Post by electrastevens on Oct 23, 2012 0:46:47 GMT -5
OOC: A couple things. first off read the "Revealing the Truth" & "It ain't easy" RP's as well as Part 1
This takes place after the ppv, Second, this is the last part, so hope you enjoy it!
Big Thanks to my writing buddy Holly for helping me on it!
~*~
The two cuddled in the bed for a few minutes more and then the next thing he knew Aidan felt himself being shaken lightly. He looked up into the smiling face of Terry. Caine and Lexi had apparently fallen fast asleep. Glancing down Caine saw Lexi sleeping peacefully against him. Careful, so as not to wake her, Caine slipped out of the bed and joined Terry at the main house. While Terry began to cook dinner Aidan did what he did best... he told Terry everything he was doing wrong. The two shared good natured barbs back and forth while sipping on beers and watching the Yankees destroy the Cardinals on the television that had been carefully placed in an out of the way corner of the counter space. Upstairs Chrissy and the baby also napped but about fifteen minutes before the meal was ready Caine heard a shrill scream come from upstairs. Terry, ever the dutiful and trained husband, immediately was upstairs and a few minutes later he was back, with company. His daughter, Sofia Lynn, was in his arms and instantly Caine was reminded of how tiny Gracie had been when she was the same age. Suddenly the little bundle was in Caine’s arms as Terry went to stop a pot from boiling over and that’s where the little girl stayed until it was time to eat and Chrissy and Lexi joined them. Dinner ended up lasting long into the night with the adults catching up while baby Sofia did what she did best: eat, sleep, or poop. Lexi watched Caine with Sofia as he did with her, each sharing tender smiles when the other wasn't looking. Finally all called it a night and as Lexi’s family retreated to the second floor of their palatial home Caine walked with Lexi back out to the pool house.
Lexi shivered again.
Lexi: I've gotten so used to the heat now I feel like a tourist when I come home.
she laughed and he put one arm around her, rubbing her arms with his hands to try and get some friction warmth going. He smiled.
Aidan Caine: Yeah remember when we were first talking and you told me winters aren’t too bad. Only gets to about minus fifteen? Do you remember my response? I asked if they’d filmed “Day After Tomorrow” here. You Canadians are crazy with your minuses! You’ll probably still be burning up this winter by the way. We usually only get down into the thirties. But don’t worry, we still see snow almost every winter. Just probably not the kind you’re used to seeing.
Lexi: Hmmm, christmas... that’s not too far away now is it? You know this will be the first christmas that Matty understands about Santa claus. probably going to be my first christmas where I don’t spend it with my sister too...
Aidan Caine: I’ll try to make it special for you, both of you. If you want we can always come back up here. We can do Christmas wherever and however you want... hell I’ll even put on some dorky Santa suit but I will put my foot down if you want me to crawl down the chimney. That sucker is big but I really think I’d get stuck halfway down what with the monkey ears and all.
Lexi laughed and reached up to pull on one of his ears.
Lexi: Yup you’d be a goner for sure.
Aidan eyed the pool, a slow smile working its way across his face as he remembered the last time they’d found themselves alone, late at night, on this very patio. Too cold for that kind of play now unfortunately. Turning his attention back to Lexi his mind once again went to what was to come the following day. He was worried for her but he tried to keep his voice neutral and light.
Aidan Caine: So since you played Sleeping Beauty for most of the day, think you’ll be able to get some sleep tonight?
She shrugged.
Lexi: I haven't’ really slept much in 3 weeks. Even with the nap I had I’m still feeling tired. By the time this is over I think I'm going have to have a log sheet for how much time i spend in bed vs how much time i spend with actual people. I just hope that MK doesn’t find me napping at my desk or something.
She smiled and he winked at her, for a moment pretending that their problems of late were nonexistent. Pretending that he’d never gotten hurt and she’d never gone to Justin or gotten that letter. Pretending he was only this simple jokester of a guy that everyone just initially took him for and not a father with a target on his back and some residual swelling in his skull. If only they could pretend that there was no tomorrow.
Aidan Caine: Well if you ever need any help logging some bed time in I think I could help you out with that.
Lexi couldn’t help the blush that spread up her cheeks. 3 weeks had seemed like a lifetime and she’d never been known to be shy about that part of her self, especially with her last boyfriend’s preferences in bed, but with everything that had happened, it almost felt like the first time all over again. she offered him a wink before opening the door of hte pool house and stepping in, instantly liking the warmth. She kicked off her shoes and started to walk away but couldn’t before being pulled back against Caine, although gentler than she’d known him to be it was still enough to let a small squeek of surprise escape her lips.
Lexi: Oh you meant sooner rather than later... well...
She turned around and gave him a look of mock surprise now.
Lexi: I suppose we could start that now... but you know....
she got serious for a minute, she looked at up him and her worried expression from days ago returned.
Lexi: Only if you're okay.... Your rib... your head.... I know you like to play off your injuries as minor but so much happened i don’t want to be the one responsible if you got hurt....
her hand went up to the now thicker pink healing scar on his forehead. It was unfortunate that he’d been cut open in the same spot with a matter of weeks, making the scar, although mostly hidden under his hairline, that much more noticeable. Also knowing that both times, had been that the hands of her ex husband. He’d been ignoring the pain, focusing instead on other things whenever he felt the stabbing sensation in his chest or the pounding in his skull. It had been easy to do, what with his concern for Lexi and the baby being so overpowering. Pain was nothing. Pain was manageable. He wanted to be with her tonight. Because even though they’d been together all day, he still felt like there was some unnamed barrier between them and he wanted to feel closer to her, like he had before. So, as he had all day, he pushed the waves of pain to the back of his brain and tried to ignore them. Instead he lowered his head slightly and began to kiss and lightly bite on the ridge of cartilage at the top of Electra’s ear, rubbing his teeth against it and lightly kissing as one hand came up to thread his fingers through her hair. He whispered into her ear.
Aidan Caine: I’m fine.
She gave him a slow smile before backing into the pool house, holding on to his hands.
Lexi: Well... I guess we’ll find out how fine you are...
~*~
The Nurse pointed to the room and Lexi thanked her. With a false strength in her step she started toward the room, Caine and Chrissy followed closely behind. her hand went to the door handle and she took a deep breath and paused, closing her eyes momentarily. Caine put a hand on her shoulder and she knew he was going to ask if she was okay... so before he could ask she pushed the door open with what she hoped was the determination she needed to tell Daniel that he had no more control over her life.
The room felt too sterile. the man she had come to intimately know, not that she had wanted to, looked small and frail on the small bed. The only one in a big room. She was sure the private room was not being covered by OHIP. There was a nurse jotting something down on a clipboard and shaking her head. She had a disgusted look on her face when she noticed the visitors, it changed to a tight smile instead.
Nurse: You must be the daughters....
Chrissy: STEP-daughters.
Nurse: Right... well...
The nurse shook her head again and left the room and Lexi looked at her a little confused as to why she looked so upset when the man’s head suddenly turned and looked at the group with watery brown eyes. Lexi faltered a little. She really had been hoping he’d be out of it. His mouth was blocked by the large breathing tube and she was instantly reminded of only days ago when she’d seen something similar in Caine’s mouth. He lifted his arm weakly, pointing to a table where a wooden board was sitting, with bright coloured fridge magnet letters and several pieces of chalk. With a sigh, lexi crossed the distance and picked it up. The man took it from her hands and then pointed to an empty chair beside the bed.
Lexi: I prefer to stand thank you.
Caine wasted no time in walking to her side, narrowing his eyes and sneering slightly at the man in the bed. Daniel’s eyes went a little wider in shock or surprise, she wasn’t sure. Daniel started to use the letters to spell out what he wanted to say.
HI ELEXTRA
Lexi nodded at him, trying to have patience even if he didn’t deserve it.
GLD U CAM
Lexi shook her head.
Lexi: You know very well why i came Daniel and it wasn’t to exchange small talk.
NO U CAM TO KILL ME
Chrissy clenched her fists but still remained on the farther side of the room.
CANT BLAM U I WOUD KILL ME 2
Lexi rolled her eyes. She remembered that after he’d had his way with her, sometimes he’d cry. Sometimes he’d beg her to forgive him, that it hadn’t been his fault...it was because he missed her mother, that it wasn’t his fault, it was her fault for leaving, for being so reckless.
Then he would leave me and act like none of it had ever happened. For the first little while, I’d believed him... thinking that one day he wouldn’t need to treat me like this... I’d been wrong....
Lexi: This isn’t about revenge Daniel. I already had my revenge on you, this is about making sure that you can’t steal something from someone else. There are a lot of sick people that could easily make better use of the equipment and the room. I was told that you had no chance of getting better.
NO NO CHANCE CANT BREATH ANYMOR
he moved the letters again after that.
ALONE NO BELLE NO MAN
Instantly Aidan seemed to tense up as Chrissy put a hand to her mouth and tears started in the corner of her eyes.
Chrissy: You have no right to call me that! Only my mother could call me that....
The tears started to stream down her cheeks. Lexi rarely saw Chrissy get upset to this degree, the use of their mother’s nickname for her by a man as horrible as Daniel seemed to really bother her.
SORRY
Chrissy, enraged started to dive toward the bed. Caine was quick to react, grabbing the woman in his arms before she could get close. Chrissy stopped and started to sob into Aidan’s shirt.
Chrissy: Sorry? Sorry!?! That’s all you can fucking say....
She was still kind of struggling against Adian’s strong arms.
Lexi started to move toward the two but she felt a hand on her knee. Daniel shook his head, insistent that they talk alone.
Lexi: Adian, take her out to Terry. I’ll be fine.
He gave her a look of doubt but offered her a tight smile before putting an arm around chrissy and leaving the room. Lexi turned back to Daniel. he was already beginning to use the board again.
I DESRVED TO DIE B4
Lexi: I don’t agree with you. In fact I don’t think you deserved to get beat up as badly as I did to you.
WRONG I WAS 2
Lexi: Well that’s obvious.
I WAS CRUEL EVEN B4
Lexi knew what he meant. he was talking about how he would always put her down for being so tall, awkward and clumsy. The physical abuse had started with the vase. An expensive priceless vase that a maid had moved to clean and not yet had the chance to put back. not watching where she was going, she managed to bump into it, causing it to smash onto the hardwood floor into a million unrecognizable pieces. She’d been devastated. Up until that time, Daniel had hardly talked to either her or Chrissy. Gave them the bare minimum of what they needed in regards to clothing, bedding and toys. he also always been distant and it was rare to actually see him in person. usually the girls were taken care of by the main housekeeper Mrs. Rothberg, who also wasn’t a motherly figure in any one’s eyes.
He’d come out of his office, looked at the mess and realized which vase it was. he’d screamed profanities at her. Telling her that she was useless just like her mother. She’d gotten a slap across the face too. She tried many times during that scene, among the tears, that she was sorry and that she didn’t mean to. there had also been on moment, after he’d slapped her that he’d looked at her face and there seemed to be recognition there... like he was seeing her for the first time even though she’d been in his house for nearly 6 years. it had been that night when he’d first started coming into her room at night, telling her that if she made any noise or told anyone, he would hurt Chrissy too.
Lexi shook herself from the memory.
Lexi: Yes, you were
ANGRY AT RUBY
there it was again, his supposed reason for abusing her. That it was because she looked almost identical to her mother...but part of her often wondered if it wouldn’t have happened anyway, even if her mother had been alive. of course it wouldn’t have continued as long as it had because Ruby had always had a knack for knowing when something was up with her children.
Lexi: Still using that old excuse. Fine. You can justify what you did to me anyway you want. here’s what you need to know. I survived. You beat me and abused me so bad that I have trouble having children now. I’ve been blessed through you know. I have a son, he’s 3 and that man you say in here, he’s my boyfriend and on top of all that I’m pregnant.
GOOD U DESRVE TO BE HAPPY
Lexi: For the most part I am happy. I think I’m finally getting to a point where I can come to terms with what you did to me. I will move on enough that your actions don’t haunt me every single day and night. I’m also thankful that even though you raped me relentlessly, I don’t have issues with men...because I know they aren’t like you.
PIC OF SON?
Lexi clenched her fists. part of her wanted to show him a pic of matty. To prove that although he had made her life dark and miserable for so long, matthew had been her ray of sunshine through the rain.
Lexi: No. You don’t deserve to see a picture of him.
STRONG CUZ OF ME
Lexi laughed.
Lexi: You think that the reason I’m strong is because of what you did to me? and your proud of that? I was starting to think that maybe you’d changed...seen the error of what you did but it’s obvious that you haven’t changed. You want to take credit for things that you have no business taking credit for. Tell me one thing Daniel, was I the only one... was I the only girl you did that too? I know you were married before but not for long...did you hurt your ex wife like that too?
Daniel averted her gaze, which in Lexi’s eyes was an admission of guilt. So it was that he was using her mother as an excuse. it wouldn’t have mattered if she had died or not, he probably still would have tried to hurt her and that made her angry. She felt it bubbling up in her stomach like it had 12 years ago. For some reason the only way the anger would be satiated would be if she saw his blood saturating the pillow behind his head. She clenched her fists, digging her nails into her palms so hard that it didn’t take long until she felt the greasy wetness under the pads of her fingers.
Lexi: I’m starting to think the only reason you married my mother was because she had two young daughters. You were planning it all along, how you would marry her... take advantage and then when you thought she wasn’t looking you’d move in on her daughters. your a sick man Daniel
TIRED
Lexi shook her head.
Lexi: I know you have limited use of words here but let me let tell you something else, i didn’t come here to hear you say that you were sorry. I didn’t come just to sign the papers either. I came here because I wanted to have one last chance to look you in your eyes and tell you what a goddamn bastard you were. I also wanted to tell you that you didn’t beat me in the true sense of the word. You may have taken my body as your own personal toy but you didn’t have my soul or my heart. I’m not going to continue to let you have control of me anymore.
She took a deep breath and then leaned into the man so that she was close to his ear.
Lexi: Adian is 4 million times the man you are, in and out of bed. I hope you rot in hell.
she stood up, Daniel watching her eyes the entire time.
Lexi: You should feel blessed to have the option to go peacefully because if it were up to me I think maybe i would do what Chrissy wanted to do and that was just unplug you from everything and watch you gasp for air, or maybe I’d even put my own hands around your neck.
She stopped, suddenly realizing that she was going someplace she had promised herself she wouldn't go. It wouldn’t help her feel better... it wouldn’t help with her closure. What she had come to do she had. She’d told him that he wasn’t going to be a major part of her life anymore and when she returned to Vegas, she was going to see Dr. Auttenberg. But she wasn't’ going to tell Daniel she was seeing a doctor.
Lexi: Goodbye Daniel.
She turned with a sigh and walked right out of the room without looking at him again. Caine stopped mid pace and gave her an uncertain smile, wondering what her vacant unreadable expression meant. he walked over slowly, cautiously, pulling her into his arms. she let him but didn’t return the hug. Not that she didn’t want to return the affection but she knew that if she did, she’d end up bursting into tears and Daniel didn't’ deserve any more of her tears. Ever. She tilted her head upwards, kissing his cheek before moving out his arms and walking to the nurses station. Without a falter or hesitation she spoke:
Lexi: I’m ready for those papers now.
The nurse from earlier looked up at her and something new was in her eyes, it almost seemed like relief.
she handed Lexi a clipboard.
Nurse: If you just read this paragraph here it explains the procedure we go through and what Mr.Finch will experience when we slowly take him off the respirator and the other machines. We will sedate him...
Lexi flipped the page and scrawled her signature to it and handed it back to the nurse, cutting her off. The nurse furrowed her brow.
Lexi: I really don’t want to know. he’s sick, he won’t get better. At this point, as cruel as it sounds, I don’t care if he’s in pain or not. We aren’t close, I just happen to be his only relative. I can see by the look in your eyes Nurse...
She looked down at the name tag on her pocket.
Lexi: Deanne... that he’s probably tried to do things to you even in his weakened state, hence the look I received when we walked in there.
The nurse didn’t comment. Her professionalism was obvious but Lexi already knew.
Nurse Deanne: Funeral arrangements....
Lexi: His lawyer will take care of it.
Nurse Deanne: Right, Mr.Rogers.
she gave another disgusted look. she leaned closer to lexi, looking beside her to make sure the other nurse wasn’t listening
Nurse Deanne: he’s not really any better. he’s made some comments to me and the other women that work on this floor. I’ll be glad to not have to pretend to be nice to him anymore.
Caine overheard the nurses words and stride toward the desk to stand beside Lexi, not saying anything but listening.
Lexi: You and me both. thank you anyway nurse... for everything you’ve done.
She nodded and lexi turned and started to walk toward the exit, not missing a beat or stopping. She heard Caine tell Chrissy and Terry to take their time since they’d come in their own vehicle and ran after Lexi who kept walking until she came to an empty chair, far enough away from the rest of her family that no one would hear her sobs.
she put her hands to her face and tried to breath deeply, trying not to cry. She felt hands on her wrists, pulling her hands away from her face. Caine had crouched down in front of her, looking intently into her eyes, but not before noticing the red staining her hands, dried blood under her fingernails and the half crescent marks on her palms. he frowned.
Adian Caine: Talk to me...What happened in there?
She knew she would tell him. She never had any intention of keeping it secret but part of her just wanted to pretend that it hadn’t happened, but she relayed the story to him, word for word and she could only see the anger in his eyes get heavier as she got to the end of her story.
