SLMO (Girl X Girl - Actually? Intersex :))

4 Years Later

Alexis's POV

Nine months had whispered by since Kim's passing, and life had taken an unexpected turn. Here I was, cradling a tiny human in my arms—a beautiful little girl with eyes that held the promise of a brand new dawn. The delivery room at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge felt a world away from the chaos that had been my life.

Grandma, bless her soul, had whisked me away the moment news of the pregnancy reached her. Private jets, top doctors—the whole nine yards. Dad, on the other hand, nearly had a heart attack. But for the first time, his bluster and control tactics washed over me like a tepid wave. The emotional hurricane I'd weathered made his antics seem almost comical.

With Grandma in my corner, Dad's usual nagging was kept at bay. Let's just say, Grandma's a force of nature, and Dad wasn't about to mess with her. Thankfully, she wasn't here to dictate my life either. In fact, she'd offered wisdom that felt like a warm hug: "You're the De Mevius heiress, Alexis. Live your life, be happy. Nobody gets to tell you otherwise until you take the reins of the whole shebang. Trust me, it's not a walk in the park. So for now, just enjoy this little miracle."

And I did enjoy it. Between Grandma's unwavering support and the all-consuming love for my "little sweet pea," there wasn't much room for anything else. Until, that is, four years flew by in a blur of baby giggles and sticky fingers.

Cupertino called, and with a deep breath and a heart brimming with mixed emotions, I returned. It was my home, after all, the place where memories of Kim danced with the ghosts of a love gone wrong. More than anything, I yearned to reconnect with my friends; haven't seen them since the whole painful ordeal. They knew about the baby, of course. My social life, however, remained a quiet affair. Since Kim and Kate, there had been no men, no women, just me and my little whirlwind.

Today, the afternoon sun cast a strange, almost melancholy light through the café window. It wasn't quite gloomy, but not exactly bright either, mirroring the jumble of emotions swirling inside me.

Here I was at Beans and Greens again, four years later. The last time I'd been here, it was with Ms. Rachel, knee-deep in the chaos that was Kate. A ghost of a smile played on my lips as I looked across the table at Olivia and her husband, Rafael. Rafael was one of the men whom Kate's bodyguard had taken captive, along with Paul. Back then, it felt like a whirlwind of confusion, a reminder of the storm I was desperately trying to weather.

"Memheyy, want donut," declared my little sweet pea, her bright eyes fixed on the tempting display across the café. Kids, always one step ahead of the schedule.

"Later, sweetheart," I promised, scooping her closer. "We'll get you a treat after lunch, okay?"

"Maybe Rafael can take Alexis for a quick donut run?" Olivia suggested, her brow creased with concern.

I waved a hand dismissively. "No worries, I can handle it."

"But the weather looks iffy," Rafael interjected, his voice gentle. "Let me hold the umbrella. It'll be quicker if you both go."

Olivia gave me a quick nod. "Lex, go ahead. He's offering."

"Alright, alright," I conceded with a laugh. "You win, guys. C'mon, little donut monster, to Mommy we go!"

The three of us stepped out into the cool, damp air. As we reached the brightly lit donut shop, I knelt down, turning my daughter's face towards the sugary display. "Alright, sweet pea, what strikes your fancy? Point it out to Mommy."

A bittersweet pang filled my chest. Life, it seemed, had a way of surprising you. Here I was, years after the whirlwind of Kim and Kate, with a beautiful little girl tugging at my hand. The world, though forever changed, still held the promise of sweetness—in glazed donuts, in the unconditional love of a child, and maybe, just maybe, in unexpected kindness.