Okay, so I've been thinking about how often I want to update. I'm going to aim for once in every three-week period. So, that should be the time frame. At least until I either finish the story, or due to unforeseen circumstances. And you should hear from me before then.

Alright, on with the story!

Ramona Fox

The restaurant was a much more secure environment. It wasn't very busy, and the dim lighting hid their booth in the back.

Alex had only been to a Mexican restaurant once before. It had been shortly after he first arrived in America with the Pleasures. Not long after Jack's death.

Lexi must have noticed his shift in attitude, because she said "Hey, are you okay? You've got this look on your face, like you're brooding about something."

Alex managed a shaky smile. "Yes. I'm fine."

"Come on, what is it? Spill. Something has been eating at you for a while now, and its not like l am going to tell anyone." Lexi stared intently at Josh, awaiting his reply.

Josh, clearly startled, just looked at her for a few moments. "It's nothing." He said quickly.

"Liar. I know that expression. Its the same one I get when someone asks me about something that hurts so much that I'm afraid I'll start crying if I talk about it."

Alex was stunned. Lexi had hit the nail on the head. He hesitated for a moment before asking, "You know that I was adopted, right" This went with his cover, so it would be okay to tell her.

"It doesn't surprise me." She didn't elaborate.

After a short pause, he continued. "My parents died when I was little, so my uncle adopted me. After he died, my older cousin, Jack, took me in."

Alex took a deep breath. He was shaking slightly. "She was like a sister to me, but nearly two years ago, she died." He struggled to find words. "I was stupid. I wasn't careful, we were kidnapped, and she was killed trying to get us out."

Alex looked up at Lexi, trying to read her reaction. She was silent for a long while before she spoke. "You blame yourself?" A statement, not a question. Alex nodded almost inseparably.

Another thoughtful pause, then she spoke. "I can't really say that I understand what your're going through-" she spoke slowly, measured, as if to be sure of her words. "but if you ever want to talk about it, I won't judge you."