Chapter 49
Ned sat in his office at ELQ. He couldn't stop replaying his last interaction with Alexis from the previous day. She admitted she was struggling, and she didn't just let him kiss her. She responded. There was still something left worth fighting for. There was. He had to believe that, but then she said she was considering changing her name. It made no sense. She made no sense recently, and he had no idea how to help her make sense of whatever it was from her past that made this so hard for her. He looked up from the document he was reading when Julia knocked on his door.
"How'd it go?" She asked genuinely curious walking into his office.
"With?"
"Alexis. You know, your wife."
"Your guess is as good as mine." He sighed and changed the subject. "So do you have the contract? You're still in right?"
"I'd be in with you anywhere." Julia flirted and handed him the document from her briefcase.
"The electrical inspection. We're going to have to dump a lot of cash into this hotel to bring things back to code. Renovations. You're sure you're up for it?"
"I am and so is Barrett Industries."
His phone rang. He looked at the screen it was Madison. "I'm sorry I have to take this. It's my kids' school."
"It's fine. We can talk later. The deal isn't going anywhere." Julia said as she got up to leave and he nodded.
He answered and watched Julia leave his office. He thought it might be the school nurse again. Addison was consistently looking for ways to come home. He'd usually make her tough it out, so she couldn't avoid. Alexis would cave and let her come home. They either couldn't reach Alexis or Addison had told them she would be with him later that day. "Ned Ashton."
"Mr. Ashton, it's Principal Brown."
"Principal Brown, is everything ok? Is it Addison? Owen?"
"No need to panic, Mr. Ashton. I'm calling with an update. You had asked that I call if things shift in either direction."
"I did, you're right. Go ahead."
"I just wanted to let you know that Owen seems to have settled back in and there haven't been any issues since the initial altercation. He's a good kid, so whatever that was. It seems to have resolved itself. We appreciate you talking with him."
"That's good to hear. He was defending his sister. It wasn't unprovoked." He explained. He wanted the school to know Owen had been telling the truth.
"Addison? We are still concerned about her here. Is there more we should know?"
"Yes and we are, too."
"Her attendance is cause for concern itself."
"I know. Listen, she didn't want us to say anything, but at this point I think you should know. She's struggling because she was sexually assaulted over the holiday break by Morgan Corinthos. Her anxiety took a turn for the worse when he came back to school."
"What? I'm sorry to hear that."
"Thank you. Given everything that transpired this fall, it's hard for her to be there. But we're trying to get her there. Alexis and I are handling it. She's in therapy, but if you can let her teachers know. She needs grace right now and she needs to feel safe. I'm not sure she feels that way currently. Anything you can do on your end to help make sure there is distance between her and Morgan. We'd appreciate it."
"I'll talk to the staff. Thank you for looping me in, Mr. Ashton. We'll be back in touch."
Ned hung up and sighed. He didn't want to tell the school without consulting Alexis, but a decision needed to be made and it was hard to watch his baby girl struggle. He knew it was the right call. He hoped Alexis would see it that way and then they'd tell Addison that her teachers know together. She wouldn't react well, that much he was certain of. But they couldn't let their fourteen year old dictate this any longer.
Addison sat in math trying to pay attention. She could do this. Stay in class. She needed to be in math. Mrs. Ryan cared. She reminded herself, Mrs. Ryan cared. She'd already agreed to let her eat lunch there again. She kept the reasons vague, but she also knew she needed the extra help to catch up and stay on top of the new concepts they were learning.
"Addison, that was Mrs. Miller on the phone. She wants to check in with you." Mrs. Ryan said quietly as she approached her desk.
"Can you just tell her I don't want to go?" Addison asked. Mrs. Miller liked to check in but she also knew she hated being pulled from math.
"You're coming by at lunch and we'll go over what you missed. Go ahead."
Addison nodded and grabbed her bag. She checked the hall. It was clear. She breathed out. She walked to the main office. As she entered the office Hope walked by the window and stared and Addison averted her gaze. Mrs. Miller was already standing there waiting and noticed. "Addison?"
"I'm coming." Addison said and walked down the hall and entered Mrs. Miller's office. She sat in the chair by the round table off to the side and Mrs. Miller sat next to her. "Why did you need to see me? I was in math…"
"I know, but this is important."
"Ok." Addison said skeptically.
"How do you feel about school lately?"
"It's fine. Can I go back to math now?" She didn't need anyone else digging in her feelings. Her parents and Dr. Winters were enough to deal with.
"You've missed a lot of class time recently…is there anything you want to talk about?" Mrs. Miller shared her concern.
"Why would you ask me that?" Addison tensed up, now on alert.
"Addison, we just want to help you." Mrs. Miller stated. "You aren't in trouble here. We pulled the tape from last week. We know Morgan pulled you into that classroom, that you weren't there willingly."
