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.

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Chapter 13 - To believe, or not to believe

Alex was walking around in Exotica, making sure everything was fine. She decided to trust Marissa and therefore, stopped asking questions about her nights with Ryan, which by the way were happening more and more often. Alex kept telling herself that it was a good thing because knowing Marissa wasn't alone, she could come to work carefree, which is the main reason why she was encouraging Marissa and Ryan's friendship. Besides, the last thing she wanted to be was an overprotective jealous girlfriend.

- Hey, someone said.

- Hi Jody, Alex replied.

- How are things with Marissa? She asked.

- They're good, Alex replied.

- She's with him again? Jody asked.

- Yep, Alex said, counting the beers they had.

- ... If I told you she's cheating, you will call me a liar, right?

- You're not that dumb after all, Alex replied, noting the number she got. Jody sighted.

- What if I get you a proof? She asked. Alex lifted her head, facing Jody.

- You can't prove a lie, she said as she left the room.

- Why are you so sure I'm lying? Jody followed her, pissed off. Alex though about it for a moment. To tell, or not to tell? Oh and the hell, Jody was getting really annoying.

- Because you never liked Marissa, Alex replied, and you want us to break up so you could be with me! Jody's face dropped.

- ... Neat, she said. So that's you're opinion of me. Alex regretted everything right away.

- Jody...

- I thought I was you're friend, but apparently I'm not. I'm just the lame girl who is hoping to get you back the nastiest ways possible... She walked away.

- Jody please wait, Alex chased her and reached her wrist.

- I'm sorry, she said. Jody pulled her hand away.

- It doesn't work like that! She said, annoyed. You made your choice Alex. Now go be with your cheating girlfriend, I can't care less. Alex let go of Jody and watched her leave... why was she suddenly doubting about Marissa's faithfulness?

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When Alex got home that night, she noticed Marissa wasn't there yet, and decided that it was time for them to have a conversation. She was not going to be played... not again. If something was going on, then she wanted to know. Alex sat in the living room and waited for an hour... two hours... She heard the doorknob turn and got up... to face Jody.

- Oh, hi, Alex said. Jody closed the door behind her.

- Why am I feeling disappointment? She asked, still a bit mad about their morning fight.

- Listen I'm really sorry about this morning... Alex said. And I thought it was Marissa, she added, about the disappointment part.

- She's not there yet? Jody asked, feeling sorry for her friend who was still in denial. Listen, forget it about this morning. I shouldn't be involved anyway... it's you love live, you do what you want...

- No, Alex stopped her, thank you for caring... Jody smiled.

- I'll always be there, she said as the two of them hugged. You two should really talk, she added. I'm going to bed... unless maybe you want me to stay with you?

- No it's okay, Alex replied. You don't have to stay up for that, but thank you. Jody nodded and left. Alex watched her go and headed to the bedroom. She sat there alone for two more hours, waiting for Marissa to show up, when she could have stayed with Jody, who she knew cared about her... But Marissa cares too, she told herself. Or does she? Is Alex fooling herself with this relationship? Hasn't it always been Ryan-Marissa? Why was she fighting for this girl exactly? She's you're girlfriend, that's why! She told herself again. Yet, two hours have passed, and once again, Jody was there and Marissa wasn't... Just like five years ago.

Alex couldn't even sleep, she had to make sure Marissa was home first. That's what sucks the most about being in love... the caring part. She could never sleep without knowing that Marissa had safely arrived home. Even when she was mad at her, she would wait up and pretend she's asleep when she hears the doorknob. Alex heard some noise and footsteps. After a while, Marissa appeared in the doorway. Judging by her expression, she did not expect to see Alex up.

- Oh, you waited up, Marissa said, surprised.

- You could have left a note or something... Alex coldly said. Marissa stopped and looked in her girlfriend's eyes, questioning her.

- Alex, is anything wrong? She asked, worried.

- No, nothing, Alex replied with sarcasm, besides you coming home a bit more late each time, and spending all your time with your ex-boyfriend!

- I never asked you to wait up, and spending time with him was your idea!

- I told you to keep in touch with him, not to spend every single day with him!

- Maybe, Marissa replied, pissed off, I would spend more time with you if you were here!

- Oh excuse me for having to work! Alex fired back. Marissa felt the double meaning and somehow, coming from Alex, that remark hurt her even more.

- ... Alex, she said in a week voice, you know I can't...

- Does Ryan ever work? Alex asked again, still aggressive. Marissa tried to stay strong. Alex was probably PMS... But then again, she had never attacked her this way before...

- You should ask Jody, Marissa replied. She seems to be the only one you're believing right now. Alex stopped. What was happening? She stood up and got closer to Marissa.

- I want her out, Marissa said. Alex stopped walking.

- What? She repeated, not sure of understanding. So Marissa made it clear.

- I want Jody out of this apartment tonight. Their eyes met. Marissa's look was strict and certain, Alex's was confused and hurt.

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- I'll pick you up tomorrow around three, Jody said on the phone.

- No, not three! Summer replied. I have to watch passions.

