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.
- I am glad you are liking the story P Will she wake up in this chapter? Hum… guess you'll find out.
- Thxs for reading and reviewing.
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Chapter 10 - Stay Alive
Alex was still sitting in front of Marissa's bed when Summer came back with Seth and Ryan.
- Where's Jody? Summer asked.
- She went to Exotica, to make sure everything is under control since I didn't want to leave Marissa alone..
- And how is she? Ryan asked.
- Alive… Alex sighted. She let go of Marissa's hand and stood up.
- I'll let you be alone with her, she said. Ryan nodded as she left the room with Summer and Seth.
- She will make it, right? Summer asked Alex.
- I don't know… Alex replied, tears coming up again. Seth pulled her in his arms.
- Come here, he said. Everything is going to be okay, she's a fighter. And if you need any money at all to keep her in there, you can ask me anytime you want.
- He's right, don't ever let them disconnect her, Summer said.
- No worry about that, Alex assured them. The door opened and Ryan got out, his eyes red.
- It's like if she's sleeping, he said. But she won't wake up.. I can't see her like that.
- Maybe she needs a kiss... perhaps from a sexy princess... ? Seth proposed, looking at Alex who hit him in the stomach.
- God, Seth, she said, smiling for the first time.
- You guys are still here? Nicolas asked as he came back.
- I can't leave her... Alex said.
- You haven't left this room since 4 Am! Nicolas said. She might not wake up for a week, even more... you need to start living again.
- Alex, she's right, Summer said, holding her hand. You haven't ate neither...
- Come on, Seth said. It's my treat. Summer pulled Alex's hand with her as Ryan walked behind.
- If anything happens, he told Nicolas, you dial Alex's cellphone right away.
- I will, Nicolas promised. Now make sure she gets some rest.
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Jody was sitting near the bar. Everything was under control, that Mike kid was a pretty good manager, she thought. Taking a sip of beer, she was thinking about what Alex had told her about Marissa accusing her of having an unfair. How could Marissa do that? Jody had never liked Marissa... but accusing Alex of cheating? That was way too much! Especially after all Alex had done for her. And now here she was, the poor girl, feeling guilty about something that she wasn't even the one to blame for. Like if Marissa was so perfect!
- Are you okay? Mike asked as he sat next to her. Jody turned to face him.
- I'm fine, she said.
- I never liked her much neither, he admitted, knowing what she was thinking. But this is beyond everything I... I would have never wished her that...
- Me neither, Jody replied after an hesitation. She might be hateful, but somehow, she makes my Alex happy.
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Summer was wrapped in Seth's arms while Alex and Ryan were each in their corner, sad and cold.
- We didn't bring you there to watch the food, Seth pointed out.
- I'm not hungry, Alex said, playing with her cellphone which was on the center of the table.
- Maybe if you think strong enough, it would ring... Seth joked. Alex did not hear him, or at least she pretended not to.
- She might have woke up by now, Ryan proposed, getting up.
- Ryan you're not helping! Summer screamed. He gave her a guilty look and sat down.
- That Nicolas guy, Seth said, he promised to call if she wakes up. And Alex you're really hot and everything but no offence if you don't start eating soon you'll become a zombie. Alex sighted.
- Who cares, she said.
- Listen, we're all wretched by what's happening, Alex, Summer said as she put her hand on top of Alex's, but the least we could do is to be alive when she wakes up. Their eyes met.
- She will need us then... Alex nodded.
- You guys are right, she said... she took a fries and put it in her mouth.
- Wow, hi-5 Summer! She's eating! Seth said, raising his fists as a sign of glory. Alex smiled.
- Thanks, I guess, she said. All of you... Ryan put his arms around her shoulders and brought her closer.
- We're here for you, he said.
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The next week was the longest Alex had ever lived. She would sleep in the hospital, holding Marissa's hand, and wake up in the morning to check out the club. During that time, either Jody or Ryan would stay near Marissa since Summer works during the day. On the afternoon, Summer and Seth would take over and at night, Alex came back. Meanwhile, Jody slept at Alex and Marissa's apartment, since no one was living there anymore.
