Coming Home to Aurelius 2

Alexis mingled with the ranch hands.
A bonfire crackled as the group dug into the roast Bertha had prepared.
The men had offered brief condolences. They were men of the land. Trained to grow, to make the land flourish. Flowery words wasn't worth their notice.
Alexis felt warmed.
They were fond of her uncle, that was obvious, they didn't seem to mind her either.
The older ones had a fatherly mein and the younger, some even handsome one's behaved out of respect for Alan's memory and Joe's stern warning that getting fresh with the 'young miss' would cost them their job.
She sat down with her plate untouched, talking to Anderson, who'd worked on the ranch when she'd last visited. He told embellished stories of her uncle's great exploits.
GF came over to join his old friend and Alexis and they lifted her spirits, even if by an inch.
The men turned in early, they had work to do in the morning, but Alexis decided to take a walk. She found herself trailing to the back garden.
A stone bird bath stood in the centre. Alexis ran a finger along the smooth edge till she found a fault.
Bending, she found what she was looking for. Two As'.
A sad smile graced her delicate face as she recalled the day when she and her uncle had cut the two letters into the side with his pocket knife.
She'd been seven, 15 years ago, 4 years before the accident. Shaking her head sadly, she headed to the kitchen to help Bertha with the cleaning.
Going to bed would just mean more tears and nightmares.
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Alexis slept till 12 next day.
Bertha finally woke her up, afraid, she'd get ill if she didn't eat.
Feeling sick from the lack of appetite and any constructive work, Alexis was feeling miserable. Pulling out a beautiful leather bound journal and a thick black felt tip pen, she tried writing but the words wouldn't come.
She'd learnt this long ago that she couldn't force a story out. Her book, a critically acclaimed contemporary fiction had done exceedingly well, making her a millionaire at the young age of 22. But she'd learnt that fame wasn't just about fun.
She leaned back against the headboard and stared at a spot on the opposite wall. The shrill ringing of the phone jerked her out of les lethargic stupor.
Rolling over the bedside table she picked it up.
It was a reminder from Mrs. Whitter that she was invited over for tea and supper.
Saying no was not an option, besides it would distract her. Putting the phone down, she trudged to the bathroom. If she dared turn up in a bedraggled way, she'd be made to strip and put into a bath at Mrs. Whitters.
A soft smile appeared on her face when she remembered a summer long long ago when she'd walked into tea at the good lady's place in ripped jeans and a dirty t- shirt and face. She'd promptly been dipped into got water till the dirt came out and put into a clean frock. She noticed that she'd almost run out of her shampoo.
Her uncle used to make fun of her saying that the smell of the shampoo always gave away her position when she played hide- seek.
Wrapped in her robe, she was sitting on the side of her bed dangling her feet. When she was smaller, her uncle would sit on this side and read her a story every night. Sometimes she'd insist on one even before her afternoon nap. But he'd never said no to her. She wondered why he'd never married or had kids. A man who could love so much, would have made some woman very happy. She sat like that, just thinking. It felt good to think, to remember. Its all she had left of him. Shaking her head, she trumped to the closet.
Carelessly she pulled out a dove grey pleated dress with a white high collared shirt. She pulled her hair into a messy bun held by black japanesey chopsticks. She slipped into grey balet flats, grabbed her car keys and purse and headed down the stairs.
Bertha's face held warring expressions, which she verbalised, "Why the grey child? I know you might feel differently but your uncle wouldn't have wanted this."
Alexis hugged the older woman tight saying, "Just don't feel like color Bertha. I'll be back late."
An hour later, Alexis knocked on the Whitter's front door. There was a flurry of movement as the door opened and she was yanked inside. She could see women speaking, motherly smiles on their faces, she smiled back, but was a little overwhelmed because she couldn't catch a word of what one was saying.
Noticing the stricken look on her face Mr.Whitter let out a piercing whistle which he usually used while training his dogs.
Instant silence followed as the laughing man said, "One at a time ladies, smart though Alexis is, I feel she can't understand a word with all of you speaking at once."
All the ladies nodded and promptly started speaking at once again. Mr. Whitter shrugged helplessly as Alexis was borne to the massive living room, placed in a soft armchair and handed a cup of steaming tea before the bedlam died down. Mrs. Lane started, "Alexis, why the grey clothes. . . ."
Alexis started laughing at that. Did all of them pick one topic to harp about when the day started. Seeing the startled expressions around her, she explained, "I'm sorry. It’s just that Bertha said the same thing when she saw me."
Mrs. Carmichael smiled indulgently, "She was right. I know you're upset, but there's no reason to try and drown out life."
Alexis nodded, not realizing there was a new presence in the room, "I just didn't feel like color you know. But I promise, give me a few days and I'll lead a country dance wearing a red dress!"
A deep voice responded, "Then you'll allow me to take you out this Friday to The Grange for the monthly dance, Ms. Knightly."
That voice.
Turning slightly as Oscar Carmichael made his way towards her, dwarfing everything in the room, an adorable blonde boy of four in his arms.
Alexis's cheeks colored, she didn't want to face him here. Trust the man to turn up in the worst places at the worst possible times.
She remained silent as he went over to Mrs. Whitter saying, "Your errant daughter and her faithful husband were making eyes at each other, so I did my good deed of the day and brought the little coot home. So what do you say Ms. Knightly, will you do me the honour of coming to the dance with me."
Alexis glared into his incredibly handsome face as he smiled down at her and said, "Thank you. But no."
She noticed that all three ladies were shooting daggers at him as he plopped down on a delicate Victorian chair next to her with amazing grace.
Grudgingly, Alexis conceded that he looked devastating even in a pair of ragged jeans and a plain white shirt. Mrs. Whitter spoke, "Alexis, you haven't met my grandson have you? This is Jeremy." Alex's heart melted as the boy turned his blue gaze onto her.
She went down on her knees in front of Mrs. Whitter to introduce herself to the baby. But contrary to everyone's expectations, instead of giving the newcomer a hard time, he promptly jumped into her arms and started talking, partially understandable gibberish.
Alexis carried him back to her seat and talked to him about worms in the garden while the others watched.
Mrs. Lane suddenly laughed, and kept laughing uncontrollably till she finally managed to say, "This is amazing. The first time I met Alexis, she told me about the worms in the garden too!"
Though she laughed and added to the conversation, Alexis was extremely conscious of the Oscar. He'd been staring at her ever since he'd entered the room.
Suddenly Mrs. Carmichael turned to her, "That reminds me Alex, I read your book. Now i may be partial because I'm fond of you, but it was an amazing book. Where did you learn so much about symbolism?"
Alexis blushed a little, "I did a double major in semiotics and literature, so you know, kind of developed an interest."
She flinched as Oscar spoke, "You're modest."
All he got as a response was an elegant eyebrow raised mockingly in his direction.
At least he had the courtesy of looking a little embarrassed.
Just then Alexis remembered that her parents would be reaching Milan in a while, she'd left her cell phone in the car, "Mrs. Whitter, I'll just go get my cell phone from the car. Please give me a minute."
As she got up and put Jeremy on the ground, he clung to her legs and tugged on the hem of her dress.
Laughing, Alex picked him up and said, "I guess the little man needs a breather. Can I take him outside?"
Mrs. Whitter laughed merrily, "His leash is by the door!"
_______________________________________________

A few minutes later, Jeremy was sitting in the driver's seat making car noises as Alexis looked under the car seat to pull out her cell phone from where it had fallen.
Standing up, with the truant phone in hand, she turned, only to find her nose inches from a broad chest encased in white.
Tilting up, she looked into Oscar's blue eyes.
With a small gasp, she stepped back only to find herself trapped against the car. Oscar stepped closer taking possession of her small hands.
Alexis struggled to free her hands, "Please let me go. This isn't necessary."
Oscar ignored her feeble attempts as he said, "It is necessary. I was a complete bastard the other evening. I wanted to apologize for my behavior."
Alexis stopped wriggling, staring at him, nearly falling in surprise at low upset he sounded. She'd have never believed that the indomitable man could actually be so sincere and . . . . Well . . . . Nice.
Still lost in the blue of his eyes, she managed to say, "What made you change your mind?" Dragging in a deep breath, Oscar answered, "I knew Alan for a long time. He was my role model as I grew up. He always spoke of you so fondly. I thought it was unfair that he didn't get to see you often enough. I blamed you. I didn't know about the accident till the other day when I over heard you talking to Golden Falcon. So I kind of, took it all out on you."
Softening slightly, Alexis asked one last question, "So you were apologetic when you came home yesterday? And yet you left that rude note?"
Oscar's expression changed to confusion, "I hardly wrote a few words in it how did I manage to be rude?"
Laughter gurgled in Alex's throat, "DON'T TRY TO AVOID ME. WE WILL TALK? That sounded like some note from the mafia"
Oscar grinned sheepishly, "Sorry about that too. Maybe I should've tried something like- Forgive me dear lady, my life is in your hands? So you're smiling. Does that mean I'm forgiven?"
Alex's face fell for a second as she recalled his harsh words, but then he hadn't really known the circumstances.
Hitching up her smile, she looked up at him and said, "For the time being, yes. But don't do anything to change my mind. Now could you let go of my hands?"
To her complete shock, Oscar, merely tucked her hand into the crook of his arm, pulled Jeremy into his arms and steered them towards the house.
The three women watching the scene from the living room window, sighed. Mrs. Lane spoke, "At least he did that right."
Mrs. Whitter shook with laughter as she poked Mrs. Lane and pointed to Mrs. Carmichael who was sitting with a happy glazed look on her face, "They looked like the perfect family. If only. . . . . . ." But her sentence remained incomplete as the two walked in swinging Jeremy in the middle.
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All the ladies assumed nonchalant expressions.
Alexis looked up at Oscar with suppressed mirth and noticed he'd noticed the farce too.
Out of respect for their emotions, the two of them took there seats as if they too hadn't noticed anything amiss.
Mr. Whitter soon came in followed by a pretty blonde woman and a tall, good looking(but not handsome) man.
The girl came over to Alex and looked down at her with an angry expression on her face and her hands on her hips, "I see you're back. I'm willing to let you into the house only if you promise not to bring me poison ivy bouquets."
Having said that, Caroline, Mrs. Whitter's daughter broke into a hearty laugh as she hugged the younger woman.
Though Alex had joined in, as had Mr. And Mrs. Whitter, the rest looked blank.
Caroline felt obliged to explain, "The last time the little imp had visited, she'd been, what, 11? I was going to a country dance with the then hottest guy in the county, whose name I now forget. Anna and Alexis, our town tom boys took up the initiative to make me a small corsage. I was delighted with it mind you, a single white lilly with a pink centre with pretty green leaves surrounding it. Later that night, my date developed a severe case of itching. And he thought I was the cause. He was a complete blonde, even though I say so myself."
The whole room burst into giggles as Alexis turned red as her hair.
Well almost as red.
Alright, just a deep pink.
She blushed even more when she noticed that Oscar was watching her.
They were interrupted as the door burst open to let John Carmichael and William Lane in, both in work clothes.
They both went to their respective wives, loudly demanding that they be fed. Alexis couldn't help but notice John cast a stern questioning look in Oscar's direction and noticed him nod slightly.
It suddenly dawned on Alexis, that Oscar had been on the receiving end of a lot, because of his behavior, her heart softening just a little more.
As the group headed to dinner, Alexis whispered to Oscar, "I think the entire county coerced you into that apology."
Oscar smiled down at her, "Well. I WAS treated like a murdered for a while yes. But I really did feel like one. I mean the apology was genuine you know."
Alexis elbowed him in the ribs, "I know that, else I would have spotted a few choicy words by now." "Talking about choicey, you now owe me an apology for all the words that you used for me at the cemetery. "Said Oscar as he pulled out a chair for her at the huge oak table, and then sat down next to her.
Alexis smiled.
She'd been smiling a lot today, "I'm a redhead. I'm allowed a little show of temper."
Oscar laughed loudly and all eyes turned to the pair of them.
"Share the joke, son." said John smiling from ear to ear as he saw the two youngsters get along with each other.
Oscar promptly said, "We were just discussing hair color and how it affects personality. For example, Alex is a redhead and she says she's allowed to have a temper. Darling Caroline is a blonde, we all know what all that justifies."
Caroline said indignantly, "Let's not discuss hair color. I feel discriminated against and disadvantaged."
Alexis laughed and said sweetly, "What are you Oscar, a blackhead?"
Luckily, he could take a joke as well as he could dish it out and laughed as the table erupted into roars at her pun.
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Alexis looked around the room. She felt oddly comforted. Even though she missed her parents, she felt happier than she had in the past few days . Staring around the room, she remembered the times when she'd come here with her parents and her uncle. It hadn't changed much. She stared out of the bay windows lost in her thoughts of the past, unaware that her sadness showed on her face.
She came back to the present only when her hand was engulfed by Oscar's larger one as he asked in a concerned tone, "Are you okay? You haven't touched your food."
Alexis managed a smile, disturbed by the fluttering of her insides at his touch ,"I can't eat unless you let go off my hand you know."
Oscar smiled, reassured by her humor, "Much as I hate the idea, I guess I'll have to do it. Else Mrs. