You all are amazing! Thanks so much for the reviews and story alerts. I was genuinely surprised at how much you all liked Kate's babi! Also thanks to The 12th Precint for including this. I don't have a Tumblr account, but I'm a sometimes stalker!
Recap: Alexis turned trickster, making some sort of deal with Lanie. Kate went shopping with the Castles. They all stopped at Kate's dad's house before making it to their camping destination. Rick met Kate's Babi and learned a lot more about her. Trickster took her shipping to a whole new level by picking a tent too small to accommodate all the girls forcing Kate to bunk with Castle—who deemed her "best daughter ever."
And now they're camping…
Chapter 42 – Climbing
Sitting around the campfire with Castle and six teenagers was not at all what Kate imagined it would be. It was quiet.
Beyond their campsite, she could hear music playing. Occasionally she heard laughter from another campsite or the crunch of gravel as someone walked by. But around their fire, there was only the crackling and hiss of the logs as they buckled and warped to lava red coals, then white-hot embers before falling away as ash.
Kate watched the flames dance, mesmerized, as always, that it was never really the same. Across from her, Alexis sat cuddled into Ashley in her loveseat chair, sharing ear buds and little whispers. The girls and Ajax were texting. Castle was playing a game and, beside her, Kyle lightly tapped his leg to a beat projected for his ears alone. She was the only one not tuned into an electronic device.
Normally, the silence wouldn't bother her, but when she added logs to the dying fire for a second time without anyone seeming to realize, she debated just going to bed and reading her book, alone…in Castle's tent.
But, she wondered, how could they possibly be sitting around a campfire with a famed mystery novelist and not be enthralled by his storytelling? She knew from reminiscing with Alexis and Castle that it was their habit to sit around the campfire telling ghost stories. It wasn't something she'd ever done, but she was more than happy to indulge her ears.
Kate debated. Bed and book or make 'em all mad? Bed and book? Or classic camping experience? Bed and Rick's book? Bed and Rook? Yeah, bed and Rook was good. Smiling, she closed her eyes and leaned back. Very good. Too bad I didn't bring one of those. Instead, she had The Dante Club. But…she did have Rook's creator—who just so happened to be her favorite storyteller.
Kate stood and started with Alexis and Ashley, then Castle—taking their phones away. "Since half of us have never been camping and none of us do it often enough to make it blasé, shouldn't we at least try to enjoy the experience—without batteries? Just for a little while?"
Her actions caught everyone else's attention and they all seemed ready to do something else.
"I'm game," Castle said.
Honestly, he hadn't known what to do with all the teens. He didn't want to seem uncool by suggesting a game or embarrass Alexis by saying something stupid, so he was trying to keep his mouth shut and fly under the radar. He was the "cool dad" when she was younger, but when you threw boys in the mix?
"What ya think?" Kyle asked. "I got a 'Name that Tune' app me and my friends play."
Kate and Castle each cringed at his speech.
"I brought a deck of cards," Alexis offered.
"Actually," Kate said, "I was thinking we'd be remiss not to take advantage of Mr. Castle, here. I don't want him to get a big head, but he is a fairly decent writer. I think we should talk him into telling us a story."
Heads nodded.
"I have a better idea," Castle said. "I say we make it participatory. Everyone contributes. Pass if you want to. That way, if it's not up to the good detective's standards, she can't blame me."
"Or you're just looking for ideas for you next book," Alexis shot.
"Ah, but you're forgetting—this troubadour is—"
"Castle—we want a story, not vainglory."
Alexis complimented Kate, causing her dad to scowl at each of them. He couldn't keep it up, though, especially not with Alexis pulling faces at him. Kate watched his lips twitch and flip upward.
"Fold."
"So, who wants to start?" Ashley asked. "I pass this round. I need something to go on."
"I'll go—unless you want to set the stage?" Alexis asked her father.
"Have at it, Honey."
Alexis began weaving a tale about foreigners travelling in a forgotten land. She passed to Kyle who threw in flooding. Paige built on that with a line about snakes and gators. Devyn passed, saying she was tired and going to bed. Ajax gave their travellers names, Kate built on their characters, adding the reason for their travels. Castle added swimming zombies.
By the time they'd made it around the circle a few times, they had added Voldemort, a ghost in a bubble, Jaws incarnate and Ursula. It had them laughing more than shaking in their boots. Another round and everyone passed, leaving Castle to finish weaving the tale—which he did amazingly well.
