Chapter 11

A couple months later (August)

Alexis sat in the kitchen with Cassie and Taylor waiting for everyone to come back. George had taken Nicole out for the morning so Alexis could set everything up for the party. She didn't know there was a party and she didn't know that Jeff and the others were coming up either. Alexis knew that Jeff and the rest of the gang were going to be there soon and she was growing more and more excited. She hadn't seen Jeff for about a month and everyone else for two months and she was beginning to miss them. She was drug out of her thoughts by a car honking. She looked out the window and saw Jeff getting out of the car. She bolted out of her seat and ran outside. The last time she saw Jeff was about a month ago when he surprised her for a day. He had the day off and they were in Chicago so he drove up for the day. They had done a lot of talking and they both wanted something out of their friendship. They had fallen for each other and they both wanted more. As soon as she made it out the door Jeff was ready to catch her. He pulled her in for a hug and he didn't want to let go.

"Hey, I missed you." He whispered into her ear.

"I missed you too. Happy birthday" she said with a smile.

"Thanks, but I don't want to get older. I want to stay 23."

"Well, you can't. I know, it sucks, but that is how it works."

"Yea, well, you can't say anything because you just turned 23."

"I know I did, but still. It hasn't been too exciting yet."

"Yea, but just think 24 is probably going to be even more boring. So, are you surprised to see me?"

"Yes, I can't believe you are actually standing right here. I've missed you so much."

"Hey, haven't you missed us too?" Shannon said pretending to be a little sad.

"Oh, of course I missed you all." She went over and hugged Shannon and then continued on to Matt and Amy. "Well, I think we should all head inside before it starts raining." They all headed inside with Jeff and Alexis bringing up the rear. When Jeff walked inside he noticed a banner hanging above the door. The sign read 'Happy Birthday Nicole and Jeff!' Jeff couldn't believe he was reading this.

"Are you serious? You knew I was coming, didn't you?" Alexis looked at Jeff and shook her head.

"Yea, I planned everything out."

"Oh, you are good. You are definitely the best. Thank you so much, this is going to be one of the best birthdays ever." Jeff was slowly but surely getting over Alex. Ally was definitely helping him. He hadn't forgotten about her, but he wasn't thinking about her every minute of everyday. He was shaken from his thoughts by the sound of a car door slamming.

"Okay, they are here now guys. Everyone hide, this is going to be surprise for Nicole, so when she turns the lights on yell 'Happy Birthday'." Alexis shut the lights off and went to stand by Jeff. A couple minutes later the front door opened.

"Mommy…" Nicole started yelling. "Grandpa, where's mommy?" George looked down at the little girl.

"I don't know Nicole, maybe you should turn some lights on so we can see if she left a note or anything." Nicole nodded and ran over to turn on the lights. As soon as she did everyone in the room yelled.

"Happy Birthday Nicole" a big smiled formed on the little girls face. She looked around and noticed her mom standing next to the couch.

"Momma!" she ran over and jumped into Alexis' waiting arms.

"Happy birthday baby girl." Alexis whispered into her daughter's ear. "Did you and Grandpa and Grandma have fun today?"

"Yes, they took me to the zoo and to the park. And then it started raining and they decided that we should come home."

"Wow, you did a lot."

"Jeffy…" she completely ignored the last comment from her mom when she saw Jeff next to her mom.

"Hey Shorty, how are you?"

"I'm good. It's my birthday today."

"Really?" Jeff said pretending to be stunned. "I didn't know that."

"Yes you did silly. Momma told you the last time you were here."

"Oh, how could I forget that?" The little girl smiled.

"Tan you put me down?" Jeff nodded and then set her down gently. She walked over to Alexis. "Tan we open presents?" Alexis smiled at her daughter.

"Yes, it is your birthday, so we can open presents and then we will eat." She grabbed Nicole's hand and walked over to the couch. She sat down next to Jeff and pulled Nicole onto her lap.

"Are you ready for your presents?" Jeff asked Nicole. She let out a slight yelp and started fidgeting.

