Alexis didn't know what to say and by the look on Kate's face she didn't know either. They both just stood there staring at each other. Alexis finally broke the silence timidly asking "can I come in?"
"Oh, of course!" Kate said as she moved out of the way using her left hand to keep the door opened as Alexis shuffled in. Alexis spotted the wedding band on Kate's left hand as she was passing by.
"Did you remarry" she asked pointing at the ring as she entered the room. She almost kicked herself when she saw the shocked look on Kate's face.
"You've been gone almost 16 years and that's what you want to start with?" Kate asked as she started to pace back and forth in front of Alexis. "How about we start with where have you been? I've been looking for you since you disappeared. I was beginning to think you were dead!" Kate stopped in front of Alexis and looked her straight in the eyes. "But, to answer your question, no I didn't remarry. I've never been able to see myself removing the ring your father put on my hand."
"I'm sorry Kate." Kate held up her hand and motioned for Alexis to join her in the living room. "After dad does my whole life was crashing around me and I ran for it. I'm sorry for the things I said. It wasn't your fault Kate!"
"I know. It took me a couple years of therapy before I believed it wasn't my fault. I've been looking for you and Martha for years. Did she come back with you?"
Alexis shifted nervously in her seat. "Dad's contacts kept us hidden. I knew you would look for me and I didn't want to be found. Gram's missed you, but she stayed with me. She said I needed her more. We spent time in London, Spain, Turkey, and a dozen more places. Gram's never got over dad's death. She died peacefully in her sleep about 2 years ago. I almost came home after that, but I was so afraid." Alexis said as she wiped the tears falling from her eyes.
"I'm so sorry Alexis." Kate said as she felt her chest tighten and tears fall from her own eyes.
Alexis wiped her eyes and showed the newspaper article she had been carrying around. "I saw this in the paper and it finally gave me the push I needed to come and see you. I can't believe I have a 15 year old brother. I can't believe I haven't been a part of his life."
Kate grabbed Alexis's hand and said," Alexis, I didn't know I was pregnant until a couple weeks after the funeral. You couldn't have known."
"I know I have no right to ask, but can I meet him? I want to get to know my brother." Alexis said as she squeezed Kate's hand.
"Alexis, I would never keep a sibling from you."
"So can meet him?" Alexis asked looking right at Kate.
"You can meet him and his twin sister."
