Chapter 10: Love at All the Wrong Times pt 2
Saturday morning came and Alexia's alarm clock was going off. She wanted to start her day a little early. Turning her alarm off, she climbed out of bed with a stretch and headed straight for the shower. While she bathed all she could think about was her brother and all that went down in the past twenty-four hours. Her heart ached for him and she knew that his for her. Alex tried to think of a way to be with him without ruining his life but nothing arose. She climbed out and dried off. Watching herself in the door mirror she slowly slid her hand down her body and closed her eyes. Her mind drifted back to when she and Christian made love. She could feel his touch, his heartbeat, his voice... as if it was happening right then.
Alexia shook her head and headed into her closet to get her clothes for the day. Removing her dress from the hanger, her suitcase came into view. Their plans for a vacation were ruined. She was heartbroken as she looked at her luggage. 'Don't cry,' she told herself. Placing the dress on her bed, Alex retrieved her suitcase from the closet and placed it near the front door. Alexia gathered all her things and proceeded to get dressed and ready for the day. After she finished, she straightened up the place and grabbed her cap and gown, suitcase, and her purse and took them down to her car.
Giving her apartment a once over, Alexia locked her door then got into her car and drove toward the school. She drove with her mind on her brother, determined to get him back. If only their parents weren't around, like before. Soon Alexia arrived at her campus and parked in the student lot. Pulling out her phone, she forgot that she had a voice message. She listened as the message played...
"Hunny, it's me your mother. I need to see you before you march; please it's very important. I love you Alexia."
Christian's cell phone alarm went off. He groggily reached over, turned it off, and dragged himself out of bed. Walking straight into the bathroom, he started the shower, peeled off his clothes and stepped in. The cool water running over his stern body felt good and began to awaken him. His first thoughts were of his baby sister. He hoped she was ok and not still crying. It killed him to see her cry and not be able to hold her. He washed himself and then his hair and finished his shower. Drying himself off, he walked over to the chair where his clothes were laid out and began to get dressed.
Check out time was at noon and Christian was right on the money. He walked up to the desk and handed in his key. Then he pulled his suitcase out to his truck and threw it in the back. Outside he seemed confident and happy but on the inside, he was in terrible pain. His thoughts were only on his saddened lover and how he could get her back. Christian remembered there was a message on his phone. Climbing into his truck, he put his ear bud in and played his message.
"Son, it's your mother. I need to see you before the ceremony starts. It is concerning you and your sister. Please Christian, it's so important. I love you."
The message ended and Christian closed his phone. For a minute he was confused, anxious, and worried all at once. 'Why would she want to talk to me about Alex? Is she on my side?' His mind was racing and so was his heart. He pulled his seat belt on and started to drive toward the campus. They would probably meet in the parking lot. It didn't seem like his father would be there for this meeting so he was somewhat relieved. Finally reaching the campus parking lot, Christian pulled into a visitor's spot and turned the engine off. He sat in his truck scanning the area for any sign of his mother. His mind also looking for his separated lover but then realized that she would be over in the student's lot.
The waiting was almost unbearable. He popped in a CD to try to clam his nerves and let the music soothe him. Christian sat back and waited for his mom to arrive. She would probably try to seek him out so he really shouldn't move. Then his thoughts went right back to his sister. Chris decided that no matter what his father said he would be with Alexia. The hell with his job and his education: if he couldn't have his sister then he couldn't be happy.
Hayden roused early and got ready for the ceremony. She knew she had to leave before her husband so that she could talk to her children. As quietly as she could, Hayden dressed, and tidied up the room. Then she left a note for her husband saying that she was going to get a bit to eat and talk to one of Alexia's teachers who she was good friends with and that she would meet him at the graduation. Placing the note on the desk, she slipped out of the room and was on her way. Once she was in front of the hotel, there was a taxis waiting for a customer. The doorman held the door for her as she climbed in.
In no time at all, Mrs. Dawson reached the campus. Paying the driver, she climbed out and searched the parking lot for her daughter's car. Spotting it, she swiftly walked over and peered into the window. Hayden tapped on the glass lightly and watched as her daughter's face turned to her with a look of surprise and relief. Hearing the door unlock, Hayden opened it and climbed in. They embraced each other for a few minutes, both letting tears fall from their eyes.
They spoke for about five minutes. Hayden did most of the talking. Alexia just sat back, tears still in her eyes, sometimes nodding and wiping her tear stained face. After her mother stopped talking, Alexia smiled and embraced her. All she could say was thank you over and over again. Hayden kissed her daughter on the cheek and told her to look her best as she walked across the stage.
Hayden stepped out of the car and hurried over to the other parking lot, where she knew her son would be waiting. Searching the first row of vehicles for her son's truck, she spotted her husband's car pulling into a parking spot. "Damn it," she said under her breath as she kept looking. Then she saw him sitting in the truck only a few feet away. Running over to the passenger side door, Hayden tapped on the glass and waited for him to acknowledge her. Christian was pulled from his music when he heard a knocking. Looking over he saw his mother and let her in. Hayden hastily climbed in and hugged her son.
"What going on mom?" Christian asked wondering why she looked so nervous.
"I don't have much time to talk. I just saw your father pulling in. Listen, Christian, what happened yesterday...I want you to just forget about it. If you and your sister are happy together then you two should stay with each other. I'll love you no matter what. And don't worry about your father, he's full of hot air...nothing will happen, I promise. All I ask is that you still keep in touch with me."
