| Chapter Five
Alex’s POV I woke up to the sound of the phone ringing. I looked at the alarm clock and saw its neon green numbers displaying that it was two o’clock in the morning. “Who the hell would be calling me at this time of the night?” I knew it was for me because I had Dana’s put another line in my room just for this reason. I picked up the room and practically growled, “This better be good.” <Alex? Its Stacy.> I could hear the fear in her voice. <I know its late but I’m in West Hollywood.> I bolted upright. “What! Why? What happened?” <She found out you called before your show was announced.> “Okay, where are you? I’m going to come get you.” I could hear Stacy’s whimpering. <The bus station.> “Okay, go back inside and find a cop. They’re always there. Ask him or her to wait outside with you for your sister. I’ll be there in ten minutes.” <Okay. Please hurry.> I hung up the phone when I heard a click come across the line. I quickly got dresses and ran out of my room. Dana’s POV I heard Alex banging doors and drawers in her room. “Alex,” I said when I saw her come out of her room, fully dressed and very alert. Alex stopped and looked at me. “Where are you going?” “Bus station. Stacy’s stepmother kicked her out of the house. I have to go pick her up.” Alex headed down the stairs. “I’m going with you,” I said as I followed her in my pajamas. She stopped at the bottom of the stairs and glared at me. “NO you are not. You are going right back upstairs and climbing into bed with Lara where you will be safe and warm.” “No. I’m coming with you.” Alex growled as she picked me up and carried me upstairs. “What the hell do you think you are doing?” “Exactly what I told you to do for you.” Alex grabbed the doorknob. “Is she decent?” “No.” “Oh well, looks like I’ll be seeing your woman’s goods.” Alex opened the door and walked right into my bedroom. “Lara, keep your girl in here,” Alex said, dropping me not so nicely on the bed. “Excuse you!” Now I was mad. “I can go anywhere I damn well want to and I want to go with you to pick your sister up.” Alex just turned around and Lara and I would hear her running down the stairs, but I had taken her keys out of her pockets when she picked me up. I looked at Lara. “Go.” I hugged Lara and kissed her. “Thank you.” I grabbed a jacket out of my closet and ran down the stairs. I walked in the garage and saw Alex sitting in her Jeep, strumming her fingers on the steering wheel. “Missing something?” Alex glared at me. “Give me my keys please.” I shook my head and climbed into the passenger seat. “Give me my keys and get out. I handed her the keys. “Thank you. Now get out.” I just put my seatbelt on. “What do you think you’re doing?” “I’m going with you. Carrying me upstairs won’t work. Now lets go before your sister gets more upset than I’m sure she already it.” “Fine. I don’t have time to continue to fight with you.” Alex started the car and they were off. THE BUS STATION Stacy’s POV I fidgeted next to the cop. “She said she’d be here in ten minutes.” The cop looked at me. “I’m sure she’ll get here soon. Traffic’s bad even at 2 in the morning.” I nodded at the cop as he continued looking at me, making me feel very uncomfortable. “Its cold out here, why don’t we wait inside?” I know my eyes went wide but then I saw a yellow jeep with two people in it, heading towards the cop and myself. After a couple of seconds, I could tell Alex was one of the people in the jeep. “No thanks. That’s my sister in that Jeep.” The cop nodded and headed inside. I sighed a breath of relief as Alex parked in a handicap parking spot a couple yards away. As Alex climbed out of her Jeep, I ran to her, meeting her halfway and clung on her arm. “Thank God you’re finally here! The cop was starting to hit on me. Where the hell have you been?!” Alex hugged me back. “I’m sorry. I had to argue with my friend. She insisted on coming with me.” I smiled as we headed back to the Jeep, arm in arm. “A girlfriend?” Alex blushed and shook her head. “It’ll only be time.” Alex rolled her eyes, as we approached the Jeep. “Stacy, this is Dana Fairbanks.” “Hi Stacy.” “No way are you THE Dana Fairbanks. I’ve wanted to be just like you for years