Hunched over the bathroom sink, Norma took advantage of the time she had away from Alex to freshen up. She ran a hand over the bags under her eyes. This was the first day that she couldn't understand how she could be so exhausted. Sleeping next to Alex was the most peaceful, enrapturing experience she'd had in a while. And even so, nothing was quite like this. Being so close to someone so new yet so familiar was an unusual feeling. That was what was most intoxicating about it. She felt both entirely safe and comfortable, but every time he set eyes on her or touched her skin, Norma felt as though it was the end. From his contact, she would melt on the spot, and she wasn't used to having such a sensation. Most men she had ever known didn't even have a fraction of this effect.

Alex lay in bed, stretched out under the covers, sleepily smiling at himself. His guard was officially down, and she allowed him to take his stoic, protective shield of an attitude fade away. It terrified him that he had finally admitted to himself that he was now infected with her, and she was beginning to let him in. The covers smelled of her, and his head spun. His longing took over him so entirely that he rose from the bed to find her in the bathroom.

Norma was in her robe, applying her mascara when Alex threw open the door. In one swift action, he gripped her waist and pulled the back of her to him.

"Alex!" She gasped, taken aback, but also trying to mask her satisfaction.

"I'm starving. Do you want to get a bite to eat?" He suggested coyly, letting go of his hold on her. Alex looked at her innocently as she grumbled to herself. He'd almost messed up her makeup job. He disregarded this. After seeing her free of all masquerades, he came to adore it more to see her stripped away of any barrier between him and the truth of her being. It lighted a spark of intrigue in him whenever she was honest. It was a real testament to her affections toward him, just as Alex's shifting moral compass was a testament to her.

She finally responded with only an ounce of enthusiasm. "Sure. Sounds great. Where?" It irked him to see her so emotionless, especially after everything.

"Um, there are only a couple spots in town to get any decent meals. The diner near town hall that's pretty good." Alex hoped that Norma would be keener on going out with him. He wondered what she was thinking of. She was so distant from him at the moment.

"Do you want to go now?"

"If you want," she mindlessly answered. He knew this would happen. She would get bored. Be hot and cold about the developing relationship. His heart stung because he was starting to think that he had more affection for her than she would ever have for him. Looking back to when she had first come to his office asking for political favors, she would have never imagined how attached he had gotten. And now, she was quiet and dispassionate. Something had to be the matter.

"Norma, is there something wrong?"

"The hospital called this morning after you fell back asleep. I can take him home today. He's doing better and I'm worried about handling him on my own. The help he needs is so above and beyond what I ever would have thought he needed. It's getting to that point where I can't brush it off. Alex, he's tried to hurt himself. I don't know how to handle him, or-or to treat him."

Alex walked in so that she in perfect eye line of his lips. "That's why I'm here. There's always going to be a time when I need to protect you, and this is one of those times. Why would I leave now?"

Exhaling, Norma frowned up at him. "I better go see how Norman's doing."

"Do you want me to go with you?" Alex offered, hoping she would. The least he could do was be there, even if their intimacy was put on hold. Norma nodded, and put away her makeup. They went downstairs and headed for her Mercedes.

At the hospital, the two went up to the front desk and asked for Norman. Immediately, they were directed to his room. He was sitting upright on his bed, writing on a scrap piece of paper. From the corner of his eye, he noticed them come in, and flipped over the paper he was musing on. His eyes flickered protectively, almost as if he could sense the closeness between Alex Romero and his mother.

They were standing beside one another, arms bumping against each other. Norman now sat at the side of his bed, hands weaved together. "Hi mother," he greeted tonelessly. Norman appeared better, but she could see the stich marks on his forearms, the redness in his eyes, the exhaust in his voice as every word he uttered seemed heavier than the last. Norma anxiously but subtly took a small side step away from Alex.

"Hi sweetie. How are you feeling?" Norma cooed, forcing a smile to her lips. Norman went shifty eyed, looking between her and the Sheriff.

"I don't know if I feel comfortable answering that in front of the Sheriff," he responded sourly, getting his message across with no tinge of politeness. Alex nodded to himself and turned to Norma.

"I get it. I'll wait outside," Alex concealing his offense. As soon as he left the room, shutting the door behind him, Norman stood up from the bed and stood in front of Norma.

"What is he doing here?" He growled, crossing his arms indignantly.

Norma scoffed and took a step back from him. "I cannot believe how rude you're being, Norman. I understand you have been through a lot these past few days, but I'd appreciate if you don't take it out on me and Alex. I'm here to take you home. You're the most important thing in the whole wide world to me, you know that right?" She pulled Norman in for a hug, and he limply remained in her arms as she continued.

"He's here because he wanted to see how you were doing, Norman. Not to question you about anything," she ensured softly.

"So he's not here for you?"

With that, she broke free from the hug and shot him a scornful look. "What is that supposed to mean," she sputtered. Norman's lips curled into a distasteful pout.

"I just want to make sure he's helping you because he genuinely is concerned, not because he wants to get in your pants." Flushing firey pink, Norma headed for the door.

"Get your things! We're going home!" She announced, leaving the room to find Alex.

He was waiting outside, sitting at the waiting area finishing up a cup of coffee. Standing up at the sight of them walking towards him, he could sense the tension and kept his mouth shut.

The car ride was probably the most disconcerting position Alex had ever been in in his life. The deafening silence was unnerving, and the filters that were hinted in both of their voices was unbearable. He knew being there was the reason for their cryptic language and eerily well-mannered reactions to one another.

Finally he interrupted the straining composure of the car atmosphere. "Norma, you can just drop me home."