I'm still not recovered from last week's episode. It was beautiful and amazing. So here's the next chapter! And quick question: do you guys want more smut? I wrote a little bit in this one, but it didn't get too explicit. I would be more than happy to write more explicit scenes, but that's up to you guys. Let me know in the reviews!
Enjoy!
-x-
Days have passed since Chick's threat and Norma was beginning to think it was over. He hadn't come by recently and there was no sign of him. She begged Dylan to keep his mouth shut about the situation. She kept it vague saying "don't tell anyone", but she really meant "don't tell Alex". Dylan must have not said anything because Alex had not asked Norma or suspected anything. Norma feared the reason Chick had left her alone was because of some terrible thing Dylan did. Norma felt like a sitting duck.
Just waiting for him to attack.
Waiting.
As usual, Alex had been out the door by nine that morning. Norma, of course, cooked up a big breakfast and sent him on his way with a kiss and pat on his bottom. She stood at the porch a little longer and watched him walk down the myriad of stairs. There has never been a time where she has smiled more. She's completely under his spell and she's getting used to it. The fear still lingers, but her love for him is outweighing the fear.
Dawning a winter coat, Norma bustled down to her car with a grocery list in her hand. Rachael was sitting in a motel chair with little Paige bundled in her arms. Her cherub cheeks were tickled pink and her fingers played with Rachael's curly black hair.
"Good morning, Norma." Rachael greeted.
"'Morning. And good morning to you too, Miss Paige." Norma waved at the baby.
Paige let go of her mother's locks and waved at Norma. A smile broke out across face, showing two little teeth.
"She likes you. She's a shy baby, she wouldn't do that for just anyone." Rachael explained.
"She's the sweetest thing." Norma crouched in front of the baby. "It's been so long since I've seen a baby this little. My sons are all grown up."
"How old are your boys?"
"Dylan is 23 and my Norman is 18." Norma murmured distractedly, playing with Paige's fingers.
"Wow. All grown up, huh?" Rachael chuckled. "Do you want to hold her?"
"Oh, I wouldn't want to disturb you. She looks so cozy."
"We're about to get up anyway. I just wanted some girl time with her before the boys woke up." Rachael stood with a bundle of colorful blankets that was Paige.
"I might as well. I can't help myself." Norma gently lifted the baby from the woman's arms. Paige turned her head to face Norma and studied her with a passive expression. For a minute, Norma feared she would break out in hysterics from being taken from her mother.
Instead, the baby wrapped her small arms around Norma's neck and kissed her cheek. The smell of a fresh baby filled Norma's nose and she hugged the baby back.
"She really does like you." Rachael giggled, watching the interaction.
"Hi, hello there, sweetheart." Norma was now face to face with the baby. She gave her a wide smile and tickled her belly.
"Can you say 'hi' to Miss Norma, baby girl?" Rachael prompted.
"Hi!" The baby kicked her legs. "Hi. Hiiiiii!"
Norma laughed along with Rachael and hugged Paige tighter. The baby continued to babble and play with Norma's hair. Blabbering on in her own baby dialect, Paige was content in Norma's arms.
"As much as I would love to stay here and hold her all day, I think she's getting a bit cold." Norma said as she held Paige's hand, attempting to warm it.
"Yeah, we should go in." Rachael spoke. "Paige, can you say bye bye?"
"Bye bye?" Paige asked.
"Yes, we're going in. It's too cold. Brrrr." Rachael rubbed her arms for emphasis.
"I'll be seeing you around, sweetie." Norma smiled at the baby and handed her back to her mother. "I hope everything is well here."
"Oh yeah," Rachael shifted the baby on her hip, "we love it here. You run a beautiful motel."
"Thank you. Really, thank you. It means a lot." She answered sincerely. Norma waved goodbye and went on with her day.
The drive to the grocery store was pretty uneventful other than Norma's mind fluttering with the thought of Alex. There's really no point in denying it; Norma really was humming along to some stupid love song. She never really understood those cheesy tunes until now. The words suddenly made sense. Humming to the radio has never been Norma's forte until now. She's happy. Scratch that. She's more than happy. She's over the moon. She's ecstatic. She cannot believe her good fortune.
Just as she pulled into a parking spot, her phone rang. She quickly grabbed it, hoping it was Alex, and of course it was.