Lexi: I’m not crying because of what I did... I’m crying because once again he had that moment where he might have gotten the satisfaction of seeing me angry but I pulled myself back from the brink. I had to tell myself that he wasn’t worth it, that even if I did beat him, it wouldn't mean a damn thing. I told myself that it was what he wanted me to do because it meant he would have won and I wasn’t going to give him that. I had the last word. There is this part of me that now feels just a little bit better because I know now that even though he couldn’t anyway, he can’t touch me again and he can’t hurt anyone else either.
He raised Lexi’s hands to his lips and kissed her palms, lightly rubbing where her nails had slightly punctured the skin. Not for the first time he thought about storming into the room, silencing the alarms, and cutting the machines off himself. He hated seeing her like this but he was glad she was at least opening up more and not keeping everything so buried. For her own sake. He tried to make his voice as reassuring as possible.
Aidan Caine: I’m proud of you, you know that? I know it must have taken a lot for you to have been able to do this. All you need to do Lexi is ask yourself one thing. “Am I happy with myself for how I ended it?” If you are then there’s nothing more that needs to be said. If not, well, you still have the chance to do something about that. Look at your life and focus on all the good in it. You are responsible for all of that. So love yourself. The way I love you. And to hell with the past... and him.
Lexi tried to smile.
Lexi: I’m never going to be happy with the way that any of this turned out. Despite him deserving everything that’s happened to him, I'm not the type of person that will ‘dance on his grave’ persay. I’m just glad that part of that chapter of my life is closed. I’m been thinking about the money... talking to Chrissy too... and we really would like to open trusts for the kids... all of them. Despite what happens between us Adian, I love Gracie and I know you can more than do right by her in way of money but.. I dunno. I just don’t want most of it and if the kids can use it for whatever they like down the road then I’m fine with that. Chrissy doesn’t want a cent. After paying for legal fees I probably will have enough to buy some stuff for the baby. otherwise I don’t want to have anything left and if I do I’ll give it to a woman’s shelter or something. Does that sound insane? Cuz frankly i think at this moment I wouldn’t be surprised with everything that’s happened the last few weeks that someone didn't’ want to commit me.
Aidan nodded. He’d seen the look that always passed over his girlfriend when he pulled out his wallet. He’d seen it most recently in the day before when he’d paid their monthly bills, his recent purchase of new dressage for the horse he’d gotten her, and when he’d come home with over a thousand dollars worth of new clothes, shoes, toys, books, and movies for Matthew. The boy grew like a weed and many of his belongings had been left in Toronto for visits there and simply for the fact that all of it could not be transported in the move. He knew she was a proud, independent woman. On more than one occasion she’d made comments about wanting to contribute and help out more. This would mean a lot to her. He smirked, trying to put a real smile on her face and not the one she was obviously trying to force for his benefit.
Aidan Caine: That sounds like one of the most sane things you’ve ever said sweetheart. Insane was when you said you didn’t like me on our first date in the middle of that ring remember? Everyone likes me! Now that? THAT was just crazy talk! Seriously though baby, whatever you want to do with the money it is your decision and I will support you in it one hundred percent. I’m sure one day, when Gracie is old enough to understand, she will be very appreciative. She loves you too by the way. I can tell. The days of wanting her daddy are all gone now. It’s all about wanting you.
Lexi: Well that’s good for me because if this baby does end up being a boy... we’re out numbered. I’ll need an ally.
She offered a weak smile, weak but genuine. Temporarily forgetting what happened today. Knowing that this afternoon she’d have to see the awful Mr.Rogers again... once she’d gotten word that Daniel was gone of course. Her decision to spend the money on the children made her feel better because they were innocent of anything that had happened....they’d also all be rich in their own rights once they reached 18.
Lexi: We could probably leave today if you really wanted. the tickets that I got have an open departure. Chrissy would more than understand if after we talk to Rogers again we were to take off to NC. I miss the kids and I miss...
She’d almost said our home but bit her tongue. She didn’t want to presume anything, especially with things still strained between them. although a city girl at heart she love Adian’s house. She loved the fact that there was no one around to bother them.He gave a small close-lipped smile. It was as if he could read her mind in that moment.
Aidan Caine: Your home?
Lexi: Yeah...
Aidan Caine: You know you can say that right. It’s your home too now. It’s ours. Yours, mine, the kids’... It’s okay to be happy Lexi. If you are actually happy that is, with me and Gracie. You do have good things in your life Princess. Even in times like this where it doesn’t feel like it. We’re having a rough patch at the moment but I’m not planning on going anywhere. Are you?
Lexi: No. You have to understand though... with everything that’s happened in my life, my automatic instinct is to have a back up plan. I actually don’t feel that way this time. You’ve been the most stable thing I’ve had in a very long time. It’s still new to me, and fights like this one... it scares me a little. I know things have gone incredibly fast... light speed fast and I don’t want you to ever think that I purposely got myself pregnant just to keep you. In all honesty... it shocked the hell out of me too, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want it. For once... I’m not somebody’s saviour. I guess it’s about time I thought about myself for a change, not to mean I won’t still being me or being a good mother to Matthew... or a good partner to you... although I know I’ve been pretty lousy lately. We’re in for a long bumpy haul, but together... I think it’ll work out okay.
She leaned her forward and placed her head on his shoulder, hoping that maybe for once the words had come out that way she actually meant that and that it wouldn’t make him paranoid or start thinking that she was afraid. the only fear she really had right now was doing something stupid and losing Adian... that and this baby ended being Ryan’s after all. She prayed that Adian was the father... the remembrance of both times when conception could have happened were so drastically different and she wanted to forget that Ryan drunk was anything but nice.
He didn’t move a muscle, letting her lean on him. He was glad to hear she was sharing in his fears. He was ashamed to say that there had been a period, though extremely brief, where he had considered her pregnancy to have been a deliberate and purposeful act. They hadn’t been careful at all. She’d told him it was safe, that there was no way she could get pregnant. If he’d realized then that there was in fact a possibility he would have been more careful, taken the extra steps he’d neglected. Now he had to have faith that she genuinely had believed the words she had told him, that she had truly never thought she could get pregnant again. His trust in her had been complete and he’d told himself he had no reason to doubt her. Her recent interaction with Justin however had left a crack in that trust, a crack he was working hard to ignore. Time could fix it or it could make the damage even worse. For now though he knew he loved her and her son and that if this kid were of his making he’d grow to love it too. No matter what happened between him and Lexi. He cared about her and that went a long way. Perhaps now that Daniel would never be able to be back in her life again she could find her closure. Maybe if she did take some time for herself, for once, she could come to see herself the way he did and in that revelation maybe she could be happier because so many times, when he’d thought he would look over and see her looking truly at peace he’d seen only sadness in her eyes, smiles and laughter that hadn’t been completely pure. It left him feeling hollow, not good enough, and he hated it. He felt as she did though, maybe together, no matter how hard things could get, they could see it through and things would be okay. Maybe. He gave a slight smile, nuzzling his face against hers he told her what he thought she’d want to hear, things that he believed, but also feared were lies he was telling himself.
Aidan Caine: Hey, sorry to say this but, if I’m the most stable thing in your life Lexi? You’re completely and utterly fucked.
He smirked, trying to get her to smile. It was his fallback. When all else fails, resort to humor.
Aidan Caine: Don’t be scared. This is just the first fight for us. Those are always the worst right? That means it can only get better from here. Because if we aren’t strong enough together to survive one fight then that means were were never strong enough for this to begin with. And I’ve been trapped in a headlock by you, getting out was no picnic. You’re stronger than you think sweetheart, and it’s about time you realized it. Take care of yourself, because ultimately no one else can do it for you. It’s something I learned the hard way a long time ago. I promise you I will always do my best to make sure you never need or want anything. You never have a worry in the world. But I know there will be times I will fail at that. So be your own savior. You don’t need any backup plans with me. You don’t need to worry or be scared for us. As a partner... well, you aren’t as bad as you make yourself out to be. I wish you’d take better care of yourself, I wish you’d let me do more for you, I wish you’d stop losing the remote control at home and stop eating all the Pringles an hour after I bring them home.... but I know your list of my imperfections would probably stretch all the way down the hallway and down five flights to the front door so I think if those are the only problems I have with you then you should consider yourself doing pretty damn good. You are as close to perfect to me as anyone could be so don’t worry about me and don’t worry about the kids. We love you and we are doing just fine. We’ll be... just fine.
She offered him a smile and there was a bit of laughter in her voice when she spoke.
Lexi: Three weeks was way too long to go without hearing you try and cheer me up with your humour. Don’t do that again okay?
