One Day We're Having a Place of Our Own

A few weeks later…

"What is it that you want?" Alex asked in her normal annoyed voice, picking up the phone the way she had been doing for months.

"Open your door."

Alex hung up the phone, rolling her eyes, and unlocking the front door to see a tall, rugged Italian dude staring her straight on. God, he looked sexy.

"You should've called before you drove down here. I'm busy." She explained, trying to finish the cupcakes for the bake sale. Being in student government meant that when Heather Sinclair backed out of the school bake sale for the next week, her only other option was to do it herself.

"Mmm. Smells good." Gianni walked towards the kitchen.

"Stop while you're ahead." Alex answered, getting a pot holder ready to take out the next batch. Whoever said being a homemaker was emotionally fulfilling was a big fat liar. The hot, sticky heat of the oven, and standing up the entire time … it sucked.

"No sharing?" Gianni wondered, reaching for one of her finished products.

"Now that will cost you." She answered, taking out the cupcakes and placing them on the counter.

"How much?" Gianni asked, closing the gap between him and Alex.

"A measly little kiss won't do it." She answered as Gianni proceeded to kiss her anyway.

"How about a series of measly kisses that make you want to jump all over me right here, right now?"

"Look, I'm really busy…" Alex started, but she could tell something was up with Gianni so she quickly switched gears. "You only come over here and do this weird foreplay thing with me when something is messed up in your life. What is it? Lost another baseball game?" She joked insensitively.

"No, it's some serious shit this time." He sat down, as the mood turned sour.

"Meaning what? How serious?"

"Serious enough to keep me out of university next year so I can help take care of moms."

"What? What about the baseball full ride thing? You're gonna just walk out on that?" Alex wondered, sitting beside her "boyfriend", placing a hand on his knee.

" I don't have a choice. Ma is really sick … like cancer fatal sick and I can't go so far away from her and know that she's dying a little every day."

"But isn't university your dream?"

"Moms is a part of my dream." Gianni explained as he and Alex sighed simultaneously.

"Okay … then there must be another way. Maybe you can take a couple of courses at the University of Toronto until then. If you need help, I'll do whatever I can. I really--"

"It's a lost cause." Gianni placed his head in his hands. "Besides, I've already got a job lined up in construction."

"You do not. Gianni … don't sell yourself short." Alex begged as he just shrugged it off.

"Minor detour."Gianni responded Alex hugged him tightly.

"Now I completely hate you."

"Why because I won't be a college grad?"

"No because you're doing this stupid sentimental shit on me."

"It makes you want to cry too, doesn't it?" He asked.

"No. Hell no!" Alex added with a small smirk because she knew that she did care a lot more than she wanted to about this loser, but they kept coming back to each other.

As if to validate their 'relationship, she said, "God, I don't care about how your life sucks. There's only one thing I want from you." Alex leaned in, nibbling on Gianni's lip a little and then looking up at him to take the lead.

He took her into his arms, molding their two bodies together, removing his shirt which caused Alex to suddenly pull away and release some of the intensity.

"I'm busy." She looked at him playfully. "Baking, remember?"

"Oh … you mean this?" Gianni yanked the cupcake he held earlier, smearing a huge part of icing onto Alex's neck and then proceeding to remove it.

"No fair." She mumbled, spreading the blue icing over the top of Gianni's chest, hungrily. Eventually she gave into the lust the two of them had been feeling for one another.

**

"Before you say anything … don't." Manny whispered, not believing that she had flown back out to L.A. to find Craig. They just kept doing this back and forth mouse thing that made no sense. "I need to say this … I don't think I can keep going on day by day, knowing that I've ruined your life, your career … everything." She sighed.

"Why would you say that? Manny are you … okay?" Craig wondered, thinking that she was talking about committing suicide. "Feeling guilty is no reason to kill yourself."

"Kill myself? Okay, that is completely un-Manny-like." She explained. "I'm saying that I can handle us not being together and us being in the same town, but you being in LA and me in TO … it doesn't work."

"So you're dumping my friendship?"

"No. I'm enrolling in grade 12 here, in Los Angeles. There are more opportunities for girls like me and since I've got the ball rolling already with our 'relationship' it's time."

"Tell me you're kidding." Craig chuckled. "Manny, I just sent a letter of resignation over to my record company. Once they receive that I'll be sued and owe them millions … I was planning on starting my solo career in Canada, to be closer to you."

Manny looked down and laughed. "Oh no. We just both threw away our lives for each other only to … we've got to get that letter back." She explained, taking Craig's hand and running out of the door.

"Wait, do you even know where we're going?" Craig wondered, smiling at the prospect of this working out.

"No, but we're going to fix it…"

"But what about Canada? If you want to stay there, we don't have to do this." He offered selflessly.

