Hello dear readers. Do I really have to say that I do not own the characters, nor the show? I mean we all know that, right?

So well whatever this story takes places a few years after the second season, but in my version, Alex and Marissa never broke up and their relationship has only grown stronger since then. So yea, read and judge.

- Yea, I got hit too when I was a kid. Hope you're okay now. As for Marissa… you'll know soon.
- And sorry for all that drama I just looove it so much.

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Chapter 9 – Last breath

Alex had fallen asleep when she heard the phone ring. Opening her eyes, she noticed she was on the ground and tried to remember what had happened... which didn't take much time. Her heart tightened against her chest. The phone kept ringing. What time was it anyway? Did she really have to take that call? She stayed on the ground, remembering how Marissa had just left the house. Her throat was sore. Alex shut her eyes, trying to get back to sleep and hoping to never wake up again.

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Jody opened the door and realised the weather.

- Jeez, when did that happen? She asked. Summer was standing behind her.

- As much as I hate you, I can't let you drive in that weather, Summer sighted. If you die, we will have to wear black for a while and it really isn't my color. Jody smiled and closed the door.

- That's so sweet of you.

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- Holly shit, Charles screamed before getting out of the truck. Flipping his cellphone open, he dialled 9-1-1 before reaching the BMW. The car was already a mess, he thought, before pulling out the door so he could see the victim. He felt his heart break. A young lady... around her daughter's age.

- Oh Lord... he said, looking at her. Charles knew enough about casualties for not moving Marissa's body. If her neck was hurt, it could kill her. Her eyes opened.

- I'm so sorry, the old man said thought his beard, the emergency are coming, we'll get you out of this, I promise... can you hear me? The brunette smiled and moved her hand. She was trying to reach her purse. Charles picked it up and handed her the bag. She took her cellphone. She was trying to speak. Charles got closer.

- Is there anything I can do? He asked.

- Call Alex, Marissa said in a breath. Charles took the phone as Marissa's eyes closed again. The emergency arrived. A young man got out of the car in a hurry.

- What happened? He asked. Charles ran to him and explained everything.

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The phone kept ringing. Alex had enough and got up. She knocked her body against the wall, the table and the couch before getting to her phone. But she didn't care since she was way too hurt to even feel pain anymore. She checked her phone. It was an unknown number. She stared at the phone for a while, then finally answered.

- Hello, she said in an empty voice.

- Yes, may I speak with Alex please? A professional voice said. Alex thought it was Dean.

- What do you want, she coldly asked.

- You're Alex? I'm Dr.Nicolas Sanchez, ambulance man at Newport's hospital. Alex had an awfully bad feeling.

- Is Marissa okay? She asked.

- Marissa? That's her name? He asked. Alex heard him write down something. She insisted that we call you, he explained, but please, remain calm. We are taking her to the emergency room...

- I'm coming, Alex replied before closing the phone, grabbing her coat and leaving the house.

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Marissa felt strong hands carrying her carefully in the ambulance and jumping out. Her whole body was in pain She heard them close the doors and she could tell the ambulance was now moving. A young man was standing next to her and making sure she was still breathing.

- Do not move, he warned her, it could only harm you.

- Have you ... called... Alex? Marissa asked. Nicolas gave her a confident look.

- Yes, m'am, I just did. Marissa grabbed his hand and squeezed it pretty hard for a women that hurt.

- You can't let me die... she begged. Nicolas bended down so he could get to her level.

- You won't...

- Not before I see her...

- You won't die, Nicolas promised. Marissa gave him a weak smile.

- Just keep me alive one more hour. I'm not asking more. Nicolas caressed Marissa's forehead.

- Shshh, he hushed, talking is weakening you. The brunette closed her eyes.

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Alex drove as fast as she could. Good thing there was no traffic. Her heart was racing as she kept reproducing the worst scenarios. Nothing happened Alex, she told herself, Marissa is just fine. She parked her car and ran to the front door. After sliding twice, ended up reaching a dry surface and stopped to catch her breath. On her left, two doctors passed in a hurry with a carriage on which a body was resting. It didn't take much time for Alex to figure...

