Invincible

Chapter 16- The Reunion

Ian stares at me in disbelief, and then changes to a look of disappointment. I keep my eyes in contact with his. I don't even dare blink. I want him to know how serious I am.

"Lexie, are you even listening to yourself right now? Don't you see how this could be a gift to your friends. Yes, it's rough at the beginning, but in the end it will all be worth it. Look at you, you're practically invincible."

His words are ringing in my ears. Its taking everything in me not to explode and tear him apart. When I look into his eyes, they look empty. I won't let them take away my humanity. It's clearly too late for Ian, but I will fight with everything I have to hold onto the small part I have left.

"Invincible!!!! I would give it all back if I could. I didn't have a choice, Ian, and neither have my friends. Power isn't something I have ever desired. Freedom to me is more valuable than anything. They took that from me, and trust me when I say that they will pay. Be sure to deliver my message. I'm serious, Ian. I want my friends released. Tell them they have two days to follow through, or I check myself out."

I don't give him a chance to respond before walking toward the door. When I reach out to open it, the door doesn't budge. Anger starts to radiate off my body.

"Ian, open the door!"

"You need to calm down, and think things through! I can't let you walk out thinking this way."

Without a second thought I kick my foot into the door. The metal door goes flying. I turn my body to see Ian standing frozen in shock.

"If I didn't make myself clear enough before... hopefully this proves my point. I am valuable to them. Give them my message, or I will give them hell."

Turning on my heels, I sprint out of the room and toward the one person I have been dying to see since I came here. Room 354B replays in my mind. I take the stairs up to the third floor. My heart is beating so fast from adrenaline I swear it's going to send my heart into a heart attack.

I'm so close! When I come to his room I feel myself let out a sigh of relief. Entering the code that I saw on his tv screen I laugh out in joy when I hear it unlock. Flinging the door open my eyes come in contact with six feet of eye candy. The Jesse I knew has been completely reformed. His body is now pure muscle. When his eyes meet mine he looks confused, and then recognition sets in.

"Lexi?"

"Ya, it's me!" Nodding my head, I run to him and wrap my arms around him. Tears of joy stream down my cheeks. His embrace is warm and tight, and I feel my body melt into his. Being in his arms feels so familiar and right that I don't want to let go. All my fears come rushing in and for the first time I feel myself become vulnerable. My tears turn from happy tears to tears of fear and sadness. My body starts to shake and I can't help but feel as if I'm coming undone.

Jesse stands solid, while holding me close. His hands rub my back in a soothing gesture. I let his hands work their magic until I feel strong enough to pull myself together. When I feel stable I push myself from him and look into his familiar brown eyes. They are warm and inviting, and I feel as if I could trust him with my life.

"I'm sorry, Jesse, I didn't mean to unravel like that. I was just so happy to see you, and then the reality of everything came crashing down. I feel as if I've been on survival mode since I got here. I haven't been able to think of anything else. You look incredible! How have you been?"

Jesse laughs but it doesn't reach his eyes. "Have you looked in the mirror? You're like a completely different person. I barely recognize you. If you weren't out of my league before, you definitely are now! Wow, Lex, if I didn't have any self control I'd take you here and now. I haven't been able to get you off my mind. I've been so worried!"