Alex
It had been weeks since Piper had been gone, and it was really taking its toll on Alex. She could assume that both Piper and Doggett were still alive because if not everyone here would be talking about it.
But none the less every day she grew more and more concerned. No matter what she was doing, where she was, or what was going on Piper was always on her mind.
Alex had fallen into a new routine. Every morning she would get up, take her shower, have breakfast, go to work in the laundry room, go to lunch, go back to the laundry room and when free for the day she would find somewhere to read a book until it was time for dinner.
That somewhere turned out to often be her bed, which finally had a mattress again. No matter where she went there was something that would remind her of Piper. What made her bed the best places for this was that Morello and Nicky had taken it upon themselves to switch Alex's blanket and pillow with the ones that had been Pipers. "I figured it might smell like her or whatever." Morello had said with a smile.
Alex often found herself daydreaming about some of the best times that the two had had together, but that wasn't enough she also couldn't help but think of all of the things they could do together when they were both out of this place. A future together is what she saw, not just because it was what she wanted but because it was what was meant to be.
At meal times Alex would sit at the same table with the same people but instead of joining in on the conversation like she used to Alex would mostly just sit and listen. Nicky did her best to try and make her a part of every conversation but with little result. There wasn't anything any of them could do for her, the only thing that would make this better would be when Piper was finally back there with them. Alex didn't just want Piper back there, she wanted Piper back in her arms where she belonged.
Every morning Alex would look up from the table to find Bennett and every morning they would make eye contact. The look on his face always told her that there was nothing new with the Piper situation. This morning the look he gave was different, he almost appeared to be smiling. Alex stepped away from the table and made her way over to him. As soon as Bennett realized just how close Alex was he quickly said "She'll be back sometime today, now get back to that table before you get the both of us in trouble." he spoke in a stern voice but she could see in his face that he was happy for her.
When Alex got back to the table everyone could the difference in her, they all knew it was good news. "Looks like you'll be getting you're girl back soon." Nicky said with a smile and a wink. "You have no clue how true I want that statement to be. She'll be sometime today" Alex was unable to even try and hide how excited she was. "Golly this is the first time we've seen you smile in a long time." Morello said.
Alex went on with her day, when breakfast was done she made her way to the laundry room. Doing everyone's laundry just didn't seem as bad today. Replaced by her worry was a new sense of nervousness which was new for Alex. In her adult years she had grown to be rather confident, but after not seeing Piper for so long and with the way that day had gone she couldn't help but feel that way.
"Yo, I know you're working but I figured you would want to know you're girl back. They should be pulling up right now." Alex looked up to see Taystee who was smiling at her. All Alex could do was smile back at her. "Why you standing her still? You better go find her!" What was she doing? Of course she should go find her. Alex began to run out of the room but not before yelling "Thank you" over her shoulder.
Alex knew that as much as she wanted to, she wouldn't be able to run through the halls without getting herself in trouble so she made her way down the hallway as fast as she could considering. She really hoped that she would make it to the front before Piper came in, and she did. A few of her friends were standing there with her, but all she could do was look at that door and wait.
Finally there she was, Alex could see Piper making her way inside the building. Their eyes made contact and it was unbreakable. As soon as Piper had made it inside Alex was beside her with her arms around her. Without even thinking she grabbed her face and pulled her in for a kiss.
"Alright, alright that's enough." she heard Fischer say. Everyone could tell by her tone she was doing her best to sound tough. "Finish saying hello to your friends we have a few things to do before lunch. Both girls quickly apologized for their actions, although everyone knew they didn't believe it.
"I couldn't stop thinking about you." Piper said to Alex. "We're in the same boat there kid." Alex smiled. "Boy ain't that the truth, I don't think Alex here could have taken much longer of you being away. And for the record I don't think the rest of us would have been able to either." Nicky said as she gave Piper a quick hug.
"I'll see you all at lunch." Piper said. She sounded happier then she had been in a long time. "I've got my kitchen back, so I'll be sure to save you something special. Don't worry won't be anything like the last time." Red said with a laugh. "I'll be looking forward to it." Piper said endearingly.
Alex shared one last look with Piper before they went their separate ways, not for long this time but still longer than either of them wanted. "I'll save you a seat, Pipes." Alex could not stop smiling.