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Chapter 28 About a week later Kristin was released from the hospital and Alexis� chest tube was removed. Alexis remained in the hospital for another week as her body healed and her baby grew stronger. It was a miracle in its self that the baby even survived and Alexis couldn't have been happier. The stitches in her head were removed and you could hardly notice a scare at all, thanks to her long auburn hair. Her leg was still in a cast just below her knee and she was way past ready to go home. Even though Ned spent most of his time at the hospital with her, there was still a slight distance between them. They hadn�t really spent any time discussing their problems and she still had no idea that he was the one driving the other car. Ned knew he would eventually have to tell her before someone else did but he just couldn�t bare to see the hurt expression in her eyes when he told her who is was with and what they were about to do. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- �Hey there gorgeous, ready to go home.� Ned said as he walked into Alexis� room waving some papers. �Are those my release papers?� She asked hopeful. �Please tell me I�m getting sprung from this place.� �Must be the food because it clearly can�t be the doctors.� Monica stated as she entered the room. �Don�t worry Monica it�s the food.� Alexis said smiling. �I could really go for a nice prime rib steak, a baked potato and a huge piece of chocolate cake.� �Well as much as I�d love to take you out to dinner I�m afraid that just won�t be happening.� Ned said as he kissed her cheek and she pouted. �But I will order in anything you want.� �Thank you.� �I just hope it isn�t anything weird like the last two times you were pregnant. Monica and Alexis both laughed at Ned as she prepared to leave the hospital. �It�s going to be so nice to be able to sleep on my own bed.� Alexis said as she sighed. �Sleep is exactly what you need.� Monica replied before looking at Ned. �And you better make sure she gets plenty of it.� Ned looked over at Alexis and smiled. �You better count on it.� �Thanks for bringing me home.� Alexis said as Ned carried her through the door. �But really I could have walked.� �Not a chance.� He said placing her on the couch. �There is no way I�m going to allow my pregnant wife to hobble around when I can simple carry her.� �Thanks for taking such good care of me.� She said as she looked away from him. �Want to talk about it?� He asked as he sat down next to her. �Not really.� �We haven�t spoken much since I left.� �There�s really nothing to talk about.� She stated plainly. �There�s a lot to be talked about.� He replied as she continued to look away. �Are you planning on staying now that I�m back home?� Alexis asked as her eyes began to slowly fill with water. �I�m not leaving you ever again Alexis.� Ned said as he placed his finger under her chin and lifted her face to his as she continued to look down. �Look at me, please Alexis.� �We need to talk about the baby.� Alexis replied as she put her hand over her stomach. �Look at me.� He repeated. �The kids still don�t know and I think we should wait a little bit longer before we tell them.� She said as a single tear fell down her face. Ned closed his eyes and put his head back for a second. �Alexis sweetheart please look at me.� Alexis finally looked up and allowed her eyes to meet his. �I love you so much and I am sorry I ever hurt you.� Ned told her as he placed his hand on her cheek and she leaned against it. �Ned this baby that I�m carrying.� She began to say as he put his finger over her lips. �Is mine.� he stated trying to reassure her. �I know that and I�ll never question it.� �Promise.� She said as her tears started running down her face in full force. �Yes I promise.� He stated as he brought his lips to hers and pulled her into a passionate kiss. �Ned I need you so much.� Alexis said breaking the kiss. �And I need you.� He said lovingly as he sat back and pulled her close to him. She laid her head against his chest as her tears soaked his shirt. �How the hell did we end up here?� �I don�t know.� He replied as he held her tight and ran his fingers through her hair. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About two hours later Ned convinced Alexis to take a nap. He carried her upstairs and promised her he wouldn�t leave until she fell asleep. He tucked her into bed as she rolled over on to her stomach. He then sat down next to her and rubbed her back as he sang her a song. Twenty-five minutes later she was sound asleep and he carefully slipped out of bed as he heard a car pull up in the drive. �Okay guys be very quite because Alexis might be sleeping.