She ran her fingers through his hair, meaning it as a simple gesture but it somehow coming off as way more intimate than most people would take such a sincere gesture. She hoped... that in time there wouldn't be doubt in his eyes when she talked about how she really didn’t think that she could have more children. She’d been going on what the doctors had told her, now she knew that doctors were mostly full of shit. Especially when they told her that Adian’s recovered would be slow and he probably would have brain damage. Clearly that wasn’t true either. In a way thought, she was happy about the surprise growing inside her, no matter who the father was, it made her feel not quite as broken, not quite as useless as a woman and now that she thought about it...it was something that Daniel hadn’t stolen from her... at least not completely. She was going to have two beautiful birth children, an adopted daughter in Gracie and who knew how many more children afterwards if that was what they decided on. Now all she wanted to know was the moment that Daniel took his last breath and the death certificate was issued so that she could finish up the paperwork with Jerry Rogers and go home for a while. Enjoy the fact that despite their relationship had taken a hit because of her, it was still mostly whole and the intimate moment last night had proven that. Despite her reputation lately, she wasn’t the kind of woman to try and trap a man in any way... if they didn’t want to be with her then she always accepted that and moved on. Her decision to break up with Drake and been mostly on her. Drake hadn’t wanted to... he’d wanted to work out something long distance but he didn’t beg and when she said it was best that they break it off, he’d accepted it without much of a fight, proving just how much younger than her he really was.
It had been then when she realized that he wasn’t the kind of relationship she really wanted. Sure she had loved him, sure she had fun with him but her days of that kind of ‘fun’ were growing weary. the part of her that had said that she didn't want the stable committed relationship that might eventually lead to marriage or at least pretty darn close to it was actually something she DID want. Her first marriage hadn't soured her look on it, just left a bad taste in her mouth that she needed to wash out. Looking at Adian now with mostly love in his eyes she knew that if anybody had fit the bill of someone she wanted to be with for the long haul, he had been the closest she’d come too, and it had absolutely nothing to do with his his money, his family or even his career and everything to do with the man he actually was.
She also knew that the demons she’d started to hear about were probably only scratching the surface, but she was patient and when he was ready to share more with her, she would accept it. She didn’t know what exactly he thought she couldn’t bare to hear but she’d pretended that the his news that he’d almost gone through with an abortion, maybe not for the same reasons she had considered it but she could understand why they had wanted to do that,was the the real reason he thought it was bad enough for her to think differently of him. For months she had feared him hearing about her abuse and how she had almost killed Daniel then would have changed how he felt about her. But it hadn’t. He’d told her that even if she had killed him he would still feel the same about her and that helped. She felt a little less ashamed of what had happened.
Chrissy and Terry walked past where they were sitting, Terry pushing the stroller. chrissy looked at Adian on his knees and her brow went up in question. Terry smirked and Lexi shook her head with an eye roll. Adian turned around and offered a smile.
Chrissy: They’ve started to disconnect him. Said that by the evening he’ll probably be gone. Said they would call and let us know.
Lexi gave a tight smile and shook her head.
Chrissy: Are you guys going to leave now or are you going to wait it out? I know Rogers said he can fax the paperwork for you to sign.... Like I said... I don’t want anything Lex. Do whatever they hell you want with it, but if you decide to burn down the house I’d like to help with that....
Terry gave his wife a furrowed brow and shook his head.
Lexi: No. No burning. Actually there will be some burning but not the kind you think...
chrissy looked confused at her comment but it was meant mostly for herself. the Burning she was talking about was some of her past reservations and fears.
Chrissy: Well let me know what you're going to do. You can come back to the house and wait it out if you want.
Lexi: Thanks hun. We’ll see you in a little bit.
Chrissy nodded again and they walked toward the elevator.
~*~
Lexi went alone to Roger’s office. Adian had wanted to come up with her because he hadn’t been quiet about his distrust of the lawyer but Lexi assured him that it would be quick to sign the papers and be done. From there they would go to the airport. Terry had said he would have Chrissy drive him to the airport later to pick up the car they kept just so Lexi had something to drive while she was down, knowing that maybe they needed a little privacy before boarding the plane back to North Carolina.
She entered the office and Rogers was on the phone, looking slightly irate and shaking his head at the phone.
Rogers: What do you mean? Really? Nothing? That asshole. Everything I did for him and he doesn’t leave me anything at all... no loopholes at all? She doesn’t even want the money....
He looked up and his face went instantly red. Lexi’s anger started to rise. The man had actually thought he’d be entitled to some of Daniel’s inheritance.
Rogers: okay, thanks... talk to you later.
He hung up.
Rogers: I...I... I didn’t expect you for another 20 minutes Electra....
Lexi: So that gives you an excuse to try and go behind my back and steal what is rightfully mine and my sisters?
Rogers: That’s not it at all. I just thought maybe he’d leave me something you know... we were good friends for so long....
Lexi: You’ll get more than enough from the generous legal fees I agreed to pay you Jeremiah.
Rogers looked downtrodden.
Rogers: Right...
He sat down and pushed an open file folder toward where she stood. It was open with the papers, releasing the money into her own bank account. She didn’t trust Rogers to do the trust funds for the kids. She had asked Terry to do that.
Rogers: Just sign there. Also the second paper allows the historical society of Toronto to take possession of the house and all the contents for display as a museum celebrating the Finch Family.
Lexi laughed as she started to scrawl her signature on the papers.
Lexi: Celebrating the Finch family.... right.
Rogers: just because you had one bad experience it doesn’t taint the reputation of Daniel and his family and all they did to help the local charities of Toronto and surrounding areas.
Lexi: One bad experience? ARe you fucking kidding me? You have no idea Jeremiah. Somehow I think you did know about what happened to me but from a very different point of view. I bet he tried to tell you that I seduced him. That I asked for him to come into my room every night and terrify me with threats to my sister. Threats that he would leave us on the street with nothing. That he’d turn us over to children’s aid. i think once he said he knew someone that dealt with human trafficking. Despite that, you stand there and tell me that I have no right to his money, to his estate because you think I was the one that weaseled my way into that? No. Daniel could have left his money to anybody he wanted but why do you think he left it to me and my sister? Because he felt guilty. He knew what he did was wrong and if the truth got out... his reputation would be damaged. I'm not planning on telling the historical society how good the last member of the Finch family was. I just want to move on.
She signed the last paper and turned to leave.
Rogers: Daniel was right. You are just a leaching parasite slut that did everything she could to get her hands on his money. He said that the reason why you got everything was because you blackmailed him with it. You’re all the same... using your good looks and long legs to get whatever you want....
Lexi stopped, she slowly turned around, glad right now that Adian hadn’t come up with her... although when she got back to the car and told him, she’d have to hold him down to keep him from coming back up here. With no real expression on her face she walked right up to the desk and reached over, grabbing Rogers but the collar and pulling his face to hers. His eyes suddenly took on a worried look.
Lexi: You wanna say that again? You’ve got a big mouth for being such a little man. In the grand scheme, you're the leaching parasite Jeremiah. You better hope we never meet in person again or that you never come face to face to Adian.
She started to leave again, not stopping while he ran out of his office, yelling profanities after her as she headed toward the elevator.
Rogers: Let’s hope that kid you're carrying isn’t another whore like you.
Lexi’s anger had reached a boiling point. Without missing a beat, she turned walked straight towards him, in front of the receptionist who was already watching the scene with her jaw dropped and delivered a electric shock to his head, knocking him down. It felt good to use the move again, although in her opinion it could have been a little more smooth. She chalked it up to stiffened unpractised muscles. He went down, grabbing his head in pain. His eyes were barely open as he looked up at her.
Rogers: I’ll sue...
Lexi: Yeah and your receptionist can testify to the names you were calling me. I'm pretty sure that she’s already got a case against you with me anyway.
The receptionist’s ‘o’ face and turned to a smile and she crossed her arms across her chest.
Lexi: Even try it and you’ll be out of business. Have yourself a nice day Mr.Rogers.
She didn’t even wait for the elevator and walked right to the stairs and took them slowly, breathing deeply with each step until finally... leaving the building she was as close to normal calm as she could be. She climbed into the waiting driver’s seat.
Adian Caine: Everything settled.
She laughed and he looked at her curiously.
Lexi: If you call a heel kick to his head ‘everything settled’
Adian Caine: What?
Lexi: I took care of it Adian but he said some things he shouldn’t have and I made sure he knew that I wasn’t some fragile girl that took that kind of abuse anymore. he might have a concussion... I dunno... it’s been a while so it might not have been as hard as i wanted it to be.... regardless he won’t be saying anything anymore.
Caine studied Lexi for a long moment but then simply shook his head and smirked. While part of him wanted nothing more than to go give that stuffy suit a piece of his mind he knew this was not necessary. Because this was one of the reasons he had fallen for Lexi. She was a woman that was not weak and did not need defending, she could do it all on her own and she could do it well. He found it both refreshing and sexy and so he stayed quiet, simply placing on hand over Lexi’s own, both proud and amused as he pictured the expression on the lawyer’s face when she’d no doubt put him in his place. Priceless.