Even on the fly, he managed to recall the details everyone added and create a narrative that ended with a snake slithering into the whole in the dead foreigner's chest at Voldemort's command, a mysterious creeper lurking in the shadows and the smell of singed zombie flesh hanging in the air after a fire-bending avatar zapped the flood waters away. It was the most convoluted story she'd ever heard—and she'd heard some pretty interesting alibis. Castle finished it with an evil "BAH HA HA HA HA."
It wasn't too long after that the boys and Paige decided to hit the bathrooms before bed. After they walked off, Castle moved over to the loveseat chair to cuddle with his daughter. Kate never tired of seeing him with Alexis. She seemed to have a calming effect on him. With his head resting on hers and his arms wrapped around her, he looked at once peaceful and protective.
Without warning, a memory of her mother and father sitting just like that came rushing back to her. It was the last time they'd gone camping. Her parents had pulled the picnic table closer to the fire so that they could sit beside one another.
She recalled sitting across from them. She'd been surly most of the day. Her boyfriend had just broken up with her two days prior. She hadn't mentioned it to anyone. Her dad hadn't liked him. Her mom had taken to not commenting. She didn't want either of them to say "good riddance" when she was feeling so down.
She clearly remembered looking across at her parents, who'd sat in almost the same position Rick and Alexis were now in. At first, she was disgusted that they were so lovey-dovey; then, she'd watched as their hands met in her father's lap, without either planning or thinking about it. They'd been married for twenty-some years, but they were still so in love. She remembered feeling that feeling that could only be described as a "melting heart."
It was what she felt now, looking at Rick and Alexis. Her heart was melting for what they shared, what her parents shared and what they'd all given her. It was more than a lost memory; they'd given her back her family.
Kate felt her eyes well with tears and stood before anyone could notice.
"Goodnight you two," she said quietly. "Sleep well, Alexis."
Alexis wished her a good night as they watched her hurry away.
"Is Kate okay?"
"I'm sure she's fine, Lex."
"Missing her mom, you think?"
"Always. What about you? Talk to Meredith lately?"
"No, but Grandma says she got a lead part in some Indie Film. She's pretty happy about that. They're even filming it in Baja Cali, so she'll get to stay pretty close to home."
"That'll be nice for her. I hope it goes well."
"Me, too."
They just sat for a while, Alexis thinking about Meredith and Castle thinking about Alexis.
"So…your friends seem to be having a good time."
"Yeah."
"Except Devyn."
"Yeah."
"What's up with her?"
"I honestly don't know. I asked Paige because she's really been weird around Kate, but Paige doesn't know."
"But she's not, uh…is she safe?"
"I'm careful, Dad. You know that. And I don't know her that well, but she's Paige's cousin and they're all set, so no—I don't think you have to worry about her trying to take advantage of me. Besides—it's been a long time since that's happened."
"Still doesn't hurt to be careful."
"I am." Alexis paused. "You're safe, too, you know."
"What do you mean?"
"She's got a bit of a crush on Ajax, so I'm pretty sure it's not another one of those situations where one of my friends is after you."
"Thank God for small favors," Castle joked.
"Still, I don't know her that well, so you might want to be careful, and I'll tell you if I figure anything out. Apologize to Kate for me, though?" Alexis kissed his cheek and bid him goodnight. "I'm going to bed."
An hour later, after clearing the table and tipping the camp chairs, Castle entered the tent as quietly as possible. He was thankful for the clear dome top and moonlight. More than being long enough to accommodate his frame—that's what he loved about this tent. It made him feel like he was sleeping under the moon and stars, but he could watch the rain fall without getting wet.
He stepped over Kate and rummaged in his bag. He was trying so hard to be quiet. A quick glance at Kate to ensure she was asleep and he shucked his jeans to replace them with sweats. He hadn't been expecting company, so he was glad he brought them. Castle sat up on his knees and made sure everything was pulled from the sides of the tent.
He looked down at Kate. In the moonlight, all tucked into her black sleeping bag with her hair fanned out on her pillow, she looked like a black and white picture. A perfect beauty. A camera could never capture her, but he was saving this moment, locking it away on his internal hard-drive, backing it up in his heart.
Kate could feel him above her, but she didn't want to open her eyes. She'd been watching him when he wasn't looking, too. He'd taken his sweatshirt off, and while he was leaning around the tent, she was watching his muscles flex with each movement. How did he look like that? And then his hair—how it flopped with each movement he made. She'd wanted to reach out to him and pull him down over her, but that wouldn't be right.
Once Castle was sliding into his bag, she spoke up.