It was was 8:00 in the morning when Alex heard knockings on the door. An old man with a beard came in, holding flowers in his arms. Alex stood up and greeted him.
- You must be Alex, Marissa's girlfriend, Charles said. I am so, so sorry... he cried as he put the flowers next to Marissa's bed. Alex understood who the man was.
- You're the one who hit her, she said. He nodded.
- It was so rainy, he explained, and I way too fast. She came out of nowhere. I honked as much as I could, but she seemed stuck... I couldn't do a think... everything happened so fast... Alex felt tears falling on her face as she pictured the scene.
- She's such a beautiful, young girl. Charles looked at her with guilt. She had all her future in front of her, and I took it all way... he added with disgust in his voice.
- Did she talk to you? Before passing out? Charles nodded.
- She only told me to call you. It seemed crucial to her that you got informed. I think somehow she knew that she wouldn't stay conscious for a long time and there's something she needed to tell you. Alex nodded.
- Do not feel guilty, Alex said. Whatever happened that night, it wasn't your fault. She shouldn't have been out that night anyway...
- Thank you, Charles told her with a genuine smile, your forgiveness means a lot to me. Alex forced herself to smile back as he left the room. He stopped at the doorway and looked back at her.
- Alex? He called. She looked at him.
- I can't read minds, he said, but that look she gave me that night, when she begged me to call you... I think a person is lucky if in his lifetime, he finds one person to need him that badly... Alex felt tears falling down her cheeks.
- Thank you, she said. Charles nodded and left the room.
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Summer was sitting next to Marissa, reading a magazine out loud, hoping to reach Marissa's subconscious.
- You know what, Seth said after a while, I'm going to get some air... you're boring me. Here, I said it. Summer hit him with her magazine.
- Screw you Cohen, she said. This might help her to wake up.
- Yea, as much as wearing a ninja outfit and fighting the coopa on top of a plane.
- Here you go with your comics again, Summer replied.
- I'm just being ironic.
- You're still there?
- Fine I'm leaving... Seth replied as he closed the door behind him. Summer opened her magazine again.
- I beg you, do not start reading, a voice said. Summer dropped the magazine.
- Marissa? She mumbled. The brunette was smiling.
- Hey Summer, she said.
- Oh my god... you're awake! It's the magazines, isn't it?
- Actually I was awake for a while...
- Oh, Summer said with disappointment. Okay, but if Cohen asks, you say it's because of my magazines, deal? Marissa laughed.
- Okay, deal, she said.
- Sweetie I missed you so much... Summer said as she hugged Marissa.
- ...So, tell me, the brunette said after a five minute long hug, what happened?
- Oh, you don't remember? Summer asked.
- I remember being in a fight with Alex and leaving the house. And then there was rain and the handbrake... I don't remember much after that.
- You got in a car accident.
- Oh. When?
- Two weeks ago.
- I've been sleeping for two weeks? Marissa mumbled. Oh my god...
- They told us that you might never wake up... you scared us all to dead...
- I'm sorry... tell me you took good care of Alex.
- Well actually, Summer said, Jody did.
- Jody? What does Jody have to do in all that?
- She was sleeping at my house the night of your accident, remember? When we found out about it, she brought me here and took care of both me and Alex.
- So she's still around, Marissa said with a hint of jealousy in her voice.
- Yea... Summer said, avoiding mentioning that she was sleeping in Marissa's bed as well.
- I'm guessing she won't be too happy when she'll know I'm awake.
- You're wrong, Summer said. Jody has been a good help to us. She took care of the club and of Alex and she even came to watch you in the mornings when we were all busy at work.
- Because she wants you to think she's sad, Marissa said. Summer rolled her eyes.
- Oh, she said, looking at her watch. Speaking of Alex, she should be here anytime soon. I can't wait to see her expression when I'll tell her you woke up!
- Wait, don't, Marissa said.
- Why not? Summer asked.
- I want to surprise her. Summer nodded and got up to leave the room.
- I'll let you too alone, she said with a wink.
- Wait, before you leave.
