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Chapter 9

The Wait

Alex paced in front of her desk looking at the box of stationery. What do I have to lose? Either he'll tell me, or he'll tell me it's none of my business. But how do I ask? She pulled out her chair hesitantly, still debating. Her brothers came exploding into the room. "It's snowing!"

Their voices were in unison and broke the tension that she was feeling. She gave them a blank stare. "What?"

They fell on her bed, laughing. "It's snowing, silly!"

Alex peered out her window. Sure enough, there were large flakes falling from the gray November sky. She looked at her brothers with disbelief. "It can't be snowing! The sun was shining and it's, it's only...."

"It is a week before Thanksgiving, Alex. I am surprised we haven't had any before this." Her mother frowned, noting that neither of the boys had taken off their boots. "Come on boys, time to get ready for dinner." She studied her daughter for a moment. "Alex, is everything alright?" She eyed the letter still on the bed. "Is the serviceman alright?"

Alex followed her mother's gaze to the bed. Feeling her face slightly flush, she nodded. "He's alright, I was just about to write him."

A smile crept over Mrs. Eames face. "Why not take a break, and come help me with dinner?"

The younger Eames shuffled her feet. A sudden thought came to mind, and she nodded. "Let me put the letter up, and I'll be right down."

Glad that her suggestion diverted her daughter's attention from whatever was bothering her, she herded the two boys down the stairs, scolding them for not removing their boots. Alex half listened as she put the letter away. I'll ask, but first, I have to find the right words.

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Stepping inside his room, he found Higgins putting on his shoes. Bobby lifted a brow. "You're going out, again?"

Higgins laughed. "Not like you think. I promised the young lady I was with last night a photograph of myself."

Bobby tilted his head. "Would you mind if I come along?"

It was Higgins turn to be surprised. He studied his roommate, carefully choosing his words. "Goren, I think you're taking this letter writing a bit too seriously. I think, it might be time to cut 'that cord' and move on to a real woman."

Goren sighed, slightly hanging his head. "I know it sounds weird. But the letters are nice." He looked at Higgins uncomfortable to admit to another human being, his deepest feelings. He cleared his throat. "She seems to come from a somewhat normal family, something that I never had. You know, two parents, brothers, a sister. She doesn't demand anything from me, want me to 'fix things in her life', she just shares what's going on. It's, it's kind of nice. Her letters make me feel like I'm a part of her family." He looked at Higgins for confirmation of what he was saying.

Elbert grinned, lightly punching him in his shoulder. "Goren, if I knew you wanted brothers or a sister, I would have given you mine. I think it's time for your adopted sis to see what you look like, but don't blame me for her response."

Bobby returned his punch, grabbing his coat. "No thanks, I've heard too much about your family."

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Alex set her fork down, staring at her empty plate. "Mom?"

Mrs. Eames looked at her eldest daughter. "Yes Alex?"

She looked up, meeting her eyes. "Mom, could you teach me to make chocolate chip cookies?"

The boys nudged either other and began giggling. In a sing-song voice they proclaimed, "A-l-e-x gots a b-o-y-f-r-i-e-n-d."

Her face turned crimson, as she shot them a no prisoners taken look. Her mom tried to suppress a smile. "Boys, that will be enough of that."

John Eames cleared his throat, looking at his oldest daughter. "Your mother has been telling me about the letters and package you have received from this serviceman."

She felt her ears beginning to burn. "Yes sir."

He looked over at his wife, trying to search for the right words. "I think, that writing to someone in the service is commendable, but..."

Alex shot him a wide eyed look, feeling her heart pick up speed. "But what, Dad?"

John cleared his throat again. "Considering the age difference, I don't think it's a good idea to continue. It might," He paused, seeing that her embarrassment had turned into anger. The last sentence stumbled out of his mouth. "It might be misinterpreted the wrong way."

She sat back in her chair as if she had been shot. "Who would misinterpret it?"

Alex's mother rested a hand on her husband's shoulder. "Well, he might."

She shook her head adamantly. "No, no he wouldn't. Dad, I've met his mother." She realized how that might have sounded, quickly adding, "She, she works part time at the school library." Alex turned towards her mom, looking for support.

Her mother was biting her bottom lip. She knew her daughter had good sense, but what if John was right? Not wanting to take sides, she waited patiently for his response. John Eames slowly stood up, pushing his chair back underneath the table. He took a deep breath, looking at those still sitting around the table. "Let me think about it. Until then, no more letters are to be sent."

He glanced at his daughter, who refused to meet his eyes. He went to the living room, taking a seat in his chair, swiping his hands over his face. Sighing as he leaned back, a shudder went through him. Is this what I have to look forward to the next few years?

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Bobby sealed the envelope, slightly frowning as he stared at the address. I wonder if they'll understand?

Higgins carried two coffees into the room. "Another letter, Goren? You wrote one yesterday, or did you forget?"

He shrugged as Elbert glanced down at the envelope. He raised a brow. "You getting the parents' permission?"

Looking up at Higgins, Bobby spread his hands apart as his elbows rested on the table. "I'm sure with her mother being an At-Home Mom, she sees the letters coming and going. She's probably beginning to wonder what is going on. I just want to make sure Alex isn't getting into trouble. Her dad is a cop..., she's fourteen..." He left the statement unfinished.

Elbert winked at him, as he set a cup on the table, trying to sound light hearted. "This is going to get interesting!"

A/N: I almost went totally to the dark side with this chapter, which was not my intention. I do feel with the occupation of Alex's dad, he would be wondering what the heck is going on, and would want to protect her. I truly believe that Bobby is just that kind of guy, to want to keep the record straight. ;)