JC: WTF? Hell, I have no idea why my chapter wouldn't upload yesterday. And I couldn't review the stories I was currently reading too. Guess something went wrong, but I really wanted to update this yesterday. So sorry for the delay. I couldn't get my head straight recently too. Don't ask why. I'm just stressed. It's a lot off my shoulders updating this fic. Alexis' parents are going to make their appearance here. Most of you already got a not-so-good impression with the father. I have no idea what Alexis' parents are like in the anime or manga, so I made them up. I hope that's okay. Hope you enjoy this chapter. I'll be waiting for the reviews afterwards.

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! GX, people, or its characters, but the plot is mine. All rights belong to Kazuki Takahashi.

White Vow

Turn 07: Meet the Parents!

Shortly after 10 in the evening, before she went to bed, Alexis' phone began to ring. She grimaced. The caller could be her father again. Talking to him would only dampen her mood. He was really persistent lately. But she could not just ignore the call. Picking up the phone, she looked at the caller ID and found out that it was her mother calling.

"How's my precious little girl doing?" Her mother's voice, definitely vibrant, came across the line.

"I'm doing fine, mom," she said. "Why did you call?"

"Atticus called earlier to tell me that you're bringing your boyfriend along. He said that you are seriously involved with him."

Alexis felt a surge of heat flooding her face. "Atticus called you to tell you what?" she said, controlling her voice, as she made a mental note to pummel Atticus first thing tomorrow morning. "Seriously? Anyway, mom, Jaden's not my—"

"Jaden Yuki was it? He was a classmate back at Duel Academy, right?" Alexis could tell the rising excitement in her mother's voice. "Atticus wouldn't tell me the details, but I want to know all about this Jaden-boy." Her mother was carefree and merry, just like Atticus, and she had been searching for a man she deemed suitable for her.

Alexis' heart raced. "He's a boy and he's a friend, mom, but not—"

"I can't wait to meet him, Lexi," her mother interrupted. "And I want to see you duel again. I know! I'll throw a party for you and Jaden, and then you two will have an exhibition match. Won't that be fun?"

"What?"

"Oh, I can't believe my little girl has finally found her special someone," her mother continued merrily. "Well, it's getting real late. Good night, Alexis, and sweet dreams."

"Umm…Yeah…Good night…" she muttered under her breath. She couldn't tell her mother that Jaden was just a friend. Her mother was too excited that she wouldn't listen anymore. Her special someone… Alexis lowered her gaze to the floor. Jaden was a special someone, but he was oblivious to her feelings.

"Do you have everything you need?" Mrs. Rhodes asked anxiously over the phone.

"Yes," Alexis replied. She, Atticus, and Jaden were at the airport, waiting to board the Rhodes' private jet. "We'll be there in four hours."

"How about Jaden? Is he with you? You are bringing him along, aren't you?" Her mother sounded very excited.

Alexis sighed. Her mother was acting like a teenage girl. "Yes, he's here." She wasn't about to admit it, but she was very anxious about introducing Jaden to her mother and, at the same time, eager to spend time with him. Glancing at him from the corner of her eye, noting the cheerful smile on his face as he talked to Atticus, Alexis couldn't help her heart from beating so fast. Part of it had something to do with his previous comment earlier, when he arrived at the hotel lobby to meet her and Atticus. She remembered how animated he was in greeting them and how refreshing he looked clad in khaki pants and a white shirt with blue tribal prints.

She had dressed in a sun glow dress of mid-thigh length that featured criss-cross shoulder straps at the back and an elastic waist. The instant he saw her he looked at her from head to toe and said, "You look cute in that dress!" She swore that she almost blushed like crazy because of the unexpected compliment. Atticus had the nerve to tease her about it too.

"Mr. Atticus Rhodes and Miss Alexis Rhodes, please proceed to the boarding area," a voice boomed over the loudspeaker.

