Authors Note - Hi, thank you so much for all the reviews and PMs. Longest chapter I've written, its a bit of a filler but don't worry this is definitely Vauseman end game, just slow burn. Same as always I'm not American so if some of the terminology is wrong I apologise and I do not own any of the characters who may at times appear OOC. Hope you enjoy.
After Nicky had confronted Sylvie she could barely contain her frustration, sure she knew Sylvie had a colourful backstory when it came to her love life and past relationships, but when she had confided in Nicky that her reckless days were behind her and she wanted a more long term relationship Nicky had immediately thought of Alex. Nicky knew that for all of Alex's aloofness and her cool as ice professional persona that she had a heart of gold, so full of love just ready and waiting for the lucky lady. A heart that was now surely shattered due to Sylvie and her selfish ways. Nicky couldn't help but feel partly to blame, what if she hadn't played match maker? What if she hadn't talked Alex into giving Sylvie a second chance when, a month into their relationship, she was hesitant?
Calling in at Reds she checked that all was well with the Russian matriarch, glad to see that Boo wasn't on duty, she felt sick to her stomach every time she thought how Alex must be feeling and certainly didn't feel like dissecting the whole sorry affair with one of the biggest gossips this side of the Hudson River. Red assured her all things were fine and asked how Alex was feeling, she knew Nicky was close to her work partner and, although she would never admit it to either of them, she was relieved when she came to her aid last night.
She walked through the station concourse, Lornas shift was due to finish shortly and she made a point of going to meet her whenever she was free. As she walked down the crowded corridors she saw the unmistakable head of her colleague at the ticket machine, small duffel bag thrown over shoulder. Torn between shouting hello and speaking to her friend and giving her space she decided to say hi, Alex hadn't indicated she was planning on going anywhere when Nicky had seen her in the morning. Alex had looked a little surprised to see Nicky, but was not displeased to see her. They had a brief conversation where Alex explained she was going to see her mom for a couple of days and Nicky confirmed she was there to meet Lorna after work. Both wishing each other a pleasant few days off they quickly went their separate ways.
OoO
"Why the fuck would someone cheat on their girlfriend behind their back?!" Nicky sounded incredulous as she as she recounted her meeting with Sylvie to Lorna. "She said she was bored but why the fuck would you do that to someone you supposedly cared about?"
Lorna tried to offer some response but Nicky continued with her monologue. "I mean what's wrong with telling someone you're not happy, or it's not working out, or you want to call it off? Rather than just going with the first easy lay you come across?" Nickys face was puce "I gave that skank a piece of my mind, fucking whore! Do you know what the worst thing is?", Lorna quickly realised that it was a rhetorical question "she didn't look ashamed or show the tiniest bit of remorse, just sat there with a smug grin plastered all over her face, man I tell you I was this close to slapping it off her" pausing for breath Lorna quickly checked that she hadn't done anything stupid "nah, wouldn't waste my time with her, I tell you though we're through"
"Has Alex spoken to her?"
"Nope and I don't think she is going to. She said she was heading to see her mom for a few days".
"Hey Alex is tough you know, just think about all that her and Diane have been through, they're both here to tell the tale at the other side"
"Man this is just so fucked up. After all the shit they've been through Alex just deserves a bit of happiness, you know?"
"I know sweetie, I know. Come on let's get out of here".
Alex had quickly packed a bag after she had heard back from her mom, in reality she didn't know what to do for the best, drinking herself into oblivion last night hadn't worked out so well. Killer hangover aside Alex's feelings oscillated from upset to anger. How could I be so stupid? This was the question she asked herself over and over again. She had been surprised to see Nicky at the station but was glad she had been able to let her know where she was going. The train was full but Alex managed to secure a seat by the window. As the train left the busy metropolis she marvelled in the changing scenery, glad of the distraction. She pulled out her phone to let her mom know she was on her way.
Nicky: Have a good time with your mum stretch. Say hi to Diane from me and Lorna :-)
Mom: Hi, you set off yet? I've made your favourite for dinner Xxx
Sylvie: Nice of you to send your little guard dog Al real classy
Alex smiled at the first two texts, frowning at the last. She had purposefully not spoken to her now ex girlfriend, opting to cut her losses. Who could have been to see her? Thinking through the events of the past twenty four hours she quickly narrowed it down to Nicky, torn between wanting to know what had transpired, anger at the thought that she couldn't handle things herself and pride that someone had stepped in and been there for her. She quickly text her mom.