This takes place after the ppv, Second, this is the last part, so hope you enjoy it!
Big Thanks to my writing buddy Holly for helping me on it!
~*~
The two cuddled in the bed for a few minutes more and then the next thing he knew Aidan felt himself being shaken lightly. He looked up into the smiling face of Terry. Caine and Lexi had apparently fallen fast asleep. Glancing down Caine saw Lexi sleeping peacefully against him. Careful, so as not to wake her, Caine slipped out of the bed and joined Terry at the main house. While Terry began to cook dinner Aidan did what he did best... he told Terry everything he was doing wrong. The two shared good natured barbs back and forth while sipping on beers and watching the Yankees destroy the Cardinals on the television that had been carefully placed in an out of the way corner of the counter space. Upstairs Chrissy and the baby also napped but about fifteen minutes before the meal was ready Caine heard a shrill scream come from upstairs. Terry, ever the dutiful and trained husband, immediately was upstairs and a few minutes later he was back, with company. His daughter, Sofia Lynn, was in his arms and instantly Caine was reminded of how tiny Gracie had been when she was the same age. Suddenly the little bundle was in Caine’s arms as Terry went to stop a pot from boiling over and that’s where the little girl stayed until it was time to eat and Chrissy and Lexi joined them. Dinner ended up lasting long into the night with the adults catching up while baby Sofia did what she did best: eat, sleep, or poop. Lexi watched Caine with Sofia as he did with her, each sharing tender smiles when the other wasn't looking. Finally all called it a night and as Lexi’s family retreated to the second floor of their palatial home Caine walked with Lexi back out to the pool house.
Lexi shivered again.
Lexi: I've gotten so used to the heat now I feel like a tourist when I come home.
she laughed and he put one arm around her, rubbing her arms with his hands to try and get some friction warmth going. He smiled.
Aidan Caine: Yeah remember when we were first talking and you told me winters aren’t too bad. Only gets to about minus fifteen? Do you remember my response? I asked if they’d filmed “Day After Tomorrow” here. You Canadians are crazy with your minuses! You’ll probably still be burning up this winter by the way. We usually only get down into the thirties. But don’t worry, we still see snow almost every winter. Just probably not the kind you’re used to seeing.
Lexi: Hmmm, christmas... that’s not too far away now is it? You know this will be the first christmas that Matty understands about Santa claus. probably going to be my first christmas where I don’t spend it with my sister too...
Aidan Caine: I’ll try to make it special for you, both of you. If you want we can always come back up here. We can do Christmas wherever and however you want... hell I’ll even put on some dorky Santa suit but I will put my foot down if you want me to crawl down the chimney. That sucker is big but I really think I’d get stuck halfway down what with the monkey ears and all.
Lexi laughed and reached up to pull on one of his ears.
Lexi: Yup you’d be a goner for sure.
Aidan eyed the pool, a slow smile working its way across his face as he remembered the last time they’d found themselves alone, late at night, on this very patio. Too cold for that kind of play now unfortunately. Turning his attention back to Lexi his mind once again went to what was to come the following day. He was worried for her but he tried to keep his voice neutral and light.
Aidan Caine: So since you played Sleeping Beauty for most of the day, think you’ll be able to get some sleep tonight?
She shrugged.
Lexi: I haven't’ really slept much in 3 weeks. Even with the nap I had I’m still feeling tired. By the time this is over I think I'm going have to have a log sheet for how much time i spend in bed vs how much time i spend with actual people. I just hope that MK doesn’t find me napping at my desk or something.
She smiled and he winked at her, for a moment pretending that their problems of late were nonexistent. Pretending that he’d never gotten hurt and she’d never gone to Justin or gotten that letter. Pretending he was only this simple jokester of a guy that everyone just initially took him for and not a father with a target on his back and some residual swelling in his skull. If only they could pretend that there was no tomorrow.
Aidan Caine: Well if you ever need any help logging some bed time in I think I could help you out with that.
Lexi couldn’t help the blush that spread up her cheeks. 3 weeks had seemed like a lifetime and she’d never been known to be shy about that part of her self, especially with her last boyfriend’s preferences in bed, but with everything that had happened, it almost felt like the first time all over again. she offered him a wink before opening the door of hte pool house and stepping in, instantly liking the warmth. She kicked off her shoes and started to walk away but couldn’t before being pulled back against Caine, although gentler than she’d known him to be it was still enough to let a small squeek of surprise escape her lips.
Lexi: Oh you meant sooner rather than later... well...
She turned around and gave him a look of mock surprise now.
Lexi: I suppose we could start that now... but you know....
she got serious for a minute, she looked at up him and her worried expression from days ago returned.
Lexi: Only if you're okay.... Your rib... your head.... I know you like to play off your injuries as minor but so much happened i don’t want to be the one responsible if you got hurt....
her hand went up to the now thicker pink healing scar on his forehead. It was unfortunate that he’d been cut open in the same spot with a matter of weeks, making the scar, although mostly hidden under his hairline, that much more noticeable. Also knowing that both times, had been that the hands of her ex husband. He’d been ignoring the pain, focusing instead on other things whenever he felt the stabbing sensation in his chest or the pounding in his skull. It had been easy to do, what with his concern for Lexi and the baby being so overpowering. Pain was nothing. Pain was manageable. He wanted to be with her tonight. Because even though they’d been together all day, he still felt like there was some unnamed barrier between them and he wanted to feel closer to her, like he had before. So, as he had all day, he pushed the waves of pain to the back of his brain and tried to ignore them. Instead he lowered his head slightly and began to kiss and lightly bite on the ridge of cartilage at the top of Electra’s ear, rubbing his teeth against it and lightly kissing as one hand came up to thread his fingers through her hair. He whispered into her ear.
Aidan Caine: I’m fine.
She gave him a slow smile before backing into the pool house, holding on to his hands.
Lexi: Well... I guess we’ll find out how fine you are...
~*~
The Nurse pointed to the room and Lexi thanked her. With a false strength in her step she started toward the room, Caine and Chrissy followed closely behind. her hand went to the door handle and she took a deep breath and paused, closing her eyes momentarily. Caine put a hand on her shoulder and she knew he was going to ask if she was okay... so before he could ask she pushed the door open with what she hoped was the determination she needed to tell Daniel that he had no more control over her life.
The room felt too sterile. the man she had come to intimately know, not that she had wanted to, looked small and frail on the small bed. The only one in a big room. She was sure the private room was not being covered by OHIP. There was a nurse jotting something down on a clipboard and shaking her head. She had a disgusted look on her face when she noticed the visitors, it changed to a tight smile instead.
Nurse: You must be the daughters....
Chrissy: STEP-daughters.
Nurse: Right... well...
The nurse shook her head again and left the room and Lexi looked at her a little confused as to why she looked so upset when the man’s head suddenly turned and looked at the group with watery brown eyes. Lexi faltered a little. She really had been hoping he’d be out of it. His mouth was blocked by the large breathing tube and she was instantly reminded of only days ago when she’d seen something similar in Caine’s mouth. He lifted his arm weakly, pointing to a table where a wooden board was sitting, with bright coloured fridge magnet letters and several pieces of chalk. With a sigh, lexi crossed the distance and picked it up. The man took it from her hands and then pointed to an empty chair beside the bed.
Lexi: I prefer to stand thank you.
Caine wasted no time in walking to her side, narrowing his eyes and sneering slightly at the man in the bed. Daniel’s eyes went a little wider in shock or surprise, she wasn’t sure. Daniel started to use the letters to spell out what he wanted to say.
HI ELEXTRA
Lexi nodded at him, trying to have patience even if he didn’t deserve it.
GLD U CAM
Lexi shook her head.
Lexi: You know very well why i came Daniel and it wasn’t to exchange small talk.
NO U CAM TO KILL ME
Chrissy clenched her fists but still remained on the farther side of the room.
CANT BLAM U I WOUD KILL ME 2
Lexi rolled her eyes. She remembered that after he’d had his way with her, sometimes he’d cry. Sometimes he’d beg her to forgive him, that it hadn’t been his fault...it was because he missed her mother, that it wasn’t his fault, it was her fault for leaving, for being so reckless.
Then he would leave me and act like none of it had ever happened. For the first little while, I’d believed him... thinking that one day he wouldn’t need to treat me like this... I’d been wrong....
Lexi: This isn’t about revenge Daniel. I already had my revenge on you, this is about making sure that you can’t steal something from someone else. There are a lot of sick people that could easily make better use of the equipment and the room. I was told that you had no chance of getting better.
NO NO CHANCE CANT BREATH ANYMOR
he moved the letters again after that.
ALONE NO BELLE NO MAN
Instantly Aidan seemed to tense up as Chrissy put a hand to her mouth and tears started in the corner of her eyes.