- Marissa! She screamed as she reached the carriage and recognised the brunette. Her girlfriend had her eyes shut and seemed to be hurt pretty bad. Alex's hands started shaking as she ran as fast as the doctors, not taking an eye away from Marissa. Alex grabbed her girlfriend's hand and squeezed it as tears were falling from her eyes.

- Oh my god... she whispered. Marissa felt her hand and opened her eyes.

-Alex? She asked. You came. She had a weak smile.

- I'm here baby, Alex cried. Don't worry...

- I'm ... sorry.. about, everything... Marissa said before closing her eyes, as if she had put all the strength that was left in her to say that sentence.

- Marissa... Alex said in a tough voice, controlling her convulsions, listen to me, you have to fight. A man stopped Alex as the two doctors took Marissa away.

- You know the victim? The man asked.

- We live together, Alex replied.

- Would you say you're responsible of her?

- Totally, Alex replied without hesitation.

- Ok. I'm Nicolas Sanchez, I'll need some information about her. Alex nodded. She couldn't feel anything anymore... this was really happening.

- And since she's not in a position to judge, I'll need you to make some choices about her treatments.

- Do whatever it takes to save her, Alex said in an empty tone. She didn't want to hear this.

- Miss, she'll need intensive treatments... she's hurt really bad. It's going to be expensive, and painful, and she might not be independent for a good amount of time...

- Do whatever it takes, Alex repeated. Nicolas smiled.

- I just understood why she needed to see you so bad. I'll inform the doctors about your choices and be right back with some forms. Have a seat. Alex nodded and slowly sat down as Nicolas ran in the opposite way. If only she would have shut up about the kiss.

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Alex jolted when she felt a hand on her shoulder. It was early in the morning and the hospital was empty and quiet.

- I'm sorry, Dr. Sanchez apologised as he sat down next to her. Alex had a broken expression.

- She'll make it, he promised, we found her quickly after the sad incident, and since you showed up right away, we got her in the intensive cares without losing a second. She's got all the chances on her side, thanks to you. Alex nodded.

- I.. she said, before shutting up.

- Whatever had happened between you two, Nicolas said, do not feel guilty. This is not your fault. Alex gave him a confused look, wondering how he knew that something had happened between them.

- She was carrying a bag full of clothes, he explained. I know, it doesn't mean anything, she could been coming from a trip but she insisted so much on seeing you before dying... I mean she wanted to see you as soon as possible, so I figured, you know... I talk to much, don't I? Alex was observing the wall with blood donations. What was Nicolas saying already? She stopped listening before he even opened his mouth. It was her fault, no need to deny it. Nicolas realised he had lost Alex's interest.

- I will need your.. sister's, he said after an hesitation, full name, with an address and phone number...

- Girlfriend.

- Pardon me?

- She's my girlfriend, Alex replied.

- I know, Nicolas smiled as he passed her the form to fill. I just didn't...

- It's fine, Alex said as she filled up all the blanks. Anything else?

- Yes. I'll need your signature here, to confirm that you're responsible of her and that you approve all the treatments we are providing. Alex signed the paper.

- Thank you. He stood up.

- Wait, she said.

- Is there anything I can do? He politely asked.

- Can I make a phone call?

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Jody had never seen Summer that silent. In fact, she had never seen herself that silent neither. They were both in their own world as the latina was driving them to the hospital. Alex had called a few minutes ago, Summer had picked up. They didn't know much about the details. They had a fight, Marissa had left, she got into a car accident. That's all Alex had told Summer. That's all they knew. Jody discretely checked Summer to make sure she was still holding on. Since the phone call, they haven't exchanged a word. Summer had quickly dressed up and Jody followed her, insisting to drive. Summer did not make a fuss since they both knew she wasn't emotionally stable enough to control a car. Jody sighted. Something about Summer's mood was affecting her too. She didn't like seeing her that hurt.