Alex: Hi I'm on my way, train should get in for 4-30. Can't wait for you pot roast Axx
Alex: Thanks Nic, you're missing out on pot roast! Axx
Nicky: aww way to make a girl jealous :-)
Alex opted not to ask Nicky about Sylvie via text, she just wanted to forget about the bitch and not go raking things up before seeing her mom. Trawling back through her messages she saw the one from Piper, smiling she couldn't help but pick up on the daring comment at the end. When they had met for coffee she had the impression that Piper was into girls from her responses to Alex's always flirtatious attitude.
Alex: glad ur finding the book useful. A suitable way to thank me?! Hmmmm I'll have to get my thinking cap on ;-)
Pushing her phone back in her pocket Alex settled back to enjoy the ride.
Piper had been in the middle of a final study lecture when she felt her phone vibrate in her pocket, surreptitiously sliding it out she couldn't help but smile when she read the message, fortunately it was short enough to display on her preview screen so she could read it without drawing attention or so she thought. As soon as the lecture finished Polly, having seen the broad grin, asked her who had text.
"Oh just a friend"
"Like a boy friend?"
"No, just a friend Pol"
"Well they must have said something good judging by the smile on your face"
"Yeah she did", Piper said again grinning broadly.
"Hey guys, you ready for the exam tomorrow?" Larry and George had come over to the girls who had separated from the main group.
"Ready as I'll ever be" said Piper
"We were thinking of going out for something to eat tomorrow after the exam if you fancy it?"
"Sounds good well be there for sure,won't we?" Polly replied before Piper could say anything. Sure she didn't know what Alex's shifts were or what her plans with her girlfriend or friends would be so even though she was desperate to see her again she knew it was better to make plans with her own friends.
"Yeah sounds great"
OoO
As the train drew in at her station Alex could feel some of her feelings of upset draining from her body. She found returning to her hometown so soothing, grabbing her bag she made her way down the platform to the exit and then the bus stop. As she drew nearer she saw the familiar outline of her mom
"Mom, what are you doing here?"
"What a mom can't come and meet her baby girl these days?". Throwing her arms round her much taller daughter she kissed her cheek. "Look at you baby, I swear you get skinnier each time I see you"
"Mom!" Alex chastised as her mother made to pinch at her non existent muffin top.
Settling for slinging her arm around her daughter the pair walked towards the battered car and on towards home.
OoO
The pair laughed and joked as her mom busied herself in the kitchen finishing their dessert, Alex was actually able to relax and felt free of the sadness she had found herself cloaked in.
Picking absently at a tear and share loaf her mom had recently removed from the oven she almost missed the faint buzz of her mobile in her jeans pocket.
Piper : Just to let you know the book has been invaluable, I'm pretty much in your debt for anything, just say the word ;-) Px
Alex could not hold back the large grin which had now formed in her face from the eagle eyes of her mom who chose not to enquire at that particular time and proceeded to dish out their dinner.
Alex quickly pocketed her phone and laid their places at the small dining table.
"So tell me how's work, how's New Yorks finest?" her mom asked through mouthfuls of food
"Nikki yeah she's great!" Alex replied knowing that her mom was referring to her 'number two daughter' "her and Lorna send you their best wishes by the way"
"Are they both settled?" Her mom saw an opening of how she could steer the conversation round to Alex and her current relationship status
"Yeah their doing good, Lorna actually seems to have a calming influence on Nic if you can believe that?!"
"Are they moving in together"
"Nah not that serious"
"Hey I know how quick you girls can work, u-hauling here, u-hauling there"
"Nope still got their own places, although Lorna does seem to spend a lot of time at Nics"
'Don't say it' Alex silently pleaded in her head
"So how are you and Sylvie?"
Alex absentmindedly poked at a piece of meat on her plate. "There is no me and Sylvie, not anymore"
"Awww hunny, I knew it, I knew something was wrong"
"It's all pretty fresh mom" Alex had ceased playing with her food and was now turning away from her mom so she couldn't see the tears that were forming in her eyes. Alex soon found herself being pulled into a sideways cuddle from her mom
"Hey, I don't know the details and I don't want to know the details, not unless you want tell me, but I can tell you, you were too good for her sweetie, knew it from the first time I clapped eyes on her" with that she kissed the side of Alexs now bowed head and comforted her as the tears rained down. After what seemed like an eternity Alex raised her head, now composed and said, "she cheated on me mom". That was all Diane needed to hear, once again kissing the side of her daughters head she started to clear the dinner plates and went to get their dessert.