"What? Why would you even be looking…I know I skipped class. I already got spoken to for that. But I had a good reason. I swear."
"What happened in that classroom before Mrs. Ryan arrived, Addie? I need you to be honest with me. We can't help keep you safe if you aren't honest right now…"
"Oh my god they told you. They told you!" It was the only thing that made sense. It was the only reason they'd go digging.
"Your father talked with Principal Brown this morning if that's what you're referring to."
"I can't believe this! I told him not to. I told him not to do this!" She couldn't believe her dad did this without talking to her first. It caught her completely off guard.
"Take a deep breath Addison. I'm sure your parents are just trying to support you."
"There's no way this is my mom."
"Even if that's true, I know now. So let's talk through what's been going on here…what happened in that classroom? Did he do anything to you?"
Addison got quiet. She didn't want to talk about this with Mrs. Miller, with anyone at that school.
"Addison, if he hurt you on school property…I need to know."
"No. He just wanted to know if I was going to say anything about what he'd already done. Mrs. Ryan heard us and…"
"And…"
"I went to the library to try and regroup…But then…"
"What happened in the library Addison?"
"Hope." She said quietly and looked down, picked at her nails, took a breath and continued, "Hope took a video of my panic attack and posted it to myFace. She had people calling me a slut after a party at her house over break. After Morgan got arrested again. She told people I wanted it and I didn't. I didn't. I said no. You have to believe me."
"I believe you. Is this still going on?"
"It hasn't stopped. It won't stop. Hope–"
"Hope Kensington?"
"Yeah."
"Is this why you've gone to the nurse instead of music class lately? You've developed a pattern, Addie."
"I want to be in class. I just can't. I knew she wasn't my friend. I knew. After everything this fall, I should have known better. I was stupid to trust her in the first place."
"The list of freshmen?"
"Yeah and other stuff, but it's not important now."
"You're sure? Because we can investigate. We are going to investigate. What else is going on?"
"No. You can't. Please. It will make it worse. I don't want to make it worse."
"You're being sexually harassed, Addison. We have to investigate."
"People will know I ratted them out. She saw me come in here! Please don't."
"It's our legal obligation. I'm sorry. We'll protect your privacy. We will."
"Right, the law. Sure." She said sarcastically, like the law could protect her from this. People will know it was her. "Can I please go back to class now? I can't afford to miss math. I really can't."
"You can, but I'm here if you want to keep talking about this today or any day. I'm here to support you, Addison."
"I know." Addison said and stood. The bell rang. She froze if people saw her leaving the office they'd absolutely know. There would be witnesses to Hope's story. "Can I just wait until…"
"Yes. I'll write you a pass. Science next right?"
"Right." She needed a plan to survive the day and then she needed a plan to avoid going to the Gatehouse. She was furious with her dad and she needed to figure out how to handle that. She didn't think he could ever do something like this. She'd meet Cam. She'd figure out a way to meet Cam and talk this through. He'd help her make sense of what came next.
Ned had called Alexis. He left a voicemail. They needed to strategize about how to tell Addison. He hoped Alexis would see this was what needed to happen. She was likely in court. He should have known. But, he hoped she'd get the message before his kids arrived. It was a long shot, but maybe, just maybe they'd get to talk before he had them for the next few days. It seemed the separation was making it harder to stay on the same page about the kids. Harder to communicate the details. He was at the Gatehouse going over notes for the hotel deal when Owen walked through the door.
"Hi Dad." Owen said, dropping his bag, heading to the couch and reaching for the TV remote.
"Hi. Where's your sister?" Ned asked, confused.
"She said Mom was picking her up so she didn't need to wait around for me to be finished with mock trial. Why?"
"Your mother told me— never mind. I'll call her, we probably just got our wires crossed." Ned looked at the clock. Alexis was likely still in court. He'd call his daughter first. Straight to voicemail. "Hi Addie, it's Dad. Call me when you get this." He worried. His instincts told him something was off and dialed Alexis next. Thankfully she answered. Had she even checked her voicemail?
"Alexis Davis." She didn't even look at the caller id as she answered and walked out of the courtroom. She'd keep trying to mentally adjust to the fact that she wasn't going to be his wife any longer. Regretfully she knew she needed to drop Ashton if she had a chance at moving on.
A knife through his heart. It clearly wasn't a one time slip. "Hi, it's me."
"Hi?" She said, confused as to why he was calling. The kids were with him.
"Is Addison with you? I thought Owen was driving them both, but he's here and said she told him you would drop her off."
"No. I'm still at the courthouse. Did you call her? Maybe she's with Sophie or Cam?"
"Yeah. She's not answering."