"I miss you." Norma answered the phone with a huge smile on her face.
"Good afternoon to you too." Alex chuckled through the phone.
"I'm at the grocery store right now and all I can think about is you. That's all your fault." Norma spoke as she hopped out the car.
"You know, I miss you too." Alex answered honestly. "Anyway, I think I have a solution to you missing your husband so much."
"Ah, you quit your job and now you're a stay at home husband?" She giggled.
"Sorry to disappoint, but all I can offer is you having lunch with me."
"Lunch? Can you fit me into your busy schedule, big shot?"
"I pushed some things around and it's a slow day anyway."
Norma smiled and Alex could hear it through the phone. He's noticed the change in her attitude recently; she's been more happy and carefree. Alex loved that. He loved seeing this free part of Norma and seeing her content and worry free.
"I feel honored." Norma trailed off when she caught a glimpse of someone.
"Meet me at the diner at noon."
"Y-yeah of course." Norma cleared her throat as the man crept closer to her in the parking lot. "I have to go, I'll see you soon okay?"
Alex caught the fall in her voice. "Everything okay?"
"Yeah, I just need to get some groceries. Don't worry. Everything is fine." Norma assured him. "I promise. Bye."
"Alright, goodbye, Norma." He said and hung up the phone.
Norma straightened her shoulders and shoved her phone in her purse as she watched Chick approach her.
"I told you to leave me alone." Norma forced an edge in her voice.
"What do you mean? I'm getting groceries just like you." Chick lied.
"Leave me alone!" Norma shouted, not caring about the few people in the parking lot.
Unbelievably quick because of his injuries, Norma wasn't prepared for him to be so close to her. She could smell his murky scent and his morning breath. Not wanting to appear small, she kept her head up and shoulders straight.
"I bet you thought I was going to leave you alone. Didn't you? Well that's where you're wrong, Norma Bates." Chick grumbled.
"I'm not helping you. What are you going to do? Beat me up. Well guess what? I've dealt with worse." She spat back.
"Oh I bet you have. No way I would hurt the sheriff's precious wife. But I don't think it's you you have to worry about." He threatened.
Norma huffed in anger. "You leave my husband out of this."
"I know you haven't been helping me cash in my favor."
"What do you mean? You've been watching me, you creep!?"
"You and your husband still in that honeymoon faze huh? I remember that."
"Just leave us alone, please." She begged.
"Look, I'm not the bad guy here. I just want justice. I want your brother to pay his price and I want my family back."
"I can't help you. Neither can my husband and neither can Dylan. So just leave us out of this!"
Chick laughed mischievously. "Bye now, Mrs. Romero. You'll come to your senses sooner or later."
Norma was fuming in anger. How dare he threaten Alex and me? She didn't realize she was squeezing her car keys in her hand so tight. Little marks from the ridges of the key were imprinted on her palm. She cleared her throat and looked around, checking if the coast was clear.
-x-
Alex sat at the diner at a table set for two tapping his foot. It was nearly 12:30 and no word from Norma. As usual, he worried and called her two times the both ending with her voicemail. The worst scenarios wouldn't stop popping up in Alex's mind. The rational part of him kept telling him she was probably still shopping or maybe even stuck in traffic. Alex breathed a sigh of relief when he saw her breeze in.
"I'm sorry I'm so late." She smiled and leaned over the table to greet him with a gentle kiss. "The line was dreadful at the grocery store."
"It's fine, I was just worried." Alex reached across the table and grasped her hand.
Norma smiled, but it faltered because she saw the true worry etched on his face. She hated keeping things from him, even before they were married. It felt wrong because she didn't want to keep secrets from him, but it also felt right because is she were to explain the situation, she would have to explain Caleb.
In the back of her mind, she feared if she told Alex her truth that he would leave. He wouldn't be able to understand, who would? She didn't want to mess this up, scratch that, she couldn't mess this up. It was scary how terrified she was at the thought of being without him.
"There's nothing to worry about. If you want something to worry about, worry about getting through this lunch..." Norma murmured, running her nails up and down his hand and rubbing her foot against his calf.
Alex groaned. "You don't have anything after this?"
"Nope. I'm completely open." She smirked at her own innuendo.
"Come to my office after this." His voice was commanding, exciting Norma.
"There's also a bathroom right here." She suggested, playing with each of his fingers.