� V said as she entered the house with Kristin, Rachel, and Tommy. �Mommy can we go upstairs and watch TV.� Rachel asked. �Why don�t you guys go downstairs in the playroom and watch TV.� Ned said as he came down the stairs and picked Tommy up. �Is Alexis sleeping?� V asked. �Yes.� Ned replied kinda frustrated. �It took some convincing but I finally got her to take a nap. �Okay kids you heard him.� V said as she looked at the children. �Go down to the playroom and play.� �Okay.� They all yelled as they ran away. �And keep it down.� Ned added. �Sorry daddy.� Kristin yelled back. �How�s Alexis feeling?� V asked as she sat down on the couch. �Glad to be home that�s for sure.� Ned replied as he heard a knock on the door. �So the little sluts pregnant with Jax� baby again.� Tracy stated as she stormed through the door. �Well hello mother come on in.� Ned said, being very short with her. �So who is this you�re mistress of the week?� Tracy asked looking over at V. �Quite Mother Alexis is upstairs sleeping.� �Doing it behind her back is one thing Ned but doing while she�s in the house�..Well I never thought you had it in ya.� Tracy said as she sat down. �V and I are not having an affair.� Ned stated sharply as he walked over and pulled Tracy off the couch by her arm. Tracy ignored his last comment and looked over at V. �Please darling tell me you�re not pregnant as well.� �That�s it Mother get out.� Ned said as he walked her over to the door and opened it. �You know you think you�d be grateful to me for telling you the truth about the child your wife tried to pass off as your own.� Tracy said as he pushed her outside. �You�ve got a lot of nerve showing up here after you changed those test results.� �What?� Tracy yelled. �I�d never do such a thing.� �Don�t lie to be mother I�m really not in the mood.� �Ned I�m telling you if those test were wrong I had nothing to do with it.� �How did you get the test results in the first place?� �I took them off of Alexis� desk when she was on the phone with you.� �And you expect me to believe that you never tampered with them?� He asked Tracy while looking her square in the eyes. Tracy laughed at him. �Why would I bother, the test clearly stated that Jax not you were the proud father of Kristin Ashton.� �So you had nothing to do with the lab mix up?� Ned asked still unconvinced. �No I didn�t.� She yelled before turning and walking away. Ned slammed the door shut on her and screamed. �So do you believe her?� V asked as he sat down in the chair over in the corner. �I don�t know��.. There�s something that�s telling me she had nothing to do with it.� �Like what.� �Like the fact that if she herself tampered with the results she would have had me find out a different way.� �In other words she wouldn�t have just come out and said so.� �Exactly.� Ned replied, as he looked upstairs. �I wouldn�t put it past her that�s for sure.� �Ned you look worn out why don�t you go upstairs and lay down with the woman you love?� �Actually V what I could use right now is some fresh air, would you mind staying with the kids for a couple of hours?� �Not at all.� V replied as Ned headed out the front door. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PC Grill �Another one.� Ned told Jim the bartender as he handed him his glass. �Isn�t it a little to early to be throwing drinks back like that?� Julia asked as she walked over to him. Ned just looked at his glass and smiled. �Why is it Julia that every time I come here your always lurking around?� �Actually I�ve been waiting for you.� She replied while sitting down next to him. �Why?� he asked throwing back his drink. �So we can pick up where we left off, I wouldn�t count on it.� �Actually I heard that Alexis is pregnant and I wanted to congratulate you.� �Somehow I doubt that�s all you want from me.� Ned replied harshly. �But if it is she�s doing okay.� He turns to look at her. �So how�s the arm doing?� �Well hopefully I�ll get it out of this cast in another week.� Julia said looking down at her arm that was in a case just below her elbow and being held up by a sling. �It doesn�t really hurt much.� �That�s good.� He replied while motioning for Jim. �Yes Mr. Ashton coming right up.� Jim replied �And one for Miss Barrett here.� Ned told him. �Certainly sir.� �You know Ned it really is amazing that you walked away from that accident without so much as a scar.� Julia said �Oh trust me Julia I�ve got plenty of scars from that night.� Ned said rather short. �Here you go Mr. Ashton, Miss Barrett.� Jim said as he placed the drinks in front of them. �Thanks but I won�t be staying.� Julia said as she got up from the barstool. �I hope it wasn�t anything I said.� Ned said throwing back another slug of his double vodka. �Keep drinking them like that Ned and you�ll be wasted in no time.