- Yes?
- Do you have a mint? Marissa asked.
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Summer was in a whole different mood when she left the room. A few minutes ago, she thought she would never hear Marissa's voice again, and now, it was like if these past two weeks had never happened. Just like the old times, Marissa would lack of discretion and just tell her : Go away, I want to make out. Smiling to herself, she closed the door and looked for Seth. She heard footsteps and recognised Alex. Immediately, she wiped of the huge smile out of her face.
- How is she? Alex asked. Summer looked at her. These last weeks have exhausted both of them, however, if Summer compared herself to the blonde who was facing her, she was doing super well. Not only did Alex have to work really hard to pay the hospital bills, but she also had to take care of herself, meaning that she had to shower, eat, and sleep... which she obviously left out. Good thing Jody was around, because she was the only one who could force Alex into doing these stuffs when it became crucial.
- Alive, Summer replied, faking desperation. Alex sighted as she got in the room and closed the door behind her. Summer felt bad for letting the blonde suffer a bit longer... She suffered way enough, but it was Marissa's wish and she had to grant it.
Alex turned on the lights and slowly got closer to Marissa who was still sleeping, unconscious. Softly, she passed her fingers on Marissa's bare skin and stopped at the hand that she took in hers. She noticed it was hotter than usual. Was it a good sign or a bad sign? Alex sat down next to her, not taking her eyes of the brunette.
- Hey baby, she said in a soft, loving voice, I'm back. Marissa shivered when she heard the blonde's voice and had trouble keeping her eyes shut. Marissa's face seemed more fresh, Alex thought, and couldn't resist kissing her on the cheek. As she approached, Marissa quickly rotated her head so their lips would meet. Alex felt Marissa's lips moving, but she thought it was her imagination... It was way too soft and tender; it could only be a dream. Alex passed her fingers in Marissa's hair, kissing her lightly, not wanting to end this moment. The more Marissa was kissing her, the more she was feeling awake. She started pushing herself into Alex who understood that her girlfriend was coming back to life. She let her in as the kiss became deeper. She felt Marissa's arms pulling her closer and she slowly got on top of Marissa without putting her weight on the girl.
- I knew it! Seth screamed as he opened the door. Alex turned to face him. Marissa's arms were still wrapped around her body.
- A kiss! That's what woke her up, isn't it? He said, proud of himself. Alex smiled and kissed Marissa again. She didn't mind having Seth's perverted eyes on them, as long as she could kiss Marissa.
- For god's sake, Seth, give them some privacy! She heard Summer scream before the door would close.
- I love you, Marissa said with an honest smile.
- I love you too, Alex replied. She gave Marissa a fast kiss before getting up.
- Where are you going? The brunette asked.
- We will get you out of here, Alex said with a smile. I'll go get a doctor.
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Nicolas had brought the wheelchair to the room and helped Marissa out of the bed.
- I'm not handicapped, Marissa said at the sight of the wheelchair. Or am I? She added, scared. I mean.. I can feel all my body parts...
- You're not, Alex assured her, smiling. She still couldn't believe it.
- You had a leg injury, Nicolas said. Everything should be in place now, we just don't want to go too fast. You haven't walked since two weeks... Marissa nodded and sat on the chair.
- You will have to take her to daily walks, Nicolas told Alex. Each day, a bit longer. But you'll have to hold her... until you feel she's independent. And even then, it would be more suitable if you bring her to a check-up before letting her walk by herself. Alex nodded as she pushed Marissa's wheelchair out of the room.
- I will miss this room, Alex joked. I spent two weeks here..
- You slept there every night? Marissa asked, impressed.
- No she didn't, Nicolas replied for her. She watched you every night. I don't think she slept at all these last two weeks...
- Thanks, now she'll think I'm creepy, Alex joked.
- Oh, I already knew you were, Marissa replied.
- Marissa! Ryan called out. Alex stopped pushing the chair and waiting for Ryan to catch them.
- How are you feeling? He asked.
- Awake, she replied. He smiled.
- How long will she stay in that chair? He asked.
- Until we reach the car, Alex replied.