- Oh come on, Jody replied, laughing, do not tell me you watch that!

- ... Shut up. I'll see you at four.

- ... Fine, Jody said, thinking : I'll come at three anyway and blow her show.

- See you then.

Jody hung up the phone and turned on the tv, comfortably sitting on the couch. Summer was a cool person, Jody found it hard to believe that she and Marissa were best friends... two such different persons. She heard footsteps and saw Alex coming in. She put the tv on mute.

- Oh, hi, she said, smiling.

- Jody we need to talk. Jody felt Alex's emotions through her voice and immediately turned off the tv.

- What's wrong? She asked in a caring voice. Alex closed her eyes for a second, forcing her tears to stay up, and looked back in Jody's eyes.

- You have to go, she said. Jody stood up.

- What do you mean?

- You can't live here anymore... Jody got closer to Alex and held her hand.

- Why? She asked. What's going on... Alex pulled back her hand and backed off Jody.

- Jody please, she said, don't do this. Just go.

- But I don't unders... she saw Marissa in the corner, arms crossed, and she forced a smile.

- Oh, she said... I get it now...

- Jody I'm sorry...

- No, Jody replied, it's okay. She fixed Marissa.

- They say love is blind... Alex couldn't look in Jody's eyes anymore, she felt way too much guilt for doing this, after all Jody has done for her... The latina turned around and started to pack her stuff to leave the apartment. Within a few minutes, she was done.

- I'll see you tomorrow, she told Alex as she opened the door.

- Wait, Alex said, where will you go? Jody smiled.

- I'll figure something out. Alex watched her leave and closed the door behind her. She felt Marissa's presence near her body.

- Alex... Marissa said in a compassionate way as she wanted to hug her.

- Don't, Alex replied, pushing Marissa's arms. I can't believe you made me do that! Marissa stood silent while Alex left the room.

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- Jody? Summer called, surprised, as she opened the door.

- I'm a bit early, ain't I? The latina joked. Summer stared at her, not getting it.

- What happened? She asked.

- Alex kicked me out, Jody simply said.

- She did what?

- Long story... don't want to talk about it. Can I stay?

- Of course... Summer said as she opened the door to let Jody in. What was it about that girl? Why couldn't she refuse her anything?

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Marissa got up with her crutches, her whole weight on her trembling arms. Slowly, she transferred her weight to her legs and, seeing that she could take it, she let go of the crutches. It was the first time that she was standing without her crutches or Alex's help. The room was quiet. Maybe Alex was in the kitchen, or under the shower... who knows, even out? They kind of stop communicating after the night Jody had left. Alex became really distant with Marissa since then, and the brunette couldn't take it anymore. If at least she knew what was up with her girlfriend... Alex simply stopped talking to her and avoided her as much as possible, which was rough on Marissa considering she wasn't even independent on her feet yet. One step at a time, she walked to the door and pushed it open. Maybe Alex was tired of having to baby-sit her? Marissa felt some pressure for healing as soon as possible and letting Alex alone. As she was about to leave the bedroom, her cell phone rang on her bed. Marissa quickly turned around to head back to her room but her foot slid and she felt herself falling to the ground.

- WHAT ARE YOU DOING! She heard someone scream as hands caught her right on time. She recognised the familiar perfume... Alex's whole body was pressed against hers as she pulled her up and helped her to sit back on the bed. They haven't been that close for weeks, both of them realised.

- I was just trying to be independent... Marissa mumbled, holding on to Alex. The blonde got lost in Marissa's green eyes. She felt her heart stop, seeing Marissa fall like that. God knows what would have happened if she wasn't around at that second...

- You could have broke all you bones if you had fallen! Alex said again, not leaving Marissa's body. It was worth the risk, Marissa thought. God she had missed Alex's touch... They were only inches away...

- What do you expect me to do? Marissa cried out. Sit and wait forever? I've taken enough of your time. Alex looked at her and raised an eyebrow. What are you talking about, I enjoy taking care of you... that's the answer Marissa was hoping to get. Alex realised she was still holding Marissa and let go.

- You got to be patient, she coldly said, trying to ignore Marissa's disappointed expression. She couldn't let her play her again like she did five years ago. She had chosen Ryan? Then fine. She won't have both. What a spoiled... Making her decision, Marissa she pulled the blonde closer and kissed her. Alex quickly pulled away, trying to resist, but when Marissa caught her lips again and passed her arms around the blonde's neck, she gave in. Closing her eyes, she kissed her back with hunger, wondering how she spent two weeks fighting that feeling. Marissa's cell phone kept ringing.

- You're not going to take that? Alex asked between kisses as Marissa was pulling her on top of her.

- Whatever it is, it can wait, Marissa replied, rolling on top of Alex... Feeling like she was finally reaching her girlfriend again, Marissa had no intention of letting her escape.

- Do you know how much I missed this? She whispered, covering Alex's body with kisses, causing her to moan against her will. The phone was still ringing.

- Dear God, Alex said, interrupting their kiss when the phone rang for the 5th time, who is that who absolutely wants to talk to you? Both Marissa and her stared at the phone. Marissa extended her arm to push it away, but Alex reached the device first and read the called ID. Marissa could see the immediate change of mood in Alex's face. The brunette stopped, worried.