"That's us. I'll see you later, mom." Alexis stood up from her seat as she inserted the phone into her white shoulder bag. "Well, it's time for us to go," she said to Jaden, pasting a smile on her face and picking up her flight bag.

"Sweet! This is gonna be my first time riding a private jet," Jaden said, shuffling the strap of his bag onto his shoulder. "Hope I don't get airsick."

"I'm sure you won't," Alexis said with a giggle.

"Look over here, you two!" Atticus merrily said. The moment they turned their heads to the direction of his voice a flash of light was emitted—a flash from a camera. "How about showing those pearly whites for me?" Atticus readied the camera again.

Alexis grimaced. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Well, I'm trying to take a picture here," replied Atticus. "It's not every day you get to spend a vacation with your boyfriend, my sweet little sister."

Jaden choked. "B-Boyfriend?" Well, Jaden liked the sound of that, but he preferred being called fiancé. And again with the teasing? Alexis isn't going to like that, he silently thought, looking over at Alexis, who seemed to have gotten a bit flustered.

"Enough with your jokes and give me the camera," Alexis demanded, trying to snatch the camera away, but Atticus was too quick for her.

Pulling Alexis toward him, Jaden placed both hands on her shoulders and made her face the camera. "Let's take as many pictures as possible, make as many memories," he told her with a gentle smile. He would like this vacation to be special for him and her.

Alexis fought to hide the blush on her face. She felt like melting in his hands like honey. He was so close, their faces merely inches apart. Make as many memories…? It was a sweet thing to say. Nevertheless, she knew that he only meant it in a friendly way, which made her feel a twinge of sadness.

"Okay, now smile!" Atticus said, and the two presented their best smiles for the camera.

"The island's great!" Jaden said in a big voice, feeling the wind blowing on his face, as he glanced from the private airport to the lush greens of the island and to the big mountain from afar. "Reminds me a lot of Duel Academy."

"Yeah, it does…" Alexis felt a little uneasy. By some means, she sensed that something was coming for her. On the other hand, her brother was being himself as usual, flirting with the attendant, who seemed very enticed by him. "Same old Atticus…" She let out a deep sigh.

Alexis' cellphone rang all of a sudden and she quickly answered it. Much to her dismay, it was her father on the other line.

Jaden noticed the frown greasing her lips. Last time she showed an expression like that was the time her father called her. He was an outsider, so he had no right to butt into people's family affairs, but he wished to know what was going on with her dad. The man seemed to spell trouble for her. Jaden moved closer to Alexis, his eyes growing concerned. Alexis didn't respond to whatever it was her father was telling her and she seemed to be getting angry.

"You're going too far, dad!" she finally snapped. "You don't get to decide what's best for me!" She then hang up and took a deep breath.

"Alexis…" Jaden muttered, bringing a comforting hand to her shoulder. "Is everything okay?"

"Dad again, huh?" Atticus said, walking up to her. "So, what did he say this time?"

"I don't want to talk about it." Alexis wished her father would just leave her be. "Anyway… We'll have to wait for our ride at the exit." She picked up her flight bag and started walking.

"Atticus, what's the deal with your old man? Why is Alexis—" Jaden was asking when Atticus interrupted.

"Kinda complicated to tell," Atticus said. "And don't worry about Alexis. She's not going to let this put her down."

Jaden watched Atticus joined Alexis. He was all smiles as he wrapped an arm around her neck, which only annoyed Alexis. But Jaden knew that the brother was trying to cheer up the little sister. He was an only child, so he had notions about having a brother or sister before. Seeing how Alexis and Atticus were, he kind of felt envious toward their relationship. That thought aside, he was still worried about Alexis. Her father seemed to be forcing her to do something she doesn't want. Whatever it was, he knew Alexis wouldn't give in.

As they waited for their ride to arrive, Jaden suddenly felt hungry. "Looks like the food from the plane wasn't enough," he said. "Maybe I should have brought snacks with me."

"You'll get to eat plenty soon," Alexis said, smiling at Jaden. She looked to the left and saw a white limo pulling over at the Loading/Unloading area.