now.” Dana blushed as Alec chuckled. “Stop it kiddo. You’re making her feel old as well as me.” Dana and I both laughed at that. “Lets get going. I’m tired and I know you guys are as well.” Dana climbed into the backseat. “Are you alright back there Dane?” “Yeah I’m fine. Just get me to my woman, please.” Alex nodded and her and I climbed into the front. They buckled their seatbelts and the three of them left as the sun came up. DANA AND LARA’S BEDROOM Lara’s POV I woke when I felt the bed shift. “Hey sweetie. Did you guys get Alex’s sister?” Dana nodded. “Is everything alright honey?” “Yeah there was just, I don’t know. I think Alex is keeping something from all of us, something about Stacy. I just … I can’t see how a high school student can help her against Buckley.” Dana looked at me. “You should have seen the two of them. I’ve seen Alex’s maternal side before.” I watched Dana fiddle with my ring, smiling, most likely replaying the ride home from the bus station. I still asked, “What ‘cha thinking about? I want to smile at what your smiling at.” “Oh nothing. Alex and Stacy are definitely related. They act and look SO much alike. It’s unbelievable.” I nodded. “Were you sleeping before I came in?” “Yes but not well. I can’t sleep well without you.” Dana smirked but it quickly fell. “Sweetie, what’s wrong? Something is bothering you.” Dana shrugged and I stood up. I went into the hallway closet and grabbed a suitcase. When I came back, Dana hadn’t moved but now she had a confused look on her face. “Lara, what are you doing? Why are you packing?” I looked at Dana as she sat up. I sighed and walked over to her. I grabbed her hand, putting something in it, and bent down, giving her a chaste kiss. I went back to packing as Dana opened her hand. “Your ring?” “Dana,” I said, heavily sighing again. “Its obvious to everyone but you. You’re in love with someone else.” Dana’s eyes widened in shock at my accusation. She really is innocent. “Don’t worry Dana. I’m surprised you hadn’t realized it and then dumped me.” “How can you say that?” “Dana, listen to me. There are several other reasons why we should break up. It was a mistake for us to get back together. I can’t continue to live in the closet.” I walk back next to Dana and knelt in front of her. “Dana, you need to realize who I’m talking about and soon, BEFORE you lose her. Don’t give up. It’ll all work out in the end.” With that I zipped up my suitcase. “I’ll come back later to get the rest of my stuff.” “Wait,” Dana said, standing up and grabbing my arm to stop me. “Tell me who you are talking about. Please.” I shook my head. “You need to figure that out on your own.” I quickly left the room and then the house. I stood outside, leaning against the door. “I hope you’re happy. You’ve won.” THE NEXT DAY Dana’s POV I walked into Alex’s studio and watched as she talked on the phone to someone, pictures of our friends and me peering down from their places on walls next to easels, some blank, with pencil outlines, or paint. I noticed the ones of me were the farthest along. Those must be the easiest. “Hey Dana.” I jumped as I heard Alex’s voice. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to scare you.” “Don’t worry.” I walked up to a picture of me that was almost done. “This looks beautiful. They all do.” I turned to Alex. “You’re doing a great job.” “Thanks but I’m not too vain to say the subjects are part of the beauty.” I chuckled. Alex is always such a flirt. “Wait right here. I have something for you.” Alex ran into a back room and came back out with an easel. “I finished the picture of you and Lara that you gave me.” Alex showed it to me. I started crying. “Its beautiful.” Alex set it down and walked closer to me. “Dana, what’s wrong? Why are you crying?” I shook my head. “Dana,” Alex wiped teas off my cheeks, “what happened?” I looked at the ground. “We broke up again.” “Damn, come here.” Alex hugged me and let me cry on her shoulder. “What happened this time?” I shook my head again, not wanting to go into all the details. I should have known it wouldn’t work. “Hey, you can tell me.” Alex led me to a low stool then knelt in front of me. “What happened?” “I don’t,” I said, sighing. “We had had a fun day and then when I got back with you and Stacy, she told me it was a mistake for us to get back together. The reason why she broke up with me the first time was still true.” “Why did she break up with you the first time?” ‘The whole closeted thing but also she said I was in love with someone else.” I looked up at Alex. “Do you think that true?” Alex shrugged. “Can I stay in here while you work?” “Of course you can. Mi casa si casa.” I laughed at Alex’s butchering of the Spanish language. “What’s so funny?” “Stick to a language you know, fluently.” Alex chuckled. “Was it that bad?” I nodded. “Sorry.” Alex picked up the painting and put it back into her storage room. “Alright then.” She looked around. “Well, actually, I was about to call it a night but if you want to stay in here I can maybe finish one of these paintings that is already almost done.” “No, if you were going to stop go ahead and stop.” Alex looked at me. “I’m fine.” “I didn’t say anything.” I glared at Alex. “Well, you were. You were going to ask me if something was wrong.” “Okay, yes I was going to say something, but that wasn’t what I was going to say.” I quirked an eyebrow and Alex rolled her eyes. “Stay right here. Don’t even move an iota.” Alex ran around the studio collecting an easel, a canvas, paintbrushes, and paint. She set it all up right in front of me. She pulled a stool over and sat down. “I want to paint you. Can I?” I looked down at the floor. “Why do you want to paint me? I look horrible.” “No you don’t.” I looked up at Alex. “Trust me. This should take an hour, two tops.” I’m sure I still looked hesitant. “What can I do to make you say ‘yes’?” I titled my head. “If you say yes, stay just like that.” “I’ll let you paint me if you let me take you to your treatment tomorrow.” “Okay, now don’t move.” I smiled, knowing that was Alex’s way of giving in. “Are you going to be able to keep that exact same smile for two hours?” I nodded, my smile never wavering. “Okay. Stay as still as possible.” I watched Alex do her work. It was obvious she was very engrossed in it. Every now and then, the two of us would make eye contact and Alex would smile then go back to work. This went on for two hours exactly. My smile never changed. “I’m done. You can move now.” “Can I see it?” Alex nodded and turned her easel as I walked up. “Wow. Alex, that looks beautiful. You’ve flattered me.” “Again, the subject is all the beauty.” I smiled at Alex. “Are you better now?” I nodded. “Whatcha want to do now?” “I’m kind of tired. Do you mind if I go to bed?” Alex smiled and shook her head. “Not at all. Come on. I’ll walk you back to your room. Just let me clean up in here.” I nodded as Alex went right to work. I sat down and laid my head on Alex’s desk. I was out as soon as I closed me eyes. AN HOUR LATER … I woke up with a start. I had no idea where I was. I stayed still until everything came into focus. I was in my room. Alex must have carried me here when she was done cleaning up. I looked around. I wonder where she is then? I got up and walked across the hall. ALEX’S ROOM I quietly opened the door and stuck my head inside. I saw Alex, laying on her bed, her hair in a ponytail. She was wearing a tight pair of white capris, slightly down, showing the tattoo on her lower back, and a white tank top. Alex was facing the other way, writing something as her feet moved to music only she could hear. Right then I knew who Lara was talking about. “Hey.” Alex jumped as she heard my voice. She never even heard the door open. She quickly hid what she was writing. “Hey, I thought you were sleep?” “I was but I woke up. I thought I would see if you were still awake.” “Well, I am.” Alex must have noticed a weird look in my eyes and interpreted it as sadness over Lara cause she walked over to me and asked, “Is everything alright?” “Yeah, everything’s fine. Can I sleep in here tonight? My room depresses me.” “Of course you can. I’ll go get your pillows cause I’m going to need all mine on the floor.” I grabbed Alex’s arm before she could even take one step. “Dana, what’s wrong?” “Will you sleep in the bed with me? I don’t want to sleep by myself tonight.” Alex looked at me and