"But I want to. I'm over going to Degrassi and dealing with the drama. There's nothing for me there anymore and as much as I'll miss Toronto, and Emma … it's nothing compared to how much I'm going to miss being with you." She admitted, taking his hand in hers. "I want to be with you Craig. Whatever that means, wherever I have to go, I'll do it." She kissed him suddenly. "For you."

***

"Wow, with a house like this you should be a first class snob." Ellie commented, walking around the living room and absorbing everything. It was almost overwhelming.

"Yeah, well it's not like it's mine…" Scott shrugged it off, heading upstairs.

"Do I get a tour?" She wondered, excited about this new thing with Scott … whatever it was, she liked it.

"Uhh … maybe later …" His voice trailed off as he ran up the stairs, looking around nervously before walking back down the stairs, beckoning for Ellie to follow his lead with an outstretched hand.

"Looking for someone?" Ellie joked, taking his hand as the two of them ran up the steps together.

"No. Just checking to see if step-mom was home."

"And the verdict is?"

"It's just me and you." Scott answered, picking up his CDs and trying to pick out a good one as Ellie sat down at his desk, waiting patiently.

" Are you plotting and planning something here Scott? If you are let me say that I'm not like Alex Nunez, at all so whatever you're scheming, don't bother."

"It's not what you're thinking." Scott replied simply with a shrug, placing a CD into the player. "I know that you write reviews with Caitlin Ryan and I wanted you to take a listen to this group." He handed her the CD cover. "What do you think?"

"Give me a chance to listen…" Ellie responded, noticing how hypnotizing the drum beats and the bass guitar was. "Wow … this is amazing."

"Glad you think so. It's a band I've discovered and … I think they can make it big. They're lyrics are amazing. Their style unheard of--"

"What qualifies you to be a talent scout?" Ellie wondered, half-joking.

"I know what sounds good. I know what's out there and I have the money to make it happen."

"You have it or your dad does."

"Same thing." Scott shrugged it off. "But I believe in this band. O2 … they can make it without all the over-advertising … so review them?"

"I don't know … I think they're interesting but the public may not get them. They're no All-American-Rejects or Sum 41. They're on a completely different field." Ellie explained passionately.

"Exactly." Scott moved closer to her, now on his knees at her feet. "Don't make me beg. I have no shame." He smiled, removing Ellie's black boots.

"Wait … what are you doing?"

"It's a surprise." He smiled mischievously.

"Whatever you're planning won't work. I'm wearing tights."

"Then take them off." He added suggestively. "Sorry Ellie … I didn't mean it that way. It's just--"

"I'll be right back." She answered, heading to the bathroom that was connected to his bedroom.

As Ellie left to close the door, Elaine opened the front door. Scott's heart sank. He remembered how he had rejected her last night and the night before and … every night since he had started to take this Ellie thing seriously.

There was something brewing between the two of them, but no titles had been agreed upon. They were just friends who shared this intense chemistry that just seemed to grow stronger and stronger.

"Scotty!" Elaine yelled first sweetly and then later agitated. Scott tried to think of an escape plan, but with Ellie here, that was impossible. He just sat on his bed with his head between his hands, trying not to panic.

"Didn't you hear me calling?" She appeared in his doorway as Scott wondered what was taking Ellie so long. "I went to the tanning bed today and got all the suit lines smoothed out. Want to see?" Elaine asked, tugging at the side of her thong bikini.

"No thanks." Scott turned away from her as Elaine walked over to him and Ellie opened the door.

"You didn't tell me you had company."

"What's going on here Scott?" Ellie wondered suspiciously, now feeling stupid with a pair of black tights in her left hand while this obviously older women had two butt cheeks open and bare for the world to see.

"Nothing." He stood up, looking directly at Ellie.

"Are you two sleeping together?" She caught on quickly, all of the pleasantness about this trip fading. "Who is she?"

"My step mom and I'm not sleeping with her."

"Of course not." Elaine agreed just to keep up appearances.

"No. I'm serious Elaine. You don't get to touch me, look at me, and say anything that would suggest I was anything more than a son to you."

"Scott what--" Ellie chimed in.

"No more coming into my room late at night, putting drugs and shit in my food, no more--" He broke down, pushing past Elaine angrily and running down the steps in shame.

"Scott wait!" Ellie called after him. "Wait! What was that?" She asked once they had gotten out of the house.

"I understand if you want nothing else to do with me." He kept his voice thin and narrow, looking down at the ground, his back turned to Ellie.

"Why would I not … just tell me what's going on here."

"Elaine, she comes to visit me at night. She--"

"Molests you." Ellie finished for him as Scott just nodded. She rushed over to him so that they were close enough to hug and whispered, "It's not your fault."