Jaden's eyes sparkled. "No way! Is that our ride?"

The instant a man came out of the car Alexis' face fell. "Atticus, you handle that guy," she said, turning to her brother. "I'm taking Jaden with me."

"You got it, sis," Atticus replied, winking an eye. "Good luck, Jaden, my man."

"Wha-What's the matter, Lex?" Jaden asked.

"Get down!" Alexis commanded, pulling Jaden down to his knees behind the guard rail. "I can't believe this!"

"Huh?"

"It's my father," Alexis whispered grimly.

"Your father?" Jaden peeked over the top of the guard rail. He saw Atticus talking gleefully with a man who seemed to be in his thirties. His hair was swept back with a strand hanging in his face and had the same shade of blonde hair as Alexis. His hazel eyes were cold and uncanny, his face expressionless. Jaden could sense the air of indifference surrounding him like a thick fog.

"Jaden!" Alexis grabbed Jaden's arm and pulled him back down.

Her face was dangerously close to his, and he couldn't help but stare at her lips. He swallowed hard, telling himself to stay focused. "Um…Mind telling me what this is all about?"

"I didn't expect him to be here. Mom didn't tell me anything."

"Huh?"

"I have issues with my father, so I don't want to see him right now." Alexis stared heatedly at the concrete ground, shaking with anger, as if she wanted to punch someone.

Jaden wished he understood her dilemma. Alexis was pretty worked up after seeing her father. He knew it would be best to lead her away from him. "Then we're out of here!" he said, grabbing Alexis' hand.

Alexis blinked in surprise. "Eh? What?"

As they dashed toward the parking area, they spotted a worker who had just parked his 4MC. Alexis asked if they could borrow the 4MC. The worker was a bit surprised to see Alexis and immediately bowed his head to show his respect, telling her that she was free to borrow it since it belonged to her family. Of course, Alexis thanked the guy and handed the keys to Jaden.

"You're driving," she said.

Hopping onto the 4-wheeled motorcycle, Jaden stole a look at the incoming guys in black suits. "Friends of yours, Lex?" he teased.

Alexis shrugged. "My dad's lackeys." She rode the motorcycle and wrapped her arms around Jaden's waist.

"Hmmm…Thought so." The engine roared as he pumped the accelerator. "Well, hold on tight, Alexis!" he said, pulling out of the parking lot and into the road.

For the most part, they rode in silence, though Jaden would sporadically ask a random question on purpose to take her mind off her father temporarily. Jaden had to admit that after getting away from the airport, he'd given much thought on how to spend time alone with her. They were already in the forest, which spread out like an endless maze. But he didn't feel any doubt to where Alexis was taking them. After an hour ride, they decided to take a break at a meadow.

The meadow was perfectly round and filled with an assortment of flowers, ranging from violet, blue, to pure white.

Jaden ran to the meadow, simply awed by the vibrant display of nature. He turned, giving a bright smile at Alexis, but she was staring down at the ground, looking depressed. "Alexis…" He took a step back toward her. "You're going to make the flowers wilt with that face."

"Sorry…for dragging you into this…" she said warily.

He gave a short laugh. "Hey, no sweat! This doesn't bother me one bit."

Alexis wondered if she could ask Jaden to help her in her current predicament. No, I shouldn't…

Jaden leaned closer. A faint whiff of her scent drifted toward him. Her scent was distracting yet sensual and alluring. For one dizzying moment, his head clouded and his mind went blank. He fought the urge to touch the smoothness of her cheek.

"Jaden…"

And that snapped him back to reality. He was entirely too close for comfort. "Umm…Yeah, Lex?" He felt a surge of color sweep across his face. This was embarrassing.

She heaved a sigh. "I wanted you to do me a favor."

"A favor? Sure, thing!" Jaden smiled.

"I want you by my side when I go meet my father," she said.