nodded. “Thank you.” “No prob. Are you wanting to go to bed now?” I shrugged as Alex sat back down. “Sweetie, what’s wrong?” “Nothing. By the way, where’s Stacy? I haven’t seen her all day.” “She’s spending the weekend with Marina and Jenny. Marina is putting her to work at the Planet and actually paying her. Now, back to my earlier question. What’s wrong?” I smirked. “I should have known that wouldn’t have worked. I’m just tired.” “Okay.” Alex pulled a folder out from under her pillow. She stood up and placed it in a drawer then locked said drawer. “Lets go to bed then.” She got in and moved against the wall. “Is the edge all right with you?” I nodded and climbed in next to her. “Goodnight Dana,” she said, turning off the light and plunging us into darkness. “Night Alex.” THE NEXT DAY Marina’s POV “Stacy, I don’t know what to do.” I paced behind the counter, wiping it off. “You’ll have to talk to her yourself.” Stacy glared at me. “Like she’ll listen to me. She needs to do it before the debate. Especially since now she has a chance with Dana. She needs to be honest with her.” “What do you mean, now she has a chance?” “Dana and Lara broke up.” I spun around and looked at Stacy. “Yeah, the same night I got here. Something happened and she was gone in the morning.” I shook my head as I poured a cup of coffee. “Hey Alex.” Stacy spun around on her stool and looked at Alex, a deer caught in the headlights look on her face. “How are you today Alex?” “I’m good. What are you doing here so early this morning Stacy?” “I gave Stacy a look, silently telling her to talk to Alex now. “Well, I wanted to talk to you actually. About …” Stacy stood up, “never mind.” “Stacy.” Alex looked at me, trying to figure out what was going on. “Tell her.” “I think you need to tell all your friends about who I really am. I feel like they’re always staring at me, like they all know we’re hiding something from them. They should know the truth, before the debate.” “You know she’s right.” “We’ll tell them when they all get here. We’re supposed to meet for breakfast.” Stacy nodded and looked towards the door. I looked as well. “Looks like you’ll be telling them now.” Alex looked up and I heard her swear under her breath. Alex downed the rest of the coffee and walked towards everyone else. “You should go with her Stace. I’ll be over with drinks for everyone. She won’t say anything if I’m not there with ya’ll.” “Did you just say ya’ll?” My face scrunched up. “I’ve been around you and Alex for far too long.” Stacy laughed as she walked to the table and laughed. I watched as Dana kept glancing at Alex, she’d finally realized her feelings for Alex. Now Alex just had to realize Dana’s feelings. Stacy’s POV “Alex, are you alright?” Dana asked. I looked at Alex and noticed she was a little green. Marina came over, placing drinks on the table for everyone then sitting next to Alex and squeezing her shoulder in support. I noticed the looks on everyone’s faces. “Alex, it didn’t spread, did it?” “Huh?” A pure look of confusion came on Alex’s face but she quickly realized what Dana was asking. “No, it didn’t spread, but I do have some news to tell ya’ll.” I smirked at Marina who just shook her head. “Stacy isn’t my sister. When I was 15 I still lived with my adopted parents … the Buckleys.” “What?” everyone asked in unison. “Faye and Bob Buckley adopted me when I was two. That was when Marina and I were separated. I was adopted a month before she was. Anyway, the Buckleys didn’t really like me. I was too different, so they sent me to boarding school. Well, I didn’t go back my senior year because something had happened.” I looked as everyone’s face. Surprisingly, Dana seemed to be the only one who had any idea what had happened to Alex. Softly, she asked, “Alex, what happened?” Alex looked up and there were tears in her eyes. I knew this was hard for her but I also knew it would do her good. “That summer, Bob Buckley raped me, and it wasn’t even because I was gay, not that that’s an excuse. It was just a cruel act.” Alex looked at me. She had been hoping everyone would figure out the rest for themselves. Well, I’ll give them a little push. “Its okay Mom. You don’t have to say anymore. |