Part VIII
The morning after, Marissa was, again, up early. She wanted to discuss Alex's drinking habits over breakfast. She wanted to know how she gets drunk in the office. It was certainly worrying her. Who wouldn't be? Alex almost passed out that night and Marissa knew something was bothering her. She knew Alex wouldn't drink that much. Well… The old Alex she knew.
I hope she's not having problems with me. I mean, we still spend quality time together. And… Well… The sex ain't bad. In fact it's… Amazing… She just drinks a lot. Even at work… Beth mentioned not seeing her though. She must be mixing it in her drinks.
Marissa flipped the last set of pancakes and served them on the table. Alex appeared from their room with her hand holding her head.
"What's for breakfast?" Alex asked wrapping her arms around Marissa's waist.
"Pancakes… And Eggs…" The brunette replied giving her a kiss on the cheek.
They took their seats right across each other. They smiled and then began to eat. Marissa was silent for most of their meal. Alex noticed this.
"Something wrong?" She asked.
"Nothing from where I am at? Is there with you?" Marissa looked up to meet Alex's eyes.
"Nothing. I'm fine." Alex replied looking down on her plate.
Marissa sighed, but she wasn't going to give up. Alex definitely had to stop her habit before it's too late. Marissa was going to make sure she does.
----
Bianca opened her eyes and saw Beth still fast asleep beside her. She ran invisible traces on her lover's back which was facing her. She pressed her lips gently against Beth's skin making her wake up.
"Morning…" Bianca smiled as her lover turned to face her.
Beth wasn't wearing the same smile though. She just stared at Bianca for a while. The other girl gazed at her eyes which was emotionless.
"What's wrong?"
"Would you always compare me with your ex?" Beth asked bluntly.
Bianca could only feel her heart ache. She was wrong to judge her girlfriend and her intentions the night before.
"Would you always expect something if Alex gave Marissa something?"
Bianca placed her hand on Beth's cheek.
"I'm so sorry… I didn't mean it to be that way…"
Beth let out a small smile but she turned around to look away from Bianca.
"I'll just take you to the train station later. I'll pick you up next week."
----
"JODIE! JODIE!" Summer was rummaging through her wardrobe while Jodie was still asleep on their bed.
Summer turned and saw Jodie still somewhat snoring. Jodie had worked overtime the night before. She came in late on the Bait Shop just to pick Summer up. It was endearing, but Summer wished Jodie had time. Summer plopped beside the bed and tucked a few strands of Jodie's hair.
"Sweetie… Wake up…" Summer whispered leaning to kiss Jodie's cheek.
"Hrrrrmhmmm…" Jodie mumbled and just hugged the pillow tight.
"You work too hard… And you know that…" Summer lay beside Jodie and held her tight.
Jodie smiled feeling Summer's arms holding her close. She fell asleep once more, taking Summer with her.
----
Marissa straightened her dress and looked at Alex who was buttoning her blouse. It was both their day off and they were going to have a picnic on the beach with the rest of the girls. She still wanted to talk to Alex, but she wasn't going to push the issue. She hoped Alex would open up with her own accord. Marissa was going to be there no matter what happens.
"Honey… Let's go." Alex turned and smiled at her.
The blonde held out her hand which Marissa gladly took.
"So what have you packed?" Alex asked turning to Marissa as they started to walk outside the apartment.
"Everything non-alcoholic." Marissa replied.
Alex just shook her head with a smile and held Marissa's hand tighter.
----
Bianca was picking up their picnic basket when Beth went out of the bathroom. She took Bianca's bags and started to walk towards the door. They were both silent since the time they woke. It really bothered Bianca, knowing pretty well her girlfriend was upset. Beth hasn't uttered a word since their earlier conversation.
"Baby…" Bianca whispered but Beth didn't turn.
The other girl just opened the door then turned to her.
"Let's go… We don't want to be late."
Bianca just nodded and followed her.
----
"Jodie?" Summer walked over to the living room with her bags in tow. She was looking for Jodie who was still in the bedroom.
"Coming Babe." Jodie appeared smiling at her and then helping her with her bags.
"Think we'll all have a great morning?"
"Yeah definitely. Why?"
"I don't know… I just feel heavy today." Summer smiled sweetly although in her heart she was really worried.
----
All six girls spent the rest of the afternoon at the beach. Bianca, Marissa and Summer were working their tan. Alex, Jodie and Beth went out into the ocean to surf. It gave everybody a chance to talk about their problems.
"Sum… You think I should ask Alex what's bothering her?" Marissa asked.
"Why? Is there something wrong?" Summer asked back.
"She's been drinking too much…"
"Maybe it's just stress…" Bianca spoke joining the conversation.
"Yeah maybe stress." Summer nodded in reply looking up to Marissa.
"Yeah maybe…" Marissa just rubbed her forehead.
"At least you know you're not her problem." Bianca added adjusting her sunglasses.
"Something wrong with Beth?" Marissa asked.
"No. Not with her. She's really sweet. I just… Tend to upset her."
"Maybe you should stay here instead of going back with me in Boston?" Summer suggested.
"I'll think about it…"
"Stay. I'm sure she'll love to have you around." Marissa smiled sitting up.
"Yeah I guess. How about you and Jodie?"
"We're fine. She just works too hard. But we're fine." Summer smiled as she watched the other three girls walk to shore.
Beth left her board to stand on the sand as she plopped beside it. Jodie and Alex did the same. They heard her sigh as they all watched the ocean.
"Having problems with your girl?" Jodie asked still looking at the ocean.
"Not really. I just can't be as perfect as you I guess." Beth replied looking at Alex beside her.
"I'm not perfect. Believe me…" Alex retorted letting out a sigh of her own.
"You two have perfect girlfriends. We have perfect girlfriends, what more can you ask for?" Jodie pointed out looking at the other two girls.
"Yeah… I guess. You should cut out with the drinking though." Beth took her gaze back to Alex.
"Why? She's drinking again?" Jodie asked surprised.
Alex could just shake her head and smile.
"I think she has been drinking everyday." Beth replied.
"Well you don't want to lose Marissa that way. STOP DRINKING" Jodie messed up Alex's hair and smiled.
"Stop drinking alcoholic beverages you mean." Alex smiled looking out into the ocean again.
It's good to have good friends around who care. It helps us put ourselves in the right perspective. All six girls knew they were all lucky. And they thank God everyday for that.