This would be the time when a guy would feel nervous about meeting the girlfriend's father. Jaden totally got the shivers going up and down his spine. In addition to that, the father wasn't your average nice guy, since Alexis didn't seem to get along with him. "He's not gonna kill me, isn't he?" he asked with a slight chuckle. Judging from the father's appearance earlier, Jaden would label the man as the type that you don't want to mess with—EVER!

"Don't worry, I'll make sure he doesn't do anything to you," Alexis hastened to assure him. "Jaden, I need you for support."

Jaden regarded her thoughtfully. He gave her shoulder a comforting squeeze. "You can count on me, Lex."

Touching the hand on her shoulder, she gave him a grateful smile in return. "Thank you, Jaden." With Jaden to back her up, she felt confident to face her father. She wasn't about to let her father have his way. She was going to end her issue with him.

"Hey, no problem!" He carefully withdrew his hand, feeling a bit reluctant to part with hers, and quickly he ran toward the meadow. "Okay, let's take our mind away from that for a while and enjoy our time here. You know, this place is just plain awesome!" He lay down on the flower bed, closing his eyes, as he bathed under the gentle sun. He also enjoyed the taste of the air as well. It was so cool and fresh.

Alexis wanted to lie back as he did, but she decided to sit down right beside him, letting her chin rest on her knees. "This is my favorite spot in this island." The tender wind blew past them, swaying the grass and flowers around them. She closed her eyes to get the feel of nature more.

Slowly he opened his eyes to look at her. The meadow was magnificent enough, yet it paled in comparison to Alexis. She was really beautiful. Sitting up, without taking his eyes off her, he reached out one hand to touch her face. He was almost at the goal when…

"We should head to the mansion now," she suddenly said.

Shocked, Jaden quickly backed away from her until he hit a tree.

She opened her eyes, turning to where Jaden used to be, and blinked in surprise. "Jaden?" She looked up and saw him rubbing his poor head while leaning against a tree. "How did you get way over there?"

He smiled like a playful child. "Oh, nothing! I was just…well…hehe…" He chuckled. "We're going, right?"

"I'm sure our rooms are all prepared once we get there. You're gonna like your room."

"Really? Then I'm looking forward to it."

The road trip to the mansion was steady and brief. They had a few chit-chats about their previous academy life and the duels they've faced, which took Alexis' mind off her father for a while. Jaden was ecstatic to have her just ride with him through a beautiful forest toward the grassy field. But their little enjoyment had to end. The instant Jaden parked the vehicle he could feel tension coming from Alexis, though she was adept enough to school her features. He was a bit nervous too and yet he couldn't hide the excitement from seeing the extravagant mansion. The fact that Atticus and Alexis were insanely rich still amazed him until now.

Ideal type for any kind of vacation or holiday, the Rhodes' mansion was situated on a hill top overlooking the forest. It was surrounded by a lush garden and expansive lawn. The path leading to the mansion had reminded Jaden of the yellow brick road from the 'Wizard of Oz' story. Jaden couldn't imagine himself living in such a big house. If their mansion here is this big, I wonder what's the size of their main mansion... The rich are really different. He felt like he wasn't the right 'type' for Alexis, considering his background and status. But that MAN chose me for a reason…so…

"Welcome to Villa Rhodes!" Atticus exclaimed, popping out of the bushes, smiling ever so merrily. His welcome gave them quite a shock. "Took you long enough to get here."

"I bet it won't take that much time to beat you to a pulp," Alexis said dryly.

"Sissy, where's your sense of humor?" Atticus said, stepping out of the bushes and onto the path. "Anyway…Dad's in the library right now. That should give us plenty of time to give Jaden here a tour around our humble abode."

"A tour? Sweet!" Jaden was letting his curiosity run. "But wait… What's this about your pops being in the library?"

"He likes to read…A LOT…" Atticus said, emphasizing on the last two words. "It'll take a while till he comes out. Trust us, we know."

"How about mom? Where is she?" Alexis asked.

"In the kitchen, whipping up some delicious treats for us."

