Alexis sat on the bench trying to catch her breath. This exercise thing had gotten out of hand but it did seem to make her forget. She turned everything in her life upside down in the course of a week. She had been living a whirlwind that was taking her no where and she had to do what she did even if it meant that she was now sitting on a park bench feeling more alone than she ever had. It was for her own good. It was her way of saving herself. She knew how to be strong; she knew how to get by. The only thing that made it harder was that she knew now what she was missing.

Now leaning back on the bench she took one deep breath in and out letting her air fill with the cool morning air and then let her eyes close. It had been a long time since she was able to close her eyes without the fear of what would happen if she took one second for herself.

Hi

Alexis eyes shot open at the sound of his voice.

Hi sounding stunned to see him standing there

Taking up park benches now?

Taking a break

You taking a break in mid morning of a work day?

Im taking the day off! No, maybe Im taking the week off! Hell maybe Ill take the year off!

He was thrown off by her boldness and he was intrigued why she had said that.

I could say the same for you walking around in the park in the middle of a business day

ELQ can live without me for a couple of hours

ELQ?

I went back, gave in I guess

Explains the suit what made you go back?

The now civility of this conversation was almost astonishing and amusing to anyone who might have saw them now sitting there together. They hadnt been able to say more than 5 words to each other in months much less a civil conversation at the length this was going.

Ned had paused for a second thinking how to answer Alexis question.


I needed to make changes. I know big leap, probably backwards but

What about L&B?

Still keeping it alive. I hired someone tojust putting it on the back burner

Alexis shook her head as she listened to him.

Are you happy? That question just shot out of her mouth and though she did care to know she didnt mean to get that personal.

Ned turned his head towards her. Just looking at her as if he were trying to read her for his answer.

Uh sure, yeah

You?

Um yeah

Now they were back at awkward

Can I ask why youre taking the day off? Or the year?

I needed to make some changes, she said giving his answer

Not at Sonnys beck and call this morning?

She paused for a moment questioning herself was it smart to even tell Ned fearing he may gloat

Im no longer Sonnys lawyer

What? Did something happen?

Too much happened I guess

He didnt hurt you?

Ned now looking concerned of her sudden move to extricate herself from Sonny

Um no she paused for a moment trying to say the right things I just needed to I guess get away from me

I dont understand?

Alexis turned to look at Ned and giving herself a moment to establish her seriousness.

I think you understand more than anyone in the world

They let a silence go between them. This time though it wasnt an awkward silence it was a silence to take a moment to let understanding seep in. To let her know he did know, that he knew her.

Ned let out a small sign braking the silence between them.

I do, dont I?

She let out an almost shameful slight grin and then again silence.

I should go, he said with Alexis now looking at him as if she might have regretted the whole conversation.

Yeah

I mean Grandfather is already probably about to blow his top because Im not there to wave the white flag

Ned stood up still looking at Alexis. Her face had changed to him. Maybe he was seeing what it is like when she did get away from herself? Maybe he was seeing her get herself back? She just looked beautiful. Beautiful and smart and sexy as she always did.

Take care Alexis he said not being able to help giving her a sad grin of goodbye

You too matching his expression

And Ned began to walk away

Ned!

He turned around following her voice

You havent forgotten gate keeping have you?

Ned gave her a slight laugh and let a sincere grin cover his face

Thats someone I mean something you can never forget?

And he walked away leaving her to think of him just as he had wanted her to.