"I'm leaving the courthouse now. If she's at home, maybe she's asleep? Maybe it's a migraine and her phone is on silent. I'll call you as soon as I get there." Alexis said as she hung up. She looked at her missed calls. A voice message from Ned. Nothing from Addie. It wouldn't be the first time their daughter wasn't where she was supposed to be recently. She'd sought her out when she needed her, maybe that's all this was. She had to believe that was all this was. At her core her daughter liked the rules. Liked structure and routine.
"Alexis, we need to set up a time to interview your kids." Ric Lansing said as he approached and followed her down the corridor.
"Now isn't the time Lansing. I've got to go." Alexis quickly walked out of the courthouse, drove home and pulled into the driveway. She dropped her purse and went upstairs to her daughter's bedroom. "Addison?" She called her name as she walked down the hall. The door was open. It was empty. She took out her phone and called her daughter. "Addison, it's Mom. Please call me when you get this. I'm worried." She tried not to panic and called Ned back. He answered immediately. "She's not here. She's not answering me either…"
Ned turned to Owen, who was watching TV and doing homework. "Where would your sister go?"
"I'm not sure."
She heard their son through the phone, grabbed her purse and went back out to her car. "I'll meet you at the Gatehouse. She's got to be ok. She's got to be."
He hung up with Alexis and sat in the chair across from his son. "Did something happen at school today?"
"She seemed fine when she talked to me." Owen stated.
"But did anything happen?" Ned pressed.
"I'm not sure. Joss asked if she was ok. I guess she got called to guidance during math. But a few kids got called in this afternoon." Owen explained.
"Ok, thanks. I'm sure she's fine and this is a misunderstanding."
"Addie likes the rules, Dad. She wouldn't do anything stupid."
"She does. You're right." But she has been pushing boundaries recently, he thought to himself. He tried not to worry as he sat and waited for Alexis to arrive. He changed the subject. "You talk to Josslyn?"
"I mean we've been texting on and off since break. Why?"
"I'm just surprised."
"I know you and Mom and basically everyone we're related to can't stand her mother, but Joss isn't as bad as people make her out to be."
"Sounds like you've been getting to know her."
"She's Sophie's sister." Owen explained trying to get his Dad off this line of inquiry. Who knew what he and Joss could be. He didn't need any attention drawn to a few text messages and conversations at Kellys.
"True." Ned agreed and dropped it. Not quite sure what to make of the exchange with his son.
"Did Mom tell you the DA wants to question me again? And he wants to question Addie."
"No she didn't….What's going on, Owen?" Ned questioned as Alexis let herself into the Gatehouse.
"Did you hear from her?" Alexis asked as walked into the room and Ned stood and met her.
"Not yet." Ned said and opened his arms and Alexis gratefully stepped into them.
Owen watched his parents. Why couldn't they just admit they were stronger together he wondered.
"I'm going to try her again." Alexis said, stepping out of the embrace and taking her phone back out. She'd text this time. Addie, where are you sweetheart? Please call me. She hit send and three little dots appeared on her screen, then almost as suddenly disappeared. She added Just let me know you're safe.
Simultaneously at the boathouse, Addison sat and stared at her phone. Cam watched her read the message. "Who was that?"
"My mom."
"Are you going to answer her?" He watched her stare at her screen. It was clear she wanted to and he wasn't sure what was up with her today.
"Not yet. I kind of didn't tell my Dad I was meeting you here. I'm sure he called her and now she's worried."
"Adds, why? I thought you told your parents about us…"
"I did. That's not why. Anyway, how's English? What are you reading?" She changed the subject.
"Nice try."
"Thanks." She smiled at him. "Can we maybe not talk about me for a little while?" She told him what she needed.
"As long as you promise we will…" Cam insisted.
"I promise." She agreed and he sat next to her and took out his phone.. They opened a video and laughed as he tried to get her mind off whatever was bothering her.
Meanwhile at the Gatehouse, Alexis said hello to her son and then turned back to Ned, who had tried calling their daughter again. "Addison, we're worried. Please check in."
"What could have happened that she'd just vanish like this?" Alexis asked.
"Owen, you're sure she didn't mention meeting Cam or Sophie?"
"I can go check the main house if you want. See if Sophie is home…or maybe see if she called Brook?"
"That would be great, buddy, thanks." Ned said as Owen got up, grabbed his coat and left the Gatehouse.
Alexis held her phone in her hand. "I'm calling Elizabeth. Maybe she's heard from Cam or maybe she's there and just has her phone off…" Ned nodded and waited patiently as he heard Alexis start talking to Liz. "Elizabeth, it's Alexis. Is Addison at your house by any chance?"
"I'm at work but I can call Cameron. Is she ok?" Liz answered her phone when Alexis' number flashed across her screen. It was unusual that she'd call her and so she answered during her shift and now she was glad she did.