"I'll go say hi. In the meantime, try not to get Jaden in trouble."

Atticus pouted. "You make it sound like I'm a trouble-maker."

Alexis sighed. "Which you are by the way…"

Jaden had to agree with that. Atticus' antics would usually stir up trouble more than once, especially for Alexis. "Okay, Mr. Tour Guide, why don't you start the tour?" he told Atticus.

"Then this way please, sir," Atticus said, adapting the accent of a British man, as he bowed.

Upon entering the courtyard, Jaden saw three living areas, two in the ground floor and one in the first, connected by an outside stone flight of stairs. The first floor had an expansive large terrace, perfect for outside dining. Atticus then led him to the swimming pool and sun deck, made of stone works, where one could relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Then they were off to his bedroom.

When they got there, Jaden couldn't believe that he was going to sleep in a comfortable bedroom that boasted a view overlooking the forest. He had his own dressing room that led into the spacious bathroom with a large tub and a separate restroom.

"You serious, man? This room…This is really my room?" Jaden asked Atticus for the umpteenth time.

"Jaden, ask me again and I'm gonna make you sleep in Alexis' room," Atticus said with a teasing grin.

Although it was a tempting idea, Jaden dared not ask anymore. "So, where's your room?"

"The one right beside yours."

"And Alexis'?"

"Right down the hall." Atticus raised a brow. "Planning to pay her a midnight visit? Maybe you're not as naïve as I thought." A mischievous grin slowly formed on his face.

Jaden flushed slightly red and shook his head vigorously. "I don't have any ulterior motives, okay?" But he was more aware of things he wasn't before, though still a bit clueless in some areas.

"Sure, you don't," Atticus said only to make Jaden more flustered. "Kidding… Come on, let's head down to the kitchen. I'll introduce you to my mom."

The door suddenly swung open and then a woman dressed in a pure white sundress entered, directing her eyes toward Jaden instantly. Jaden was mesmerized with the way she looked. She had an elegant figure similar to a model's. Her hair was brown and silky, gently flowing down to her waist, which suited her dark eyes. She was as beautiful as Alexis, only with more adult charm. Jaden figured that it was probably Atticus and Alexis' older cousin.

The woman eyed him like a hawk as she crossed her arms over her chest. Jaden couldn't help but feel nervous a bit. He was thinking that she was probably one of those rich girls who hated commoners like him. Well, if she were, then he was going to ignore whatever mean stuff she was going to say. However, the moment the woman opened her mouth to speak, giggles were heard instead of insults.

"He's a real stud, Alexis!" she exclaimed lavishly. The woman's eyes were practically sparkling.

Alexis stepped into the room and sighed. "Mom, let's not scare the guy, okay?" she said.

Did she just say MOM? Jaden took an involuntary step back in surprise. The woman before him was Atticus and Alexis' mother. And she looked so young! The woman could pass as Alexis' older sister. "Pleased to meet you, mom—I mean, ma'am!" Jaden said, bowing stiffly like a robot. First impressions just went downhill.

"Oh, likewise, Jaden," she said, hooking his arm with hers.

Jaden almost jumped in reaction.

"Why don't we sit down and have a chat?"

Atticus hooked Jaden's other arm. "Sounds great, mom! Let's take a seat over there!"

Alexis clenched her jaw. "Please behave, you two," she said.

Atticus and Mrs. Rhodes dragged Jaden to the sofa. "Sit here, sweetie, between Atti and me." They all took their seats. "How did you meet my daughter? How did you make her fall for you?" Their mother fired the questions right away. Before Jaden could answer, the mother chained another question. "How long have you two been dating?"

"We're not exactly," said Jaden, and then Alexis continued with "in a relationship."

Mrs. Rhodes looked at her daughter. "But Atticus told me that Jaden's your fiancé."

"Drop the act, mom, I know you're aware," Alexis said. "I'm sure Atticus here didn't spare any details."

