make it."
"How is your Mom? I haven't heard you mention her in a few days."
"She's great. Really wants to meet you. "
"She does?" Piper asks with shock.
"Of course she does. She always asks about you when I call. I want her to come visit when the team is a little more settled into the routine. Is that okay?"
"Yeah it's fine Al. I just didn't know you talked about us."
"Pipes my Mom is my best friend. I've always told her most everything."
"I don't think I've ever told anyone everything." Piper ponders.
"I'm sorry babe. I hope you'll one day want to tell me everything. You really do mean the world to me."
"I like that thought a lot. We've only known each other a short time, but I feel extremely comfortable with you on every level."
"I know exactly what you mean Pipes. You are incredibly important to me in every way."
Piper sets up from her seat and walks over to Alex giving her a huge kiss, that quickly gets heated. Alex pulls away.
"Pipes hold that thought for awhile. I need to pack up leftovers and rinse dishes. If you're done with school work we can watch a movie or play a game."
Piper frowns, "I still have like another hour or so to finish. But I'm you to the more making out later."
When Alex is done with the kitchen she grabs a drink and goes to retrieve her laptop and notes. She checks in with the team one last time, then writes up and emails the reports.
Her next step is to re-familiarize herself with what she talked to Lisa about. And type her notes up for later reference. She's reading up on injectables on the internet when Piper returns to the living room.
"What are you working on Alex?"
"I'm just looking up more detailed information about what I learned this morning."
"You said it was about allergens earlier. Any reason why you're interested in that area?"
"The guys and I did an off the wall threat assessment the other, basically off the wall ways that someone might choose to cause harm. That was one of many crazy ideas thrown out."
"Do you think someone would use one of those tactics on me?"
"Not very likely. But I want the team to be prepared for everything, both the common, and the off the wall."
"I guess that's good. I know you'll always take great care of me Al."
"I'd want to look after you even if it wasn't my job. I don't even want to imagine an existence without my sweet, passionate Pipes."
"You still owe me kisses at a minimum." Piper teases Alex by sitting on her lap and whispering sweet nothings in her ear.
Alex transports her to the couch and they can't get enough of each other. Soon it's time to turn in. "So which room tonight Pipes?"
Piper has a dreamy look on her face while locking eyes with Alex. "Mine if that's okay."
"That's fine with me. It never matters to me which bed, as long as your curled up with me," Alex smiles and winks at her blonde.