I owe you all a HUGE apology. I know I have disappeared for a while here but let me tell you I really didn't mean to. I thought January would mean I would have tons of time to myself and for my writing, but unfortunately a bad cold turned into the flu, which resulted in a lot of sleeping and very little else. Once I was finally back to normal it was back to work and then I actually went on vacation so I have just had no time to write! But I'm back now and I promise I am going to make a better effort to keep up with my two stories! Thank you for all of your patience and for sticking with me!
Hope you enjoy! -J
Chapter 12
When Emily woke the next morning, she braced herself for a moment, waiting for the usual morning sickness to hit her; slightly confused when it didn't come. So used to waking and immediately having to run to the bathroom to be sick, Emily felt a sudden excitement, rolling over to share this news with her wife, but coming face to face with a sleeping Alex instead; the previous night's events hitting her like a truck.
Sighing, Emily did her best to reign in her feelings, still angry at the young boy who tried to hurt Spencer and sad that her daughter had to deal with people like him at all.
"Hey," a whisper broke Emily from her thoughts, looking up to find JJ watching her from Alex's other side. "Penny for your thoughts?" She offered with a small smile.
"It's crazy isn't it," Emily shook her head, keeping her voice low so as not to wake their daughter. "I always think that Alex has it easier than when I was younger. I like to think that people are more accepting; that kids don't bully each other over their sexual orientation and then something like this happens," she explained, shaking her head. "Alex and Spencer just love each other so much. They're so happy together. They don't deserve this…they shouldn't have to deal with this kind of…this hatred."
"You're right. They shouldn't," JJ agreed, her eyes on the still sleeping Alex. "But unfortunately there are always going to be small minded people in the world Em," she reminded the brunette. "But I don't know if you noticed this last night but we have one hell of a strong daughter," she grinned. "Alex kept her head last night. She knew something was wrong and she got Spencer out of there and she stuck up for herself. I know you're worried about her…I am too, but I'm proud of her. She was a real hero last night. She was just like her Mother."
"She was like her Mum too," Emily finally cracked a smile. "She is pretty amazing isn't she?"
"She is," JJ nodded. "And her and Spencer will be okay. They've got each other and they're strong. They're going to be just fine."
"Of course we will," Alex rolled onto her back, opening her eyes and looking from JJ to Emily with a sleepy smile on her face. "We aren't going to let some jerk scare us away from each other and we aren't going to suddenly start caring what other people think," she told her mothers. "We love each other and there's nothing wrong with that. I'm not going to change who I am just because it bothers some people."
"Good, because you absolutely shouldn't," Emily smiled, leaning forward and kissing the teen's forehead. "You amaze me sometimes, you know that?"
"Thanks," Alex laughed, looking slightly embarrassed. "Hey I didn't hear you get up this morning! No morning sickness?" She changed the subject, wanting to take the attention off herself.
"Not so far," Emily shook her head. "Trying not to get my hopes up about that lasting."
"You may be getting past it," JJ told her. "Seems to be around the right time. Although it will probably come and go still."
"I think I can handle that as long as I get a bit of a break," Emily replied. "I'm so tired of getting sick every day. It's exhausting and it's really ruining my appetite."
"Really? Because you still seem to be eating quite a bit," Alex said, laughing when Emily opened her mouth in surprise before pinching her on the side.
"Excuse me young lady," Emily pretended to sound scandalized. "I may eat a lot but I would like to remind you that I am eating for three now. It's only for the babies."
"Oh okay," Alex couldn't stop laughing. "Whatever you need to tell yourself Mommy," she leaned forward, placing a kiss on her mother's cheek, earning herself another pinch. "I'm gonna go see if the girls are awake. Thanks for letting me stay in here last night."
"Anytime Sweetheart," JJ replied, smiling as the teen gave her a kiss. "We're always here for you," she told her. "And I think we need to have some pancakes this morning. Does that sound good?"
"That sounds wonderful," Emily was the one to answer, making both JJ and Alex laugh. "Oh…were you not asking me?"
"Well not really," JJ laughed, as they all began to get up. "But don't worry honey. I will make you pancakes too."