"I'm awake, Castle."
"Sorry. I was trying not to."
"You didn't. Sandman stopped for a pint, I think."
Rick didn't respond. She had a lot on her mind, he was sure. He felt a little bad thinking 'It's been a big day for her'—it was the kind of thing he said about Alexis when he'd worn her out as a little girl. But it's exactly what he was thinking.
They'd been silent for a while just listening to the night around them and their own thoughts, when Kate rolled over to face him.
"Hey, Rick?" she said quietly.
He turned his head to look at her. "Hmm?"
She held his gaze for a moment before closing her eyes. "Good night," she smiled sleepily.
"Sweet dreams, Kate."
Rick's arm was thrown up around over his eyes trying to block the sunlight. Damn tent. Impossible to sleep in. He registered something tickling him. He looked down to see Kate's nose nuzzled into his side. She was curled up with a fist tucked inside his shirt and under her chin.
Kate stirred. Ah, man. I shouldn't have moved, he thought. He held his breath and tried to stay still hoping she'd relax, but it was too late. She shifted back to her pillow, groaning as she went. She withdrew her hand from his shirt and looked embarrassed.
"Sorry. I got cold."
"No problem. I'm happy to be your bed warmer."
"Umm." Kate stretched. Castle watched. "Ugg. I don't remember the ground being this hard when I was younger. Feels like we set up in a parking lot."
"I could get us an air mattress? Massage your back?"
"Trying to get out of sleeping on the ground, Castle?"
"You're the one who complained."
"Commented, not complained. It's a good sore."
"Good sore?"
"Yeah. You know? You're sore, but you feel good? Like after a good workout?"
"No such thing," Castle interrupted.
"'Course there is. C'mon you've got to work out. What do you do?"
Castle shook his head.
"C'mon—you've got to do something?" He had to. He was inexplicably muscular and she wanted to know why. He never talked about working out.
"Nope. I used to go to the gym, have a personal trainer—all that stuff, but I hated it."
"Then what do you do?"
"Good metabolism?"
"Don't lie. Tell me."
"I did."
"What else?"
"No. You'll laugh."
"The only way I'd laugh is if you told me it was gymnastics—though, you've already given me a visual on the tights, so maybe I could buy it."
"Promise you won't laugh?"
"No."
"Fine. Pilates. Okay? I do Pilates. It's relaxing."
She's not laughing. She should be laughing by now. Castle looked up at Kate. She looked mad.
"Seriously, Castle? Pilates?" She shook her head. Damn. I work my ass off and Adonis here does Pilates?
"And sometimes yoga. And sometimes Wii Fit. I just don't like being at the gym anymore, so I do everything at home. And I swim whenever I can and play racket ball with one of the guys in my building. Oh, and fencing. And laser tag."
"You play."
Castle shrugged. "Makes it more fun. Offer for a massage still stands."
Kate considered his offer. Did she want a massage? Of course. Who wouldn't? Could she handle it after spending the night next to him, waking up with her hand splayed across his chest? Probably not. She was so glad he hadn't awakened first—too soon though after she moved her hand.
"Thanks, Castle, but, uh, maybe later? We should seriously consider putting our bags together tonight, though."
She saw Castle's eyes widen.
"I'd be happy to share my bag with you, Detective."
"For more cushion, Castle," she clarified. "Since you brought extra blankets."
"Ah." Castle smirked at her before stepping outside their tent. "I'd be happy to share my blankets with you." He winked before he zipped her in.
Rock climbing. He'd taken them rock climbing. He'd told them they were going on a hike and, when they met their guides at the path entrance, she'd thought it was a bit odd that they had three of them, but she just assumed it was Castle overdoing it. Then, they were standing at the bottom of a cliff, along the river's edge. It seemed they had reached an impasse and would turn around after they rested a while—which was fine by Kate, because, honestly, she hadn't thought they'd be gone so long and she was hungry.
They'd stopped to take a break, dip their feet in the water and just enjoy the view. It was amazing. Bright greenery against the grey river and steep, surprisingly colorful cliffs, with hills and valleys everywhere they looked. The day was a little overcast—perfect for taking pictures, Paige had exclaimed. Kate didn't think the girl had stopped clicking since they started their hike. She had a summer internship with a photographer that she was "super excited" about. She would actually be working at the same place as Ashley; he'd started there last year with graphic design.