"Nicole, stop fidgeting. You are hurting mommy." Jeff smirked and grabbed Alexis' hand.

"Yea, you are so funny Jeff." Alexis said, her southern accent shining through. She smacked Jeff on the arm.

"What was that for?

"You knew she would do that."

"Okay, fine. I'm sorry." He smiled at her and then kissed her cheek.

"Here Nicole, open this one first." Matt said handing her a present. Alexis took the card and opened it for her daughter.

"To Nicole, happy 3rd Birthday. Love, Matt and Amy." Nicole ripped the paper. She opened the paper and saw a stuffed dog. She screamed in happiness.

"What do you say Nicole?" Nicole jumped off Alexis' lap and ran over to Matt and Amy. She jumped into Matt's lap and flung her arms around her neck.

"Tank you! I love the doggy." Matt and Amy both smiled.

"You are welcome sweetie." Nicole jumped down and ran back over to Alexis.

"Next one!" Nicole said as she jumped up and down.

"Actually honey, it is Jeff's turn now."

The next day

Alexis sat outside the next morning with a cup of coffee. She just sat there thinking about the day before. The look that her daughter had on her face the rest of the day was priceless. She couldn't have been happier.

"You know that stuff makes your teeth yellow." Alexis looked back and saw Jeff standing in the doorway. She smiled.

"I know, but I am so addicted to it."

"Yea, Alex got me addicted to it too, but I try to keep it to a cup a day."

"So, you want a cup to start your morning off?"

"No, I think seeing you is all I need to jump start my morning."

"Oh my gosh, can you be any more corny?"

"I think I could try." Jeff said with a slight smirk.

"Jeff Hardy, you are seriously insane." She smiled back at him.

"Hey, I never did get to thank you for last night. It was seriously awesome. Nicole looked like she had a great time."

"She did have a good time. I'm hoping your birthday was just as good."

"It was the best birthday that I've had for awhile." He leaned over and kissed her softly on the cheek.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" Alexis and Jeff looked up. Alexis was shocked while Jeff was just confused. He looked over to Alexis and then back to the guy.

"Who is this guy? Why does Ally look so shocked?" He kept asking himself. Without even knowing what was going on he grabbed Alexis' hand. He squeezed her hand to let her know he was still right there.

"So Ally, baby, are you going to introduce me to whoever that is?" He said pointing over to Jeff. Alexis looked up with a glare. Jeff hadn't known her too long, but he did know that she did not like to be called 'baby'. Marshall didn't seem to get the hint though.

"Sure, Marshall, this is my boyfriend Jeff. Jeff, this is my ex-boyfriend Marshall." Jeff nodded. He knew who she meant, but if she wasn't upset about him being here he would keep his calm. "What do you want Marshall?"

"It is my daughter's birthday. I wanted to come and wish her a happy birthday."

"Well, it was actually yesterday, but you were close. Nice try Marshall."

"Oh come on Ally, I'm here aren't I?"
"Yea, so what is your point?"

"I want to be a part of my daughter's life. She deserves to know her father."

"There is no way in hell that you are her father."

"Well, you didn't cheat on me when we were together, so she is my daughter."

"She may be your daughter, but you are not her father. You left because I got pregnant and you didn't want to be held down. Don't you remember the conversation we had the day you left? You said, and let me quote you 'There is no way in hell I am going to ruin my life because you are stupid!'."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. I want to be there for you and…"

"Your daughter?"

"Yes, for my daughter, for Nicole."

"I'm sorry? You have been gone for three years and now you think you can come back here and just say how sorry you are and expect everything to be okay? Are you serious?"

"Ally, please baby…"

"First, I'm not your baby. We were over the second you told me to leave. You never looked back; you didn't try to stop me!"

"Ally…"

"No, you can't just come here after three years and think that everything is going to be good between us. You can't and won't come into my daughter's life."

"Fine if that is how you are going to be. Maybe I will just take you to court in this one."

