Page 68 of Alexander: Alexander's Story

I’m not exactly getting any younger. And I love Emma. Fuck, I even like her. I could see us having a family. It’s not a stretch of the imagination.

Jess.

It flies through my mind, but I ignore it. Like I’ve been learning how to do. It gets easier each time she breaks my heart. The last time had been the wedding invite.

“I need it, Alex.” As I go to push in, her phone rings, and we both freeze.

Emma’s phone hasn’t so much as vibrated once since I’ve met her. Aside from when I’ve called her. It seems like a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence, like she should take the call. I can see it on her face that she wants to, too.

Setting her down, I grab her pants and underwear, and while she reaches to answer the phone, I help her step back into them.

“Hello?” Emma answers, then holds onto my shoulder to step one foot at a time into her panties.

“Hi…Mom,” she says uncomfortably. I only hesitate for a second, then keep helping her get dressed. If she wants privacy, she’ll walk away. But she doesn’t. She keeps holding onto my shoulder for balance. For support.

I’ll be here.

“Umm, thanks?” I can’t hear what her mom says, but I hope it was ‘Happy Birthday.’

“I don’t think I’ve heard from you in a decade. Is there something you need?” I button her jeans as she talks.

“Oh.” It’s somber.

“Wow.” Bad news?

“For how long?” She nods her head.

“Maybe, but I have to go to dinner. My husband’s family is having a thing.” She’s shaking her head now.

“Yeah, almost a year.” She waits. “His name is Alexander, um. But I should go. He’s waiting for me.”

“I don’t think he would say the same,” she pauses, “Yeah. We’ll see, but I need to go. Bye.” And then she hangs up.

My heart rate spikes wondering what the fuck that was about.

Her hands tremble as she sets the phone back down on the closet shelf.

“She said she’s in rehab.” My brow furrows. “And she called to wish me a happy birthday…she wants to meet you, and she wants me to come visit.”

I wait, hoping there’s no fucking way. But when I keep waiting, I ask, “Are you?”

“I don’t honestly know…” I sigh, then with a hand around the back of her neck, I pull her into me and hold her while she processes.

The car ride to Brit’s is silent, and I just hold her hand the whole time. When we arrive, we end up having to park on the road with all the other cars filling the driveway.

As we’re walking to the front door, I tug on her hand, pulling her to a stop. “We can cancel this. I’ll just tell Brit I’m sick.” She looks at me, smiling for the first time since the call.

“I’ve never had a birthday party or even a family gathering for my birthday. Her call reminded me of that. I’m not going to let her derail my night.” There’s my girl. I give her a quick kiss on the forehead, and then the front door opens before we even make it to the porch.

“Uncle AL!” Elodie squeals before running towards us. “Oh my Gawd, you’re like a real-life Rapunzel! I’m so excited to meet you, Emma.” I love Elle. She’s the exact right person to greet us tonight, and just like this. My chest swells with pride over how charming and kind my niece has turned out.

“Emma, this is my niece, Elodie. Elodie, this is Emma.” Elodie immediately reaches in for a hug.

“You smell like vacation. Coconut oil?” Emma laughs at Elodie’s question before answering.

“Yeah, it’s good for the curls. Also, it’s nice to meet you, Elodie.” Linking arms with Emma, Elodie pulls her the rest of the way into the house, and I follow.

“Why aren’t you at school?” I ask.