Chrissy: You have no right to call me that! Only my mother could call me that....
The tears started to stream down her cheeks. Lexi rarely saw Chrissy get upset to this degree, the use of their mother’s nickname for her by a man as horrible as Daniel seemed to really bother her.
SORRY
Chrissy, enraged started to dive toward the bed. Caine was quick to react, grabbing the woman in his arms before she could get close. Chrissy stopped and started to sob into Aidan’s shirt.
Chrissy: Sorry? Sorry!?! That’s all you can fucking say....
She was still kind of struggling against Adian’s strong arms.
Lexi started to move toward the two but she felt a hand on her knee. Daniel shook his head, insistent that they talk alone.
Lexi: Adian, take her out to Terry. I’ll be fine.
He gave her a look of doubt but offered her a tight smile before putting an arm around chrissy and leaving the room. Lexi turned back to Daniel. he was already beginning to use the board again.
I DESRVED TO DIE B4
Lexi: I don’t agree with you. In fact I don’t think you deserved to get beat up as badly as I did to you.
WRONG I WAS 2
Lexi: Well that’s obvious.
I WAS CRUEL EVEN B4
Lexi knew what he meant. he was talking about how he would always put her down for being so tall, awkward and clumsy. The physical abuse had started with the vase. An expensive priceless vase that a maid had moved to clean and not yet had the chance to put back. not watching where she was going, she managed to bump into it, causing it to smash onto the hardwood floor into a million unrecognizable pieces. She’d been devastated. Up until that time, Daniel had hardly talked to either her or Chrissy. Gave them the bare minimum of what they needed in regards to clothing, bedding and toys. he also always been distant and it was rare to actually see him in person. usually the girls were taken care of by the main housekeeper Mrs. Rothberg, who also wasn’t a motherly figure in any one’s eyes.
He’d come out of his office, looked at the mess and realized which vase it was. he’d screamed profanities at her. Telling her that she was useless just like her mother. She’d gotten a slap across the face too. She tried many times during that scene, among the tears, that she was sorry and that she didn’t mean to. there had also been on moment, after he’d slapped her that he’d looked at her face and there seemed to be recognition there... like he was seeing her for the first time even though she’d been in his house for nearly 6 years. it had been that night when he’d first started coming into her room at night, telling her that if she made any noise or told anyone, he would hurt Chrissy too.
Lexi shook herself from the memory.
Lexi: Yes, you were
ANGRY AT RUBY
there it was again, his supposed reason for abusing her. That it was because she looked almost identical to her mother...but part of her often wondered if it wouldn’t have happened anyway, even if her mother had been alive. of course it wouldn’t have continued as long as it had because Ruby had always had a knack for knowing when something was up with her children.
Lexi: Still using that old excuse. Fine. You can justify what you did to me anyway you want. here’s what you need to know. I survived. You beat me and abused me so bad that I have trouble having children now. I’ve been blessed through you know. I have a son, he’s 3 and that man you say in here, he’s my boyfriend and on top of all that I’m pregnant.
GOOD U DESRVE TO BE HAPPY
Lexi: For the most part I am happy. I think I’m finally getting to a point where I can come to terms with what you did to me. I will move on enough that your actions don’t haunt me every single day and night. I’m also thankful that even though you raped me relentlessly, I don’t have issues with men...because I know they aren’t like you.
PIC OF SON?
Lexi clenched her fists. part of her wanted to show him a pic of matty. To prove that although he had made her life dark and miserable for so long, matthew had been her ray of sunshine through the rain.
Lexi: No. You don’t deserve to see a picture of him.
STRONG CUZ OF ME
Lexi laughed.
Lexi: You think that the reason I’m strong is because of what you did to me? and your proud of that? I was starting to think that maybe you’d changed...seen the error of what you did but it’s obvious that you haven’t changed. You want to take credit for things that you have no business taking credit for. Tell me one thing Daniel, was I the only one... was I the only girl you did that too? I know you were married before but not for long...did you hurt your ex wife like that too?
Daniel averted her gaze, which in Lexi’s eyes was an admission of guilt. So it was that he was using her mother as an excuse. it wouldn’t have mattered if she had died or not, he probably still would have tried to hurt her and that made her angry. She felt it bubbling up in her stomach like it had 12 years ago. For some reason the only way the anger would be satiated would be if she saw his blood saturating the pillow behind his head. She clenched her fists, digging her nails into her palms so hard that it didn’t take long until she felt the greasy wetness under the pads of her fingers.
Lexi: I’m starting to think the only reason you married my mother was because she had two young daughters. You were planning it all along, how you would marry her... take advantage and then when you thought she wasn’t looking you’d move in on her daughters. your a sick man Daniel
TIRED
Lexi shook her head.
Lexi: I know you have limited use of words here but let me let tell you something else, i didn’t come here to hear you say that you were sorry. I didn’t come just to sign the papers either. I came here because I wanted to have one last chance to look you in your eyes and tell you what a goddamn bastard you were. I also wanted to tell you that you didn’t beat me in the true sense of the word. You may have taken my body as your own personal toy but you didn’t have my soul or my heart. I’m not going to continue to let you have control of me anymore.
She took a deep breath and then leaned into the man so that she was close to his ear.
Lexi: Adian is 4 million times the man you are, in and out of bed. I hope you rot in hell.
she stood up, Daniel watching her eyes the entire time.
Lexi: You should feel blessed to have the option to go peacefully because if it were up to me I think maybe i would do what Chrissy wanted to do and that was just unplug you from everything and watch you gasp for air, or maybe I’d even put my own hands around your neck.
She stopped, suddenly realizing that she was going someplace she had promised herself she wouldn't go. It wouldn’t help her feel better... it wouldn’t help with her closure. What she had come to do she had. She’d told him that he wasn’t going to be a major part of her life anymore and when she returned to Vegas, she was going to see Dr. Auttenberg. But she wasn't’ going to tell Daniel she was seeing a doctor.
Lexi: Goodbye Daniel.
She turned with a sigh and walked right out of the room without looking at him again. Caine stopped mid pace and gave her an uncertain smile, wondering what her vacant unreadable expression meant. he walked over slowly, cautiously, pulling her into his arms. she let him but didn’t return the hug. Not that she didn’t want to return the affection but she knew that if she did, she’d end up bursting into tears and Daniel didn't’ deserve any more of her tears. Ever. She tilted her head upwards, kissing his cheek before moving out his arms and walking to the nurses station. Without a falter or hesitation she spoke:
Lexi: I’m ready for those papers now.
The nurse from earlier looked up at her and something new was in her eyes, it almost seemed like relief.
she handed Lexi a clipboard.
Nurse: If you just read this paragraph here it explains the procedure we go through and what Mr.Finch will experience when we slowly take him off the respirator and the other machines. We will sedate him...
Lexi flipped the page and scrawled her signature to it and handed it back to the nurse, cutting her off. The nurse furrowed her brow.
Lexi: I really don’t want to know. he’s sick, he won’t get better. At this point, as cruel as it sounds, I don’t care if he’s in pain or not. We aren’t close, I just happen to be his only relative. I can see by the look in your eyes Nurse...
She looked down at the name tag on her pocket.
Lexi: Deanne... that he’s probably tried to do things to you even in his weakened state, hence the look I received when we walked in there.
The nurse didn’t comment. Her professionalism was obvious but Lexi already knew.
Nurse Deanne: Funeral arrangements....
Lexi: His lawyer will take care of it.
Nurse Deanne: Right, Mr.Rogers.
she gave another disgusted look. she leaned closer to lexi, looking beside her to make sure the other nurse wasn’t listening
Nurse Deanne: he’s not really any better. he’s made some comments to me and the other women that work on this floor. I’ll be glad to not have to pretend to be nice to him anymore.
Caine overheard the nurses words and stride toward the desk to stand beside Lexi, not saying anything but listening.
Lexi: You and me both. thank you anyway nurse... for everything you’ve done.
She nodded and lexi turned and started to walk toward the exit, not missing a beat or stopping. She heard Caine tell Chrissy and Terry to take their time since they’d come in their own vehicle and ran after Lexi who kept walking until she came to an empty chair, far enough away from the rest of her family that no one would hear her sobs.
she put her hands to her face and tried to breath deeply, trying not to cry. She felt hands on her wrists, pulling her hands away from her face. Caine had crouched down in front of her, looking intently into her eyes, but not before noticing the red staining her hands, dried blood under her fingernails and the half crescent marks on her palms. he frowned.
Adian Caine: Talk to me...What happened in there?
She knew she would tell him. She never had any intention of keeping it secret but part of her just wanted to pretend that it hadn’t happened, but she relayed the story to him, word for word and she could only see the anger in his eyes get heavier as she got to the end of her story.
