Re: A very OP Christmas.

[Pockets]

Alexis: It would have been nice to see that side of Alex before, that he wouldn't have felt the need to hide it from me.

[Cryonix]

Gabe: Lexi...you know why he didn't show you that. He didn't want you to worry. He never has. You know....despite everything that's happened today...all he can think about is how you're doing.

Gabe eats some garlic bread of his own...and gives some to Nikki, while sitting her on his lap...

Gabe: You wanted honesty...you got it. So what's next?

[Pockets]

Alexis: The thing is, I knew. And it wasn't his behavior that had me worried. It was his sister... and Colin. And now that Colin doesn't have any memory of the last year, they might be able to leave each other alone. Alex keeping his feelings in check wouldn't have been as bad if I hadn't asked him right up front to be completely honest with me and not hold back how he felt about dad.

[Cryonix]

Gabe: Okay...that's fair...but you're dwelling on something that's already come to pass. My question, sister, was....what now?

[Pockets]

Alexis: You know Alex better than anybody. Was there anything about the way he is to me that isn't him, that he puts on because he thinks it'll make me happy?

[Cryonix]

Gabe: No...he's been himself the whole time. He's just...how to say...muted his feelings about subjects because he didn't want to hurt you. He's never hidden his feelings...he's just...kept them quiet as best he could. All he cares about is making you happy. To be fair, though, kiddo....you kind of wanted him to. I think the issue is....quietly, you two wanted to sway each other to your line of thinking....but were afraid to say as much. Am I right?

[Pockets]

Alexis: I've never made it a secret that I wished they would get along. And when everyone was at our place Alex and dad did get along... but I get it now that Alex was just swallowing wanting to do what he did up in the room. I hate that he had to do that, and it didn't just give me false hope, but dad too.

[Cryonix]

Gabe listens to her...

Gabe: If that's the heart of the disagreement...then I think you should go tell him that. Just be clear about it. Alright? Besides....

.....you've destroyed about 3 and a half pounds of pasta, cheese and sauce...

[Pockets]

Alexis glances down.

Alexis: Oh... I guess I was hungry....

[Cryonix]

Gabe: Yeah....just a tiny bit. Come on. I'll walk you down to where Alex is. You two need to talk. Cool?

[Pockets]

Alexis nods.

Alexis: Cool. Hey, Nikki, can you drag Colin back to his room? We kind of promised his doctor we'd do that after he saw the babies.

Nikki: Sure, where is it.

Alexis: Room 984.

[Cryonix]

Gabe walks Alexis down to the parking lot...

Gabe: Hey Alex....looks like I found a fan of yours.

[Cruel Britannia]

Alex looks up at Alexis, then awkwardly averts his eyes.

Alex: .......hey.

[Pockets]

Alexis runs over and hugs Alex.

Alexis: Just don't give me false hope any more alright?

[Cruel Britannia]

Alex is very confused, not even knowing where to put his hands.

Alex: Uh...... OK......

[Pockets]

Alexis: I know there's no hope of you and dad ever getting along... but is there a chance you and Mandy can give Colin another chance? He's the Colin he was back when we were all together as the saints, and he honestly thinks he wound up in hell.

[Cruel Britannia]

Alex thinks.

Alex: I can't speak for Amanda. But as for me.....I don't know.... he may not remember the last year..... but I do.... I can't just forgive him on the spot like that.

[Pockets]

Alexis: I'm not saying forgive him on the spot... just understand that he woke up with two close friends suddenly hating him for an opinion he hasn't developed yet, and he might not develop again, that's all.

[Cruel Britannia]

Alex half chuckles.

Alex: Heh..... you see why it was so hard for me to just outright tell you before?

....Look I can say say I'll try.... but honestly..... I've been trying this whole time......but that didn't seem to mean anything to you in there.....

[Pockets]

Alexis: It's just that you weren't trying because you wanted mend things yourself, but to make me happy. You said yourself you hated what he became in the last year, but before you were fine with him. Both of you were.

[Cruel Britannia]

Alex face is a mix of confusion, exhaustion and desparation. He looks like his brain is about to melt.

Alex: I....I..... god damnit..... can't win..... don't know.... I..... I....

[Pockets]

Alexis: What do you mean you can't win? I'm not going to hate you if you can't. Look, if you want me to shut up about it, I will.

[Cruel Britannia]

Alex rubs his eyes.

Alex: Lexi....please.....please try and understand.... as much as Colin changed.... the one thing that didn't change was his love for you..... you were always his sister, he was always your brother..... but when he changed..... he stopped caring about me.... he didn't care about my feelings, my opinions, my wishes.... I heard how he used to talk about me and my family to you..... and I stopped caring about him..... my friend DIED..... and now it's like looking at his ghost.....

Is me being in his life a good thing? What if it does change his opinion? Sure I hated Colin after he made up with Ashley, but at least he had his father back..... who am I to interfere with that?

What if I do try and it doesn't work? Isn't that giving you false hope again?

I mean I don't know what to do for the best...... I don't even know what I want......

[Pockets]

Alexis: If you try and it doesn't work just tell me instead of hiding it from me. I think you'd be able to tell before it goes too far....

She suddenly stops.

Alexis: And what about me making up with dad?

[Cruel Britannia]

Alex: What about it?

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