They both got out of the car and walked in the hospital. It was now 6 Am. I told Marissa I'll see Alex in the morning, Jody thought with sarcasm, but even for Jody, the event was way too tragic for sarcasm. They took the elevator and finally reached Marissa's door. Alex was sitting next to it, eyes shut. Summer gave a look to Jody who understood and got closer to Alex.

- Honey, you awake? She softly asked, touching Alex's hand. Alex opened her eyes, stood up and hugged Jody as strong as she could, crying. Jody hugged Alex back.

- She'll be fine, Jody said. Don't worry...

- I should be in that room, Alex sobbed, not her... she doesn't deserve it...

- Hey, Jody replied, keeping her soft voice that Summer had never heard before, no one deserves it, okay? She'll be just fine. We're all here to help. Alex finally let go of Jody who dried Alex's tears with her fingers.

- Summer, Alex said. I'm so sorry.. she hugged her too.

- You got nothing to be sorry for, Summer assured her. She had trouble comforting Alex since she was just as devastated as her friend was. They all heard footsteps. It was Nicolas. Alex turned around to face him.

- What's happening? Alex asked.

- She's sleeping. Nicolas said. The operation is almost done.

- How is she? Summer asked. I mean, what have you done to her...

- She broke a lot of ribs, and one of them had almost pierced her lungs. Alex felt like fainting. Jody held her hand, helping her to stay focussed.

- It was placed in a dangerous way, Nicolas explained. The doctor had to open up her chest and remove the broken rib before it made any damage. Right now, they are probably replacing all her bones before stitching her back. She's also got a harmed leg... but no worry, he said right away, she will walk again in no time. The leg injury is not that serious.

- Oh my god, Summer asked, will she have like a huge scar all across her chest after the operation? Alex stared at Summer.

- How dare you ask? Alex asked. All I care about is seeing alive...

- Me too, Summer replied, not offended by Alex. But not Marissa. She will care about a huge scar across her chest. Alex blushed.

- You're right... I... she turned to face Nicolas who almost felt like disappearing.

- Do not worry about this, he assured them. Thanks to the technologies, a little whole was enough to operate, and the stitches will be made in a discreet way. You will really have to know where it is to see it.

- Thank god, Alex said. When can we see her?

- As soon as they finish stitching her. In a few hours. However, Nicolas said, we had to use some serious anasthesic products. She might never wake up.

- WHAT? Alex screamed, becoming hysterical. Jody held her back, trying to make her calm down.

- You agreed to do whatever it takes, Nicolas warned her as Jody was keeping Alex close to her. Without these products, there's no way we could have done the operation, it would have been way to painful, and without the operation, she would have died right away.

- You did the right thing, Jody said. She'll be fine.

- If everything goes well, Nicolas said, she should be awake in a few hours.

- Thank you, Summer said.

- You're welcome, Nicolas shyly smiled and left them. He wasn't used to hysterical families yet. Maybe that's something doctors never gets used to.

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It was 10 Am. All three girls had fallen asleep on the chairs. Summer's cellphone alarm woke them up.

- You're in an hospital, Einstein! Jody said. You got to keep these things closed!

- It was closed! Summer replied. The alarm works even when its close. She hurried turning off the alarm.

- I'm going to call my boss and take the day off, Summer said as she stood up. Jody nodded, her eyes on Alex who was still sleeping peacefully.

- What about her? Jody asked.

- Let her sleep, Summer said. She needs it. Jody nodded.

- And Jody? She said. Jody looked up.

- I'm glad you're here with us... You're a good person to have around. Jody smiled.

- You should hurry calling your boss before she freaks out because you're late.

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Summer explained everything to Helena who got really worried about Marissa's situation. Summer told her that there was nothing she could do right now, and that she would keep her informed as soon as her friend wakes up. Because she WILL wake up, Summer thought. When she got back upstairs, she had tree cups of coffee and a dozen of donuts. Alex's head was resting on Jody's shoulder.