Alex paused and leaned in closer. "That's not enough space for what I want to do with you."
Norma was flustered. She was hot and bothered and she felt warmth flood her. "Alex..." She moaned. "If we have to wait that long, you better stop talking like that or I'll take you right here on this table in front of everyone."
Alex chuckled lightly and brought her hand up to his lips. "Fair enough."
The waitress came by and took their orders. Norma is slowly realizing how much special treatment she gets now that she's labeled as the sheriff's wife. She doesn't know if it's out of respect or fear. Either way, she loved being Mrs. Romero. Alex had this special look that she rarely sees when they speak to people in town about her. The same questions are asked and the same comments were made. So there was no ceremony? That was quite fast. How long had you two been dating?
Alex was better at answering the people than she was. Her defense mechanism flared, but Alex always answered calmly and coolly with his hand always snaking around her waist, pulling her next to him. The whispering and states didn't go unnoticed by them either. Alex automatically pulled her closer or tugged her hand tighter when stuff like that happened. Norma wasn't a novice at being the town's gossip, but it felt better having Alex by her side.
-x-
"Sheriff Romero, you have some messages." The secretary greeted Norma and Alex as they walked in hand in hand.
"Thank you." He nodded and continued towards the office.
Norma smiled politely at the familiar woman. In the past, Norma would barge in demanding to speak to Alex. The station brought back memories of George and Norman and not knowing Alex or even trusting him completely. What a fool I was, not seeing that everything this man has done in the past four years have been for me.
The fluorescent lights and dull gray walls seems endless as they trekked to his office. She felt like a giddy teenage girl, waiting her turn for 7 minutes in heaven. Finally, they made it to their destination and Alex practically barged in the door. Her lips were attached to his before the door was even shut.
She'd already unbuttoned half his shirt when they bump against his desk. Before she could continue, Alex pulled her against him and crashed his onto hers. The kiss was so fierce, Norma held onto his shoulders so she could keep her balance. They shared a few lip locks in the that surprised her, but Norma was ready this time, matching his ardor with her own urgency. Her hands framed his face as he lifted her smoothly on top of his desk.
Norma felt small in his arms, a wisp of a woman who felt slight in his strong arms contradicted her tough will and towering character. His hands roughly untied the tie on her coat so he could touch her skin. Alex had a slight obsession with her pillowy soft skin. Her skin was always warm, always smelled like vanilla and clean laundry and always was velvet soft. His favorite thing was watching the goose bumps flare up on her porcelain skin and hear the tremble in her breath when he touched her. Groaning victoriously at shedding her coat, Alex cupped her breast through her dress. Her mouth parted against his in a soft gasp and one of her hands slid downward to cover his, feeling the warmth of his hand. The thought of Norma guiding Alex like that turned her on to no end.
Alex surely was getting used to Norma's kisses, but they still felt new and raw. The gentle probing of his warm tongue was met by an equal response from her, more and more as her desire fluttered inside her. He tasted like his cup of black coffee from this morning and the mint he popped in when they left the diner. Alex's appetite for her was insatiable. Every taste and every breath she made was imprinted in his mind. He could devoir her whole, happily, if he could. He simply could not get enough of her.
Lost in Norma's honeyed mouth, her lips caressing, her velvet tongue stroking his own, Alex forgot where he was. With a sweep of his arm, items cascades off his desk, making room for her. Not wanting to lose contact, but wanting more, Norma laid across his desk with her chest open.
"God, you don't know how beautiful you look right now." Alex muttered, desire laced in his tone.
Norma was always speechless when he dropped compliments like that. She had never been good with accepting comments like that. Instead of speaking, she showed her thanks by tugging on his belt with a knowing smirk and a low growl.
-x-
Fixing her 'after sex' hair in the her rear view mirror, Norma couldn't stop smiling. Her heart was still thumping from previous strenuous activity and her hands were shaking. She felt paranoid walking out of his office, she knew she was loud during sex and anyone who walked by could've hear her. Norma tried to stifle herself by biting on Alex's shoulder, but even that didn't silence it completely.
Norma struggled to land back in reality on the drive home. All the worry and fear seemed distant as she skated through town. Everything was going to be fine, she reminded herself. Nothing bad will happen as long as Alex was by her side.
