Ripple Effect

-19-

"Yes, yes, okay, we'll be on the first flight to Raleigh." 

"LEXA!!!" 

Lexa pops her head out of the bathroom, complete with a towel in her hand while drying her hair. "What?" 

Ava walks towards her, "We need to go; we need to go, right now!" 

"Go where? Do what? A, what's going on?" 

Lexa looks at her and she can see the tears flowing from her wife's eyes and immediately thinks it's for the worst. Pulling her into the bedroom and over to the bed to sit. "Okay, take a breath and start talking." 

"The investigators found something out about Gabby and her family. We need to be there for her when she's told." 

"What did they find out, A?" 

"Gabby, was born in the U.S., not Mexico. Her parents had been in Mexico visiting her Abuela, but, they crossed the border into California prior to her birth. She was delivered by a midwife and not at a hospital, so there was a delay in her birth being registered. By the time she was in the system, her parents were already back in Durham; which is apparently where she spent the first five years of her life."

"Okay, so, she's American, but, what about the Uncle?" 

"Turns out he's mixed up with some really bad people and he figured that he could swap her in exchange for paying off some debts." 

"Swap her? You mean as in selling her?" Lexa gives Ava a look that she knows mean she already knows the answer but needs to hear it said aloud.  

Ava nods. 

"Whaaaa... what, does this mean, Ava?" 

"It means that we need to get out asses to Raleigh, because there's paperwork waiting for our signatures in order to file an official petition of adoption for Gabby. We've met all the requirements and we're on the Wake County Justice Centre Family Court Docket this Friday." 

"We're supposed to be getting packed for our game in Orlando." 

"Umm, shit! Okay, you get dressed and I'm going to make a couple calls. Auntie Alex is in the know, so I'm sure she'll have no issue with us taking personal leave from the team." 

"It's kinda short notice, though." 

"Yeah, well, that's why we have backups and game changers. Besides that, we've been playing like shit lately and I'm sure we won't even be missed for a game." 

Lexa nods, "What about the 'rents and Mia?" 

"I already posted a message in our family chat. They're making arrangements to meet us in North Carolina; Mia, is staying in Cali for her game and will be in charge of setting up the welcome home party, when we get back." 

"Cool! I can't believe this is happening, A. We're gonna be Moms; to a teenager, no less."

They both look at each other and laugh before sharing a hug and kiss. 

"You're getting me wet, Lex." 

Lexa winks, "Nice to know I still got it." 

Ava laughs, "Not what I meant, but, sure, if it helps you feel better about yourself."

"You're just jealous because I'm going to be the cool Mom." 

"That's what you think." 

Lexa kisses her wife's cheek, "That's what I know. You're too bloody uptight to be the cool Mom. But, I love you anyway." 

Lexa heads back to the bedroom to finish getting dressed and ready, while Ava calls her Aunt. 

Ring ... ring ... ring