"She was supposed to go to Ned's afterschool. She disappeared and we can't reach her. I'm hoping–"
"Let me call Cam and I'll get back to you, ok?"
"Thanks." Alexis said as she hung up and let Ned wrap her in his arms once more. Their baby girl had to be ok.
At the boathouse Cam's phone rang. "It's my mom." Cameron said as he looked at Addison, who nodded. "Hey. What's up?"
"Hi. Cam, you at home?"
"Uh, no. Why? Everything ok?"
"Well, Addison's parents called. She didn't show up at her dad's. Are you with her by chance?" He looked at Addison and hesitated. "Cam, her parents are worried about her. Is she with you and are you both ok?"
"We're fine. Yeah she's here."
"Where are you?"
"We're safe. I'll make sure she gets home ok. She just needed someone to listen to her."
"Cam…" Liz was torn about what the right thing was. She knew what it was like. She knew what having the support of someone you trusted above anyone else meant.
"Mom…trust me." Cam insisted.
"I do. So, if you're not home in two hours. If she's not home in two hours…"
"Got it. Two hours." Cam said and made eye contact with Addison as he said goodbye to his mother. Addison was going to have to finally tell him what was going on, so he could make sure she got home or he was certain they'd be barred from seeing each other for awhile.
At the Gatehouse, Ned and Alexis had moved onto the sofa and sat in silence as they waited for Liz to call her back. Alexis answered immediately when her phone rang., "Elizabeth is she with him?"
"She is. He promised he'd bring her home."
"Where are they? I can go get them." Alexis asked, frantic.
"He wouldn't say. But I also feel like you should know she came to see me at GH the other day." Liz had promised she'd keep it between them, but now her parents needed to know.
"She did? Why? Was she hurt?" Ned looked at Alexis concerned and took her hand hearing her side of the conversation.
"She wanted to know if it was too late to come forward. We talked…"
Alexis breathed out, "Thank you for doing that. That couldn't have been easy."
As she spoke to Liz, Ned stood and crossed the room. Waiting for her to finish the conversation. He knew she was too young for this. Wasn't ready.
"She wanted advice that afternoon. I'm sure she's just processing it all. I told Cam two hours. If I hear anything else I'll call. Please let me know if they surface before then…They're both good kids. I'm sure they're ok…"
"Right. We'll sit tight here. Two hours?"
"Two hours."
Alexis thanked Liz and hung up. At least they knew their daughter was safe. Now they had to figure out why she wouldn't respond to them. "She's ok." Alexis said, relieved.
"She's with Cam…where exactly?" Ned pressed as he turned to face her.
"I'm not sure. Liz isn't sure, but they are ok and will be home soon." Alexis said from the sofa. He was worried. She knew he was worried.
"I knew this was a bad idea. She's too young to date Alexis and considering…"
"Ned. Let's not do this. I'm just as concerned she's ignoring us, but clearly she needs someone she feels safe talking with."
"I'm not trying to fight with you." He explained his intent and sat back down next to her.
"I know. You're worried and you get over protective when you worry."
"Speaking of, Owen just started to mention Lansing wants to question him again….and now Addie?"
Alexis sighed. She had hoped she'd be able to talk to Ric herself first. "He showed up at the house. He's grasping at straws. I'm handling it."
"Like you handled it the first time? When were you going to tell me this?!" He grew agitated, fear taking over his emotions as he stood again.
She stood as well, frustrated. "What's that supposed to mean, Ned? And of course I was planning to tell you. Can you please not get defensive right now? We're both scared for her, ok?"
"I'm sorry. I know." He took her hand and she made eye contact. "So we wait until she gets here…"
"We wait." Alexis agreed and they sat next to each other. She wrapped her arm through his as she slid closer to him and rested her head on his shoulder. They needed each other. They couldn't fight. The last thing they needed to do was fight.
Down at the boathouse Addison looked at Cam as he hung up with his mother. "Thank you. I didn't mean for you to have to lie to your mom." She said sincerely.
"I didn't. But, she's right. Your parents should know where you are. I mean…technically you are at your Dad's…"
"Exactly." She was pushing the limit. She knew that, but she wasn't outright defying them.
"So want to tell me why we're hiding out here…"
"You're the only one who cares what I think."
"I thought you said your mom understood. That it helped to talk to her and she wanted you to do this on your own terms."
"She does. But my parents always back each other up. I know she'll side with my Dad, even with this stupid divorce. I know it. She wanted me to speak up, too, and now I have to relive this nightmare when I was just starting to figure out how I wanted to handle it."
"What did your Dad do that's so terrible?" Cam asked as Addison stood, looked out the window and turned to face him again.