She made it to the motel a little later than usual. Feeling good, she took the scenic route and admired the water. The motel had been quiet recently, only a few people going in and out. Rachael's car was still parked in the same place as it was this morning. There was no Paige outside at the moment, so Norma went up to the house to do her regular housekeeping. Evening quickly came and Norma made her way down to the motel. She switched on the 'we're closed' sign with a sad sigh and locked the office door, dropping a full garbage bag by her feet. The motel business has been quite slow and Norma missed Norman being the motel manager.
Norma tried not to dwell on the thought of Norman for too long because it would quickly drive her mad. She thought about him everyday; his progress, his medication, his doctors, everything. Shaking the thought of her ill son, Norma trudged to the dumpster to dump the trash. She made her usual rounds around the grounds and was startled to her a baby's wail as she neared room 12.
Pressing her ear against the door, the cries were loud and ferocious, like she was terrified or hurt. There was no cease to the crying as Norma stood there for a few moments. Remembering when Norman was whiny, Norma used lay him tummy down across her legs and rub his back gently to ease his cries. She gently knocked on the door. "Rachael? It's Norma."
There was no answer at the door and Paige's cries escalated. Caught in between letting Rachael parent her own child and lending her own baby experience, Norma knocked once more and called out Rachael's name. She began to worry that Paige was hurt or Rachael was.
"Rachael, I'm sorry, but I'm coming in. I'm worried." Norma was flustered as she whipped out her extra set of spare keys.
When Norma entered the motel room, a cold feeling washed up in her. Sensing something was immediately wrong, Norma shivered. What she saw next took her breath away and she lost her balance and tumbled against the wall
Rachael, Jackson and Evan were all laid out on the motel beds pale and lifeless. Paige stood in her port-a-crib, face as red as a cherry tomato, wailing in fear. Her tiny hands gripped the crib with white fists, a sharp contrast to get red face. Norma could make out a few 'mama' words being called out amongst her cries.
Without thinking, Norma scurried over towards the child and lifted her in her arms. Paige gripped onto Norma so tight that it broke Norma's heart. Paige was hiccuping from the power of her cries and laid her head against Norma's shoulder. Norma felt like she was going to be sick if she stayed in that room any longer so with Paige in one arm, she reached for the diaper bag and left the motel room.
"Sh, sweetheart, it's okay... It's okay, I've got you..." Norma attempted to soothe the baby. Paige was still in hysterics, but was seeming to calm down.
Norma had an unwanted flashback of doing the same thing years ago, but with little Norman in her arms wailing. It was one of the numerous times she tried to leave Sam. She was so close the last time, but Sam caught up with her. He always found her. That night was one of the worst and Norma can still remember the feeling of her body aching. His hands were ten times more rough and his words were just as harsh.
She didn't know she could run that fast up the myriad of stairs in pumps and a baby on her hip. Maybe it was the adrenaline and the fear. Paige's cries diminished to whimpers as Norma shut the door and locked it. Immediately, Norma sat the baby on the couch and examined for any injury. The baby sat with wide, red rimmed, blue eyes boring up at Norma.
"Hi Paige. I'm Norma, remember me? It's okay." Norma repeated. "Can I just check for boo-boos?"
"Boo-boos?" Paige asked, rubbing her eyes.
"Yes, boo-boos. I'm gonna check your tummy, okay?" Norma asked in a sweet voice. A voice only reserved to children.
"Tummy!" Paige pointed to her stomach through her pink jumper.
"Yes, smart girl!" Norma smiled encouragingly and lifted the garment. "Does anything hurt? Any ouchies?"
Paige scrunched her face in confusion and Norma forgot she probably didn't understand what she was asking.
"I'm going to tickle your tummy!" Norma babbled in her designated baby voice. "I'm gonna get the buggies!" Norma blew a gently raspberry on Paige's stomach.
The baby let out a joyful laugh. She giggled loudly and Norma couldn't help but stop and smile. Feeling proud of her new method, she blew small raspberries on the baby's chubby arms and legs. Norma got lost in trying to find injuries at the coins of Paige's melodious giggles. Paige seemed to like 'I got your nose' game the most and Norma happily played along.
After a few minutes, Norma realized what was going on. There were three dead bodies in her motel. Tears pricked her eyes and fear shivered down her spine. She knew Chick had something to do this. She felt like this was her fault. This was her fault Rachael was dead. This was her fault Paige would grow up without her family. Sensing Norma's mood change, Paige began to whine. Norma quickly picked the baby up and held her close. She remembered that whenever Norman was in such despair, his favorite thing was being held close to Norma's chest.
Pulling her phone out of her apron pocket, she quickly called Alex. The line was ringing as. She had never felt so nervous to tell her husband anything. She knew that once Alex started asking questions about Chick's intent, she would eventually have to tell him about her past.
"Hey, I was just about to call you." Alex greeted. "I'm out in Warren County so I probably won't be home till later tonight."
Paige reached for Norma's phone so she switched arms. "Really? I need you home, Alex."
"Why?" Alex asked immediately. "What's wrong?"
Paige let out a frustrated whine and Norma quickly shushed her, bouncing her gently.
"Who are you talking to? Who's there?" Alex asked, this time with more edge.
"I can't tell you over the phone. I'm fine, I'm not hurt, don't worry about that." Norma reassured him. "Please, hurry home. I need you here." She sniffled.
"You're worrying me." Alex pressed his foot on the pedal harder. "Is someone there with you?"
Norma smiled down at Paige who was playing with a lock of Norma's hair. "Please just hurry and come home. I'll explain everything when you get here. Drive safe and make it here in one piece."
Alex huffed in frustration at Norma's shortness. "I'll be home as soon as I can. Just stay inside and lock all the doors."
"I will." She said. "Alex, I... I'll see you, okay?"
"I'll see you." Norma clicked the end button.
She set her phone down on the table and quickly made sure each door was locked. Paige watched with wide eyes as they wandered around the house. She blubbered on and on as they locked each door. Once she triple checked all the doors and windows were locked, Norma took the baby upstairs.
Norma kept every light on in the house. She used to do that when her parents were gone when she was a little girl. She used to think nothing could go wrong if she kept the lights on and now her old childish tendency is what's keeping her sane right now. The three dead bodies wouldn't leave her mind. The familiar smell of the dead haunted her and she quickly shook the thoughts away. It will get better once Alex gets home, she reminded herself.
Paige sat in the middle of their bed with pillows surrounding her. The house was definitely not baby friendly with dead stuffed animals and high book shelves with sharp edges. Norma and Alex's bedroom seemed to be the only safe haven for a baby. Paige was playing with one of her toys that was packed in her diaper bag.
Norma was pacing the floor with her head in her hand. How was she going to tell Alex this? Will he leave her? Norma didn't think she could handle that. Over the past few months, Alex had become her person. Her best friend. No one had ever cared for her so much. She felt guilty that she kept these secrets from her husband.
-x-
Alex's car skidded to a stop and the gravel flew from the speed. He furrowed his brow once he noticed all the lights on. Something definitely was wrong. He took the stairs two at a time until he barged in the front door. Norma sat on the stairs in her blue robe with puffy eyes. She popped her head up and held a finger to her lips signaling him to be quiet.
"What's going on?" Alex demanded.
Wordlessly, Norma rose and wrapped her arms tightly around her husband. She relaxed in his string arms. Inhaling his scent and feeling his hands on her hips put her senses on overdrive and she couldn't help but break down completely. He watched her face crumple in defeat and the crocodile tears that trailed down her already tear stained cheeks. She sobbed, heart wrenching cries and Alex held her up.
Alex was scared. He didn't know what to expect and it took a lot to make Norma cry. He was used to her anger and her vile words and even her hits, but tears and break downs like this scared him to his core. He held her tight and his hand wound in her hair.
"Tell me what's going on Norma." He whispered as she pulled back. He framed her face with his rough hands, wiping away the tears with his thumb.
"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry." She cried.
"It's okay," Alex assured her, "I'm right here, just tell me what's going on. Please."
Norma cleared her throat and rested her hand on his chest. "Before I tell you this, I need you to know how much I love you." She murmured.
Although the situation was bad, Alex couldn't help but smile. She told him she loved him. He thought he would be the first to say those three words. "Well, I love you too, Norma."
She cracked a grin too and kissed him gently. "I love you and I'm so scared. I've never loved anyone like this before. And I just want you to remember that."
Alex's face was etched in confusion. "I know. I don't doubt that."
Norma dropped her hand from his chest and stepped away. She took a deep breath and crossed her arms across her chest. "Do you remember that baby I was talking about? Paige? Well, she's upstairs in our bed asleep."