Lexi: I’m not crying because of what I did... I’m crying because once again he had that moment where he might have gotten the satisfaction of seeing me angry but I pulled myself back from the brink. I had to tell myself that he wasn’t worth it, that even if I did beat him, it wouldn't mean a damn thing. I told myself that it was what he wanted me to do because it meant he would have won and I wasn’t going to give him that. I had the last word. There is this part of me that now feels just a little bit better because I know now that even though he couldn’t anyway, he can’t touch me again and he can’t hurt anyone else either.
He raised Lexi’s hands to his lips and kissed her palms, lightly rubbing where her nails had slightly punctured the skin. Not for the first time he thought about storming into the room, silencing the alarms, and cutting the machines off himself. He hated seeing her like this but he was glad she was at least opening up more and not keeping everything so buried. For her own sake. He tried to make his voice as reassuring as possible.
Aidan Caine: I’m proud of you, you know that? I know it must have taken a lot for you to have been able to do this. All you need to do Lexi is ask yourself one thing. “Am I happy with myself for how I ended it?” If you are then there’s nothing more that needs to be said. If not, well, you still have the chance to do something about that. Look at your life and focus on all the good in it. You are responsible for all of that. So love yourself. The way I love you. And to hell with the past... and him.
Lexi tried to smile.
Lexi: I’m never going to be happy with the way that any of this turned out. Despite him deserving everything that’s happened to him, I'm not the type of person that will ‘dance on his grave’ persay. I’m just glad that part of that chapter of my life is closed. I’m been thinking about the money... talking to Chrissy too... and we really would like to open trusts for the kids... all of them. Despite what happens between us Adian, I love Gracie and I know you can more than do right by her in way of money but.. I dunno. I just don’t want most of it and if the kids can use it for whatever they like down the road then I’m fine with that. Chrissy doesn’t want a cent. After paying for legal fees I probably will have enough to buy some stuff for the baby. otherwise I don’t want to have anything left and if I do I’ll give it to a woman’s shelter or something. Does that sound insane? Cuz frankly i think at this moment I wouldn’t be surprised with everything that’s happened the last few weeks that someone didn't’ want to commit me.
Aidan nodded. He’d seen the look that always passed over his girlfriend when he pulled out his wallet. He’d seen it most recently in the day before when he’d paid their monthly bills, his recent purchase of new dressage for the horse he’d gotten her, and when he’d come home with over a thousand dollars worth of new clothes, shoes, toys, books, and movies for Matthew. The boy grew like a weed and many of his belongings had been left in Toronto for visits there and simply for the fact that all of it could not be transported in the move. He knew she was a proud, independent woman. On more than one occasion she’d made comments about wanting to contribute and help out more. This would mean a lot to her. He smirked, trying to put a real smile on her face and not the one she was obviously trying to force for his benefit.
Aidan Caine: That sounds like one of the most sane things you’ve ever said sweetheart. Insane was when you said you didn’t like me on our first date in the middle of that ring remember? Everyone likes me! Now that? THAT was just crazy talk! Seriously though baby, whatever you want to do with the money it is your decision and I will support you in it one hundred percent. I’m sure one day, when Gracie is old enough to understand, she will be very appreciative. She loves you too by the way. I can tell. The days of wanting her daddy are all gone now. It’s all about wanting you.
Lexi: Well that’s good for me because if this baby does end up being a boy... we’re out numbered. I’ll need an ally.
She offered a weak smile, weak but genuine. Temporarily forgetting what happened today. Knowing that this afternoon she’d have to see the awful Mr.Rogers again... once she’d gotten word that Daniel was gone of course. Her decision to spend the money on the children made her feel better because they were innocent of anything that had happened....they’d also all be rich in their own rights once they reached 18.
Lexi: We could probably leave today if you really wanted. the tickets that I got have an open departure. Chrissy would more than understand if after we talk to Rogers again we were to take off to NC. I miss the kids and I miss...
She’d almost said our home but bit her tongue. She didn’t want to presume anything, especially with things still strained between them. although a city girl at heart she love Adian’s house. She loved the fact that there was no one around to bother them.He gave a small close-lipped smile. It was as if he could read her mind in that moment.
Aidan Caine: Your home?
Lexi: Yeah...
Aidan Caine: You know you can say that right. It’s your home too now. It’s ours. Yours, mine, the kids’... It’s okay to be happy Lexi. If you are actually happy that is, with me and Gracie. You do have good things in your life Princess. Even in times like this where it doesn’t feel like it. We’re having a rough patch at the moment but I’m not planning on going anywhere. Are you?
Lexi: No. You have to understand though... with everything that’s happened in my life, my automatic instinct is to have a back up plan. I actually don’t feel that way this time. You’ve been the most stable thing I’ve had in a very long time. It’s still new to me, and fights like this one... it scares me a little. I know things have gone incredibly fast... light speed fast and I don’t want you to ever think that I purposely got myself pregnant just to keep you. In all honesty... it shocked the hell out of me too, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want it. For once... I’m not somebody’s saviour. I guess it’s about time I thought about myself for a change, not to mean I won’t still being me or being a good mother to Matthew... or a good partner to you... although I know I’ve been pretty lousy lately. We’re in for a long bumpy haul, but together... I think it’ll work out okay.
She leaned her forward and placed her head on his shoulder, hoping that maybe for once the words had come out that way she actually meant that and that it wouldn’t make him paranoid or start thinking that she was afraid. the only fear she really had right now was doing something stupid and losing Adian... that and this baby ended being Ryan’s after all. She prayed that Adian was the father... the remembrance of both times when conception could have happened were so drastically different and she wanted to forget that Ryan drunk was anything but nice.
He didn’t move a muscle, letting her lean on him. He was glad to hear she was sharing in his fears. He was ashamed to say that there had been a period, though extremely brief, where he had considered her pregnancy to have been a deliberate and purposeful act. They hadn’t been careful at all. She’d told him it was safe, that there was no way she could get pregnant. If he’d realized then that there was in fact a possibility he would have been more careful, taken the extra steps he’d neglected. Now he had to have faith that she genuinely had believed the words she had told him, that she had truly never thought she could get pregnant again. His trust in her had been complete and he’d told himself he had no reason to doubt her. Her recent interaction with Justin however had left a crack in that trust, a crack he was working hard to ignore. Time could fix it or it could make the damage even worse. For now though he knew he loved her and her son and that if this kid were of his making he’d grow to love it too. No matter what happened between him and Lexi. He cared about her and that went a long way. Perhaps now that Daniel would never be able to be back in her life again she could find her closure. Maybe if she did take some time for herself, for once, she could come to see herself the way he did and in that revelation maybe she could be happier because so many times, when he’d thought he would look over and see her looking truly at peace he’d seen only sadness in her eyes, smiles and laughter that hadn’t been completely pure. It left him feeling hollow, not good enough, and he hated it. He felt as she did though, maybe together, no matter how hard things could get, they could see it through and things would be okay. Maybe. He gave a slight smile, nuzzling his face against hers he told her what he thought she’d want to hear, things that he believed, but also feared were lies he was telling himself.
Aidan Caine: Hey, sorry to say this but, if I’m the most stable thing in your life Lexi? You’re completely and utterly fucked.
He smirked, trying to get her to smile. It was his fallback. When all else fails, resort to humor.
Aidan Caine: Don’t be scared. This is just the first fight for us. Those are always the worst right? That means it can only get better from here. Because if we aren’t strong enough together to survive one fight then that means were were never strong enough for this to begin with. And I’ve been trapped in a headlock by you, getting out was no picnic. You’re stronger than you think sweetheart, and it’s about time you realized it. Take care of yourself, because ultimately no one else can do it for you. It’s something I learned the hard way a long time ago. I promise you I will always do my best to make sure you never need or want anything. You never have a worry in the world. But I know there will be times I will fail at that. So be your own savior. You don’t need any backup plans with me. You don’t need to worry or be scared for us. As a partner... well, you aren’t as bad as you make yourself out to be. I wish you’d take better care of yourself, I wish you’d let me do more for you, I wish you’d stop losing the remote control at home and stop eating all the Pringles an hour after I bring them home.... but I know your list of my imperfections would probably stretch all the way down the hallway and down five flights to the front door so I think if those are the only problems I have with you then you should consider yourself doing pretty damn good. You are as close to perfect to me as anyone could be so don’t worry about me and don’t worry about the kids. We love you and we are doing just fine. We’ll be... just fine.
She offered him a smile and there was a bit of laughter in her voice when she spoke.
Lexi: Three weeks was way too long to go without hearing you try and cheer me up with your humour. Don’t do that again okay?