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It was just after noon when Alex finally got a text from Spencer letting her know that she was home. The teen was quick to inform Olivia and Zoey, who were working on their homework, and her mothers, wanting to go and visit.
"I'm coming with you," Emily surprised Alex, pulling herself up from the couch and ruffling Henry's hair before kissing JJ's cheek.
"Really? Why?" Alex asked, already halfway to the door.
"Because I want to talk to Peter and Veronica," Emily replied, having spent much of the morning thinking about the boy who had drugged Spencer and what she wanted to do about it. "I didn't want to bother them too much about it last night, but I'd like to know what they intend to do about this boy because whatever it is, I want in."
"I'll be here with Henry," JJ called from the couch. "Take your time."
Shrugging, Alex had simply smiled when Emily had wrapped her arm around her, the pair, along with Olivia and Zoey heading outside and across the street towards the Hastings house. Though Alex would normally let herself into the house, she had rung the doorbell instead, waiting for Veronica to answer.
"Hi girls. Hi Emily. Come on in," Veronica stepped back to let everyone in. "Spencer's upstairs resting, you girls head on up. Peter's back in the kitchen Emily, I'll make us some tea."
Alex, who was slightly curious about what the parents were going to do, had hesitated only a moment before following Olivia and Zoey up the stairs, anxious to see her girlfriend again.
"Spence?" Alex carefully opened up Spencer's bedroom door, sticking her head inside to find the other brunette tucked into the bed.
"Lex," Spencer smiled, though she looked rather exhausted. "Hi. Hi guys," she greeted her other friends. "Come on in."
"How are you feeling?" Alex asked as she gave her girlfriend a quick kiss, stepping aside so the other girls could give her a hug. "Are you okay?'
"I'm still pretty tired but I'm okay," Spencer replied as the girls all took places on her bed. "The whole thing is still kind of crazy to me. I'm having a bit of a hard time wrapping my head around it. I mean Zach he…I never thought."
"Did you have any idea that Zach had a crush on you?" Zoey asked, sitting crossed legged on the end of the bed.
"I don't know," Spencer shrugged. "I guess I kind of suspected that he was trying to put feelers out when he first got here, so I started talking about Alex so that he'd know I wasn't single," she explained. "I realized after a while that I always referred to you as Alex and not Lex or Alexandra so he thought you were a boy so one day I made it clear that you were…well you," she was looking at Alex now. "I never had any idea…I didn't think this was him. I'm so sorry Lex."
"You're sorry?" Alex was confused. "Spencer you literally have nothing to apologize for! You were drugged! Why are you apologizing to me?"
"Because," Spencer leaned her head on Alex's shoulder, the sound of tears in her voice. "Zach was harassing you and sending you those texts because of me. I should have known. I should have figured it out."
"Spencer there's no way you could have known," Olivia was the one to assure the brunette. "It's like Alex's moms always say; you never know with these kinds of things. Sometimes the nicest people can be the cruelest," she said, sounding more serious than any of the girls had ever heard her. "You can't blame yourself."
"Liv's right," Alex placed a kiss on Spencer's head, smiling at Olivia gratefully. "I don't blame you at all. I'm just so glad that you're okay."
"Thanks to you," Spencer said, her eyes filling with tears that she desperately tried to hold back. "If you hadn't got there when you did…" she began to choke up. "He would have…and I…"
"Hey," Alex interrupted, shaking her head as she pulled Spencer tightly to her. "Don't think like that okay. I got to you in time. He didn't do anything."
"And he's not going to get away with what he tried to do either," Zoey added, patting Spencer's leg comfortingly. "The parents are downstairs working on their game plan."
"My Father is furious," Spencer told them. "My Mom had to talk him out of going down to the police station last night and giving Zach a piece of his mind. The cops came to the hospital for my statement. My parents are pressing charges."
"Well obviously," Olivia scoffed. "The guys psycho. He should be locked up."
"He's not going to get locked up Liv," Spencer shook her head. "That isn't how this works," she told her. "Plus Zach's parents are pretty powerful people. They aren't going to let their kid get put away. He'll get community service and he'll have a record but I doubt it'll be much else."