� Julia said as she walked away. �That�s the idea.� He said to himself as he held up his glass and stared at it before slugging it back. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- �Hey there, how�s my little girl?� Alexis asked as she rolled over and noticed Kristin standing at the end of her bed. �I missed you mommy.� Kristin replied. �I missed you too sweetheart.� Alexis said as she patted the side of the bed. �Come here, come sit with me.� Kristin walked over to her but didn�t climb on the bed. �Daddy said that you still aren�t feeling well and we shouldn�t bother you.� �You�re not bothering me.� Alexis said as she patted the bed again. �Besides you know what would make me feel a lot better?� �What�s that mommy?� �A hug.� �I can do that.� Kristin said as she crawled up onto the bed. Alexis wrapped her arms around her. �I love you so much you know that.� �I love you too mommy.� Kristin said as her little arms made there way around Alexis� neck. �Can you do mommy a favor?� Alexis asked and Kristin shook her head. �Can you go downstairs and tell your daddy that I�m awake and want to talk to him?� �Are you and daddy going to fight anymore?� Kristin asked as she got off the bed. �Because I don�t want him to leave again.� �Kristin daddy didn�t leave us, I told you he had to go away on business.� Alexis said not quit sure where this was coming from. �Daddy�s gone away for longer periods of time then this one.� �I know but this time it was different.� �What makes you say that?� Alexis asked as Ned stood outside the door, as to not be seen. �Because when daddy goes away he always calls us and this time he didn�t call once.� �That�s because daddy was so busy that he didn�t have time to call.� Alexis told her. �Besides if you remember I told you daddy called once but you were already asleep.� �I know and you told us that he said he loves us and misses us a whole bunch.� Kristin said as she held her arms out wide. �See you do remember.� Alexis said as she looked into her daughter�s eyes. �But there�s something else isn�t there?� �Yes.� �Well I can�t help you unless you tell me what it is.� �Well usually when daddy goes away you don�t cry at night.� Kristin said as Ned placed his hands over his face. �You heard me cry?� Alexis asked. �Yes.� Kristin answered. �You cried every night and for a long time.� Alexis sat up and had Kristin climb up into bed with her. �Your right mommy did cry an awful lot when daddy left. But that�s because mommy missed daddy not because I was afraid he was never coming back.� She said as she gave her a hug. �Your daddy loves you and Tommy to much to ever, ever leave you. Besides daddy�s back now isn�t he?� �Yes.� Kristin said. �And I�m not crying anymore am I?� �No.� �So then every things alright?� �Yep.� Kristin yelled �I�ll go find daddy for you.� She said getting off the bed as Ned walked into the room. �Did someone mention my name?� He asked as Kristin ran up to him and gave him a hug. �Mommy�s looking for you.� �She is, is she?� He asked looking over at Alexis. �Well then I better see what she wants.� �Okay daddy I love you.� Kristin yelled as she ran off. Alexis looked up at Ned as he walked over and sat down next to her. �So how much have you had?� �How much what?� he asked �Oh I don�t know I�d have to guess Vodka because I can�t smell anything on your breath.� She said �Alexis we need to talk there�s something I need to tell you.� He said as he picked up her hands. �Ned lay down, sleep it off, we�ll talk later.� �This can�t wait till later honey its about the car accident.� �The car accident was weeks ago and if it waited this long it can wait till your sober.� She said as she pushed him down onto the pillow. �No it can�t� he began to say as she put her hand over his face and forced his eyes closed. Within seconds he was sound asleep. She laid her head against his chest and listened to his heart beating as she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 29 Early the next morning Alexis came walking downstairs in her bathrobe to find V watching cartoons with Tommy. �Hey V.� Alexis said as she picked up Tommy. �Why didn�t you tell me he was awake I would have gotten up with him.� �Because you need your rest.� V replied �I�m fine really so you don�t have to worry about me.� �Ned still sleeping I take it.� �Yea I�d be safe to probably say he�ll be out of it for most of the morning.� Alexis said sitting down. V laughed. �I know he did have a lot to drink last night.� �He didn�t drive home did he?� Alexis asked. �Don�t worry he took a cab.� �Good.� �You should have seen him last night. Twice I thought he wasn�t going to make it up the stairs. I tried to help him but he said he could handle it on his own.� V said. �Yes well we all know men are stubborn enough sober let alone drunk.