Authors Note - Thank you to everyone who has followed reviewed and PM'd me about this story, after a severe case of writers block and well life in general I've picked up writing again, hope you enjoy this chapter, it was a hard one to write. As always I'm not American so apologies for any mistakes and I do not own any characters.
Alex steadied herself and subconsciously held her breath as she went to push the heavy door open. Closing her eyes momentarily as she crossed the threshold. As soon as she was inside she delighted in the smell, the decor, the lighting as they all brought memories flooding back. She smiled as she made her way purposefully to the section she needed. Row upon row of books lay before her, she studied titles as she moved along the shelves finally locating the section she was after. She must have spent an hour in that second hand book store until she decided on the book she needed, locating the till and making her purchase Alex once again smiled to herself. The memories she had of her and her grand mother and when she wasn't working her mother in the shop were some of the happiest she had from her childhood. Alex loved to read but more than that she loved books, the secrets held between the covers could transport you to another time and place or fill you with knowledge. Exiting the store with her purchase safely stowed inside her jacket to stop it from getting damaged she made her way through the now even busier streets to her apartment. As she walked she too replayed the events of the afternoon she had shared with piper. She felt her phone buzz in her pocket, hoping it was Piper she rushed to read it her happy mood ebbing away as she read.
Sylvie- Hi Hun were off out for drinks want to come?
Drinks and a bar were the last thing on Alex's mind. Sylvie was the last person on Alexs mind. Typing out a quick reply, so as to avoid an irate girlfriend
Alex: you have fun, I'm early shift tomorrow best keep a clear head Ax
Sylvie: when will I get to see you? You're always working!
Feeling guilty Alex realised that she hadn't spent any quality time with Sylvie for a few days, shifts patterns could really do a number on you, especially if they fell over a weekend.
Alex: after tomorrow I'm off for three full days, we'll do something nice, I'll make it up to you ;-)
Sylvie: cool babe
Sylvie: you've a lot to make up for! I was so horny in this morning I had to take care of myself in the shower
Alex had a high sex drive and usually a comment like this could have tipped her over the the edge, dissipating her resolve for an early night, meeting Sylvie for drinks and then going back to one of their apartments. But today Alex remained resolute.
Alex: absence makes the heart grow fonder sweetie
Sylvie: you best be firing on all cylinders or me and my pussy will be looking elsewhere
Alex didn't respond, she knew Sylvie's game to try and bait her into going out, she began walking again and was soon at her apartment, it was small but clean tidy and was the best Alex could afford on her wage. Sylvie often complained about the size of Alex's place, preferring to stay at her own larger grander apartment. Slipping off her jacket she placed the booked carefully on the table and flicking on the tv ready for Jeopardy Alex began making her evening meal, a simple dish of vegetables and pasta, it was one of her favourite recipes, one she learned from her mum. As she painstakingly prepared the veg the ordered methodical actions gave Alex time to replay the events of the day. She smiled to herself as she remembered all of the small details from her coffee date with Piper, pausing to run her fingers over the soft skin of her own wrist, her 'common lumpy wrist' her smile broadening as she remember Pipers teasing about her not listening. Pasta eaten Alex washed her dishes and showered, preferring to do it the night before to allow her longer in bed in the morning. Dishes put away Alex settled down onto her small couch and opened the covers of her new purchase. 'Netters Orthopaedic Anatomy, a pictorial guide'. Each page of the text was filled with the most intricately detailed diagrams of every imaginable part of anatomy. Flicking through the pages after consulting the index Alex found the page she was after extensor tendon compartments of the wrist. Although Alex knew nothing about anatomy the book looked so very detailed she hoped she had made a good decision. Smiling she picked up her phone
Alex: Hi Piper, thanks again for this afternoon. Ru free for five minutes tomorrow? Ax
Pressing send Alex suddenly panicked about her actions, she didn't want to crowd the younger woman, her anxiety was short lived as a reply pinged through promptly.
Piper: Hi I had a great time too, we have lectures in the morning but I'm study I the afternoon. Ru ok? P :-)
Piper was typing another message indicating she was free now but deleted it thinking better of it, not wanting to come across desperate.
Alex: great, would it be ok if I text you when I'm free? Im early shift so should be about same time as today?
Piper: yep that's fine I'm planning on library or dorm room.
Piper: should I come to you?
Her fingers were trying out messages just as fast as her brain could process. Why did Alex want to see her again so soon?
Piper: Is this about your wrist? Really it's nothing to worry about Xx
Alex: my common lumpy wrist? ;-)
Alex: yes I've written my last will and testament and need a counter signatory!
Piper: Haha!
Alex: cu tomorrow brainiac Ax
Pipers brain was once again drawn away from her studies and to the enigmatic brunette. She lay her head back on her bed and closed her eyes to help her recall all of the detail of Alex.
Time had run away with her until a loud clattering of the door woke her with a jolt. Jumping up and ignoring the rush of blood to her head eager to investigate the source of the commotion.
"Jeez Sylvie, what the fuck are you doing here?"
"Is that anyway to greet your girlfriend?" The clearly drunk shorter woman slurred.
"I've been ringing you for hours, I wanna ffffffffffuck!" She slurred, deliberately drawing out the last word.
Before Alex could react Sylvie dived for Alexs phone, "Is your phone on fucking silent again?"
She said grabbing the handset and checking it over. The screen lit up, displaying the last actions, Alexs texts to Piper.
"Who the fuck is Piper?"
Rage consuming her facial features she lunged at Alex, despite being much shorter she still went to slap Alex, fortunately Alex's reactions were much quicker than the drunk and she grabbed her wrists, restraining her.
"She's the precincts healthcare, for fucks sake Sylvie just calm fuck down"
"you sure she's not some whore you're fucking?"
"Sylvie, you're being ridiculous , now give me the phone please"
Still struggling against Alex's firm hold she soon realised she was no match for her. She looked Alex straight in the eye and uncurled her fingers, the phone dropping onto the floor, a final spiteful act. The handset clattered to the hardwood floor, Alex let go of her wrists and grabbed the handset checking her screen for damage, unnoticed by Sylvie she had carefully managed to slide the book under her sofa with her foot, she had seen Sylvie in a rage before and knew she could destroy items without giving Alex a second thought. Standing back up to her full height Alex slipped her phone into her back pocket.
"why the fuck you texting a healthcare?" Sylvie spat, eyeing Alex suspiciously.
"Ive got a lump on my wrist, had to get it checked out" she said turning her wrist to show the area, Sylvie grabbed her firmly, screwed her eyes up trying to focus then pushed her arm away. Defeated but calmer she slurred "I'm going to bed, you coming?" before stalking off in the direction of Alexs bedroom. Letting out a large sigh Alex checked her phone again for any damage and followed Sylvie to bed.
Sylvie had passed out as soon as her head had hit the pillow, something Alex was grateful for. As she lay there in the dark she found herself running her fingers over her wrist, reliving how Pipers gentle touch had felt. Setting her alarm for the morning she smiled, happy with thoughts of seeing Piper again all be it briefly.