Atticus sighed. "Sissy, don't be such a killjoy. Mom and I were having fun playing around."

"You two are really birds of the same feather."

"But I'm still glad my little Lexi brought her special someone with her," her mother said earnestly.

Jaden was having a hard time not getting all flustered, but Alexis' finely honed instincts prevented her from retorting. Alexis admitted to herself that her mother was right, that Jaden was her special someone, but these were feelings she had kept for herself. "Mom, please don't start…" She was cringing inside. "We just met at Duel Academy. He was my classmate. We became friends and rivals, that's—"

"Although I was quite surprised hear that Alexis is bringing a guy with her, I imagine what he'd be like…" Mrs. Rhodes interrupted, gazing at Jaden with soft eyes. "I've seen pictures of you with Atti and Lexi. But who would have thought that you would be such a cute boy? You can call me 'mom' if you like!" she exclaimed cheerfully, hugging Jaden tightly like a stuffed teddy bear.

Heat rushed through his body like a tidal wave. Jaden's now red face was totally being crushed against her voluptuous breasts, and she wasn't giving him much air to breath with her tight grip. He froze up like a statue, not sure on what to do or how to react.

Alexis placed a palm over her face and sighed, while her brother just laughed. "Mom, Jaden's gonna die of suffocation soon."

"Mom's having a swell time embarrassing me in front of you," Alexis almost grumbled as she leaned back against the railing. She and Jaden were at the terrace attached to his room. Atticus had gone off with Mrs. Rhodes. It was just her and Jaden now.

Her mother was certainly enraptured by him. She had sent Alexis and Atticus away to the kitchen, so she could have a one on one with him. Jaden was little overwhelmed by her relentlessly sunny disposition and her fascination with romance. Now he knew where Atticus got his personality from.

He had told her how he and Alexis first met and about their first duel. The mother had expressed so much joy and told him that he was the first boy to ever breach her mask. Although Alexis was a confident, smart, and strong-willed girl, she had always been serious, according to Mrs. Rhodes, and an introvert. Jaden discerned the fact that most people found it hard to approach the Queen of Obelisk Blue, who was nothing like her cheerful and extrovert brother. She has the tendency to act more quiet and reserved, but she had opened up when they became closer as friends.

"Your mom's cool. But, seriously, she doesn't look like a mom at all." Jaden was still in awe with Mrs. Rhodes youthful appearance.

"You're not the first guy to point that out. Mom and Atticus get along pretty well, as you have noticed."

"Like mother, like son, right? Then I guess you're like your fa—" He quickly shut his mouth. He should know better than to bring up her father in their conversation. "My bad…"

"What do you think about 'Arranged Marriages'?" It was a funny thing to ask to Jaden, she thought, seeing that Jaden was rather clueless when it came to these things.

Jaden stared from Alexis' reluctant eyes to the view of the forest. They were practically arranged to be married by that MAN because of the bet. However, he wasn't going for her just because of that anymore. He was after her heart now. "A forced marriage… That's what I think. It strips off the freedom of two people in love."

A temporary shock left her silent for a while. "Yeah…You're absolutely right about that…" She was back in full command of herself now. "You see, my dad…he…"

"I should question your actions earlier today, but it seems like I've found the reason why you eluded me at the airport." A deep, stern male voice seemed to sweep past them like a chilling wind.

Jaden and Alexis simultaneously turned toward the sound. A tall, blonde man stood in the doorway of the terrace.

Alexis narrowed her eyes, and Jaden felt the sudden tension between them. The man was none other than Alexis' father.

To be continued…

JC: And we end it at that! It was fun writing about the mother. I decided to let the mother be like Atticus, since a business-type father would seem more serious and reserved. Mrs. Rhodes certainly loves Jaden. On the other hand, Mr. Rhodes will probably be bitter over Jaden. The dad means serious business. What will Alexis do in order to get her father to set her free? Okay, that's all for now! Tune in next time for more JxA moments. Please review! No FLAMING!