"Well I think that sucks," Olivia scowled, receiving a pat on her leg from Zoey, who was closest.
"I think it sucks too," Emily's voice suddenly cut in, causing all the girls to turn towards the doorway where the older brunette was standing, a small smile on her face. "I'm glad to see you're okay Spencer," she said, walking into the room and placing a kiss on her daughter's girlfriend's head. "I hope you girls know that we're going to do everything we can to make sure that Zach isn't able to bother any of you ever again. We've already been in touch with the school. We're meeting tomorrow."
"Us too?" Alex asked, gesturing to herself and Spencer.
"Yes we thought that would be best," Emily nodded. "That is what you want isn't it?"
"Yes," Alex was quick to answer, a very 'Emily' look on her face. "Yes. That's good."
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"Please try to remember to stay calm Em," JJ had to remind Emily Monday morning as the brunette paced the master bedroom, preparing herself for their meeting at Alex's school. "You need to keep your blood pressure down Honey. I know you're upset. I'm upset too but please, please try to stay calm," she said, reaching out from where she sat on the end of the bed to grab her wife's hand in an attempt to stop the pacing. "All this stress isn't good for the babies Em. Please."
Sighing, Emily turned towards JJ, wishing there was a way to calm the anger that had bubbled up inside her since she had gotten out of bed that morning. "I'm trying Jen. Really I am. I just…it's…."
"I know," JJ nodded, truly understanding the brunette's feelings. "Trust me I get it, I'm just worried about you and the babies," she said, giving Emily's hand a firm squeeze. "Why don't you go hop in the shower? Maybe the hot water will calm to down a bit. I'll go check on the kids," she said, standing up and giving her wife a quick kiss, not leaving any room for argument.
Leaving Emily, JJ first poked her head into Henry's room, finding the little blonde still fast asleep, the way he was sprawled out putting a smile on his Mother's face. Leaving the toddler be, JJ quietly closed the bedroom door before making her way towards Alex's bedroom, knowing the teen would be up and getting ready for school.
"Lex?" JJ knocked before opening up her daughter's bedroom door. "Is it okay if I come in?"
"Sure. I'm just getting ready," Alex replied from where she sat in front of her mirror, fixing her hair, still wearing her pajamas. "What's up?"
"Just checking in," JJ shook her head, moving to sit on the teen's bed, not quite sure how to phrase what she really wanted to ask. "How are you…are you doing okay?"
"I'm okay," Alex replied, looking at JJ through her mirror. "I guess I'm a little anxious to get this all over with," she admitted with a sigh. "Part of me just really doesn't even want to see this guy again and then part of me wants to…well part of me wants to destroy him."
"Yes well I think that part is the Emily Prentiss in you," JJ couldn't help but chuckle. "Come over here a sec," she then said, patting the bed beside her, waiting for the teen to oblige. "I know this whole thing has been crazy and a bit of a mess, but you don't need to worry," she put her arm around the teen. "Your Mother and I and the Hastings; we aren't going to let this kid anywhere near you and Spencer ever again," she kissed the young brunette's temple.
"I know," Alex nodded, resting her head on JJ's shoulder. "Is Mom okay?"
"She's…well she's a little stressed," JJ couldn't lie to the teen, rubbing a hand up and down her back. "She'll be okay once this is all over. She just…she needs to deal with this. She's been so worried about you and she just loves Spencer so much too. She'll be better when this is all over."
"And what about you?" Alex asked, looking up at the blonde.
"I…" JJ paused, giving the teen a small, sad smile. "I'm just really glad that you and Spencer are okay."
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Though they had once been pretty divided in their opinions, the Hastings and the Prentiss/Jareau families entered the school as a united front; Alex and Spencer holding hands as they followed their parents towards the main office where their meeting would take place with the Dean.
"Dean Hackett is waiting for you," the secretary, Mrs. Mackenzie greeted them. "You can go on in, the Gilbert's are already here."
Feeling slightly nervous, Alex squeezed Spencer's hand, grateful when her Mother placed a hand on her shoulder as they entered the office.