"Come on, we'll eat this in front of the tv"
After finishing her second helping of home made apple crumble and cream Alex kicked her boots off and bent her legs underneath herself so that there was room for her and her mom on the sofa. Her mom joined her and handed her the remote for the DVD player,
"I think we both know what's required, don't you?"
Alex smiled, content and happy that her mom knew her motives behind her impromptu visit and thankfully hadn't pushed her.
The room was dark as the end credits rolled on Miss Congeniality, Alex stirred and realised she must have fallen asleep, as she moved her mom woke too.
"Great film that"
"Yeah come on let's go to bed, I've got big plans for tomorrow so you'd best set your alarm"
Returning to her childhood bedroom Alex was hit with a wave of nostalgia, old band posters hung on the walls and the same blue checked comforter lay on the bed. Too tired to read she decided to set her alarm, as she reached for her phone she saw she had received two messages
Nikki: Yo Vause you get there ok? Say hi to ma for me! X
Piper : Night Px
Realising she had not replied to Pipers earlier text she quickly typed
Alex : Well aren't you daring! 'Anything' could get a nice girl like you into all kinds of situations ;-) Night Axx
Piper : I'll take my chances! Px
Unsure how to answer Alex let her head fall into the pillow and into a deep sleep
OoO
The following morning Alexs alarm woke her at 8 and she was immediately aware of the small of bacon and eggs.
Quickly grabbing her hoodie she made her way into the kitchen
"Morning sweetie, you sleep well?"
"Yeah, I did actually" Alex said with a slight smile on her lips " you need me to do anything?"
"No you just sit your skinny ass down and let momma look after you!"
Glancing at her phone to check the time Alex also saw the date
"Shit" she exclaimed under her breath
"What?"
"No nothing just forgot it was exam day"
"What your missing an exam? Alex what the hell!"
"No not me mom, a friend"
Alex: Morning, hope the exam goes well, sure you'll ace it brainiac! Axx
There it was again the tell tale smile on her lips
OoO
Piper had not slept well, convinced she would sleep in and miss her exam she had set no less than three alarms but in fact all had been redundant as she had been awake since five, four thirty if you count the tossing and turning. Unable to stomach any food she had managed to force down a coffee and two for her phone she expected the message to have been from Polly so she too broke out into a smile on reading Alexs words. Before she could tap out a quick reply there was a knock at her door, Polly looked in a worse state than Piper and the two decided to make the slow walk to the exam hall, collecting Larry on the way. All three walked as if they were about to face the executioner. Hearing her phone ring Piper answered the call from her dad and Cal who had rung to wish her good luck.
Tapping out a quick response to Alex
Piper : Thanks I think I'm going to need it :-( Px
Piper turned her phone off and entered the examination hall.
Alex quickly grabbed for her phone when the message alert sounded before returning it face down to the table, little smile again gracing her plump lips.
"Here you go sweet cheeks, get your chops round that", Diane thrust a now brimming plate of food into of Alex
"So how long is it before you tell me what or who is putting that smile on your lips?"
Alex choked on a piece of toast, "It's just a friend mom"
"Yeah" Diane said trying to sound as cool and disinterested as possible
"Yeah"
OoO
Three hours later all of the students gratefully filed out of the examination hall, excited chatter about the questions and answers filled the corridors.
"I can't believe tendons and ligament of the ankle made up so many marks"
"I know, thank goodness we studied it"
"Yeah Piper that book you got was a real bonus"
"Yeah it sure was" Piper smiled to herself, dragging her phone out of her bag and switching it back on.
Alex : How about you let me buy my favourite brainiac a drink to celebrate her first exam? Axx
Piper : Yeah that sounds great, when are you free? Px
Suddenly having an attack of conscience
Piper : won't your girlfriend mind me stealing you for an evening?
No X, where the fucks the X?
