Part XXVI

The moonlight was now being replaced with the warm rays of the sun. Marissa, who was still wide awake, stared at the digital clock which was placed on their side table. Alex's arms were protectively wrapped around her. But Marissa didn't feel any better. Her heart felt heavy, heavier than it has ever been. She turned around to face her fiancé who was still fast asleep. She sighed, touching Alex's cheek.

"I don't know what to do… I'm so scared…"

She was startled when Alex suddenly moved. But Alex was still asleep. Unconsciously, the blonde held Marissa tighter; the brunette's head was now resting on her chest. Marissa closed her eyes, feeling Alex's heart beating against her ear. She smiled, remembering the feeling of the same heart professing its love for her. It was same heart that traveled back to the United States just to look for her. It is still the heart that loved her unconditionally. She let out a breath and wrapped her arms around Alex's neck. Looking up, she found Alex's face, innocent and peaceful. She smiled.

"You better hold on to me. Because there's no way, I'm letting this make me let go of you."

----

Summer stared at the doctor's office door. She felt a warm hand envelop her waist then a warm body behind her.

"If it still bothers you, we can wait baby." Jodie whispered, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

"But you want it. We want it. I want to do it."

"But you're still nervous. It wouldn't help us or the baby if you're not ready." Jodie replied making Summer face her.

"I'm ready. I'm just not sure if I could be a good mother…" Summer was closed to tears but they weren't falling.

"You'll be a great mom. Stop worrying about that." Jodie smiled giving her a gentle kiss on the forehead.

"And stop worrying about Alex and Marissa. They have gone through too much to let each other go. They are going to get married. You have to trust them."

"I do. And I love you… So much Jodie…"

They hugged and held each other tightly, with loving smiles on their faces.

"I love you too Summer. Don't you ever forget that."

----

One.

Two.

Three.

Beth reluctantly opened her eyes knowing pretty well there was no one beside her as the morning made its way. Bianca hasn't called. She hasn't left a message either. By now the brunette knew it was over. She also knew she had to get over this feeling somehow.

One.

Two.

Three.

She tried to muster all her strength to stand up and face the sunrise.

"I'm not going to let you hurt me."

She wanted not to care. But she felt too much. Slowly she made her way to the kitchen, wanting to start her day right. Then again, she shook her head realizing there was nothing she could do. Mornings were now hardly something for her to look forward to.

----

She stared at her phone for the hundredth time that day. But she couldn't bring herself to touch. She felt it would only make things worse if she called. It didn't matter if it was killing her being apart from the person she loves. It was enough she was happy for once in her life. Happy and in love. She just hoped Beth would find someone new right away. Even if the thought was slowly draining the strength she has, Bianca would still not fight for this love. Not even if the reason was, she is the one.

----

"You'll have to face her, one way or the other." Alex said softly, not taking her gaze away from her future spouse.

"That's not what I'm worried about."

"You'll have to face your father too. You know that."

"Thanks hon. But that isn't helping." Marissa replied, sighing heavily.

"Look… I'm leaving in a few days. And I don't think I want you moping about your family affairs all by your lonesome. We're doing this together now. Whether you like it or not." Alex walked towards the brunette.

She cupped her cheek and leaned to kiss her lips softly, earning a smile from Marissa.

"It's hard to deal with. You know that…"

"It doesn't have to be. Look… Take the day off. Call the office. I'm taking you around to keep your mind off of them. You just have to think of one word today. US." Alex smiled pulling her fiancé into a hug.

"What would I do without you?" Marissa muttered.

She rested her head on Alex's chest, tears threatening to fall down her cheeks. Marissa felt bad for somewhat ruining their engagement party. She felt that it was her fault, knowing she was the one he invited Kaitlin. Somehow, she just wanted everything to be perfect for her and Alex. But she knows it wouldn't be. Nothing is perfect. Even her and Alex.

"Marissa… Give it time. You'll deal with it." Alex touched her chin and lifted her head to stare at her straight in the eye.

"I love you Marissa Cooper. And you know it." Alex smiled, resting her forehead against Marissa's.

"I love you too…"

----

"Summer… I'm sorry. But you can't carry the baby. It will be too dangerous." The doctor reluctantly showed laboratory test, x-rays and ultrasound results that support his final diagnosis.

Summer and Jodie stared at them sadly.

"You can ask for a second opinion. But I doubt if the diagnosis will change."

Jodie silently gave the doctor and nod and just stared at Summer who was in tears. She knew her wife was breaking inside but was holding it all back. It was Summer's dream to carry a child.

"We'll get back to you doc. We'll just try to get a second opinion before deciding." Jodie flashed the doctor a weak smile.

Holding Summer's hand, they both stood up and went out of the doctor's office.

----

She stared at the phone number on her mobile phone for the nth time. Bianca tried hard not to entertain thoughts about her recent break up but couldn't. She loved the girl too much. She was tearing up inside too. Somehow, she knew, she just had to know.

Pressing the green button, she watched as the icons on her phone changed.

Calling Beth…

She gave out a sigh, hearing the voice mailbox on the other end. She stayed on the line for a while, listening to her ex-lover's voice.

She hated to admit it.

But she had to.

She missed her too damn much.