**

Months later…

Jay had backed off and left Alex alone, just like he had planned, and now that senior year was over, he just had to see her and find out everything he missed. The easy way to this was to talk to that del Rossi kid until he slipped up, which he did.

Madonna University is where Alex said she'd go and this was where she was now …

Jay was looking out for Alex. There were so many people here, but he would know her long wavy dark-brown hair anywhere. Only, he didn't see it. Del Rossi claimed that she would be here and this was her new home, but suddenly Jay wasn't buying it.

How could she possibly afford anything so … how could she afford anything? Money was her worst enemy. Nonetheless, Jay continued to search the crowd until he got tired of looking like he was looking for someone. He stashed himself in the kitchen of the dorm he'd snuck into until he could think of a good plan.

He could always have fun and meet someone else in a nanosecond, but Jay wasn't here to pick up girls or to cheat anyone out of their "hard earned" money. No. The only reason he was here was to talk to Alex and explain everything to her.

His hand scanned over the letter in his back pocket to make sure that it was still there. It was, and with it came the good news. Jay started to take a beer from the kitchen island until he heard giggling and saw two people run into the kitchen.

"Did Marco put you up to this?" He heard Alex's familiar voice as he dashed to the nearest corner, watching the duo from afar.

"I wanted to check up on you."

"You mean check in and make sure that I haven't sound some cool, intelligent college boy to replace your loser ass." Alex answered as Jay continued to watch. Who was she talking to? Gianni turned a little, enough for Jay to see, which really put him in a fury. Gianni Magiano???

"Ouch. You really go for the heart, don't you?"

"Every time." She answered back. "And you completely ruined the surprise. I was going to go and change what I'm wearing--"

"Why, so you could be dressed like a girl?" He joked as she bumped him with his hip.

"I'm wearing your clothes. Shouldn't that be flattering enough?" Jay started to tune out their conversation as he noticed the lessening of space between them. Alex was kind of leaning on Gianni who was wrapping his arms around her waist.

They looked totally … together, which was bad news. Gianni and Alex having sex was bad enough, but for them to be lovey-dovey and sleeping together … Jay really wanted to have a repeat performance of the last time he saw them together, when he beat the hell out of Magiano.

Before the two could start making out too much, Jay emerged from the shadows.

"Little bow peep has found her sheep." Jay recited lamely, but it was enough to get Alex's attention.

"Jay? OH MY GOD!!" She screamed, running and collapsing into the arms of her once-lover. Alex held onto him tightly, kissing the side of his face, her legs wrapped around his body. Jay gave Gianni a triumphed look, reveling in the feeling of Alex so close to him after so long. It was a good reunion, that was until Alex realized exactly what Jay's return meant.

"You ASSHOLE!" She yelled, as her feet hit the ground again. This time, Alex couldn't resist the urge to slap him. "Where the hell have you been?"

Jay didn't bother answering, rather he looked at Alex in admiration. She had really done it. She was in university, broke poor and she'd made it.

"You're not going to get off by ignoring me. Jay, where have you been?" Alex wondered, tears welling in her eyes. As soon as she noticed it, she rolled her eyes which seemed to make them disappear for a while.

"In Toronto."

"You're lying. I can over to your house countless times. I called you an insane amount of times, I talked to Emma who was equally confused about your whereabouts as I was, and I searched and searched for you, thinking you were dead."

"Wow." Jay cracked a huge grin. "You really care about me."

"Don't be stupid Jay." Alex rolled her eyes. "You walked out of my life during the most crucial time. I haven't seen you for nearly a year and all you can tell me is that you've been in Toronto."

"Sorry I haven't been as busy as you but--"

"Busy? What are you talking about?" Alex crossed her hands over her chest defensively.

"You're making it with Gianni now? Nice." Jay muttered, waiting for a reaction from Alex. Wait for it. Wait for it …

"Don't judge me." She shook her head, uncrossing her arms. "You weren't there Jay what was I supposed to do?"

"Tell me how you progressed from bed buddies to a real couple. Now that sounds like an interesting story. And also, did he make his way back to you after being rejected by Ellie again?"

"Shut up Jay." Alex raised her voice as Gianni walked over to her side.

"Are you okay babe?" He wrapped his arm around Alex, instinctively.

"She's fine." Jay smiled. "So tell me, how long did you pursue Ellie Nash until you decided she was too much of a challenge … and what lead you back into Alex's bed?"

"I said shut up." Alex muttered again as Gianni braced himself for major drama.

"Dude, I think it's best if you just leave."

"You want me to leave." Jay nodded. Directing his attention to Alex, he asked, "Do you want me to leave?"

"Right now … yes, but how will I know if you'll come back."

"See that's the double-edged sword isn't it? Me being here makes you question your relationship with Gianni, but me leaving could mean you seeing the last of me."

