| Chapter 3 She was sitting in front of Dr. Meadows, V was on one side and Florence was on the other. She thought she had covered her tracks fairly well. V had to go in for a post-natal check-up and she had made an appointment for Alexis directly following the one she was scheduled for. Alexis was to be driving her. Alexis had confided her secret to Florence. She felt she had to tell someone. V was her friend, but she was loyal to Jax first and foremost and kept urging her to tell him the good news. Alexis agreed it was good news, but how was she going to share it when she couldn't wrap her own mind around it. She also knew Jax well enough to know that he would see no obstacles and she would be walking down that aisle before she had time to breathe. He would then be outfitting a nursery, handing out cigars and telling her to slow down. This did not fit into her well ordered life, it just did not. It was rather like Jax. He returns and order is thrown out the window and chaos reigns. She and Florence had become close friends. She identified with her earthiness, her sense or responsibility and she just simply liked Florence. Unlike Laura, Florence placed the life of her children (which now included Nikolas and CC) and Stefan ahead of her own. She also had a thriving career that she dedicated vast amounts of time to and Alexis could appreciate that drive and responsibility. She also saw the positive influence brought to her brother's and nephew's household. Florence had been slightly taken aback by Alexis’ announcement, but not surprised. This had surprised Alexis. Florence's only response had been ''honey, I haven't lived all these years without being able to read signals and you and Jax have practically signaled for the life boats to come to the Titanic.'' Florence had also offered her support and silence in any way. She did advise telling Jax though, ''he has every right to know, this is his child too''. Which brought her to the point today. Her smile was happiness mixed with nerves. Florence held one hand, V the other and Simone was cooing for good measure. ''Yes Alexis, you are definitely pregnant and I would say in about 26 weeks a new little one will join your family.'' Everyone simply looked at her and Florence handed her the bag. She held her head between her knees and started blowing. Dr. Meadows looked concerned ''does she do this often?'' ''Yes'' came a joint response. ''Why?'' ''Who knows, nerves.'' ''Well that is something we need to discuss Alexis, Alexis can you hear me?'' She nodded and kept breathing. ''Your blood pressure is slightly elevated, but you appear to be in good health except for stress in your life. You need to keep calm, get plenty of rest, eat correctly and take your pre-natal vitamins. Since you are over 35, we need to schedule the proper tests when the time is right. I would also recommend child birthing classes.'' The last one did her in again and down went her head and the breathing began anew. Child birthing classes this was all too real. She could barely take care of herself, what was she going to do with a child. A baby couldn't live on popcorn. Dear Lord how did she get herself into this situation? Stupidity and passion - what was she thinking, no birth control. She had not taken the pill in months, it has made her sick and she had no reason to take it. Jax was a surprise and she thought that one indiscretion wouldn't hurt, my God 17 year old teenagers knew better. She scheduled her appointments and she left with V and Florence. ''Alexis you need to face reality, but not now'' said V. ''I promise I won't tell Jax right away, but you need to tell him and tell him soon. He won't believe you're just putting on weight, you barely eat as it is.'' ''How do I tell my ex-husband, whom I was never intimate with when we were married, gee dear guess what you're going to be a dad?'' ''That's exactly how you tell him Alexis'', said Florence. ''For all his bravado and joking he is a sincere man who I believe sincerely cares for you and will love this child with every fiber of his being.'' ''But is that enough, Florence?'' ''You might be surprised with what you find, perception is not always reality. Ladies let's take this mother-to-be to lunch and talk about only good things.'' * * * * * Lunch was fun. Alexis had never had time to lunch with the ladies and it was enjoyable. She felt almost like a female, certainly her body did, certain things were increasingly tender and she felt other changes. Florence took a rare afternoon off from the hospital and V and Simone stayed with her too. They had lunch at a small country inn on the outskirts of town, where they could talk and laugh in privacy. They then walked the grounds with Simone and watched her sleep. V was a wonderful mother, so very protective, but very sharing. Florence had a look in her eye of keen desire and she was heard mumbling ''my children need to get me one of these''. Alexis even held Simone and amazingly