She ran her fingers through his hair, meaning it as a simple gesture but it somehow coming off as way more intimate than most people would take such a sincere gesture. She hoped... that in time there wouldn't be doubt in his eyes when she talked about how she really didn’t think that she could have more children. She’d been going on what the doctors had told her, now she knew that doctors were mostly full of shit. Especially when they told her that Adian’s recovered would be slow and he probably would have brain damage. Clearly that wasn’t true either. In a way thought, she was happy about the surprise growing inside her, no matter who the father was, it made her feel not quite as broken, not quite as useless as a woman and now that she thought about it...it was something that Daniel hadn’t stolen from her... at least not completely. She was going to have two beautiful birth children, an adopted daughter in Gracie and who knew how many more children afterwards if that was what they decided on. Now all she wanted to know was the moment that Daniel took his last breath and the death certificate was issued so that she could finish up the paperwork with Jerry Rogers and go home for a while. Enjoy the fact that despite their relationship had taken a hit because of her, it was still mostly whole and the intimate moment last night had proven that. Despite her reputation lately, she wasn’t the kind of woman to try and trap a man in any way... if they didn’t want to be with her then she always accepted that and moved on. Her decision to break up with Drake and been mostly on her. Drake hadn’t wanted to... he’d wanted to work out something long distance but he didn’t beg and when she said it was best that they break it off, he’d accepted it without much of a fight, proving just how much younger than her he really was.
It had been then when she realized that he wasn’t the kind of relationship she really wanted. Sure she had loved him, sure she had fun with him but her days of that kind of ‘fun’ were growing weary. the part of her that had said that she didn't want the stable committed relationship that might eventually lead to marriage or at least pretty darn close to it was actually something she DID want. Her first marriage hadn't soured her look on it, just left a bad taste in her mouth that she needed to wash out. Looking at Adian now with mostly love in his eyes she knew that if anybody had fit the bill of someone she wanted to be with for the long haul, he had been the closest she’d come too, and it had absolutely nothing to do with his his money, his family or even his career and everything to do with the man he actually was.
She also knew that the demons she’d started to hear about were probably only scratching the surface, but she was patient and when he was ready to share more with her, she would accept it. She didn’t know what exactly he thought she couldn’t bare to hear but she’d pretended that the his news that he’d almost gone through with an abortion, maybe not for the same reasons she had considered it but she could understand why they had wanted to do that,was the the real reason he thought it was bad enough for her to think differently of him. For months she had feared him hearing about her abuse and how she had almost killed Daniel then would have changed how he felt about her. But it hadn’t. He’d told her that even if she had killed him he would still feel the same about her and that helped. She felt a little less ashamed of what had happened.
Chrissy and Terry walked past where they were sitting, Terry pushing the stroller. chrissy looked at Adian on his knees and her brow went up in question. Terry smirked and Lexi shook her head with an eye roll. Adian turned around and offered a smile.
Chrissy: They’ve started to disconnect him. Said that by the evening he’ll probably be gone. Said they would call and let us know.
Lexi gave a tight smile and shook her head.
Chrissy: Are you guys going to leave now or are you going to wait it out? I know Rogers said he can fax the paperwork for you to sign.... Like I said... I don’t want anything Lex. Do whatever they hell you want with it, but if you decide to burn down the house I’d like to help with that....
Terry gave his wife a furrowed brow and shook his head.
Lexi: No. No burning. Actually there will be some burning but not the kind you think...
chrissy looked confused at her comment but it was meant mostly for herself. the Burning she was talking about was some of her past reservations and fears.
Chrissy: Well let me know what you're going to do. You can come back to the house and wait it out if you want.
Lexi: Thanks hun. We’ll see you in a little bit.
Chrissy nodded again and they walked toward the elevator.
~*~
Lexi went alone to Roger’s office. Adian had wanted to come up with her because he hadn’t been quiet about his distrust of the lawyer but Lexi assured him that it would be quick to sign the papers and be done. From there they would go to the airport. Terry had said he would have Chrissy drive him to the airport later to pick up the car they kept just so Lexi had something to drive while she was down, knowing that maybe they needed a little privacy before boarding the plane back to North Carolina.
She entered the office and Rogers was on the phone, looking slightly irate and shaking his head at the phone.
Rogers: What do you mean? Really? Nothing? That asshole. Everything I did for him and he doesn’t leave me anything at all... no loopholes at all? She doesn’t even want the money....
He looked up and his face went instantly red. Lexi’s anger started to rise. The man had actually thought he’d be entitled to some of Daniel’s inheritance.
Rogers: okay, thanks... talk to you later.
He hung up.
Rogers: I...I... I didn’t expect you for another 20 minutes Electra....
Lexi: So that gives you an excuse to try and go behind my back and steal what is rightfully mine and my sisters?
Rogers: That’s not it at all. I just thought maybe he’d leave me something you know... we were good friends for so long....
Lexi: You’ll get more than enough from the generous legal fees I agreed to pay you Jeremiah.
Rogers looked downtrodden.
Rogers: Right...
He sat down and pushed an open file folder toward where she stood. It was open with the papers, releasing the money into her own bank account. She didn’t trust Rogers to do the trust funds for the kids. She had asked Terry to do that.
Rogers: Just sign there. Also the second paper allows the historical society of Toronto to take possession of the house and all the contents for display as a museum celebrating the Finch Family.
Lexi laughed as she started to scrawl her signature on the papers.
Lexi: Celebrating the Finch family.... right.
Rogers: just because you had one bad experience it doesn’t taint the reputation of Daniel and his family and all they did to help the local charities of Toronto and surrounding areas.
Lexi: One bad experience? ARe you fucking kidding me? You have no idea Jeremiah. Somehow I think you did know about what happened to me but from a very different point of view. I bet he tried to tell you that I seduced him. That I asked for him to come into my room every night and terrify me with threats to my sister. Threats that he would leave us on the street with nothing. That he’d turn us over to children’s aid. i think once he said he knew someone that dealt with human trafficking. Despite that, you stand there and tell me that I have no right to his money, to his estate because you think I was the one that weaseled my way into that? No. Daniel could have left his money to anybody he wanted but why do you think he left it to me and my sister? Because he felt guilty. He knew what he did was wrong and if the truth got out... his reputation would be damaged. I'm not planning on telling the historical society how good the last member of the Finch family was. I just want to move on.
She signed the last paper and turned to leave.
Rogers: Daniel was right. You are just a leaching parasite slut that did everything she could to get her hands on his money. He said that the reason why you got everything was because you blackmailed him with it. You’re all the same... using your good looks and long legs to get whatever you want....
Lexi stopped, she slowly turned around, glad right now that Adian hadn’t come up with her... although when she got back to the car and told him, she’d have to hold him down to keep him from coming back up here. With no real expression on her face she walked right up to the desk and reached over, grabbing Rogers but the collar and pulling his face to hers. His eyes suddenly took on a worried look.
Lexi: You wanna say that again? You’ve got a big mouth for being such a little man. In the grand scheme, you're the leaching parasite Jeremiah. You better hope we never meet in person again or that you never come face to face to Adian.
She started to leave again, not stopping while he ran out of his office, yelling profanities after her as she headed toward the elevator.
Rogers: Let’s hope that kid you're carrying isn’t another whore like you.
Lexi’s anger had reached a boiling point. Without missing a beat, she turned walked straight towards him, in front of the receptionist who was already watching the scene with her jaw dropped and delivered a electric shock to his head, knocking him down. It felt good to use the move again, although in her opinion it could have been a little more smooth. She chalked it up to stiffened unpractised muscles. He went down, grabbing his head in pain. His eyes were barely open as he looked up at her.
Rogers: I’ll sue...
Lexi: Yeah and your receptionist can testify to the names you were calling me. I'm pretty sure that she’s already got a case against you with me anyway.
The receptionist’s ‘o’ face and turned to a smile and she crossed her arms across her chest.
Lexi: Even try it and you’ll be out of business. Have yourself a nice day Mr.Rogers.
She didn’t even wait for the elevator and walked right to the stairs and took them slowly, breathing deeply with each step until finally... leaving the building she was as close to normal calm as she could be. She climbed into the waiting driver’s seat.
Adian Caine: Everything settled.
She laughed and he looked at her curiously.
Lexi: If you call a heel kick to his head ‘everything settled’
Adian Caine: What?
Lexi: I took care of it Adian but he said some things he shouldn’t have and I made sure he knew that I wasn’t some fragile girl that took that kind of abuse anymore. he might have a concussion... I dunno... it’s been a while so it might not have been as hard as i wanted it to be.... regardless he won’t be saying anything anymore.
Caine studied Lexi for a long moment but then simply shook his head and smirked. While part of him wanted nothing more than to go give that stuffy suit a piece of his mind he knew this was not necessary. Because this was one of the reasons he had fallen for Lexi. She was a woman that was not weak and did not need defending, she could do it all on her own and she could do it well. He found it both refreshing and sexy and so he stayed quiet, simply placing on hand over Lexi’s own, both proud and amused as he pictured the expression on the lawyer’s face when she’d no doubt put him in his place. Priceless.