"Oh you can try Marshall, but it won't work. I have provided for Nicole for three years. Not once has she ever been without food, shelter, or clean clothes. You haven't been here for three years. You actually think that the courts would give you any custody of her? If you do, then you are seriously in a dream world. Step into reality there Marshall."

"I need to step into reality? I'm not the one that has been living a lie for the past four years." Alexis stood there in shock. He wasn't bringing this up. He couldn't do that.

Jeff looked over at Alexis. He was so confused. What was this guy talking about? Did he have something on her?

"What are you talking about?" Jeff finally asked looking quite confused.

"Oh, you mean you don't know?" Jeff shook his head.

"No, I have no idea what you mean."
"Aren't you Jeff Hardy?" Alexis' eyes widened. She knew exactly what Marshall was doing. Jeff nodded.

"Marshall, stop it. Just leave…" she said stepping in between Jeff and Marshall.

"How well do you know this girl standing next to you?" Jeff thought for a second.

"Well, we've known each other for a couple months and we have talked a lot, so I would say I know her pretty well." Marshall nodded.

"Where are you from again?"

"I'm from Cameron, North Carolina."

"So, you two didn't know each other growing up?"

"What? What in the hell are you talking about?"

"Alexis, didn't you tell me you grew up in Cameron, North Carolina?"

"Alexis?" Jeff was growing more confused. "Why is he calling you Alexis?" A big smiled crept on to Marshall's face. If he couldn't be in his daughter's life he would make Alexis' a nightmare.

"Well, um…"

"Oh come on tell him already Alexis. Tell him why every time he looks at you, he gets this familiar feeling way down in the pit of his stomach. Tell him why you really came to Wisconsin." It finally hit Jeff.

"Alex?" Alexis could tell Jeff had finally realized. She continued glaring at Marshall. How could he do this?

"Well, I better go. Tell my daughter…"

"Get away from us! And don't ever come back here Marshall!" Marshall smirked and walked back to his car. Alexis still hadn't turned around, but she could feel Jeff staring at her. She slowly turned around. She wasn't sure what she expected to see, but the look in his eyes wasn't what she wanted.

"Alex?" He asked again.

"Jeff…" she began. She didn't know what to say.

"Oh my god, I can't believe this!" Jeff's eyes widened. "What the fuck! Is it really you?" Still not knowing what to say Alexis shook her head. She hoped that he wouldn't be mad, but her wish wasn't coming true. "I can't believe this! You lied to me!"

"Jeff, please let me explain." Jeff shook his head.

"No, no way. You lied to me for two months. Who else knew?"

"Just Shannon…"

"Shannon knew??? You told Shannon?!"

"No, he figured it out that first day."

"What?"

"I made him promise not to tell because…"
"No Al…I don't want to hear it. How could you lie to me? I thought I meant something to you?"

"You do."

"Bullshit Alexis! If I meant something you would have told me. I can't believe this. I have to go." She started to say something. "I don't want to talk to you again!" With that said, Jeff walked away. Alexis watched as he got in the car and drove off. She knew he would be back to get some stuff, but she hated watching him leave. She fell to the ground. She couldn't believe everything that had happened.

"Ally" Alexis turned around to see Shannon, Matt, Amy, Taylor, and Cassie all with confused looks.

"Ally, what's wrong? Where's Jeff?" Taylor asked walking over. Alexis looked at the ground.

"He knows." She said in barely a whisper.

"What?" Taylor wasn't quite sure what she had said.

"I said, he knows." This time she said it loud enough for everyone to hear. Shannon's eyes widened when he heard this.

"What are you talking about Ally?" Amy asked looking even more confused. Alexis didn't say anything. Shannon walked over to her and knelt down beside her.

"He left. He said he doesn't want to talk to me anymore."

"Come on, let's go talk." He helped Alexis up and they walked down the street. They finally made it to a park and Alexis sat down on a swing. Shannon knelt down in front of her.

"What happened?"

"Nicole's father came back. He wanted to get back into her life. I told him that it was a little too late for that and he told Jeff that it was me."

"And Jeff didn't take it too well I guess?" Alexis shook her head and started crying. "Shh, Alex, it's okay. Please don't cry."

"It isn't going to be okay Shan. The only guy that I love doesn't want to ever talk to me."

"Just give him time, he'll come around. It is probably just a shock to him right now. He loves you Alex, both you and Ally."

"Don't you mean Nicole?"

"No, he loves you Ally, but he will always love the Alex that he use to know. You are always going to be a part of that boy's life whether he wants you to or not. And you are right, he loves Nicole too and he probably wishes that she was his." Alexis knew that Shannon was trying to make her feel better, but it wasn't working. She knew that Jeff wasn't just in shock. She knew him that well. Shannon and Alexis just sat there in silence. A couple hours past by and Alexis knew she had to get back. Nicole was probably ready for lunch and she didn't want to put her responsibilities on anyone else. She got off the swing and waited for Shannon to stand up. He slowly got up and put his arm around her shoulder. He walked her back to her house. They noticed Matt's car was back in the driveway. Alexis stopped. Shannon knew what she was thinking and nudged her slightly.

"See, I told you he would be all right." They walked in the house to see Amy, Taylor, and Cassie sitting around the table. No one was saying anything.

"Where is Nicole?" Alexis asked sounding kind of nervous.

"Don't worry Ally. She's in her bedroom with Matt."

"Is Jeff here?"

"No, he came back, got all his stuff and then called a cab. You actually just missed him." Cassie said looking at Alexis. "Are you okay Ally?" Alexis shook her head.

"Can you and Taylor go make sure Nicole stays in her room? Oh, and send Matt out here. I have something to tell him." Cassie and Taylor walked into Nicole's room and Matt came out a minute later.

"Can you sit?" Matt looked at Amy and Shannon curiously. He sat down and waited for Alexis to say something.

"Okay, um, I don't really know how to say this." She paused for a second and looked at Shannon. He squeezed her hand to let her know he was there for her. "Um, ok, here goes. The reason Jeff left was because he found out a secret that I have been keeping." Matt and Amy both looked at Shannon.

"I will completely understand if you two have the same reaction as Jeff."

"Ally, what is it?" She stood up and walked into the living room. She picked up a photo album that was hid in a drawer by the TV. She grabbed a picture out of the album and walked back into the dining area. She sat across from Matt and Amy and slid the picture in front of them. Matt picked it up and looked at it. Alexis knew that he had figured it out when she saw his eyes widen. Matt handed the picture to Amy without saying anything. He couldn't take his eyes off Alexis, but she noticed that it wasn't the same kind of look she had seen in Jeff's eyes. He had a look of happiness and relief. Alexis looked over at Amy when she heard a slight gasp. Amy had tears forming in her eyes.

"Alex…" she said in barely a whisper. Alexis shook her head. "Oh my gosh…" Amy didn't know what else to say. Shannon looked over at Alexis. She was looking at the table, avoiding eye contact with everyone. Matt finally spoke up.

"Alexis…Alex…is it really you?"

"Yes…" she said softly. Matt finally broke a smile and jumped off his chair. He walked over and picked her up.

"I can't believe it is you! I have missed you so much! We have all missed you!" He said looking over at Amy. Amy was still sitting in the chair speechless. She wasn't upset, but she couldn't believe it. She looked at Shannon.

"Shannon, did you know?" Matt looked over at Shannon.

"Yea, I knew." Matt started getting upset.

"How long did you know?"

"Remember when we first met her at the diner?" Matt and Amy shook their heads. "Well, I recognized her at that time."

"You have known for two months and you didn't say anything?" Matt said looking even more upset. He started walking towards Shannon. Alexis grabbed Matt's arm and walked in between him and Shannon.

"It isn't his fault. I made him promise not to tell anyone."

"Why would you do that Alex?"

"Because I was scared…"

"What do you mean?" Amy asked.

"I was scared of what ya'll would say. I have a three-year old daughter and I was afraid you wouldn't want to see me again."