� Alexis added. �I just made a fresh pot of coffee.� V said getting up. �Would you like me to bring you a cup? And before you even say anything about being able to take care of yourself I was on my way to get myself a cup.� �Thanks V that would be great.� Alexis replied as she looked over at her on and smiled. �Did you see that mommy? That funny.� Tommy said laughing at the cartoons. �Yea that funny alright.� Alexis replied as someone knocked on the door. �Who the heck can that be at this time of day?� She asked herself as she opened the door. �Isn�t it bad enough that you broke my son�s heart once.� Tracy yelled as she stood there and tried to stare Alexis down. �Tracy it�s early what do you want?� �I want to know when you are going to let my son go and stop using him as an alternate sex partner.� �What?� Alexis yelled. �You heard me!� Tracy said as she walked past her. �I went to your office last night and picked this up for you.� She added pulling out a bunch of papers. �So why don�t you do the right thing here and sign them already.� �These papers have nothing to do with you Tracy.� Alexis yelled taking them from her. �And if Ned wants a divorce then he�ll have to tell me to sign them face to face.� �I figured Ned and Julia being together the night of the accident would have been enough to prove to you that my son doesn�t want you.� �What the hell are you talking about?� �You don�t know do you?� Tracy asked completely amazed. �My darling son never even told you that he was responsible for the accident.� �The accident wasn�t Ned� fault it was mine.� Alexis shot back. �Ned had nothing to do with it. Kristin was sick and I wasn�t paying attention to where I was going and I hit an oncoming car.� �Ned was driving the oncoming car.� �Oh give it a rest Tracy will ya?� Alexis asked extremely annoyed. �Now if you don�t mind I�d appreciate it if you left and never came back.� �That sounds like a great idea to me.� Ned yelled as he made his way down the stairs. �Honey I�m sorry I didn�t mean to wake you.� Alexis replied walking over to him. �Don�t worry about it.� He said as he put his arms around her. �Mother I do believe my wife asked you to leave.� �Just how much longer are you going allow this Cassidine woman to treat you this way?� Tracy asked. �This Cassidine woman is my wife and I still recall you being asked to leave.� He yelled as he opened the front door. �Now you can either leave on your own or I will be more then happy to help you find your way.� �Fine I�ll leave but I suggest you do yourself a favor.� Tracy replied walking over to Ned. �Have her sign these as soon as possible.� She said handing him the papers and walking out. Ned closed the door as he looked down at the papers. �Do you want me to sign those?� Alexis asked as she walked over to the couch and sat down. �Forget about these.� Ned said sitting down next to her. �Alexis we need to talk. There is something that I have to tell you.� �About the accident?� She replied. �And the fact that you were driving the other car?� �How did you?� he started to ask as she cut him off. �Your mother just told me.� �What else did mother dearest say?� �Not much.� �Alexis she said something else I can see it in your eyes.� �She said that you were with Julia that night.� �I was.� He said quietly. �What?� A shocked Alexis asked �I though she was just making it all up to annoy me.� �No she didn�t make any of it up.� Ned said as he put his hand on her face. �Julia and I were together.� Alexis didn�t say anything as Ned continued to talk. �I had just gotten home a few hours before the accident and I was at the Grill drinking.� He said taking a deep breath. �And Julia showed up.� �What a surprise!� Alexis said annoyed. �I kissed her and asked her if she wanted to go back to her place.� �I don�t want to hear this anymore.� Alexis said getting up. Ned jumped up quickly and put his arms around her waist. �We went over to her car and she asked me if I wanted to drive, and I said yes.� �I really don�t want to hear this.� Alexis stated louder as her tears slightly fell. �She was kissing me and I couldn�t see where I was going when all I saw were headlights, your headlights coming at me and we hit dead on.� Alexis sighed and fell back down on to the couch. �I�m so sorry I almost killed you, Kristin and our unborn child. I have no idea how I can expect you to forgive me when I can�t even forgive myself.� He said kneeling down next to her. Alexis looked at him straight in the eyes for the first time since Tracy left. He took his fingers and wiped away her tears as they fell from her cheeks. They stayed there silently for a few moments before Alexis stood up and walked over to Tommy who was still watching cartoons. She reached down and picked him up as she climbed the stairs and not once looked back. Ned threw his face onto the couch and cried as V stood in the kitchen doorway and watched him. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A few hours later Alexis came down the stairs dressed and all ready for work. Ned was still sitting on the couch as she made her way to the front door. �Alexis you just got out of the hospital, where are you going?� Ned asked as he walked over to her. �To the office, I have a lot of work I need to catch up on.� She replied coldly as she opened the door. �One of your conditions of being released from the hospital is that you promised to get plenty of bed rest.� �I will tonight.� She said as she started to walk out the door. Ned quickly shut the door and grabbed her hand and pulled her over to the couch. �I know you�re mad at me and you probably hate me right now but I am not letting you go into the office today, so you can just forget it.� �Ned I have work to do and clients who need me, this has nothing to do with you.� She yelled in protest. �You want to help your clients fine but you can do so from home and in a couple of days.� He immediately shot back. �Ned please just let me go.� She yelled as she tried to get up off the couch. �No!� he said very adamantly �You are pregnant you just got out of the hospital and besides that your children need you.� �So what am I a prisoner in my own home now?� Alexis yelled. �Only if I have to make it that way.� �Is it okay if I go upstairs and make a few phones calls then.� She asked sarcastically. �NO, but if you want to go upstairs and lay down that�s another thing.� �Why are you being like this?� �Because your not.� He replied. �And if your not going to take care of yourself then I�ll have to.� He added lovingly as she looked away. �Alexis I know you�re mad at me but I really only want what�s best for you.� �What does Julia have that I don�t?� Alexis bluntly asked. �What?� A shocked Ned replied. �You heard me what does Julia have that I don�t?� �The questions is more like what you have that she doesn�t.� � Not you that�s for sure!� she said looking square in his eyes. Ned looked down for a moment and sighed before looking up at her again. �Alexis you do have me. You have my heart, my soul and all my love.� �Then why were you and Julia going back to her place?� �I don�t know.� Alexis got up and walked over to the stairs. �You never even gave me a chance to explain. I told you Kristin was yours and when Tracy told everyone Jax was her father you automatically believed her.� �I�m sorry.� Ned said walking over to her. �I don�t know what else to say except I was a jerk for leaving you and the kids.� �That you were!� she yelled. �But I�m home now and I want to work things out.� He said taking her hand in his. �We deserve to be happy again.� �We deserve a lot of things Ned.� She said sitting down on the bottom step. �Excuse me.� V said coming down the stairs. �I hate to bother you but your grandfather is on the phone and he said it�s very important.� �With Edward everything�s important.� Alexis remarks. �V tell him I�m busy and I�ll call him back later.� Ned said. �No talk to him.� Alexis replied. �You know darn well if you don�t talk to him now he�ll just end up coming over here.� �Then let him.� Ned said. �You and I were in the middle of an important discussion ourselves. My grandfather can wait, this can�t.� �I really don�t want to deal with Edward today.� She said getting up and walking up the stairs. �Just talk to him and come up when you�re done.� Ned watched Alexis and V go upstairs before answering the phone. �This better be really important.� �We did it Ned and I owe it all to you.� Edward said. �What are you talking about old man?� �Jax that�s what.� Edward yelled. �He bought 1000 acres of worthless land.� �You mean to tell me he still hasn�t figured out that we�re paying his informant more then he is.� Ned said through an evil smile. �No but he will when he realizes the so called land we wanted to purchase overseas is nothing but swampland.� �You just better watch your back old man because you know he�ll be coming after ELQ once he figures it out.� �Oh don�t worry about me, after all I�ve got something he doesn�t have.� �Oh yea and what�s that?� Ned asked. �You.� Edward clearly stated before hanging up the phone. Ned just looked at the phone and smiled before hanging it up and heading upstairs. He walked into his bedroom to find Alexis half a sleep on the bed. He walked over to the closet and pulled out a blanket gently placing it on top of her. �I didn�t hear you come in.� Alexis said as she rolled on to her back. �That�s because you were just about a sleep.� He said sitting down next to her. �What did you�re grandfather want?� �Nothing important.� He said as he wiped her hair from her face. �Why don�t you get some sleep and we�ll talk later.� �No I want to talk now.� She said sitting up. �Alexis sweetheart you�re tried and you need you�re rest.� �We need to talk.� �Don�t worry I�ll still be here when you wake up, I promise.� He said kissing her forehead. �Now lay down and get some sleep.� �Ned.� She said lying down. �I love you.� �I love you too baby.� He said kissing her once more before leaving the room. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About two hours later Alexis woke up and found a note on Ned� pillow. Hey there sleepy head; V and I took the kids to the park We won�t be gone long, so take advantage of it and close your eyes and get some more sleep. Love always, Ned Alexis sat up and walked over to the window. She just stared outside for a while and was amazed at how quickly the snow that had just fallen two days ago was completely gone. She took a deep breath and walked over to the phone and dialed Ned� cell phone number. �Ned Ashton.� He said out of breath. �Let me guess playing tag?� She asked. �Why aren�t you sleeping?� �Because I�d rather talk to you.� �I�d rather if you were sleeping.� �How much longer are you going to be gone.� �We were just about to leave here and got get something to eat but if you�d rather we come home, we can do that.� �Where are you going to eat?� �The kids wanted to go to Kelly� for a burger and fries.� �I don�t suppose I could convince you to stop at the Grill on your way home and bringing me home some real food?� �Anything you want.� Ned said laughing. �Well luckily for you my carving haven�t started yet so anything will be fine.� �Okay then I�ll see you in a few.� About an hour later Alexis was getting hungry so she headed down to the kitchen. She opened the refrigerator and looked through it before closing it and opening the freezer. She found a pint of chocolate chip ice cream and began eating it as she made several phone calls the last one being to Jax. �Hello.� �Hey Jax it�s me Alexis. Do you have a minute?� She asked as she sat down at the kitchen table. �For you I have all the time in the world.� �Thanks but I only need a minute.� �Okay what�s on your mind?� Jax asked. �Well over the last few weeks I�ve realized something. I�ve realized that my family means more to me then ever and I don�t want to jeopardize that any longer. I made a phone call earlier and I�m no longer representing Ships and Cargo. I want to remain your friend but we can no longer talk the way we use to.� �Alexis.� �Jax please let me finish this. I love Ned and I�m sorry if I hurt you but I don�t love you and I never will. You have always been one of my best friends and I�ll miss that but I�d rather lose the closeness we have then my husband.� �Alexis wait before you hanging up can we talk about this please?� �There really isn�t anything left to say I love Ned and I need to fight for my marriage. Good bye Jax.� Alexis hung up the phone and placed a large spoon full of ice cream in her mouth. �Does this mean you don�t want this steak sandwich I bought you?� �Ned!� Alexis yelled. �You scared me, don�t you know you should never scare a pregnant woman like that.� �I�m sorry I didn�t mean to scare you like that.� He said walking over to her and kissing her. �You�ve got some cold lips there my dear just how much ice cream have you eaten?� �Just how long have you been standing there, listening to me?� �Why on earth would I want to listen to a conversation between you and Jax?� He asked as he pulled her close and began kissing her neck. �You�re in too good of a mood to not of heard everything I said to him or at least most of what I said.� �Okay so I will admit that I walked in just after you called Jax I was going to walk in and yell at you, but I decided to ease drop instead, and I�m glad I did.� He said taking a bite of her ice cream. �Where are the kids?� Alexis asked suddenly realizing it was to quite. �They�re at Kelly� with V.� �So you haven�t eaten?� She asked taking the sandwich from him and sitting down at the table. �No I haven�t.� he replied sitting across from her. �Care to share half of a really good steak sandwich with me.� She asked handing him half. �I�d love to.� He said taking it from her. �Alexis?� �Yea.� �About what happened between Julia and I.� He said looking down. �We�ve both made mistakes Ned and as far as you driving the other car I can live with that. But as far as you asking Julia to go back to her room with you that�s going to take a while for me to get over. I know I probably sound like a hypocrite right about now but I�m sorry it still hurts.� �Maybe someday you�ll forgive me.� �Forgiving you isn�t the hard part, it�s forgetting.� |
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