"Ah Mr. and Mrs. Hasting, Agent Prentiss, Agent Jareau, thank you for coming in," Dean Hackett greeted them, standing to shake all their hands. "Alex, Spencer I'm glad you both joined us as well. I know you all have a lot of concerns and I would like to make sure they are all discussed today. Please sit down."
"Thank you for agreeing to see us," Emily said as she sat down between Alex and JJ. "We appreciate you meeting us so soon."
"Yes, well as I've told you before, my students' safety is of utmost importance to me," Dean Hackett told them. "I don't think all of you have officially met. These are the Gilberts, Michael, Christine and their sons Lucas and Zach," she pointed to the other family in the room. "These are Veronica, Peter and Spencer Hastings and Emily, Jennifer and Alexandra Prentiss-Jareau," she finished the introductions. "As we all know, we're here today to talk about Zach's behaviour through the last few weeks as well as the incident this past weekend, which the Hastings have filled me in on."
"My wife and I would just like to say we're deeply ashamed of our son's behaviour," Mr. Gilbert spoke. "We don't blame you for wanting to press charges and we understand that this will be going on our son's permanent record."
"Well we're glad you understand because we are standing firm on that decision," Peter replied. "Your son put our daughter through something extremely traumatic and God only knows what he would have done if Alexandra hadn't been there. We don't want him anywhere near our daughter or Alexandra ever again and I'm sure Emily and Jennifer would agree with us."
"We feel exactly the same way," Emily nodded; a firm look on her face. "We're extremely upset about what happened this weekend, but he has also been harassing Alex for weeks. Did he tell you he has been texting our daughter anonymous messages?"
"Alex has been through a lot in the last few years and these messages really scared her," JJ looked to the teen, who was staring at her lap. "They scared all of us to be honest."
"Zach did tell us," Mrs. Gilbert was the one to reply. "We cannot apologize enough for the fear that our son has put your families through and we are deeply ashamed of his actions," she continued. "Michael and I have discussed it and there is an academy for troubled boys in New York that Zachery will be enrolling in immediately."
"Like military school?" Spencer had to ask, speaking for the first time.
"They specialize in rehabilitation," Mr. Gilbert answered. "They can help Zach deal with his feelings about his brother and make better choices. Lucas will also be changing schools, though he will remain here in the city."
"What? Why?" Alex's head shot up, a surprised look on her face. "Lucas didn't do anything wrong. Why does he have to leave?" She asked, turning to Lucas who was looking rather somber.
"We thought it would be for the best," Lucas spoke now. "My brother did this because of me…We didn't think you would want to be reminded of it every day seeing me in the halls."
"Your brother didn't do this because of you," Alex shook her head, looking very much like Emily, who placed a hand on he back of her daughter's head. "He did it because he's a jerk," she said, looking at Zach for the first time, glad to see that the boy at least had the decency to look ashamed. "He's a jerk and he was jealous and he clearly doesn't understand you. You shouldn't have to move schools again because of that. I think you should stay Lucas."
"I agree," Spencer nodded, squeezing Alex's hand. "Lucas should stay if he wants to stay. He didn't do anything to us. It's just Zach we don't want to see again."
"Okay girls," Dean Hackett took over again. "We'll allow the Gilberts to discuss that one," she said. "I would like you all to know that we're going to hold an assembly within the next week to discuss cyber bullying as well as the importance of respecting each other and accepting our differences. I want to make sure that everyone at this school feels safe and welcome at all times. Zach," she then turned towards the teen who had yet to speak. "Is there anything you would like to say?"
"No," Alex jumped to her feet just as Zach went to open his mouth.
"Alex," Emily was slightly confused, reaching out for her daughter. "Sweetheart."
"No," Alex shook her head looking angry now. "I don't want to hear it," she looked to her mothers, willing them to understand. "I know he's going to apologize and I know that he should but I don't want to hear it because I won't forgive him," she turned to Zach now. "I won't forgive you for what you did to us and I won't forgive you for what you were going to do to Spencer. You can keep your apology because I don't need it. You have to live with what you did but I don't have to forgive you for it and neither does Spencer. We aren't ashamed of who we are," she looked back to her girlfriend, who immediately stood up next to her, taking her hand proudly. "So keep your apology. We're done here."