"Look, stop playing games and take a hike." Gianni butted in again, but this time it was Alex who responded.

"Just let me talk to him first, then I'll make him leave." She compromised as her boyfriend gave her a passionate kiss to reiterate the fact that Alex was with him and not Jay.

"You'll make me leave? Hmm." Jay leaned against one of the kitchen counters, pensive.

"Jay … why would you just leave me like that? What would make you think…"

"This here. Look at the outcome. You're here at university like you said you would be. From rags to riches."

"I don't believe that for a second. Are you in trouble?" Alex wondered, suddenly forgetting her anger and allowing herself to care about Jay again.

"Maybe … you see this woman that I'm completely into has moved onto this douchbag--"

"Jay." Alex smirked. "I'm having a party celebration. Tonight isn't the night to--"

"Deal with me? I know. Let's meet up again."

"Will you actually be there this time?"

"Give me the time and place and … you'll find out."

**

Alex was nervous. Actually nervous didn't fully explain it. How could someone just walk back into your life after being absent for so long, and expect to fill the same space as they used to. The bad part was that Alex actually wanted it to be the way it was, minus Emma.

She paced back and forth, forth and back trying to make sense of the fact that Jay was at Madonna University in the middle of October and he was here to see her. Alex marveled how he got here, found her, and if he would actually show up. It was Monday, after all of her classes and Alex was dog tired.

Today was supposed to be her day off and she was supposed to be spending it with Gianni, lying in bed naked together, kissing and enjoying each other, but she couldn't. She was waiting for Jay even though she wouldn't get to see Gianni again until after the New Year.

"You look worried. Pensive much?" Jay asked, walking towards her in the student center. "You sure this is the best place to do this?"

"Why the hell are you here and why the hell did you leave me?"

"I'm here for you and I left for you."

"Bull shit."

"Real shit." Jay shot back. "I'm like a poison to you. You come to me knowing exactly what you're going to get—heartache, drama, the works—but I always draw you back. I really wanted you to get your diploma. You deserved it because you didn't fuck up. I fucked up. I kicked that little shit's ass—"

"For me." Alex interrupted.

"So what? When you were talking to me about university and all that interior decorating shit I knew you had dreams. Dreams Alex like I never heard from you before. I couldn't take that away from you, but I couldn't be around to remind you of my 'righteous' deed and guilt you to drop out so … I left. It's simple."

"That doesn't sound like you. I don't believe it."

"You don't have to, but I'm here now because I once promised you that I'd be here in college."

"I don't know what to say about any of this because it's so unlike you … you always have a scheme or a plan that involves stealing or someone else's demise. You don't help people. You help yourself."

"I only help people that matter, people that I might somehow possibly have love for." He skirted around the dreaded four-letter-word.

"So you show up now to torment me about what an ungrateful bitch I've been and why couldn't I have waited for you? I'm sorry Jay, but you weren't there. Gianni was and … you're full of shit … you could've called or e-mailed. Sent me a text message, a letter--"

"I did, almost. It's here." Jay pulled a folded piece of paper from his back pocket. It looked thin at first, but when Alex took the paper it was much thicker than she had imagined. "Read it." He started to walk away.

"Is that all you have to say? Read it and walk away?"

"You want me to stay? I'm flattered." Jay joked wanting to cross that line so badly and touch her. "I respect your relationship with Gianni so I won't try anything, not intentionally."

"You respect it?"

"I can grow to respect it." He corrected himself. "You always sucked at picking guys."

"I got hung up on you forever--"

"What about now? Are you still hung up on me?" He asked as Alex blushed and looked away.

"Eh … so so." She smiled. "But I'm more pissed than anything else."

"Which is why I was trying to leave earlier. I know you want to get back to Gianni and get the action going on which is why--"

"You know wrong. I'm right where I want to be … more or less." Alex just stared at Jay for a while and then sighed. "I won't dump Gianni for you if that what you're asking. He manned up for me and he's going through some heavy shit. I can't leave him right now."

"I'm not asking you to… just don't shut me out." Jay offered standing up again.

"Why do you keep trying to leave?"

"I'm not. I'm heading over to Subway and I wanted to see if you were hungry."

"Subway? You're kidding right?"

"Yeah. I'm a meat and potatoes kinda guy." He responded, Alex walking dangerously close to her ex, of many times over, their fingertips brushing by one another's, but it couldn't accurately be called hand holding…

(A/N: Most of this has been done for a while … I don't remember for how long, but but it's completed before 2009 which is awesome and I hope you've been loving it and you love the ending. Want to know why Jay wrote in the letter to Alex? I might do a SPIN-OFF about Alex and Jay and Ellie and Scott if that what's you want. Let me know if you're interested in your review. –NL)