Alexandra walked through her store checking all of the mannequins and making sure the store was in order before she opened it for the day. Aubrey had taken her there to spend some time together since he was going on tour and she never gave him a clear answer on whether or not she would be going with him. As a usual, there was a lack of balance in their relationship.
Alexandra: I haven't been over lately because...I have my own place. (Unlocking the door) Why?
Aubrey: Because we had a date. And since you complain us not seeing each other, I set something up for us and you skipped it. What's going on, Alex?
Alexandra (Unlocking the door): I'm sorry. (Turning to him and rubbing his face) I didn't know it was that important.
Aubrey (Pulling her hands down): Don't fucking patronize me, Alexandra. What is going on with you? Are you using again?
Alexandra made a face at Aubrey and walked to the back of the store to get her things. When she walked back outside, Aubrey was still waiting for her.
Alexandra: Nia, I'll be back to close.
Nia shook her head as Alexandra left with Aubrey. To be honest, she was listening to their whole argument with Marina at the register. When they got back in his Bugatti Aubrey looked at Alexandra.
Alexandra: What?! Drive?
Aubrey: No. Not until you talk to me, Alexandra. What the fuck has been your problem?
Alexandra rolled her eyes.
Aubrey: I mean I thought we were doing better. I don't know what inside your head clicked. But I know we're not clicking.
[Flashback To Alexandra Babysitting]
Spoon left Sade and Spirit with Alexandra while the rest of the crew went out. Alexandra wasn't busy so she wanted to see how well she did with kids. She wanted to test out how well she'd do since kids was a relatively serious topic with her and Aubrey. Alexandra took the kids out to the pool and hung out for a while. She even got in and swam around with them.
Spirit (Swimming around Alexandra): Your hair is really pretty Lexi.
Alexandra (Smiling): So is yours. You and your sister are so adorable.
They both giggled.
Alexandra: What's so funny?
Sade: Uncle Aubrey called you adorable.
Alexandra (Raising her eyebrow): Oh really? What else did uncle Aubrey say?
Spirit: He said you like to buy polar bears.
Alexandra laughed.
Alexandra: I do like to buy polar bears. (Laughing) Hey who wants to watch Drake and Josh on the big tv?
Both girls: Me!
Alexandra got everyone out of the pool, dried and in a fresh change of clothes. When they got back inside and began watching TV, the girls decided to get to know Alexandra a little more.
Sade: Do you live here?
Alexandra was as requested by Spirit, painting her nails to match Alex's.
Alexandra: Um not really. I stay when Aubs gets lonely. Then I go home or go to work.
Spirit: Uncle Aubs isn't lonely with you.
Alexandra: Awww. That is so cute. Aubrey really loves you girls. He would do anything in the world for you two. And so would I. You guys are so adorable.
The girls both smiled.
Sade: Are you guys gonna have a baby?
Alexandra who was sipping her Starbucks drink spit most of it out to the side and started choking.
Sade came over and patted her back.
Alexandra: Ummmm. Why would I wanna have a baby?
Spirit: Because you would be a good mommy. And your babies would have hair like us.
The girls all giggled. Alexandra wanted to cry. She was honored that kids actually thought she was parent material when she felt like she could only qualify as the fun girlfriend of their godfather. She also knew that something like this could get back to Aubrey and with her luck something like this could expose her secret. A secret that could have one of them hating or resenting the other in the end. Alexandra smiled at the girls. She continued to paint Spirit's nails then Sade's until everyone came back home.
Spoon: How were they?
Alexandra and the girls stood up from the couch and greeted everyone.
Alexandra (Tightening her nail polish bottle): They were perfect.
Aubrey came up and hugged Alexandra.
Aubrey: I'm glad you had them.
Spoon: Yeah. Thanks Alexandra. (Picking the girls up)
Sade: Can we stay with her again?
Everyone looked at Alexandra who plastered a nervous smile on her face.
Alexandra (Shaking her head): Absolutely. I had so much fun with them. They were perfect.
They all smiled and Spoon, Spirit and Sade went home. Aubrey and Alexandra sat on the couch alone for a while.
Aubrey: It looks like you were great with them.
Alexandra (Smiling at Aubrey): Yeah. I did. They're cute girls. I love them like they're mine. Who wouldn't fall in love with girls like them?
Aubrey (Climbing on top of Alexandra): Who wouldn't fall in love with YOU?
Aubrey kissed her.
Alexandra (Smiling): I dunno.
[Now]
Alexandra just looked at Aubrey. He was dumbfounded by her new attitude. But he really didn't have the time to try to figure Alexandra out. If she didn't wanna cooperate...
Aubrey: I guess I'm just gonna get the silent treatment.
Aubrey started the car and drove the two home in complete silence. No music, no talking, silence. Alexandra thought about telling Aubrey what was bothering her. Because it was something that was beginning to consume them and their relationship and her as a person. Her cheating was rebelling because of the secret. Her calling off the engagement was because of the secret. All her knew problems were because of this secret. It was like a wildfire spreading. Her work was affected. Her health was affected. Her relationship was becoming infected. By this disease in the disguise of a secret kept from the man she was supposed to love. Aubrey pulled to the gate, inserted the code and drove in. Alexandra looked at him and when he returned the look, she looked away from him. He sighed angrily as he pulled into the garage and shut off the car. Alexandra moved to get out of the car but Aubrey looked her inside. Alexandra took a deep breath. Aubrey took the whole ride home going over their entire relationship and figured out what was bothering her.
Aubrey: Tell me, Alexandra.
Alexandra hid behind her curls. Aubrey looked at her.
Aubrey: Look at me, Alex and tell me the truth.
Alexandra flipped her hair and looked at Aubrey. She wanted to blurt it out. He wanted her to blurt it out. But they spent about a minute in silence. Alexandra tried desperately to hold her tears back. This was confirming what Aubrey thought. He looked away from Alexandra and put his hands on the stirring wheel.
Aubrey: You had the abortion didn't you? It wasn't a fever. It wasn't stress. You got it.
Aubrey looked at Alexandra. Who licked her lips and shook her head in shame. She took a deep breath so she can finally say it out loud.