"He told my school that Morgan assaulted me. And I showed you the rumors, and now there's an investigation because of all the stuff being posted online. This on top of the PCPD putting things together. It's going to be all over the place when I was hoping my mom could just handle it. So I'd get justice, but it wouldn't be this big thing."
"I'm sorry, Adds. But maybe it will help put an end to what they're saying. The truth can do that."
"It's different for girls, Cam. I've been labeled a slut. That's not just going to go away. The more people who know, and who say I'm lying…"
"But you're not, Adds."
"I know that. You know that. Anyone who actually knows me, knows that."
"Isn't that what matters?"
"Maybe. But what if this entire nightmare has changed how people see me forever?"
"The only thing I've seen is how strong you are. You're one of the strongest people I know."
"Really?"
"Really." He assured her as their eyes locked.
She paused and then asked, "What do you think I should do about this? You've been such a great listener, but what do you think I should actually do?"
"I think you already know." Cam said quietly.
Addison met his gaze again and then quietly said, "I do."
"Can I give you a hug?" He asked.
"You don't have to ask to hug me, Cam."
She stepped towards him and wrapped her arms around his neck and he pulled her close. They stood there for a few minutes and then stepped out of the embrace. "How can you always make me feel better?"
"We've known each other forever. I get you and you get me."
"You think I should go home, don't you?"
"I think we can't hide out in this boathouse forever."
"Maybe you're right..."
"Come on, I'll walk you home before I leave. I told my Mom I'd be home in 2 hours. I don't want her to think she can't trust me and have that get in the way of us seeing each other."
"You have a point."
"So we're going?"
"Yeah, let's go." Addison took Cam's hand and they left the boathouse. As they walked along the property she let go and stopped to pick up some snow. She wanted to laugh. She wanted to have fun and stop thinking about everything else plaguing her life. She wanted Cam to see she could still be fun. "Hey, Cam…"
"What?" He turned and was hit in the face with a snowball and Addison laughed. "You're going to pay for that, Adds." He said as he quickly tried to ball some snow and throw it back. Soon they were chasing each other, laughing and a full blown snow ball fight had ensued. All of a sudden she slipped on a patch of ice, he caught her but lost his balance. They fell into the snow and he landed on top of her, pinning one of her arms.
She froze, Morgan holding her to the ground flashed before her, she panicked and pushed him away, "Get off of me!" She scrambled to her feet.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to–It was an accident. I swear it was an accident." He didn't know what to say as he stood and he tried to help her up but she pushed his hand away. "I care about you, I would never–"
She realized what happened, who it was. "No, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Cam. I'm such a freak. I know you'd never hurt me. We slipped and I freaked out."
"You have every right to freak out. Someone hurt you."
"You don't have to be so wonderful about this."
"In case you didn't hear me…I care about you. It's fine. No harm done, ok?"
"Ok." She said as she brushed the snow off her.
"So maybe we should just get you to the Gatehouse before your parents send out a search party…"
"Right. Facing my dad…"
"You'll be fine." Cam assured her as they walked up the driveway to the Gatehouse. "Ready?" He said as they got to the door. She nodded and reached for the doorknob, pushed the door opened and entered.
"Addison, honey, where were you?" Alexis said as she stood and went over to hug her daughter.
"Hi." She said nervously.
"You're wet. Why are you wet?" Alexis asked concerned.
"I fell in the snow. I'm fine."
"Cam?" Ned questioned.
"I'm going to go. I just wanted to make sure she made it back, ok."
"We appreciate that, Cam. Thanks for looking out for her." Alexis stated before Ned could question either of them.
"Just tell them what you told me. I'll text you later and I'm sorry." He said and she hugged him again.
"It's fine, really. Thanks for today." She said as she pulled away and said goodbye. She waited for him to leave and then turned to her parents.
"Why was he apologizing to you?" Ned was immediately concerned.
Addison rolled her eyes at her Dad. She was annoyed and angry and trying hard not to say something she'd regret. She turned to her mother. "We were throwing snow, I tripped, we both fell, I freaked out when he landed on top of me. It's fine. It was an accident. I'm fine."
"Sweetheart." Alexis said as she pulled her daughter closer. "I'm just glad you're safe. You're sure you're ok?" Addison nodded. "Why wouldn't you answer your cell phone?" Alexis asked.
"I'm sorry I worried you." Addison said to her mom, and hugged her again, still trying to ignore her father.
"Why would you just disappear like that?" Ned questioned and Addison faced him.
"I didn't disappear. I was supposed to be here, Dad, and I was. I was at the boathouse." Addison spoke indignantly.
Alexis watched cautiously, as she watched her daughter press her husband's buttons. Addison was testing them, but clearly this was something between father and daughter.
"Don't try and tell me this was some misunderstanding. Sure, you were technically on the property, but you deliberately took off and didn't want us to know where you were. You ignored our calls. That's unacceptable, Addison."
"I told you not to tell the school, Dad! And you did it anyway! I told you it would make it worse and now it is!" She lashed out.
"We're your parents, Addison. We were trying to protect you."
"You told the school?" Alexis quietly asked, shocked.
Addison noticed. She knew her mother didn't know and her reaction confirmed her instinct.
"I spoke with the principal today, yes." Ned said calmly to Alexis.
Addison jumped in, she couldn't hold back, "Why would you do that?! Why would you ignore everything I've told you I wanted?! It happened to me! So yeah, I went to the boathouse, and I called Cam because he actually listens to me!"
"I have listened to you, Addison, but you're also a minor and sometimes we need to make the hard decisions for you."
"Why are you trying to control me, Daddy? I can make these choices for myself." Addison asked, angry, hurt, trying not to cry. She didn't want to cry and seem even more like a baby who can't stand up for herself.
"I'm not. You're only 14, Addison. There are some choices we have the right to make for you as your parents. It's our job to keep you safe." He stepped towards his daughter. He wanted to help her understand.
"I can't be here right now. I'm not staying here." Addison said as she turned to her mother.
"Addison, it's your Dad's time with you. We have to follow the custody arrangement." Alexis tried to support Ned, but he had broken a lot of trust with their daughter that afternoon.
"No Mom! I can't. I won't. I knew you'd side with him. I knew it." Addison said frustrated.
"I'm not siding with anyone. I'm just trying to keep you from doing or saying anything you'll regret later."
Ned reached to touch Alexis' arm and quietly said, "It's ok." Then he turned to his daughter. "Addison, I'm sorry you feel like I hurt you. I was just doing what I thought we needed to do to help you move forward. I love you, princess, and if you want to go home with your mother I understand. I'll miss you, but I'll understand."
"I do. I want to go home. This isn't home."
"Addison, that was hurtful to your father."
"Just take me home." She said to her mother.
Alexis looked at Ned, sympathetically.
He knew it wasn't Alexis' fault, and at the end of the day his daughter was right. This wasn't home. "Go. It's ok."
"Addison, go wait in the car. I need to talk to your Dad for a minute."
Addison nodded and left the Gatehouse. Not a word to her father and she worried what her mother would agree to as she spoke with him alone.
Alexis waited until her daughter was gone to continue the conversation. "You talked to the school without me?" She questioned trying to understand.
"Principal Brown called me to follow up about Owen. Addison came up. She's missed a lot of school, her anxiety is getting worse and honestly…I couldn't stand listening to her cry herself to sleep at night, Lex."
"And I can?"
"That's not what I was implying and you know that. She's not herself. And we tried it your way, but she's becoming school avoidant. Dr. Winters told us before any of this even happened we couldn't let her avoid. That it will make her anxiety worse."
"But, this isn't how we do things, Ned. We make these decisions together. We've always been a united front and now look at the position you put us in." Alexis said frustrated.
"This was the right decision, Alexis. Do I hate that she doesn't want to stay here right now? Yes, but I know I did what she needs and I think you do too." Ned explained matter of fact.
"Ned…" He was hurt and it showed. She sympathized and touched his arm.
"I'll be fine. You should get her home."
"This isn't settled. I'll call you tomorrow." Alexis stated, not sure how they were going to help Addison move forward now. He unintentionally put them on different sides and now she needed to be the one to build a bridge between father and daughter, while also making sure her daughter's voice was protected and empowered.
Alexis got in the car and looked at Addison. She was clearly upset. She'd never fought with Ned that way. She may turn to her more but she held him on a pedestal, and Ned severely cracked that foundation today. "Addison, your Dad loves you. He just wants what's best for you. We both do."
"Can we not talk about this right now?" Addison said, looking out the window.
"Sure, but to be clear, we will talk about it."
"Fine." Addison said resigned.
"Tonight."
"Mom!" Addison turned surprised.
"You messed up today, peanut. We'll talk at home." Alexis drove them home and they walked into the house silently. She dropped her briefcase, threw her keys on the table and took off her heels. Addison dropped her backpack and went towards the stairs. "Hold it."
"Can't I at least change out of this stupid uniform? I'll come back down. We need to eat at some point…"
"We do and you can." Alexis said and Addison went upstairs. Alexis walked into the living room and looked at the photos that adorned the shelves. School pictures. Her and Ned. Their wedding day. Pictures of them with their children. She stared at the picture of Ned and Addison at the zoo. She couldn't have been more than 6. Smiles on their faces as he held her in his arms and she tried to feed a giraffe. She turned and walked towards her daughter as she reentered the room. "So, why would you disappear like that? You have no idea how worried we both were."