Alexs head tried to register the two texts she had received in quick succession
Alex : nothing to worry about on that score, how did the exam go? Axx
Piper : It was ok I mean I think I did alright listening to the others, honestly your book was amazing it was like the perfect revision aid. Thanks Px
Phew the X is back, Alex let got a breath she hadn't realised she was holding
Alex : Glad to be of service! I'm out of town this evening how about Sunday would you be free then? Axx
Piper : Yep Sunday's fine, it's a date Px
Alex smiled a broad smile a date, that would be nice
Piper : not a date date of course, that would be inappropriate :-) Px
Alex : maybe I like inappropriate? Sunday it is! Ax
"Hey are you going to help your old ma do this yard work or I am I to do it in my own"
Firing up the mower once more Alex set about finishing cutting the lawn.
"We're going out for tea with your aunt Marge" Alexs mom proffered midway through the afternoon, my treat"
"Cool, but I'll pay"
"No way"
"Mom"
"Ok you can buy drinks"
"Deal"
The sports bar was crowded and the three woman were glad they had bagged a booth, happy to see her favourite aunt Alex carried over a pitcher of beer and three shots
"Let's get this night started how we mean to go on" Alex said knocking back her own shot.
The conversation flowed freely, her aunt carefully avoided the topic of girlfriends with Alex, seemingly having been tipped off by Dianne. The food was a great BBQ platter which the three women devoured with gusto. As the evening drew to a close and the women said their goodbyes. Her aunt pulled her in for a big drunken hug
"take care sweetie and follow whatever it is that keeps making you smile" and with that she slapped her niece on the backside and headed off to her own home as Alex and her mom headed back to theirs.
The next day found Alex again helping her mom with many of the jobs around the house, Alex had been happy for the distraction and the knowledge that she was helping her mom. She had text Piper more that day than she had ever before, standard conversation with a healthy portion of flirting for good measure. Alex had let Piper choose where she would like to go for a drink, she had chosen a small bar just down from the university halls.
OoO
"Aww I can't believe the time has gone so quick, don't leave it so long next time" Diane said as she kissed and hugged her daughter goodbye. "Here I got you this for he journey back" Diane pressed a booked into Alexs hands, it's a new one so you shouldn't have read it already"
Waving from inside the carriage Alex settled herself into her seat and put her headphones in, as the train began moving from the station she waved animatedly at her mom, all too soon she was out of sight. Taking the book she looked first at the back cover before opening the first page. As she did a small envelope fell out, concerned her mom had forgotten the book was a hiding place for cash she opened it inside was a handwritten note and two tickets.
'Think of this as an early Christmas present, get out there and enjoy your self sweetie '
Mom xxx
The tickets were for Radiation Sunrise, one of Alexs favourite bands, looking at the date she realised it was next Saturday.
Trying but failing to call her mom due to weak signal she resorted to texting.
Alex : mom what the hell, how did you even manage that? Thank you so much Axx
Mom: you're welcome sweetie, Marge helped me, enjoy! Xxx
Alex : You're the best Axx
Mom : Just make sure you take someone worthy xxx
Alex let her eyes close as the train weaved its way through the many stations on its way back into the city. Seeing her mom and aunt her time away from the hustle and bustle had done her good, her thoughts inevitably returned to the reason for her swift departure, Sylvie had not tried to make any contact since the guard dog text and for that Alex was grateful. Refusing to shed even a single more tear on the matter her mind ran to Piper. Their flirtatious exchanges had definitely become more pronounced over the past few days.
OoO
Alex had jumped into the shower when she got back to her apartment and now stood wearing only her underwear in front of her open wardrobe. Her phone buzzed,
Nikki: Stretch, you back? We're off out for a few scoops if you fancy it?
Alex : Hi I'm back but I've got plans, thanks any way
Nikki: hope you had a nice break, cu tom and no moping! Xx
Piper: Hi I'm here, where ru? Px
Alex: what? What time did we say omg I'm on my way sorry ax
Piper: LOL I wish I could see your face! I'm teasing! I'm stood looking at my wardrobe trying to find something to wear
Alex calmed herself from her frantic dressing
Alex : funny!
Alex: 7pm right?
Piper: Yep!
Piper: if I can find something to wear! Px
Alex hung back from further comment deciding to spend her time on straightening her hair before applying some heavy eye make up. Finishing her outfit with her leather jacket grabbing her phone and her wallet she set out to meet Piper.