"Why?"
Norma's face contorted in sadness. "I think Chick killed her family. They're down in the motel, he shot them in the head."
"Chick? Dylan's neighbor?" Alex asked, trying to piece together this information.
She nodded and held herself tighter. "It's because of me. He killed them to prove his point. I didn't follow his rules."
"Norma, I'm sure he didn't kill them because of you."
"You don't know." She shook her head. "You think you know me, but you don't. You don't know who you married and that's my fault. I never should have taken advantage of you like I did." Her voice cracked along with Alex's heart. "But now I did the one thing I should never have done. I love you, Alex. I love you and it sucks because you're going to be gone and then I'm going to alone. I don't know what I'm going to do without you."
"Norma, please explain..." He reached for her but she moved out of his reach. "I'm not going anywhere."
"Do you remember my brother? Caleb? He was here for dinner that one night. Well Chick knows Caleb and they got into something really bad. Caleb beat the shit out of Chick and took his family somewhere. Chick found out that Caleb is my brother so he came here so I could help him. I wouldn't help him, so he threatened me and Dylan. And you. He told me if I didn't help him, he would tell you things that are horrible. He'd tell you things about me and he'd ruin us. He would spread it all around town and he would end your career because of me." Norma's voice was choked up with tears that threatened to fall. The desperation and fear was as prominent in her voice as it was etched across her face.
"What things would he tell me?" Alex asked in a low voice.
Norma shook her head and wiped a few stray tears that escaped her blue eyes. "When I was a teenager, it was a really long time ago, I slept with my brother." Norma paused and watched Alex's face, but it was unreadable. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry for having to tell you this. It's horrible. I'm sorry. A-and Caleb is Dylan's father."
Alex remained still, his arms at his side and an expression Norma had never seen before. There was sadness and sympathy, something Norma hated. She wasn't a basket case.
"Y-you were young, it was a mistake..." He said.
"It wasn't a mistake. It was a way of life. Our home life was terrible, it was horrible. And all we had was each other. Our father was ruthless, he was so abusive. And our mother was too far gone to even stand. All we had was each other, Alex." Norma repeated.
Alex stood, watching his wife unravel. He suspected her childhood wasn't one to dwell on, but he didn't know it was this bad.
"I tried to stop it, to put an end to it. He got really upset and he raped me." Norma sniffled, dabbing at her eyes again. "Do you know how terrible it is to be raped by someone you love?" Her voice cracked and she couldn't meet his eyes.
"And I hate him. I hate him, but I don't hate him enough to hurt him. And it's a mess because I don't know if part of why I hate Caleb so much is because I hate myself. All in a day's work." She added darkly.
"So now you know who you're married to and I should've told you before. I should've told you and I'm sorry. But I've never loved anyone this much to be honest. I've never loved anyone like I love you, Alex." She cleared her voice, cursing herself for her weakness. "And I don't expect you to stay. Just go and pack your bag." She looked at him one last time before turning on her heels to walk away.
Alex caught her arm to halt her movements. He could hear her sniffling and she wiggled out of his grasp.
"Please," Norma begged, "don't make this harder than it already is."
"Norma..." He let her hand stray away.
"I'm not going to let him ruin you because of me." She cried. "I love you. I love you so much, but I don't deserve you."
Norma was sobbing now. Heartbreaking sobs that Alex couldn't bear. He hated every part of this. He hated the fact that she blames herself for all of this. She didn't seem to care about anything but him.
"Please just go. I can't bring you down with me." She cried and grasped his hand. She cradle it up to her lips, her warm breath just mere centimeters away from his fingers. "Alex, just go. Pack your bags..."
Alex watched her lower his hand and steeped away from him. Tear streamed down her face for what seemed like the millionth time that night.
"Okay." He murmured.
Norma's heart was breaking and it was almost impossible not to break down and lose it right there in the hallway. She sniffled and wiped her nose with her sleeve and turned away from him. It was too hard to watch him leave.
"Where are we going?" He asked from behind her. She turned at his voice, but kept her distance. "Because there's no way in hell I'm going anywhere without you."
Alex's own voice was laced with tears. His eyes were glassy and his heart ached for Norma. He watched as Norma made her way to him and collapsed in his arms. She was sobbing, her whole body shaking with the force of her tears. He held her tight, his hand coming up behind her to rest on the base of her neck. The crook of his shoulder nestled her head and he could feel the tears soaking his shirt.