"I went to Dad's. I was where I was supposed to be." Addison stated plainly as she walked fully into the room.
"You aren't getting off on a technicality. You didn't answer either of us. I thought something happened to you."
"I didn't mean to make you worry. Dad maybe, but not you."
"Addison Grace. I don't even know what to say to that. You can't ignore either of our calls or texts. We want to be able to trust you. We need to know where you are."
"I'm sorry, ok! I was just so angry with Dad." Addison said as she plopped at the end of the couch and pulled her legs underneath her.
"I understand that, but this is both of us." Alexis sat next to her daughter and tried to stay calm. She had to try and build a bridge. She had to try and take some of the heat from this.
"No, it's Dad. I know it's Dad, but I get that you can't say that."
"Addie, maybe it's for the best. He had your best interests at heart."
"How? How could it possibly?"
"Maybe now things can start to shift and you'll feel safer at school, so that you can focus and get through the day again."
"But, here's the thing, Mom, I actually was thinking about it. I told you I would and I even went to talk to Elizabeth about it."
"You talked to Elizabeth about what?" She knew, but she wanted her daughter to open up and telling her she knew about her undisclosed trip to GH was not going to keep the line of communication open.
"Whether it was too late and she told me it wasn't and that she'd give a statement since she treated my injuries. I was starting to think I might actually want to see Morgan pay. When we learned about the videos I freaked out, but Mom, the more I thought about it the more I thought maybe it was good news. It's more evidence; it could prove I'm not lying."
"You've really put a lot of thought into how to handle this haven't you?"
"I have and I wanted you to handle it. I knew you would handle it and not have it turn into this big thing because the truth would be out there first, but now I have no control anymore. I never thought Dad would do something like this. I can't stop what he started and now they're investigating the online rumors and everything else and it's going to be awful."
"What rumors, baby? You've mentioned them before and I've tried really hard to let you handle this your way, but you're struggling and it's hard to watch. It's why Daddy talked to the school. I love you,... and you need to tell me what's really going on. I can't help you if I'm in the dark."
Addison nodded and took a deep breath before she proceeded. "They're saying I was the one who called the cops because Morgan rejected me. That I'm a desperate slut and the reason he had that breakdown. And now his friends keep leaving me disgusting notes and girls keep calling me a slut and it's awful, ok?"
"What?" Alexis was shocked.
"There's more…" Alexis waited expectantly, as Addison hesitated and continued. "Someone has a different video..."
"Of what, baby…" Alexis asked concerned as she pushed her daughter's hair back behind her ear.
"The day I had a panic attack at school…Mom ... .Morgan dragged me into some classroom and wanted to know what my plan was. Mrs. Ryan found us and I panicked and ran and broke down in the library. It's why I skipped class…Hope followed me…she filmed it and put it on myFace and now people think I was freaking out because he still wouldn't sleep with me."
"Addison, why haven't you said anything? We talked about this…"
"I know, ok. Don't be mad at me. I'm trying. I'm really trying."
"I'm not mad at you, my heart is breaking for you and so is your father's Addison. I think you should talk to him. He didn't mean to hurt you."
"He can't solve this for me. He thinks telling the school will fix everything and it won't. He doesn't get it. He didn't listen to me. Why am I not allowed to be angry at him about that?"
"You are. I know you're angry and feel powerless–"
"That's it exactly. If you get that, why can't he?"
"He wants to, sweetheart. He wants to understand and refusing to spend time with him isn't going to help."
"I don't want to be there right now."
"You can't avoid your father forever. You deserve to see him and he deserves to spend time with you, too."
"Stop trying to convince me to go back there this weekend."
"That's not my intention, Addie. Just think about what I said, ok? He loves you. We both do."
"I know. I love you both, too."
"So, we've got the next few days together…how do you want to spend them?"
"That's it? You're just going to change the subject and let me make this choice? You're going to let me stay here all weekend?"
"I think you know what you need to do and when you're ready you'll make the right decision."
"I want to press charges, but–"
"I'm not talking about the charges."
"Daddy?"
"Mmhmm." Alexis pulled her daughter into a tight embrace. It made her sick to think about how this entire nightmare was twisted on her daughter. Not only did she have to contend with the fact that she was assaulted, but to face the targeted harassment and lies, it was no wonder Addison didn't want to be at school. It wasn't just about seeing Morgan and now that she knew, her and Ned would make the school intervene. They'd do what needed to be done; she was certain of that.
Cam went home. He hoped Addison was talking to her parents. Was hoping she'd tell them how she really felt about all that was happening at her school. Was hoping she'd finally give them all the details. She was starting to face it, find her voice again, but she would never be herself if she didn't finally face all that was happening. He knew she valued her family and he knew she knew she could trust them to support her. He'd text her later. See how it went. Hope she didn't let her anger at her dad cloud what they both knew she needed to do. Cam sat on the sofa in his living room playing a video game and was surprised when the lock turned, the door opened and Liz walked through the door. "Mom, you're home."
