Coming Back
It had been a week.
James wouldn’t leave Alexandra’s side.
Eliza had called him several times but he just responded with ‘just give me some time’.
Eventually Eliza calls him, crying, asking if he’s cheating.
He immediately comforts her and explains a quick summary of what’s happening.
That Thomas had gone missing.
But gave her no details.
Eliza calmed down and stopped calling to let him focus on finding his best friend.
“Eat. Please,” James coaxes the woman.
Alexandra eats the food slowly, unable to identify flavor, texture or even color.
And she was looking right at it.
James sits next to her and watches her eat with concern.
He passes her a glass of water at the end.
He was about to try and make her get some sleep when the door to the house opens.
And in walks one Thomas Jefferson.
Alexandra looks at him and the hope on her face crushes James.
He quickly stands and pulls Thomas into the hallway.
Thomas shrinks under his gaze. “I know you're mad but I’m sorry, really. I’ll be better and I promise I won’t leave her again and-”
“Don’t fuck shit up again, Thomas,” James interrupts. “Eliza and I are going out tonight. I better see a happy Alexandra tomorrow morning because the next day is the exchange.”
Thomas nods silently as James leaves.
He presses a kiss to Alexa’s forehead and whispers in her ear to eat before he grabs his coat and takes off with one warning look over to Thomas.
The silence is suffocating.
“I ordered Italian,” Thomas finally says. “I know it’s your favorite.”
Alexandra says nothing.
Thomas breaks. “I went to the hospital to get the records from the accident. I’m glad to see you weren’t hurt too badly.”
Alexa scoffs lightly.
That was exactly what she said.
Thomas sighs. “I know you’re upset. You have every right to be. Hell, I would have smacked me if I were you.”
The corner of Alexa’s lips pull up.
“I would have kicked me out of this house even though I fucking lived here. But that’s not important. You didn’t do that. The question is, why?”
Alexandra’s eyes finally meet Thomas’s.
Thomas walks towards her and holds her hand. “I’m sorry for walking out. I was so scared I had already hurt you so badly. I’m sorry for hurting you then but I will try my damn hardest to make sure it doesn’t happen again. I love you.”
Alexandra finally smiles. “I love you too. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have to beg for forgiveness.”
Thomas laughs, burying his face in her lap. “I wouldn't expect anything less.”
***
“Ok, so Alexa, wait out here ‘till the signal. Thomas, Washington should be here soon. Both of you, hands to yourself,” Sally instructs.
Alexa laughs and Thomas chuckles.
“We’ve heard this twenty times, Sally,” Thomas chides gently.
Sally huffs. “And yet that hickey on Alexandra’s neck means you haven’t been following rule three.”
“What if he did it yesterday?” Alexandra tests.
“Then you would have said ‘he did it yesterday’ not ‘what if’” Sally corrects.
Alexandra pouts. “Stop being smart.”
Sally checks her watch. “It’s my job, dear. Also, Thomas, let’s go.”
Thomas kisses Alexa quickly. “Hope I don’t die.”
Alexandra shakes her head. “He won’t shoot. He’s my dad. He’ll follow the agreement.”