"You know that would never happen. I am surprised, but it is amazing that you have taken care of her by yourself for three years." Matt said grabbing Alexis' hand. Alexis looked up and smiled.

"Let's sit in the living room. You have a couple questions to answer." Amy said walking into the living room. They all sat down with Alexis sitting in between Matt and Amy.

"My first and only question is why?" Matt asked.

"Why what?" Alexis asked not really wanting to explain.

"Why did you leave Cameron?"

"Yea, I have a feeling it wasn't because of what Jeff told us." Amy said breaking her silence.

"Um, no it wasn't just because of my family. I'm not saying that Jeff lied to ya'll, but he probably left some things out."

"Like what?" Matt asked pushing Alexis to tell him.

"The night before I left Jeff and I got in a fight. I went over to Shannon's and spent the night with him and Crystal. When I went back the next morning I saw Jeff's car in our driveway. I went in the house to talk about the night before and hopefully smooth things over. I liked him so much and I don't just mean as friends. I was falling for him. When I got in, I walked past my dad's office and I heard my mom and Jeff talking. I was upset with everything that had happened and when I heard my mom say that Jeff had made the right choice in moving on with his life, I just snapped. I ran in there and yelled at both of them and then I ran up to my room. Jeff followed. She paused remembering what happened.

Flashback

"ASSHOLE!"

"Alexis…"

"No, don't. How could you listen to her?" she screamed pointing at her mother. "You WERE my best friend! You knew everything that she did over the course of my life. How could you?" She walked to the door and turned around. "If everyone thinks that I will just hold 'em down, then I'll just do ya'll and favor and leave." She ran to her room with tears streaming down her cheeks. Her knee was killing her, but the only pain she felt was the pain in her heart. Jeff walked in a couple minutes later.

"Alex, let me explain."

"First off, it's Alexis and second, FUCK YOU Jeff Hardy! I don't want to hear your lame ass excuses!" She turned around and slapped him as hard as she could. "Don't worry about me Jeff. I can take care of myself. I've been doing a pretty good job for the last 20 years. Good luck with your new life. I won't be in it to 'hold' ya'll down."

"I just couldn't handle it anymore. I needed to get out of there and quick. So I packed up some of my things, left a note for my family and you guys, went to the bank, and drove off. I haven't been back there since. My family doesn't even know where I am. And I bet ya'll they don't care."

"That isn't true." Amy said.

"Isn't it Amy? How long did they look for me?" All three looked down. "That is what I thought. They didn't even try and find me."

"You didn't want to be found." Amy said starting to get angry. Alexis wasn't scared though.

"You're right. I didn't want to be found. You know why I didn't want to be found?" Alexis started getting upset too. "Because I knew that if ya'll knew where I was I would have to face Jeff. And I couldn't face him. It hurt too much to know that Jeff didn't really want me in his life. I know what ya'll are thinking and if he really wanted me in his life he would never have done that."

"But he did do it and he wanted you in his life. He made a mistake Alex. Are you going to punish him forever?" Matt cut in.

"Are you kidding me Matt? Am I going to punish him forever?"

"Well, I just mean…"

"No, I know what you mean. I have forgiven him Matt."

"Why didn't you tell him sooner than?" Shannon asked. Alexis couldn't believe it. Shannon was getting in on this too. She felt herself getting smaller. Tears started forming in her eyes, which did not go unnoticed by Matt.

"Alex, look at me." Alexis looked up. "What Jeff did was stupid beyond belief. I know that if I were in your shoes, I probably would have done the same thing. I just don't understand why you couldn't have told us when we first saw you."

"I told you I was scared. I was scared because I have Nicole."

"But what were you truly scared of." Matt asked softly. Alexis looked at him. She couldn't lie to this guy. He was her older brother and he knew when she lied to him.

"I was and am scared of getting hurt again. I am scared that as soon as I get close to him, he's going to find another Courtney. I am scared he is going to change. I saw how easy it was for him to change the first time, what is going to keep it from happening again?"

