New Territory--- Sequel To '5 Years Too Late *UNDER EDITING 2024*

Chapter 1- 2024 Version

Previous Chapter, Alex's perspective.

It's so depressing.

I definitely understand why mum did what she did. And I have no right at all to judge Spencer as I wasn't there and I don't know what I'd do in that situation.

I just hate that I finally got to live like a family after all these years of dreaming about it only for it to be stripped away.

It was like a tease. A short lived dream. I just wanted more.

It's so depressing now.

I mean I still have my siblings and my nieces and nephews which alone shows I've got a large family which is the dream. But I don't have my parents.

Bad enough my father hates me before even knowing me. But my mother, after making it up to me for the past, after being vulnerable and sharing her story and pain she doesn't get to live out her freedom and well deserved happy tale.

She's a better mother than I'd ever be cause I don't think I'd be able to actually give up my life to save my kid. That's just me I guess.

Again, I don't blame Spencer. I just wish things were different.

I don't even know the story. She just told me she didn't kill him but there's a cop who's so focused on making her go down for it because he's her short lived ex and father of her baby.

I'm also learning that nothing in this family comes easy.

Everyone has struggled with something. And it sucks. It really does. I just want happiness and love for everyone I care about.

Unable to sit around and wait with my mind running while Spencer and Toby go visit mom, I decide to head out for a drink.

I'd go spend time with Charlotte or Melissa but I'd just be a downer. They didn't know Mary like I did, so they wouldn't understand the exact pain and they'd just be giving me sympathy and I'd feel stupid and pitiful and I don't want that. Plus being alone is a good way to cope.

I head out to the Radley, having been there once and enjoying a cocktail I've tried.

I order a few drinks and after some people to my right leave I notice a guy further off that's quite cute.

It's been a while since I've gotten some and I mean, it's dumb but a guy makes a good distraction.

I study's his face.

He really is cute. Concentrated on something intensely. I take this as my opportunity to speak up.

Don't be too British Alex. Just be chill, be fun.

"Damn, that's a serious thought face. Don't people come to the bar to let loose not to get more tense?" I mentally face palm. My accent came off stronger than I wanted despite me trying very hard to subdue it.

He turns to face me and seems excited yet surprised.

Did he think I'd be an atrocious older woman? The fucking accent isn't it?

I hate it!

"Normally that's the case but sometimes people need help getting loose"

"Oh do they now? And what kind of help might that be?" I ask smirking.

I feel like an idiot flirting. Am I good at it? I wouldn't know. It's legit been forever which feels dumb to say cause I'm young, but I really only had one proper boyfriend in my life and then one experience I'd like burnt from my memory.

I don't have much experience with boys despite what people like to assume about me.

He looks around.