Kate hadn't been interrogating him exactly, but she had spent a significant portion of their hike asking Ashley questions—and avoiding the one guide who'd taken an interest in her. She liked Ashley, and though her gut told her he was a good kid, it was Alexis…and Rick was her partner. He needed backup every now and then. She told herself she did the same thing with Maddie and Lanie's guys, but, they were big girls and the urge to shield them didn't come. It wasn't the same, at least.
Kate had learned enough from Ashley to understand that Stanford had as much to do with wanting to get away from his parents as it did with the school. They wanted him to study "something pretentious like Economics of Taxation in Underdeveloped Nations or Enigmatology." She was still trying to figure out if 'Enigmatology' was actually a thing or something he'd make up while he was filling her in on his plans to take only one economics class and use his graphic design skills to make them think otherwise.
It would have raised a red flag for her—his willingness to lie, but then he'd asked if it was illegal, indicating that he both trusted her and was concerned about it, so she chalked it up to typical parent-teen rebellion. Besides, she'd met his mother twice now and his dad once. Nice people, but she could see where they'd be domineering.
Kate's stomach growled as she thought again that she should have eaten more than just the granola bar and apple, but while Castle and crew had mowed down eggs and turkey sausage made in hobo pie makers, she hadn't been all that hungry. Too many marshmallows the night before.
She wondered if Castle heard her stomach's protest because, when she looked over at him, he asked "You guys hungry?" They all nodded or spoke in affirmation, thinking maybe the guides had lunch in the backpacks they carried, but then Castle pointed up the cliff.
"Lunch is up there." Castle pointed up the wall of rock where a man stood at the top, waving down at them.
Lying in the tent, fresh from her shower, Kate laughed out loud recalling how Alexis had nearly lost her marbles thinking she was going to have to climb up that cliff, but Castle had just calmly put his arms around her—no small feat given the way she was waving her arms, yelling at him for springing something like this on her, and said, "Pumpkin, you know I'd never make you do something you didn't want to do."
Castle had explained to them that if they didn't want to climb, Terri, one of their guides would back track with them and take them to the top of the cliff via a well-worn path. He'd thought of everything.
So, why couldn't he manage to think how sausage might affect him? Kate wondered to herself. She had scoffed at him, telling him to forget the sausage—that the spices that we're going to do a number on him. She and Alexis had each tried to convince him not to buy sausage in the first place, but he insisted, pulling the "it's my stomach, I think it should be up to me to decide what it can handle" line. At least, we convinced him to give the turkey version a chance.
Castle might have been fine if it weren't for the physical exertion of the hike, but she'd seen him pressing the heel of his hand to his sternum and holding his side. He'd pretended he was okay, but she could tell he was hurting and trying not to let anyone know. She'd walked over to the backpack Castle dropped earlier and dipped into the side pocket where she'd snuck in some Tylenol and Tums.
He'd looked at her so gratefully when she handed him her water bottle and two Tylenol. She'd watched his eyes soften when he looked at her. The wrinkles that were tightly kinked around his eyes due to the light or, more likely, pain just kind of fanned out when he looked at her so tenderly. Any smartass remark she'd had at the ready when he asked her "Not going to say I told you so?" was lost. She couldn't speak when she was lost in his eyes. His fabulous eyes.
She actually couldn't remember much else in the moments between his eyes and opening the Tums for him. She was aware only of his eyes and the expansion in her chest making it hard to breathe. God, it had actually started to hurt! Is that normal? Somehow, Castle's "tastes like chalk" comment caused her chest to deflate and she could breathe again. She'd laughed a little, unsure if it was from the look on his face while chewing the berry-flavored chalk or sheer relief that she wasn't having a heart attack. Not a real one at least.
Kate rolled over onto her stomach, folding her pillow under her neck.
Their guides—turned out there were four of them—set the wall up so that they could climb two at a time. They chose this spot because it offered something for everyone. The cliff itself wasn't so high that it was too intimidating to consider, but it was high enough to make a newbie's heart beat a little faster, even with the easy holds to the right. Kate could see that the wall would become more challenging if she ventured left. If she moved too far to the left—where the crag pitched out a bit, she wouldn't stand a chance.
Alexis and Paige opted not to climb, so while they hiked up to the top with Terri, the others were fitted into climbing harnesses. They listened to their belayers explain they'd be "top-roping" and that they were free to play and rappel, so long as they communicated their intentions appropriately.
Castle told her he'd picked their campground intentionally figuring the kids might be bored just sitting around the campsite. Apparently, there'd been an option for whitewater rafting as well, but he thought this option offered hiking and good views if the kids didn't want to climb.
They let the kids go first, Devyn and Kyle, followed by Ajax and Ashley. While they waited, Kate studied the wall, trying to plan her path up. There was a shiny black quartz section about halfway up that she'd have to go around one way or another; she could tell there were no holds in that area.
She'd felt a little nervous. A date had taken her climbing at a rock wall once. Kate smiled remembering how…what was his name? Jeremy?...had been intent on impressing her with his climbing prowess. Their date went downhill about the time Kate became comfortable on the wall and proved to be a better climber than her date. He'd asked her how she was managing, and when she'd answered "chin-ups," he hadn't believed her. So, of course, she had to prove it to him. Needless to say, dinner had been very quiet.
"Have you climbed here before?" she asked.
Kate knew Castle had been climbing before. A game of 'Would You Rather?' with Lanie, Jenny and the boys several months ago revealed as much. The choice had actually been bungee jumping or sky diving—only Castle had done each, but then they started discussing other adventures.
Esposito tagged the sky diving and rock climbing, and Jenny had been bungee jumping, but they were willing to try anything. Ryan claimed he wanted to bungee jump and had been scuba diving a few times. Kate said she'd give sky diving a go before bungee jumping. Lanie, on the other hand, had been hard pressed to choose, but finally settled on bungee jumping since she wasn't a huge fan of flying anyway and hated her Caribbean snorkeling experience. Castle, it seemed, had tried everything, including ice caving—hence, the pemmican—all in the name of research.
"Not here, no. And it's been years."
"Looks like we're up."
"Yup."
"Any tips?"
"Have fun?"
"Castle?" she said, looking up at him while Jason paid a little too much attention to checking over her harness. She grinned at him. "Wanna race?"
"What? I wanna play," he whined.
"Just to that ridge above the quartz?"
"You're on, Detective, but what's my motivation?"
"Bragging rights not enough for you?"
"Scared you'll lose?"
"All right, Castle." Kate thought a moment. "Okay, when I win, you make good on your massage offer from this morning."
"Stiff, huh?" Castle asked. "Deal. And when I win, I make good on my massage offer—"
"Castle—"
"And you put dinner on. Stew. Everything's ready—just needs to be thrown together and heated."
"Sounds like a win-win for me."
"I could say the same." Castle called over his shoulder, "We're ready to climb."
"On belay," their belayers called back.
"Ready, Detective."
Kate just yelled "Climbing!" in answer. She was halfway to their mark when she looked over to her right and saw a Castle a good length ahead of her. He was easily scaling the cliff on the right side of their space. There were footholds and handholds bigger than his feet.
"Absolutely not, Castle!"
"Can't go changing the rules half-way through, Beckett."
Kate sent a glare at him. "How about an honorable win, if you're going to win?"
"Oh, I'm gonna win."
"At that rate, yeah, but it will be meaningless and you know it."
Castle yelled, "Falling" and then rappelled the short distance to her. Once he had a hold back on the wall, he started climbing over to her.
"All right, Kate," he said when he was right next to her. "So, what are your rules? I'll start where you are."
"No rules, Castle. Just don't cheat."
"No rules? You always have rules."
"Fine. You have to at least challenge yourself a little bit."
"Okay." Castle started moving closer to her. When he reached across her back, she froze a little.
"Castle! What are you doing? You're gonna make me fall!"
"You said to challenge myself. If I'm going to do that, I need to be over there."
"Doesn't mean you need to go over me!"
"Part of the challenge, Kate. Move your foot."
"What? No! Find your own spot!"
He was directly behind her now, his helmet clicking against hers while he looked around. She could feel his breath on her neck. It was disconcerting.
"Still want that tip, Detective?" The sleeve of his t-shirt skimmed her bare arm. The hair on his legs tickled behind her knees.
"No."
"You're using your arms too much. They'll be worn out before you reach the top."
"Really? That's your expert tip? Think I'm doing fine, Castle."
"No, that's not my expert tip. My expert tip—learned it my first time climbing—is," he pushed up against her with his hips, causing her to gasp, "Make love to the wall."
He was aroused, not fully, but she could feel him pressed into her backside. It was not just the way the harness was wrapped around his groin. She didn't trust herself to respond.
Her whole body was pressed into the rock, and Rick felt just as solid behind her. She felt her own reaction twill down her spine. She knew Rick didn't miss it. She felt so tight and turned on. It occurred to her, in that moment, that except for the soft flesh, it would have been hard to distinguish between her breasts and the boulder in front of her.