- You should take it, Alex said as she pushed a panicked Marissa to get up. And everything made sense all of a sudden. Finally getting what was happening, the brunette pined Alex back on the bed with all her confidence.

- I hope you're not being jealous, she said, taking the phone that was still ringing from Alex's hand, because nothing had ever happened with him. Besides, the only reason why we're hanging out so much is because I can't have you... With one hand, she took the battery out of her cell phone without even looking at it, and threw both parts of the phone behind her, not even caring where it landed.

- I wasn't being... Alex mumbled, but Marissa could definitely see the mood change. Smiling, she captured her lips.

- What if he had something important to tell you? Alex asked, pushing her back again.

- He'll wait, Marissa answered, a girl got her priorities. Alex's heart beat faster as she felt Marissa's lips on her neck once again. Slowly, she put her hands on the girls waist and pulled her shirt up.

- Finally, Marissa whispered. I was almost feeling like raping you... Alex laughed for the first time in weeks as she rolled on top of Marissa. How could she doubt what they shared for five years?

- You can rape me anytime you want, she whispered in her ear, sending shivers all over Marissa's body.

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Marissa woke up in the afternoon and felt Alex's breath in her neck. Smiling, she put her hands on top of Alex's and laid back her head on her girlfriend's shoulder. She hadn't woke up in Alex's arms since last time they did it, which was a really long time ago.

- I forgot how sleepy you where, Alex said.

- I usually go by my cell phone's alarm, she said, but you made me destroy it this morning. She could feel Alex smile as she tightened her grip around Marissa's naked waist.

- Who needs technology anyway, she replied, kissing Marissa in the neck. The brunette turned around so she could face Alex.

- Next time something is bothering you, Marissa said, let's talk about it, okay? Alex gave her a guilty look.

- I'm so sorry... she said, it's just that it really looked like you wanted to be with Ryan...

- How could you even think that? Marissa replied, hurt.

- Right now, I don't know, Alex answered, ashamed of herself. But Jody had some good points earlier on...

- Jody? Marissa repeated, not believing it. You stopped talking to me because of what Jody told you? She turned her back to Alex, feeling betrayed and hating Jody more than ever.

- Marissa... Alex called. No answer. She passed her fingers on Marissa's arm and felt the girl shiver. She got closer.

- There's not words for what I've done, Alex whispered in Marissa's ear, her fingers still caressing her arm, but please, let me make it up to you. She noticed a tear on her girlfriend's cheek and kissed it away.

- I just want you to trust me, Marissa said. Their eyes met.

- I do, Alex promised. It won't happen again. Still looking in each others eyes, Marissa slowly nodded.

- I missed you, she said in a truly sincere voice. Alex got closer and softly kissed her.

- And I missed sex, she whispered, kissing Marissa in the neck.

- Way to ruin a romantic moment, the brunette replied, giggling because Alex's kisses were tickling her.

- Have you noticed our make out sessions are way more interesting after a major fight? Alex asked.

- That's because we get needy, Marissa replied.

- So Ryan was that bad? Alex joked before kissing Marissa on the lips. The brunette smiled.

- You have no idea, she replied, kissing her back.

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Summer was at work, designing a new dress and thinking about Jody. This was all getting complicated. For an unknown reason, Alex had kicked Jody out and without asking any questions, Summer accepted her in, which leaded her to a fight with Marissa who apparently, had reasons to think that Jody was trying to break her up with Alex. But then again, Summer couldn't let Jody in the streets... And like if Marissa's anger wasn't enough to make Summer feel guilty, here came Seth, who did not like the idea of having another girl sleeping in Summer's bed at all. Then again, what frustrated Summer the most was her own feelings toward Jody. Somehow, she knew that Jody was in love with Alex, and she knew that she loved Seth too... then why did she feel a connection between the two of them? And why did she keep remembering the kiss, over and over again?

- What's up with you? Jody asked. Summer jolted.

- Oh Jody, what are you doing here? Summer asked as she pushed away the dress she was trying to design.

- You asked me to pick you up after work, remember? Jody said, lifting an eyebrow. You sure you're okay?

- I'm fine, I just lost count on time, Summer replied. You know... work.

- You were sleeping, Jody smirked.

- Are you giving me that ride or not? Summer asked as she got up. Jody followed her, smiling.

- Alright, alright... she said. Got any news from Marissa? She asked, trying to sound casual.

- She's still pissed at me for taking you in, Summer admitted. What happened with Alex anyway?

- Nothing, Jody replied. It's Marissa who kicked me out.

- What? Summer said. You told me it was Alex...

-It was, it was... Jody replied. But she did it because Marissa had asked her to.

- I don't understand, why would Marissa ask this?

- Because I know too much, Jody simply replied. But she can't get rid of me like that... Summer sat in the car next to her.

- You're wasting your time, she said, pissed off. She will always pick Marissa over you. Jody shrugged and remained silent for the rest of the ride.

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- Ethereal123