Day Dream

Chapter 19: how can you be sure?

" on the other hand, he's lived in the same town as us our whole lives and done nothing but ignore and insult us until recently" Alex said knowing the accident wasn't enough to change her mind

" and the verdict?" AJ said knowing that she had already made her mind up as he took off his hoodie and wrapped it around her since he was worried about her getting cold in just her running gear

" I want to ignore him like he's ignored us but I can't, can I?" Alex said as she turned her head to face him as she couldn't help but admire how beautiful he looked with the moonlight hitting him

" I don't know if he'll let you, something tells me that he's still got some tricks up his sleeve...but I do know that you're stubborn like no one else I know and you can do anything you put your mind to" AJ said knowing that she rarely went back after making a decision

" what would you do if it was your mom?" Alex said knowing that they both had abandonment issues in some form, him probably more than him since at least she had her mom to care for her

" you mean if she suddenly came back into my life demanding to be in it like Dan is?... I don't know, probably what you did and shut her down" AJ said sounding slightly harder and colder

" I'm sorry, I shouldn't have mentioned her" Alex said as she turned around completely and cupped his face as she remembered the effect of mentioning his mom had on him sometimes

" it's okay, I'm okay really... listen only you know can decide what to do with Dan and how to treat him, as long as you and your conscious is good with it then do it" AJ said to her softly after reassuring her

" I love you...have I told you that lately?" Alex said wondering if she could fall anymore in love with AJ than she was in this moment as she gently caressed his cheek as he leaned into her touch

" yeah but I'll take it. Come on, I'll take you home" AJ said kissing her in the forehead before wrapping his arm around her shoulder as he guided her towards the familiar red vintage truck

It was a silent but comfortable ride back to the Scott Roe home as Alex simply leaned her head onto AJ's shoulder as he drove, seeking comfort in the simple things about him like his smell and sheer presence. It had been another long night for her as she wondered when things would return back to the normal that she was once knew but knew that was probably gone the minute her and Lucas agreed to be on the team forcing them into the light they had always tried to hide from. Much sooner than she would have liked, they arrived at the house as Alex saw her uncle and mom having what looked like an intense conversation as Alex kissed AJ on the cheek before bidding him goodbye and leaving to find out what was going on.

" I love you too, Keith. You're my best friend. You've been a wonderful father figure for Lucas and Alex but the time away, the distance, it gave me a new perspective" Karen said as Alex approached them

" On us?" Keith said sounding disappointed as Alex slowly headed towards the porch where they were as Alex tried to work out what was going between them since it seemed intense and uncomfortable

" On everything. Tree Hill is such a small part of the world. And maybe it's where I belong, but there's so much more out there. Italy was the first time since the twins were born that I've spent any time alone. I realized I only know my self as their mother. I've got to find the rest of me. You mean the world to me, Keith.I'm sorry. I can't marry you." Karen said handing back the ring he gave her

" woah... sorry I didn't mean to interrupt or whatever" Alex said as the adults turned to face her as they jumped apart at the sudden interruption and presence of her teenage daughter standing there