She knew she teased him sometimes, but this was ridiculous. She literally had nowhere to go. And what could she say without letting him know how much this was really affecting her? Rick reached further up above them, pressing tighter against her. For a moment, she worried that he intended to crawl up her body, and that definitely would not be okay. She was debating releasing her hold on the wall knowing it would cause them each to fall, when she felt the pressure on her back release. He moved up and off of her.
"Hips close to the wall. Use your legs. That's what my first guide taught me." Kate risked a glance at him. He was so broad and solid. She was surprised he moved so agilely along the wall.
Kate finally found her voice. "Your first guide taught you to make love to a wall?" she asked wryly.
Castle winked at her. "He just needed help phrasing it."
"Get climbing, Writer Boy. We've got a race to finish."
They weren't too far from the ridge now, so Kate just kept climbing. Castle was climbing, too, but he'd ventured far enough left that holds were few and far between, and the ones that he could find were more like pencil ledges. Kate made it to the ledge before Castle, but it didn't feel much like a win, considering he'd stopped racing to concentrate on technique.
Kate stopped on the ridge to rest. It was only about a foot wide, but it was enough to sit. Rick was right. Her arms and fingers were already sore. She pulled a knee up to her chest and simply looked out to enjoy the view. It was spectacular. With the river just below them and smaller cliffs across from them, it gave the impression that they were higher than they actually were.
Rick hauled himself up onto the ledge beside her. Kate took in his black v-neck, all covered in dust and dirt. She looked down at her own tank. It was filthy—but the surprise had been worth it. She wasn't normally one for surprises, but it didn't bother her so much with Rick. Maybe she'd just gotten used to it? He was always surprising her.
They didn't rest there too long before Alexis was yelling down to them telling them to hurry up—or the boys were going to eat their lunch. They each decided they were hungry enough not to let that happen. They started climbing side by side. They were making good headway when Kate realized Castle had stopped.
"Come on, Castle. Let's go."
"Right behind you."
But he wasn't moving, so she edged closer to him to find out what he was concentrating on. He was carving his name into the rock. Kate watched him, fascinated. He looked so far from boyish right then. Thoughtful. Wistful, even, but not child-like. She wondered what he was thinking. When he was done, about to pocket his Gerber tool, she put her hand on his forearm to stop him.
"Put my name, too," she whispered, not in question, but hesitantly. It seemed meaningful to him and she wasn't sure if she was intruding.
Castle looked over at her, again with that tender look that paused her breathing and sped her heart. The right side of his lips tugged into that half-smile she loved while his eyes closed, and he nodded happy acceptance of her request. Below his name, he added "+ Kate."
When he was through, he quipped something about it being carved in stone. He adjusted his hold on the wall and began to climb again. Kate reached out, wiping the dust from their names. She pressed a kiss with her fingers to Rick's name and lingered on the '+', silently making promises.
"Kate?" Alexis tapped on the tent lightly. The screen was open, but she couldn't tell if Kate was asleep or not.
"Yeah?"
"Can I come in?"
"Yeah." Alexis unzipped the panel and bent to enter. "I was just thinking about reading, but I haven't quite worked up the energy. What's up?" She could tell Alexis wanted to talk about something. She was being too quiet and not making eye contact.
"Did you see the pics of the puppies I sent you?"
"Yes, I did. I don't know if this is such a good idea."
"What? We told you—he's gonna love it. He wants a dog so badly."
"No—I know. But, how are we going to pick just one? All those puppies at the shelter and we're supposed to pick one—maybe even take it away from its family?"
"Seriously, Kate? That sounds so wussy."
Kate smacked her with a pillow. "How would you feel if someone stored you in a little locker and people came to look at you, maybe even play with you, but then just put you back in the locker? And then, if you were one of the lucky ones and someone liked you, you were pulled away from your brothers and sisters and the locker you'd become comfortable with?"
"So, you'd rather leave the puppy so it doesn't suffer from separation anxiety?"
"No," Kate said dejectedly, teasing Alexis. "I just think you should find a home for all of them."
"Me?"
"Yeah, you. Make it your mission in life."
"Puh-lease. My mission in life is far less noble."
"And what is that?"
Alexis paused, becoming more serious. "Well, actually, I don't know, but I'm not about to become the poster child for PETA."
"Did you like any of them?"
"Well, the one with the scrunchy face was so homely it was cute. There was that white fluff ball one—she was cute, but I can't really see my dad taking up the man purse and poodle look."
"You never know, Lex. This is your dad we're talking about."
"Did you like any of them?"
"I don't know. It's hard to tell, not being in front of them. I honestly don't think we'll find one that way. Gives us a good idea of what's out there, but until I see the puppy in person—pet it and play with it, I don't think we're going to know which one 'it' is."
"Well, since Dad didn't want me to work, I have tons of free time. So, whenever you want to go, call me. I can be there at the drop of a hat."
"Where's that phrase from, anyway?"
Alexis shrugged. "Ask Dad."
"When do you want to record your composition?"
"Time's getting away from us, so whenever you can."
"Let's shoot for Wednesday so that we have the weekend, if something comes up. Be thinking of ways to get your dad out of the house."
Kate watched Alexis thumb through photos on Castle's iPad. She seemed hesitant to bring up whatever was bothering her—and Kate was sure now that something was bothering her. She wasn't her light-hearted self.
"Still want me to braid your hair? Not sure I can teach you the fishtail braid while doing your hair, but I can at least do it for you."
Alexis nodded. She'd been impressed with Kate's braid yesterday. Alexis made small talk and told her stories to go along with some of the pictures she was looking at. Finally, she caved.
"Can I ask you a question?"
"If Kevin came to you and told you Javier was talking about hooking up with another woman, would you tell Lanie?"
"Absolutely."
"Even, if you didn't know for sure?"
"I'd tell her 'this is what Ryan told me.' I'd name names and be frank."
Alexis didn't seem happy with her answer.
"But, I can tell you that the hypothetical you posed isn't applicable to your situation. For one, if Esposito told Ryan something like that, Ryan would never betray his trust—even as much as he adores Lanie. Two, Esposito wouldn't live to see the light of day if I found out something like that—and that's nothing compared to what Lanie would do."
"Okay…so, say you had a friend, and another friend told you that this friend's friend did something with someone—not a friend—"
"My brain, Lex. If you say 'friend' one more time…" Kate finished Alexis' braid and wrapped her arms around Alexis' small frame. "Why don't you just tell me, hmm? There are only a few people here that could cause you to be this upset, and even I weren't damn good at it, I'd draw to the conclusion we're eventually going to get to anyway."
Alexis breathed out in relief.
"Ashley told me this morning that Kyle was bragging about hooking up with some girl a few weeks ago. Said he'd seen her a few times since then. And I was trying to figure out how to tell Paige, but while we were hiking, when it was just us, she told me that she and Kyle found a spot by the river and they're gonna sneak out tonight and…you know. And then Kyle and Devyn were there. And, now…I don't know. I want to tell her, but I don't. I mean, people have said that to me before about Ashley, but it was lies. Just lies. So, how's she supposed to believe me, when I don't even know if it's true? I mean, maybe he was just bragging trying to impress Ashley and Ajax cause they're older and—and more experienced? I don't want to tell her and have her be mad at me or ruin anything between them if it's not true."
"Oh, um…wow." Kate was stunned by the speed of Alexis' speech. The teen was looking at her now, begging for a solution. "Well, I can see why you don't want to be the one to speak up, but I think you have to tell her. She's your friend. Wouldn't you want her to tell you?"
"She has before, but like I said, it turned out not to be true. And she still kinda feels like I chose—choose Ashley over her. What if she thinks I'm just trying to get back at her?"
"If she's meant to be a forever friend, she'll know you're just looking out for her."
"I know. I just don't want to tell her, not yet. I'd rather talk to Kyle first. Make him tell her or end things or at least hear his side."
"Well, I hate to break it to you, but you're on a kind of tight timeline. Think how hurt Paige will be if something happens between them—and how angry at you she'll be if she finds out you knew and allowed her to give herself to someone who didn't really care enough about her."
"I know. And I don't want that to happen either, so I was hoping you could help."
"What do you want me to do, Alexis?" She was hardly the right person to discuss this with Paige. Unless Alexis wanted her to interrogate Kyle? That she could do.
"Well, you're used to stakeouts, right?" Kate nodded, not really liking where this was going. "Could you maybe just listen for them? You know, the tents? You'd hear the zippers, right? If they tried to sneak out in the middle of the night?"
"So, what? You want me to just sit around the fire all night? How would I explain that to your dad?"
"No!" Alexis said quickly. "I mean. It doesn't have to be around the fire. And, it wouldn't be all night. They plan to sneak out around two."
"Lex," Kate said her name slowly.
"Please, Kate? Just as a tentative plan? In case I don't get a chance to talk to Kyle?"