"Epiphany let me leave early." Liz said as she walked into the room and sat next to her son, who put down the controller.
"You didn't have to do that. I told you, you could trust me and you can."
"I did Cameron. So you were with Addison? Where?"
"The boathouse at the Quartermaines."
"But her parents didn't know where she was?" Liz questioned, confused.
"Right. She needed someone to listen to her, I told you."
"And I'm glad you were there for your friend–"
"She's more than my friend."
"That's becoming pretty clear to me."
"Are you not ok with this?" Cam worried. His mom's whole demeanor changed.
"There are just some things you need to know." Liz stated.
"Are you ok? You're not sick are you?"
"No, no this is about something else. Cam, Addison is facing a lot right now…I just want to make sure you–"
"I know. She said you helped her and whatever you said helped. I think she might actually speak up for herself."
"That's good. It's her decision though."
"I know. You must see a lot of girls who've been through this at the hospital. I'm not surprised you helped her, you care a lot about helping people Mom. It's what makes you such a great nurse."
"I do. But I knew how to help Addie because of something else…," Liz hesitated. "I never wanted to have to explain this to you. But I told her, so you should know…"
"What?"
"Cameron,... when I was in high school, I was raped." She said and watched her son, freeze, shocked, unsure how to react. "I was on my way home and sitting in the park…and it happened."
"I–I don't know what to say." This was not what he expected.
"You don't need to say anything."
"Did you know–" He started to ask, afraid of the answer.
"No, and he was caught. He was convicted."
"I'm glad you got justice." He stated. He hoped Addison could get justice, too.
"Cam, it changes you, and I'm sure this attack changed Addison."
"She's scared. But she's pretending she's not. Kids at her school are being pretty awful."
"Just keep showing up for her. Don't push…you can't save her from this…" Liz explained.
"I don't want to save her. I want to help her, but she has to decide what happens and when. How did you move on, Mom? What helped?"
Elizabeth sighed. "Truthfully?"
"Unless it's too hard."
"Lucky. Lucky found me that night and he stayed by my side. He helped me feel safe again. He became my best friend and I'm not sure what I would have done without him."
"That's how you and Lucky fell in love?"
"We were together everyday, we fought our battles together…and yes, that's how I fell in love with him. He was the boy who saved me and it's why I don't want to see you repeat our mistakes."
"Addison and I are different, Mom. I liked her long before this even happened. Maybe if I told her it never would have."
"You think you could have prevented this?"
"Maybe. There was a misunderstanding and then she went to the party and you know what happened there…"
"You can't change what happened, Cameron, just keep being there for your friend; and if anything comes up and you want to talk…you can come to me. I know I'm not your Dad…but…"
"Have you even heard from him at all? Because I haven't. Aiden and Jake, they deserve to hear from him. You deserve to hear from him."
"No, I'm sorry."
"Figures. How can he just pretend we don't exist?"
"I love you, Cameron. Lucky, well he's chasing something…I'm not sure he even knows what…. But he loves you, too."
"I know. I love you, too, Mom. Thanks for telling me about what happened to you. I'm sure it's hard to relive."
"I'm here for you Cam. Count on that." Liz said and reached to hug her son.
That evening Owen walked back into the Gatehouse and found his dad sitting on the sofa. He seemed upset. He wasn't sure what happened. Maybe he and his mother had fought. They hadn't really since they decided to separate, but maybe whatever was going on with Addie caused them to disagree. It was becoming clearer that Addison was taking advantage of the split when it came to school and now his Mom had left without even waiting to say goodbye. "Where's Mom? Did you find Addie?"
"We did. She was at the boathouse and went home with your mother."
"Why? I thought we were here the rest of the week."
Ned sighed, "I told your school what happened. She's upset."
"Oh. Well that explains a lot. Is she coming back?" He asked as he went and sat next to his father.
"I'm not sure, buddy. She asked to stay with your Mom."
"She'll get over it, Dad. Her and Krissy are more alike than they admit. They both get stubborn when they're hurt or upset."
"They do. Look out for her tomorrow at school?"
"I always do. You ok if I go do some homework?"
"I know you do and go ahead." He took out his phone and texted Addison, I only did what I thought you needed, princess. I love you. He needed her to understand.
He saw Addison read his message, the three little dots appeared on the screen. He hoped she'd respond, she didn't. He sighed and texted Alexis. How is she?
Angry, hurt. Meet me for coffee tomorrow? There's a lot to talk about.
Kelly's? 9?
Perfect.