Part XXIV

Alex opened her eyes slowly. She felt Marissa weight on her chest. The brunette had her back facing her. She was sleeping soundly. Her head was resting on Alex's chest. Her arms were wrapped around one of Alex's arms. As a smile came out of her lips, Alex turned her head and read the digital clock on the side table. It showed 2:15AM. Turning to Marissa again, she felt the brunette gripping her arm tighter, but still looking like an angel.

She closed her eyes, smelling that familiar scent from Marissa hair. She smiled.

"Alex…" She heard Marissa softly whisper.

Alex reopened her eyes and felt Marissa turning around to face her. It was a still a little dark, but they could almost see each other's silhouettes. Alex closed her eyes once more, feeling Marissa's fingers tracing her jaw. She imagined her green eyes staring at her. Her breathing seemed to fail her when the brunette dragged her fingers lower: Tracing her neck, her collarbone, and the spot in between her breasts. She then felt Marissa open her palm. Together with her other hand, Marissa dragged her palms to caress Alex's chest ever so lightly. Making her flinch from where she was laying.

"You make me horny…" Marissa whispered.

She bit her lower lip, which was left unseen by the blonde.

"Do I?" Alex asked with a husky voice.

She pulled Marissa closer to her. In response, the brunette seemed to spread her legs allowing Alex to place one of her legs in between. Pushing herself up, Alex was now hovering over Marissa, kissing her lips, devouring her mouth.

"I'll miss you Alex. So much…" Marissa pulled away breathless.

Her voice started to crack.

It was going to be the first time Alex and Marissa would be apart. The first since they got back together. It was a strange feeling for Marissa, when she thinks about it.

"Honey… I'll call you everyday… I doubt you'll miss me." Alex smiled still hovering above her fiancé.

"I promise we'll make the most of our time together." Alex added leaning down to kiss Marissa neck.

The kisses were light. It lacked passion but it was certainly sweet. It made Marissa ease up a bit. Alex felt her smile when her lips reached her lips once more. Marissa opened her mouth slightly, obviously inviting Alex's tongue. Alex moaned before taking her invitation. Marissa let the blonde caress her tongue, and her mouth. Her eyes closed feeling the tenderness and love from her fiancé. But her eyes suddenly shot wide-opened. Alex's hands were now slowly trailing upwards, underneath her shirt: Utterly setting the trail on fire.

"Alex… We can't…" Marissa pulled away.

"Why?" Alex grumbled.

Marissa knew her eyebrows are furrowing by now. It was dark and Marissa knew it was Alex's first reaction.

"Your parents… They'll hear me…" She held Alex above her.

She didn't make her move back next to her. She just held her still, letting the blonde hover above her.

Alex could only let out a sigh. Marissa was indeed a screamer.

"One more day…" Alex finally plopped her head onto Marissa's shoulder.

She kissed Marissa's neck gently.

"One more day…" Marissa mumbled herself.

After a few hours, Marissa and Alex reopened their eyes. The morning sun was slightly stinging their eyes. The wind was blowing the curtain that was supposed to shield them from the morning rays.

"Today is the day." Marissa smiled looking up to Alex who smiled back.

The rest of the morning was spent with preparing the other guest room for Caleb and Julie's arrival. Marissa has never felt so happy since being reunited with Alex. By lunch, Alex and Marissa have already prepared the snacks for the nights events. As the sun began to set, Marissa found herself smiling as she gazed at Alex who was now having a private chat with their friend Beth. It looked serious. Marissa was about to frown but when Alex turned to her, she shot her one of her sweetest smiles. It made Marissa melt. At times she found herself feeling a little stupid with her reactions towards simple things Alex does. But Marissa soon realized, maybe falling in love meant you end up having "stupid moments" at times.

"Coop! Coop!"

Marissa turned around to receive one of Summer's biggest hugs.

"I'm sure they'll be happy for the both of you." Summer beamed given her best friend a kiss on the cheek.

Jodie, who walked beside Summer, leaned to give her a kiss on the cheek too.

"Congratulations." Jodie whispered, knowing pretty well today was the day Marissa and Alex would be announcing their engagement.

"Alex! Beth!" Jodie yelled dragging Summer with her.

Marissa watched them all happy and content. This was her extended family. She was having no complaints about it.

"Marissa Cooper." A voice called out.

It was stern but was still utterly loving. Marissa turned to find Kaitlin standing by her lonesome.

"Glad you could make it!" Marissa exclaimed.

She gave her a huge hug. Pulling away, Marissa called out to her other guests.

"Guys, girls, come here for just a second."

Everybody made their way towards the living room to see what Marissa was up to. Sandy and Kirsten even stood beside Alex.

"This is Kaitlin. My friend from work. Kaitlin, this is my extended family. I know you met Alex. That's Summer my best friend, Jodie…" Marissa began to introduce each person in the room.

The mood was happy. And everyone especially Marissa and Alex were excited.

The doorbell rang. Alex slowly made her way towards the door. Turning the knob she looked at Marissa one last time. The brunette was sharing another story with Kaitlin. She felt happy for Marissa for finding a new friend. Looking at the person who was at the door, Alex found Julie and Caleb.

"Marissa, they're here." Alex smiled turning to face her fiancé and their guests.

Caleb and Julie entered. Slowly, Kaitlin's eyes caught sight of the man at the door. She blinked once. Twice. Trying hard not believe what her eyes has shown her. She turned to Marissa who was already walking towards them. A hug, a kiss. Kaitlin felt her stomach turn to knots.

Oh my…

Alex smiled and turned towards their guests. She found Kaitlin in total shock.

"Kaitlin… Are you ok?" Alex asked, starting to walk over to the other blonde.

Marissa turned to see if there was something wrong with Kaitlin. She didn't see Caleb's eyes grow wide at the mention of Kaitlin's name. Julie seemed to have just lost her balance and fell onto Caleb's arms. Diverting Alex and Marissa's attention.

Kaitlin stood there frozen.

This is going to be one heck of an engagement party.