"You" Amy said for the first time in a while. "You were what was keeping him from changing again. Alex, he loved you so much. And while he did a very shitty and stupid thing, he still loved you. After you left he wanted nothing but to find you. He was back to being the crazy guy we all knew and loved. Granted he wasn't too crazy because half the day he was moping around because of you, but he was himself again."

"Yea, even when he had met Alexis James, he was himself. He felt that same connection that he had felt with you before you left. Do you know how many times this month he talked about you?" Alexis shook her head. "More than I preferred to count. Every night he would talk to you and then after he hung up you were all he could talk about." Matt said smiling. "And you weren't acting any differently around him. That is how we know that things wouldn't have changed again." Alexis couldn't handle it anymore. She had made the biggest mistake of her life.

"Alex, what's wrong?" Shannon asked kneeling in front of her.

"How could I have been so stupid? I had the man that I have loved for four years with me and I lied to him. I have made the biggest mistake. Why didn't I tell him? Why was I so stupid? How could I lie to him like that? This whole time I thought I was living my life the right way, the way that I wouldn't get hurt, but in reality, I was just living a lie again. What am I going to do?" She grabbed on to Shannon and he held her tight. Nobody knew what to say, so they just sat there in silence. The silence was broken a couple minutes later.

"Momma?" Alexis looked up to see Nicole standing in the doorway to the living room. She dried her eyes quickly.

"Nicole, what's wrong baby girl?" She asked noticing the scared look in her daughter's eyes.

"Why are you crying?"

"No reason, just remembering something. Are you hungry?" The little girl shook her head. "All right, you go wash your hands and I will make you a sandwich." Nicole ran to the bathroom. Alexis got up and walked into the kitchen still drying her eyes. Cassie and Taylor walked into the kitchen.

"Ally, are you okay?" Cassie asked concerned for her friend. Alexis glanced into the living room to see Matt, Amy, and Shannon smiling. She shook her head and tried to smile.

"I'll be fine."

"They seem to be taking it fine." Taylor said.

"Yea, there are, but it is probably really hard for them. I mean, I lied to them for two months. How could they ever for…"

"Alex, I understand why you did it. I understand why you didn't tell us and I understand why you didn't tell Jeff."

"We all understand." Matt said as he walked up behind Amy.

"Thank you, ya'll have no idea how much that means to me." She walked over and gave them all a hug.

"Guys, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but we have to head out. We are due in Colorado tomorrow morning." Shannon said breaking the moment. All three groaned.

"Yea, ya'll better go. I don't want you to get in too much trouble." The three went to grab their stuff and headed to the car. "Please call me when you get to the hotel. I need to know ya'll got there all right."

"Don't worry mom, we will." Shannon said while sticking his tongue out at her.

"I'm glad you're okay Alex. I've missed you so much. We'll call tonight."

"Good, I've missed you too Matt. I love you." She said as she hugged him good-bye.

"I love you too." She walked over to Amy next. "Take care of yourself Ames. Don't let anyone kick your ass in that ring. Keep the belt as long as you possibly can."

"Don't worry about that. I will definitely keep it as long as I can. I love you Alexis."

"Love you too." She can Amy a hug and then headed over to Shannon.

"Hey…" she whispered when she finally reached him.

"Hey? I'm leaving and you say hey?" Alexis cracked a smile.

"I just wanted to say thank you."

"For what?"

"For helping me through this, for keeping my secret. I couldn't have gotten over this if it wasn't for you. You are an amazing friend Shannon Moore."

"You are a great friend too Alex, you just have to realize it. And please don't worry about Jeff, he'll come around, we both know that he is crazy about you." He smiled and then pulled her in for a hug. "I love ya Alexis James."

"Love ya too Shan." With that they got in the car and headed out. Alexis sat there watching the car as it headed down the road. She couldn't believe that they all knew. She couldn't help but wonder if they would tell her family. She wondered if her family would even care. She didn't have too much time to think when she heard Nicole yelling for her. She walked towards the house looking back at the car as it drove off.