- Got you some breakfast, Summer whispered. Jody took the coffee.

- Thank you, she said before taking a sip. I really needed that. Alex started moving.

- Hey there, Jody said, how are you feeling? Alex stole Jody's cup and took a sip.

- No sugar, she simply said.

- No, Jody replied, because I do not like sugar. You know? In my coffee, meaning I put what I want in it, since it's mine?

- Your point being...? Alex asked, lost.

- You sure you didn't forget your brain in your dream? Jody replied. Summer got up and handed to Alex her coffee.

- Here you go, she said, with a lot of sugar! She gave Jody a threatening look.

- What? Jody whispered. They heard footsteps. All three girls got up.

- Is she awake? Alex asked. Nicolas gave her a sad look.

- She's still fighting, he said. Summer dropped her coffee.

- I'm.. sorry, she mumbled. She couldn't see straight anymore. What if Marissa never wakes up? Jody picked it up.

- It's okay, she whispered. Alex didn't seem to notice what just happened. She was staring at Nicolas.

- Can I see her? She asked.

- I don't think it's a good idea for you to see her like that. Maybe you should wait a couple of...

- I waited enough, Alex replied. Jody was helping Summer to sit down.

- Al, she said, let's go get some breakfast...

- I'm not leaving her here, Alex replied. What if something happens? What if she needs me, she started crying. Summer couldn't look up. She was just as hurt. Jody felt torn between the two of them, not knowing which one to hold. They both seemed to be equally suffering. She looked at Nicolas for help.

- Ok, he said. But only one visitor at time. Alex nodded and followed him as he opened the door. Jody watched her disappear and sat down next to Summer.

- Will you be okay? She asked. Summer nodded as she laid her head on Jody's shoulder.

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Alex let go a sight of relieve. She was expecting the worse. Marissa only had a small bandage on her head, and another one around her left knee. Her face was neat and her neck seemed to be okay. Not scratches. The blonde got closer and passed her hand on Marissa's arms. She was wearing the hospital's robes. She noticed something on the chest...

- That's the bandages, Nicolas explained as Alex was passing her fingers on top of it. It's her operation on the chest.

- Is there a risk that the bones move again? Alex asked.

- There is always a risk, he replied. Which is why the bandages are made as tight as possible. She also won't be able to walk without help for around two weeks. Her leg is not broken, but her knee is seriously injured. Alex checked out the knee.

- I'll take care of her, she assured.

- Even after that, she'll have to reduce her activities as much as possible, and lay in bed, because of her chest operation.

- Until when? She asked.

- We will schedule appointments twice a week. She'll have to rest until the professionals judge that she's fully recovered.

- So she will be, Alex said. Fully recovered?

- Yes, I believe that after a certain amount of time, she will be like new. She's got strong bones, and she's young... Alex nodded.

- My only fear, he admitted, is that she might never wake up. Alex got closer to Marissa and kissed her on the cheek.

- I'll let you two alone, Nicolas said. You're free to visit her whenever you want. Alex nodded as Dr. Sanchez left the room. She took Marissa's cold hand and squeezed it. She could feel her blood pulp. Alex felt the tears on her cheek, but didn't remember crying. With her other hand, she brushed away a streak of hair that had fallen on her girlfriend's face. You have to wake up, Alex begged.

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Summer had fallen asleep in Jody's arms. Alex did not come back from the room. The latina looked around her. She felt awkward here. This wasn't her place. She and Marissa had never seen eye to eye, as for her and Summer... they probably have exchanged more words these past two days that they have had in the last five years. She felt Summer's body move a bit and tightened her grip. Somehow, she felt responsible of both girls, since she was the only one who wasn't heartbroken about Marissa's situation. Of course, she cared. She simply didn't know Marissa as much as Summer or Alex did and, therefore, she was still sane. Summer put her arms around her neck... Jody's eye went wide open.

