Alexis had won the battle in the car, Jax and Ned finally agreed to let Alexis go home to her own house as long as she agreed that someone would stay with her. Kristina had to laugh at Alexis who seemed to be almost pouting.

Their baby-sitters

Alexis looked back at her

See what it feels like to have to be baby-sat all the time? And thats what these two do best the suit and the corporate raider are big on baby-sitting.

By then Kristina had amused Alexis while both Jax and Ned didnt find her funny at all.

Its for your own good, both of you Jax snapped

Kristina and Alexis replied back by giving the same disapproving look

Baby-sitter Kristina shot back to have the last word.


Ned helped Alexis out of the car and into the wheelchair. Alexis looked humiliated that she had to be wheeled into the building. They all loaded into the elevator to the top floor. When the elevator door opened Johnny was standing there.

Alexis!

She had never heard so much excitement in his voice

Hi Johnny she said flashing her dimpled smile.

I didnt know you were coming home today or

Its ok I have my entourage here she said trying very hard not to make fun of everyone in tow.

Johnny smiled back Well welcome home. It hasnt been the same without you

I bet and thank you

Johnny opened the door to Alexis penthouse.

All were in and Kristina immediately tried to start putting things away and arranging them.

Thats a weird thing you do Jax said starring at her.

I dont like things out of whack, ok? Kristina responded almost annoyed that people kept questioning the way she did things.

Alexis looked unsure of what she should do next. Sitting in that wheelchair didnt help and she had had enough of everyone and everything by then. Kristina was sensing her agitation.

Hey Jax why dont you and I get out of here and let Ned try to get Alexis settled

Kristina always had an underlying scheme to have Ned and Alexis alone in the same room together.

Jax followed suit, it was easy to follow Kristina and her schemes she had only tried a hundred times before.

Before they left Kristina took a moment with her sister.

I love you

I know you do and I love you too Alexis said truly adoring her sister.

Kristina hugged her, trying not to hurt her and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

Ill see you tomorrow ok?

Ok

Kristina stood up walking towards the door waiting for Jax.

Jax kneeled down beside Alexis

You know I love you too flashing a big smile

He gave her a quick kiss on the lips and before Ned and Alexis knew it they were in her penthouse alone. They hadnt been there much less alone in a while. Ned wasnt sure what he was suppose to do now. Alexis looked miserable sitting there. Things were out of her control and she was becoming antsy.

I could help you on the couch or if you would rather go up stairs I will carry you up there he was flustered at what to say

Ned

Maybe Kristina should come back and help you...

Its ok she paused Ned - I promise

He looked at her never imagining that she could overwhelm him in this way.

Will you help me get on the couch

Of course

Ned let her wrap her arms around his neck and as she rose he held her around her waist just as the nurse had taught him.

Youre getting good at this Alexis said wincing a little from moving.

Ned helped ease her onto the couch.

It will get better day by day, he said trying to reassure her.

I know youve probably had enough of me, but

Listening to his voice made her think of the way he use to be, the way she use to be, when there was a we.

Alexis

Ned was trying to snap her out of her stare.

Oh sorry She smiled back at him

Where were you just now?

Thank you for being with me. I mean that ignoring his question.

I couldnt be anywhere else. You know that dont you?

I do know that she said almost shyly.

She placed her hand on the side of his face. She did know. All she wanted to do then was touch him, feel the way he felt by the palm of her hand. She didnt mean for it to have this sexual meaning or to be anything but a moment when a woman realized how much she truly did love a man.

The silence between them screamed a thousand things. Their silence screamed confessions.

I LOVE YOU

She just blurted it out; she was stunned that she had said it. He knew it, she knew, but too much time had passed.

She couldnt run away, she literally couldnt go anywhere, she couldnt even talk her way out of it.

I, Im sorry I, I

Alexis! he closed his eyes for a moment trying to collect his thoughts

I love you too so much his said almost whispering back to her.

Tears were falling down her face and she couldnt stop them. All at once it seemed that simple. Maybe it was the emotion or the state she was in but it just seemed so clear and so simple to say it out load and to say it to him. She leaned into him her body trembling partly from pain and the other because a huge weight had been lifted off of her. They didnt solve all of their problems, they werent even back together, they had just finally spoken the truth.

Ned helped Alexis up to bed. He carried her just for the sake of her trying to hobble on one leg. He picked out pajamas and helped her change into them. He missed those pajamas so much. The way they smelled of her, the way they looked on her.
Ned didnt want to take away from where they had come that night so he tucked her in. She didnt need to bother with trying to make him comfortable. Things felt almost easy again around each other. He brushed her hair from her eyes and the scar on her forehead seemed to have become subtler. He reached to grab the pillow beside her so she could elevate her arm.

Im a mess arent I

Youre perfect

She gave him a smile

Ned?

Yes

Goodnight

Goodnight Alexis

And he walked to the spare bedroom.