- Oh, ok.
- You know what Ryan, Alex said, I want to celebrate this. Tell Seth and Summer to meet us at the apartment, I'll inform Jody.
- Yea, great, he said. He put his hand on Marissa's shoulder.
- So I'll see you tonight, he told her. As Ryan went to get his car, Alex opened her jeep's front door and bended to hold Marissa.
- I should have asked Ryan to help me get you in the car before he left, she said while Marissa was putting her hands around Alex's neck.
- Ah come on, Marissa replied, don't pretend you're not actually enjoying this. Alex's body was shaking under Marissa's weight.
- You're not exactly light, Alex pointed out as she finally got Marissa to stand up. Her leg was shaking. Alex held her again, taking all of Marissa's weight on her before the girl put too much weight on her knee, and helped her sitting in the car. The brunette kept her hands around Alex's neck and pulled the blonde closer.
- What are you doing? Alex asked.
- I'm thanking you...
- We're right in front of the hospital's main entrance... Marissa's lips shut her up. Half of Alex's body was now in the car and all over Marissa, the wheelchair still standing next to them. They haven't done this since so long...
- Hey, Summer called out. Alex pulled back.
- Oh, hi, she smiled, forcing herself to stay straight while Marissa was trying to pull her back in the make-out session.
- I know you guys really missed each other, but seriously that's a bad place. There's 3 cars behind you Alex... The blonde blushed.
- I'll bring the wheelchair back in the hospital, Summer offered. You just go.
- Okay, Alex said, but before I forget, I'm trowing a party at the apartment tonight.
- Ok, Summer replied, now GO. Alex realised she was causing a traffic behind her and jumped in the driver's seat.
- Can't wait to get home, Marissa said with a naughty voice. Alex smiled and started the engine. She couldn't be happier.
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Jody's cellphone was ringing. She checked the caller ID : Summer Roberts. Why would Summer call her?
- Hello? She said as she was lying on her bed.
- How are you? Summer asked.
- I'm fine... what's up?
- She woke up. Jody sat up on the bed.
- Marissa? She asked.
- Yea, a few hours ago, she woke up.
- Summer, that's wonderful, Jody said with a smile. She knew how much it meant for her friend.
- I know, Summer replied. But they're heading home, she added, and I don't think Alex has told Marissa that you're living at their place...
- ... Right... Jody said. She won't be too happy when she'll know I'm still around.
- I'm not telling you to leave, Summer said right away. Well, just for a few hours. Alex wants to celebrate tonight, so we'll come back at the apartment then.
- Okay, Jody said as she got up and grabbed her coat. You're right, I should leave before they come home. Their home...
- Meet me at the Starbucks stand, we'll spend the afternoon together. Jody nodded as she sat in her car. Was she jealous of Marissa?
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When Alex unlocked her apartment's door, she found it upside down. The blonde had forgot how dirty Jody was... the place was a mess. She sat down Marissa on the couch and got up to clean the bedroom.
- Damn it Alex, you partied a lot while I wasn't there...
- Oh, Alex said without thinking, it's Jody who did that.
- Jody? Marissa repeated. She's been living there? In OUR apartment?
- ... She had nowhere to go.
- You mean except her home, Marissa replied. Alex felt a certain tension. Say something Alex, she told herself, make her feel better.
- Are you mad? She heard herself ask. Wtf Alex! That was smart...
- No, Marissa replied too quickly.
- Oh... ok then, Alex said. She was about to leave, but then turned back to face her girlfriend.
- These past two weeks have been hell for me, Alex confessed, and I'm not sure I could have made it without Jody. Marissa suddenly felt immature for being so jealous.
- You're right, she said, I'm sorry. But I mean, now that I'm awake, she can go back to L.A, right?
- I don't want her to... Alex admitted. She's taking care of the club, which means I'll get to spend more time with you.. until you become independent again, you know? And besides, we're not exactly above the budget right now... The hospital bills needs to be paid...
- About that.. Marissa said, I feel so bad for not being able to help...
- Don't be, Alex said. Having you around is helping me more than you can imagine. Marissa was staring at her feet.