Simone never wimpered. She peacefully snuggled into her breast. Alexis began to cry. Both Florence and V realized crying was good for her. She needed to release the pent-up emotions and perhaps then could she chart a course of action. She was snuggling with Simone and crying. Both V and Florence took turns just holding her. It was the release she needed. She pulled herself together and immediately began to apologize, both assured her that it was not necessary. She was not necessarily apologizing to them, more to herself for giving in to her emotions, her female emotion, she believed. Florence finally took matters in hand and began, “Alexis when you have a client, don’t you map out your plans for their defense, give them options and consult on the decision?” “Yes, yes I do.” “Perfect”, replied V. “Well Alexis, as we see it you have a few options, shall we review them?” Alexis nodded and Florence took over, “it would seem you can choose the status quo, but eventually the situation will come to light and you will have to speak of it. You can tell Jax immediately and you both can come to a decision, you can think on it, decide how you see your relationship going and then tell Jax, or you can disappear for the next 20 years and have Jax or Stefan or Sonny or Nikolas track you down. Now how do you see things?” “I don’t know”, wailed Alexis. They were back to the bag. Florence said, “I need to tell Stefan though, he is already curious as to why I took this afternoon off and I’m not with him.” “Go ahead and tell him, but please ask him to keep quiet.” Florence promised her. She already knew V had told Simon, but contrary to Simon’s reputation he kept confidential things, confidential. Simon was a good man. He had grounded V as much as he could, she still got overly excited about numerous things, right now it was her daughter smiling at her – actually it was her daughter with gas. * * * * * She walked into her penthouse and was stunned. The lights were low, candles and a fire were lit, the Beach Boys played “In My Room” in the background and Jax was pouring champagne – oh God Jax and champagne. “You can’t avoid me forever you know.” “I wasn’t avoiding you, I’ve been busy.” “With what, Sonny is out of the country, I’ve checked and I was with Stefan and Nikolas this afternoon.” “I do have other clients.” “Yes, but not this afternoon, Stefan told me you were with Florence and V.” “Yes, V’s appointment.” “That explains V, but not Florence.” “Can we please talk about something else?” “Your wish is my command, have some fine champagne – it’s a very good year.” “Ah, no I think I’d better not.” “You’re turning down my fine champagne?” “Ahh, actually I’m hungry, is that popcorn under that silver dome.” “Fine change of subject and we will return to what is bothering you and why you are avoiding me, but since you asked.” At that Jax lifted each dome with the flourish of the waiters at Lutece and Alexis saw a beautiful duck a’la orange and all the compliments. Jax pulled her chair and instead of sitting across from her, sat down beside her and proceeded to feed her. She was overwhelmed and giggled. He loved that giggle. It reminded him of Malibu Alexis. They talked about Stefan and Nikolas and a new deal they were considering in equine breeding, selling and racing, along with CC. She furrowed her brows, another deal to close. Would her brother, nephew and his family never quit? She was already busy trying to keep Sonny out of jail. Jax saw the furrowed brow and immediately pulled her to her feet. “Dance with me.” Who could refuse that sly grin and those welcoming arms, not Alexis Davis, woman? * * * * * As had happened pretty much every time he had taken her in his arms they ended up in another room and he caressed her body like a cherished treasure. He lingered on her overly sensitive breasts and she jerked slightly. He rubbed them and that felt infinitely better. He then proceeded to kiss his way down and back up and rolled her over and he with her. He donned protection. She wanted to tell him and tears were coming from her eyes. “Alexis, am I hurting you? Sweetheart what is it?” She shook her head and couldn’t contain it any longer, she pointed to his arousal and shook her head, which rather infuriated him, he was quite proud of himself if he had to admit it himself and she hadn’t complained before, but now she was crying. He was scared. Finally she broke “you don’t need that.” “What?” He had no clue what she was referring to and sincerely hoped she wasn’t referring to that cherished part of his anatomy. She just kept pointing, “that, Jax you don’t need the damn condom.” Lights were starting to blink and flash, but he had to ask “you went back on the pill?” Damn it Jax, she was furious and in tears, how could he be so dense, “damn it Jax, I’m 6 weeks pregnant.” Jasper Jacks was speechless and lifeless as evidenced by a particularly important part of him! Oh God, what had she done, what had she said? |