- Summer, Jody whispered.. honey...

- Humm...

- I can't breath... Jody said. Summer opened her eyes and immediately backed off. Jody felt cold without Summer's warm body against hers.

- Oh my god, I'm sorry, she apologised. Jody smiled.

- It's okay. How are you feeling?

- Bad, Summer replied.

- I'm sure she will be fine, Jody said.

- Yeah, Summer replied as she got up.

- I.. she said, I should give Seth a call. Jody nodded, smiling.

- Ryan too, Summer added right away. She did not want it to sound like if she was running to her boyfriend after sleeping in a girl's arms... which was exactly what she was doing.

- They're friends with Marissa, she explained, I'm sure they'll want to see her...

- You go ahead and do that, Jody said, seeing through Summer's act, but playing the game. I'll go grab some food, she added as she got up as well.

- Alex will have to eventually eat.

- Right, Summer said. So, let's go.

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- Hey, how are you holding on in there? Nicolas asked. Alex opened her eyes. She had fallen asleep holding Marissa's hand.

- What time is it? Alex asked.

- 13:00, he replied.

- So that means...

- She's been unconscious for now 8 hours... which means nothing, he quickly added, seeing Alex's expression.

- You said that she should have been awake only a few hours after the operation... The blonde said as she sat down straight, not leaving Marissa's hand. Nicolas though of a professional answer... one that wouldn't alarm her... though thing to do.

- It depends, he finally answered. Alex raised an eyebrow.

- I mean, he said, she's a drinker, right?

- She used to be, Alex replied. But now, she got herself under control. Yes, we do have a couple of drinks at time, I mean, I do own a club after all... but she rarely gets drunk nowadays.

- She used to a lot, Nicolas said. And I'm afraid it has harmed her body.

- What do you mean?

- Her blood is weak. I've also been informed that a few years ago, she passed out and almost died after swallowing a serious amount of painkillers.

- This has been more than five years ago, Alex said. What does it have to do with...

- She weakened her body a lot in the past, Nicolas calmly explained, therefore, in her case, it's harder to fight against our anasthesic products, which were pretty powerful.

- If she doesn't make it... when will I know for sure? Alex asked.

- Quite honestly? You'll never know. She might wake up at this second... Alex hopefully looked at Marissa who was still sleeping.. she might wake up in ten years, Nicolas said... or she might never wake up again. Alex played with Marissa's fingers and nails. She had so pretty nails... always taking care of them...

- In ten years? Alex repeated.

- Her heart is beating, Nicolas explained, she's breathing, and these wires are providing her food, which means that her body got all he needs to stay alive. Alex bit her lips.

- But it's expensive, she declared before he did. Nicolas nodded.

- We will never stop providing her all her needs, unless you ask us to. However, you are paying the bills.

- What if I stop the treatments now, and that she was about to wake up. If would make me a murderer!

- No, of course not, Nicolas said, because you didn't know...

- Do not stop the treatments, Alex warned him before getting up. I refuse to take that risk.

- Do you have any idea of how expensive it could get after a while?

- I don't want to hear it! Alex screamed, leaving the room and hitting Jody who dropped all the food she was carrying. Jody grinned at Nicolas and followed her bestfriend.

- Jeez Alex what's wrong? She asked. Alex stopped at a corner and laid against the wall.

- She might never wake up, she said. Once again, Jody dried her tears with her thumb.

- She will, she assured her.

- You don't know that... Jody smiled.

- You really think she could spend a lifetime unconscious? She said. She'll end up missing you.

- Last time I spoke to her, Alex admitted, I told her to leave the house. Jody seemed confused.

- Hold on... you told her? I thought she left on her own... Alex, what exactly happened last night? And for god's sake, stop crying! Alex gave her a weak smile as she swallowed her tears and went on, re-living the whole scenario.

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- Jody hitting Marissa ? Not bad, but I guess I'm not sadistic enough.
So you guys think she will wake up on time?

- Ethereal123