- I'm sorry, she muttered. Alex sat close to Marissa and softly brought up her chin with her fingers, forcing her girlfriend to face her. She knew they will have to have this conversation some day, when she'll eventually wake up.
- About what? She asked. For freaking out after I had left you 3 days without any phone call and came back home announcing I kissed a guy who had a crush on me? You had all the reasons in the world to freak out.
- No, Marissa insisted. We promised to trust each others. What I did the night of the accident was stupid and shameful. I should have believed you right away when you told me nothing had happened... Alex pulled Marissa in a hug.
- It's over now, Alex whispered. Whatever happened, happened, she said. And there is no need to feel bad about it. She backed off to face Marissa.
- We can't move forward without leaving all this behind first, you understand? Marissa nodded and forced herself to smile.
- I tell you what, she started, to make it up to you, I'm willing to start a friendship with Jody. Alex lightly kissed Marissa.
- You already made it up to me by waking up, she said, but thanks for accepting Jody. You know, she is kind of selfish at times, but these past two weeks, she really... I owe her so much. Summer does too. And I know you two had your differences in the past...
- In the past, meaning last time I saw her?
- But it would really mean a lot to me if you could let her stay here for a while, Alex kept saying, ignoring Marissa's intervention.
- ... stay, here? Marissa repeated. As in living with us?
- Someone's got to take care of you and I really can't afford closing the club, we need the money... I can't be at two places at the same time, you understand?
- Why can't she get a cheap motel or something? Marissa proposed.
- She's been running the club for two weeks without asking nothing from me but some food and a place to sleep. I can't let her...
- No you're right, Marissa cut her. We can't do that. Alex kissed her on the cheek.
- I knew you'll understand, she said. That's why I love you so much. Marissa smiled back and watched her girlfriend leave the room, hoping she wouldn't regret that.
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Jody parked her car and found Summer sitting outside with a cup of cappuccino.
- Where's Seth? She asked as she sat down as well.
- Work, Summer replied. Jody nodded.
- You and Seth, she said, have been together since forever. I find it surprising that you're not living together.
- I'm still waiting for his proposal, Summer replied.
- Maybe I should remind him...
- No no, Summer said right away. It's okay... we don't want to rush things out. Jody looked straight in her eyes.
- Okay, she nodded.
- What about you? She asked. Do you live with anyone?
- You mean at L.A? No.. I got the house for myself.
- Marissa told me you got a big house. Don't you feel alone sometimes?
- Nah, not at all. People come and leave. I don't live with them, but there's always someone, if you know what I...
- Okay Jody, gross!
- You are bestfriend with a lesbian couple and still aren't used to gross language? Jody pointed out, surprised.
- Alex and Marissa as different, Summer said.
- What do you mean? Jody asked.
- ... oh, I don't mean it in a bad way, Summer replied right away. It's just that they don't do gross remarks all the time.
- So you're saying they're boring, Jody joked.
- Oh no, Summer replied, I think it's more like they're the romantic type. Always discrete and stuff. It's makes it deeper, you know? The fact that they keep it all secret...
- So you would find it totally romantic to have a secret relationship? Jody asked, willing to change the subject… and also wanting to know.
- I don't know, Summer replied. It sounds exiting, you know? But I'm with Seth and our relationship is anything but secret.
- I agree on that! Jody said. So what did she tell you? Marissa, I mean.
- About what? Summer asked.
- About me. When you told her that I was still there, what did she say exactly.
- What makes you think I told her?
- Because she must have said something, otherwise you wouldn't have made sure to get me out of her way.
- I did not! Summer replied. I was just trying to give them some time and space...
- Yea right, Jody rolled her eyes and looked away.
- ... And I couldn't find another way to invite you to grab a coffee with me. Jody turned to face Summer who giggled nervously.
- It's lame, isn't it? She said. Jody smiled.
- Looks like it worked, she answered, meaning that Summer got her to grab a coffee. So I guess it's not that lame.
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Finally, right? I was missing Marissa too, so.. , -:-
- Ethereal123