The two stood there for what seemed like forever. She began hiccuping and the tears stopped. Her arms were still tightly wound around his neck. Alex's warm breath was against her ear and he whispered sweet nothings to her.
"I love you." He murmured against her ear. He pulled away so he could meet her red rimmed eyes. "I love you and I'm not going anywhere."
Norma let out a tear filled giggle. Her hands held his cheeks, rubbing against the little stubble he had. There was a comfortable silence as Norma and Alex held each other's gaze. Deep down, Norma knew Alex was too much of a patient and understanding man to leave her like every other man has done in the past.
"You never have to be ashamed of your past. I don't want you to worry about me leaving because I can assure you I'd be just as lost." Once he finished, he dropped a gentle kiss to her ear. He rested his lips there, relishing the warmth and familiar scent.
Norma pulled back with a sad smile. "There's still a baby upstairs in our room."
Alex sighed, remembering reality. Their little bubble had been popped and the grim bite of reality of their lives sank in. "We have to call the station. There's no way we can hide this one."
Norma nodded in agreement. "Can you call? I'm going upstairs to sit with Paige."
"Yeah." He kissed her forehead before letting her go. Alex watched her scurry upstairs before pulling out his phone.
Norma stood at the doorway watching the baby sleep. Her thumb was in her half open mouth and drool stained the bedsheets. She heard Alex talking on the phone downstairs and she moved away so she couldn't hear. Sitting at the edge of the bed, Norma's fingers smoothed the baby's slightly damp hair.
Paige was an exquisite baby with her brown curly hair and green eyes. Her eyelashes were impeccably long and her cheeks were blushed pink. The motherly instincts that have been put on hold were now kicking in. Norma has always felt like a mother, she adapted from having no mother as a child so she's everything her mother never was.
Gently and smoothly, Norma lifted Paige into her arms and rested her small body against hers as Norma rested against the headboard. Paige's chubby cheek rested against Norma's breast and she snuggled deeper into Norma. Both girls hummed comfortably.
Alex paused at the doorway and watched Norma contently hold the child. He hadn't really seen Norma interact with children and he had to admit it was a beautiful thing. There's always been a maternal way about Norma. That was something that drew Alex in. As much as Alex protects her, Norma has her own way of protection that Alex basked in.
"They should be here any minute." Alex spoke in a hushed tone as he made his way to sit on the opposite end of the bed. "They're going to want to take her down to child family services."
Norma's eyes shot wide at his last statement. "No, Alex, they can't do that."
"That's their job, Norma. She won't be there too long, I'm sure she has family that wants her." Alex could sense the attachment Norma had on this baby.
"Can't she just stay here until then?" Norma held Paige tighter against her. "She's not going to know anyone there and she's just going to be scared."
"I don't think that's how it works."
"You can make them, right? They'll listen to whatever you say." Norma raised her eyebrows slightly.
"I don't know, Norma. What's going to happen when she gets attached to you and then you have to give her away? It would be easier to end this tonight." Alex explained truthfully.
Norma sighed. He was right although she hated to admit it. "Please. Just for tonight." Her eyes were wide a tear filled. Alex could never deny her anything when she looked up at him like that.
Alex sighed. "Okay. Just for tonight." He walked over to where they were laying.
He had never really been around children let alone babies in his life. Norma watched as Alex rest his hand on Paige's back. The same gentleness and care that he had towards Norma shown at that very moment. Once again, seeing Alex like this made Norma wish they had a chance to be parents together.
"How are you? I know you knew Rachael." Alex asked her in a soft voice.
Norma's throat choked up. "Can we talk later? After they come and get the bodies?"
"Of course." Alex nodded and grasped Norma's free hand as the sirens from the cop cars pulled into the motel driveway. "I'll just be outside. You'll be okay?"
"Yeah, we'll be just fine." Norma smiled. Alex kissed her quickly before leaving the room.
Norma remained still as she held the baby. She was so warm and her skin was so soft. Her chubby little fingers were tightly wound around Norma's finger. Relief washed over her and a huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Telling Alex her truth wasn't as bad as she expected it to be. Deep down, Norma knew Alex's love was strong enough to overcome this.
Their love was strong enough to withstand anything.
Right?