"Sweetie…" Kate sighed. This was a bad plan, but Alexis was so earnest. How was she supposed to tell her 'no'? "Okay, Lex. But you so totally owe me," Kate said poking her arm.
"I'll be puppy sitting while you're at work. Taking it on walks, cleaning up doggy-doo. All you have to do is stay awake for a bit and intervene if necessary."
"Okay…fine. But for the record, when your dad said 'chaperon' I didn't think he actually meant it!"
"You're not going to tell him are you?"
And have to deal with him overreacting? No. It wasn't his daughter, but she knew he was concerned about this.
"No, but, Lex…" Hmm, Kate thought. How do I want to put this? Did I even want to know? You're his back-up. You promised you'd look after her. "Are you being safe?"
"What? Safe?" Realization dawned on Alexis. "Oh, we're not having sex."
"You said Ajax and Ashley were more experienced."
"Ajax is...and Ashley…was…more experienced than I was, but…"
"You are being safe, though?"
"Not much choice."
"Meaning?"
"I'm 17, Kate. I still see the same pediatrician I saw when I was 10. I'm at the age where they recommend seeing a gynecologist—and I would. I mean, I would never do something stupid and not use protection. I would rather be prepared. Double up, you know? Just in case."
"You haven't been to the gyno." Her statement was missing the tilt at the end that would have made it a question like she'd intended.
"I was thinking of asking Gram, but she's so dramatic, you know? And not exactly the shining example of…well… And then I—I wanted to ask you about it, but then I didn't know if you'd feel obligated to tell my dad about it. And then that would be awkward for you. More awkward than this."
"Honey, this isn't awkward. It's just us. You and me." She leaned back on her pillow and Alexis followed on Rick's side.
"You know, if your dad had his way, you'd be in a chastity belt until you're 40, but we all know that's not going to happen. As much as he will have conniption-fit at the thought of you having sex—seriously, Lex, he's not ready for that, he'll also respect that you haven't yet, and that you're being responsible about it."
"I don't want to freak him out. Just because I want to be on birth control doesn't mean I'm going to run out and have sex. I just want to be ready if it does seem right."
"I think that's wise, Alexis. Just, do me a favor, okay? Don't rush it just because he's going off to school."
"I won't. Honestly—and I've told Ashley this, too—I don't see myself sleeping with Ashley—or anyone until I'm 18. I figure it's an adult activity with very adult consequences, the least I could do out of respect for my dad—myself, too, I guess—is to be recognized as a legal adult."
At some point, their conversation lost the awkwardness Alexis initially felt. Alexis was much more confident in this than she was about how to deal with Paige and Kyle. She had a very mature and healthy attitude toward sex; she'd set boundaries and goals for herself and communicated those to Ashley. The mere fact that Ashley knew where she stood was a testament to her state of mind and maturity. Hell, so far as communication goes, she's doing better than me.
Kate looked over at her favorite red-headed teen. "I'll take you, you know. My gynecologist, if you want, or wherever you pick. If you want."
"Really?"
"Yeah. My doc's nice. And they use warm gel and warm that thing—I don't know what you call it. The spreader?
"It's a speculum."
"Really?"
"Sex Ed."
"Huh. Warm gel. Warm speculum. Trust me when I tell you that improves the experience tenfold."
"Does it hurt?"
"Uncomfortable. And truly awkward. But, it's quick…and I guess you kind of get used to it."
"Is your doctor a woman? Think I'd prefer a woman."
"Yeah."
"Then that would be cool, if you could go with me."
"We'll still have to tell your dad, though."
"What? Why?"
"Well, for one, it'll show up on his insurance anyway. For another, what if something happened to you? He'd have to tell them what medications you're on. It would be dangerous for him not to know."
"That makes sense, but he's not going to like it."
"You want me to prep him?"
"It'd probably go over better."
"And you can always just tell him the birth control is to help regulate your period. He can't argue with that 'cause he can't know. Lots of women use birth control for that."
"Thanks, Kate."
"Don't thank me yet. I'm going to find to most poopinest puppy in Manhattan."
I know it was a bit of a wait…but it's long. If these are too long, or chuck full of things you don't care about, please tell me. I happen to like a story and to learn about the characters, but if it's moving along too slowly for your liking, I'd like to know. Also, love to hear what you like! So, please, leave me a review?
[SERIOUSLY – please leave a review! That count is stuck at 666 which seriously creeps me out!]
Hope to have the next chapter up yet this weekend, but it probably won't happen. It's half-written because I wasn't sure where I wanted to break. Only one more chapter of camping…