Chapter 4...enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own Wizards of Waverly place!

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A little over a week had passed in the Russo household, and things had more or less returned to something that appeared normal. To any observer who knew Alex, Justin, or the rest of the Russo family, nothing would seem out of place. The Waverly Sub Station ran as usual; Mom and Dad were cheesy and silly, Max was perpetually confusing, and Alex and Justin taunted each other relentlessly. The two eldest siblings still did all the things they normally did: Justin was getting a head start on summer reading assignments, even though summer had just begun that week. Alex was goofing off whenever possible, hanging out with Harper a lot and working in the family sandwich shop when she was forced.

Behind closed doors, things had shifted slightly.

When everyone went to sleep at night, Alex and Justin were spending a lot more time together, bonding, playing cards, video games and board games, and simply enjoying each other's company. They did keep the affection to a minimum, sticking to little things such as playful hitting, or the occasional tickle fight. Their views of one another had changed in that short amount of time, and when they didn't feel forced to act like they couldn't stand each other, they realized that they were very fond of one another indeed.

For Alex, everything really clicked into place on the morning when she had to explain her near-rape-experience to Justin. After she described the incident, she found herself in the most emotionally vulnerable position she could ever recall being in. Confronting the traumatizing experience forced her to confront other things that she didn't even know she had always felt. She realized she was feeling things for her brother that she wasn't sure how to deal with. Alex had looked into his intense blue eyes, and, feeling mesmerized by them, felt herself magnetically drawn forward. It was only at the very last second that she regained control of herself and turned the kiss into something more chaste and appropriate for a sister and brother.

Reflecting upon the incident, Alex knew that something had dramatically changed inside of her, and she could tell Justin was feeling the same internal turmoil. Justin wore his emotions on his sleeve, and even if he didn't, Alex knew him better than anyone. She also knew between right and wrong, and what was moral and immoral. The correct way to proceed would have been to go out on more dates, and find someone who WAS NOT related to her that she could invest her feelings in.

And yet, she just didn't. She couldn't.

She had finally figured it out. She needed Justin.

So Alex and Justin continued spending a lot more time together, alone, when no one would see or judge them. Alex had come up with a brilliant story about how she caught Dean hitting on some other girl and dumped him. She was pretty thankful it was summer, so the story wouldn't spread through the school like wildfire…yet. Dean had called her a few times, but she didn't answer. She deleted his messages without bothering to listen to them. Harper was happy to have more summer days with her best friend that weren't being marred by Dean's presence. However, Harper was definitely starting to notice that Alex's mood was a little off… more somber and contemplative than usual.

Alex successfully brushed it off the first few days, able to blame it on the breakup with Dean. Harper could never guess what she was truly going through inside.

Eventually, however, Harper felt she needed to confront Alex about whatever was bothering her. She felt it was her right as Alex's best friend to know what was wrong.

One day, when the two girls were killing time at the sub station before a movie, Harper finally gathered the courage to ask. As Alex returned to their table with two root beer floats, Harper took a deep breath and spoke.

"Alex, I need to talk to you about something serious."

"…wow, Harper. Really? OK, you're right… I WAS lying when I said I liked your fruit roll-up dress. The color was cool and all, but the one piece that melted into your armpit and turned it green was kinda gross…" Alex trailed off before taking her first sip of her root beer float.

"No, Alex, that's not what I me…hey, you told me no one noticed that! Oh no, Gigi saw and everything!"

"It's OK Harper, I doubt anyone remembers…" Alex said, looking away and snickering to herself.

"…ugh, Alex! I really wanted to have a serious conversation here! Can we focus please?"

"yeesh, OK…sorry." Alex wiped the smile off her face, drew a fake halo around her head, and folded her hands in her lap. "Go ahead, shoot".

Harper sighed. "Alex, I know something is wrong that you're not telling me about. Before you say anything, I just want you to know that I'm not trying to put you on the spot or anything but I just wanna know what's wrong becauseIhateitwhenyou'resadbecauseyou'reusuallySOfunandcarefreeand-"

Alex reached forward to put her hand over Harper's mouth.

"Harper, I got it! Alright… you busted me. There is something I didn't tell you."

"I knew it! Alex, how come you didn't just tell me whatever's been bothering you?"

"Because I didn't know if you'd understand, and…and I've been scared."

Harper gasped. "YOU? Were…SCARED??"

"Yes, Harper… it does happen." Alex sipped her float.

"Well, obviously! But I'm surprised you would say it out loud, that's so unlike you! This must be more serious than I thought… Alex, what happened??"

"Harper…" Alex paused for a moment, twirling her straw around in the drink. Should I just come out with it?? There is NO WAY Harper, or anyone for that matter, is going to be OK with how I'm starting to feel about Justin… I think I'd just be better off telling only part of the truth.

Alex took a deep breath and leaned close to Harper, and whispered, "Harper… don't freak out, OK? Here it is… Dean tried to rape me."

"…wh….what? Oh my God, Alex. Are you messing with me?? That is SO not funny." Harper replied, almost raising her voice.

"Please keep it down. I am not messing with you. Why else would I be acting so funny all week?" Alex said in hushed tones. Well, I could think of another reason for me to be acting funny…

"That's just so shocking! I'm so sorry that happened, Alex. That's horrible… I always knew Dean was kind of a 'bad boy', I just never knew he was the kind of guy who would take it that far…" Harper reached forward and hugged her best friend.

Alex, not usually big on hugging, obliged and accepted the squeeze.

"It's alright… thanks, Harper." Alex said, ending the embrace. "I just need you to keep this between you and me. Sorry I didn't tell you before." Alex sighed, playing with the hem of her top. "I didn't tell anyone. I just want to move on and not be involved with Dean anymore. I just want to put it past me."

"Don't worry, Alex. I understand. I swear I will not tell anyone. Just, in the future, I want you to know that you can tell me these kinds of things. You're my best friend, and you know you can tell me anything."

"Thank you, Harper. Likewise."

"Really? Because I've been wanting to tell you about this new dress I'm making that involves banana leaves and googly eyes and-"

"OK Harper! Maybe I'll have to withdraw that offer. Or at least, restrict it to really serious stuff… you know what, how about we just go to that movie now…" Alex said, grabbing Harper's hand and walking out.

I know, I know... not enough Jalex in this one. Just wanted to take a break from that for a minute! You know, trying to pace it realistically.

-L