234's Lifelines

87. Common Denominators

Song: The road to mediocre life

"Most of our life is a series of images. They pass us by like towns on the highway. But sometimes a moment stuns us as it happens. And we know that this instant is more than a fleeting image. We know that this moment, every part of it, will live on forever.'" - Lucas Scott One Tree Hill

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Meanwhile in the hospital, Lexis had an unexpected visitor standing before him.

"What are you doing here?"

"I'm not here to fight Alexander,"

"So you're here to apologize?"

"Apologize?" E says and scoffs shaking his head.

"I don't believe I owe you an apology, maybe Hera but definitely not you," E says sitting down.

"I never said you could sit," Lexis says coldly.

"You never said I couldn't either," E replies lips upturned.

"I really don't like you," Lexis voices.

"The feeling is mutual," E replies.

"What do you want?" Lexis asks sitting straight with his back against the headboard.

"To talk. The last time we spoke, the circumstances were not the best,"

"And what makes you think I want to talk with you?"

"Because it's the first and most likely the last time," E answers.

Lexis ears perk up at the last two words .

"Last time? You're leaving?" Lexis says grinning.

"You just can't hide your joy at that news now can you?" E asks to which Lexis shrugs his shoulders.

E smiles, a smile that doesn't translate happiness but sadness to his eyes.

"Hera doesn't love me," He says.

"I'm aware of that," Lexis replies with a bored tone.

"She loves you," E says.

"That's also no secret," Lexis states.

E nods.

"I know you're aware but I thought it right to tell you. For the five years I've known and been by Hera's side, we were simply friends, nothing more. She never once had more than a platonic relationship with me,"

"And she never will," Lexis says.

"True, because she has you and you love each other," E replies.

"That we do," Lexis confirms to which E rubs his palms together with a light snigger.

"When everything is settled, I'll be leaving California and Hera's side,"

"Great decision," Lexis continues with the short answers.

"But," E says raising a hand to signal he wasn't done.

Lexis eyes thin coldly.

"I will return if she ever needs me. I promised to never let any Black hurt her and her kid. I intend to keep that promise,"

"I'm afraid you'll never be returning as she won't ever be needing you. I'll be by her side protecting, providing and caring for her,"

"That's good," E says nodding. "Make sure you do that," He adds.

"I will," Lexis replies matter of factly.

"Shakespeare is an amazing child,"

"Of course, I'm her father," Lexis says to which E grins before sighing heavily.