The Way Things Were

20

Alastor smiled as he knocked on Lexs door, “Alexandra...... Come on my dear, you haven’t been out of there in days...”

Lex slowly opened the door, her hair was a mess, her eyes red and puffy from crying. She was wearing a pair of worn-out pajamas, and looked like she hadn’t showered in days. “Go away, Alastor.”

Alastor’s smile faded as he took in her appearance. He sighed, “Lex, sweetheart, please... Talk to me. You can’t stay holed up in your room forever.” He pushed the door open wider and stepped inside, closing it behind him. “You’ve been ignoring everyone.” He approached her cautiously, like one might approach a wounded animal. "Lex... Look at me." He tipped her chin up gently, forcing her to meet his eyes. "Talk to me. Please." His voice was soft, almost pleading.

“He’s gone..... I don’t want to be without him....” Lex layed back down, “Frankie said he was just using me..... he’s wrong..... Vox would never do that....”

Alastor’s heart ached at the sight of her, so broken and lost. He sat down next to her on the bed, pulling her into his arms. “Shh, Lex... I know you think that, but you can’t be sure. Maybe Frankie is right, maybe Vox was using you... But it’s also possible that he cared about you, in his own way. And even if he didn’t, that doesn’t mean that what you had together was false or unimportant. It’s okay to be hurt and sad, Lex, but please don’t let this consume you.” He ran his fingers through her hair, trying to detangle it. "You need to shower and eat something. You can't just waste away because of a man, no matter how much he might have meant to you. And you can't push everyone away..... Come out with me, we can go relieve some stress...."

He stood up, pulling Lex to her feet and wrapping an arm around her waist. “I’m not asking you, I’m telling you. You’re coming out with me, and that’s final. We’re going to The Shadows.” He took her hand and led her to the bathroom, starting the shower for her. “Get in, I’ll find something for you to wear.” He handed her a towel before leaving the room, closing the door behind him. A few minutes later, he returned with a change of clothes and sat them down on the counter. He could hear the shower running, and he let out a sigh of relief. At least she was taking care of herself now, even if it was just on his orders. He smiled as the water turned off and a few moments later Lex stepped out of the shower. He handed her the clothes he had picked out, “Put these on.” He said, turning his back to her to give her some privacy.

Lex smiled as she dried off and dressed. “Ok...” she tapped him on the shoulder, “I’m ready.”

He turned around, looking her over. She looked better, and he felt a small sense of relief. He reached out and brushed a strand of hair out of her face. “Grab your weapons of choice and let’s go.”

She nodded, picking up her dagger and a pistol before following him out of the room. As they walked, he couldn’t help but notice how quiet she was. It was unnerving, usually she was chattering away about something or other, but now she was just silent.

“You alright?” He asked, glancing at her from the corner of his eye.

She nodded, not looking at him. “Yeah.” Her voice was quiet, almost a whisper as she lit a cigarette.

He nodded, not entirely convinced but he didn’t push the issue. As they approached the entrance to The Shadows, he turned to her. “Ready?” He watched her take a drag of her cigarette, steeling herself.

Lex nodded, her expression determined. “Ready.” She replied, her voice firmer this time.

He grinned at her, “That’s my girl.....Let’s go have some fun.” He said, his eyes gleaming with excitement. He led the way into The Shadows, his senses on high alert. He knew this place like the back of his hand, but it paid to be cautious.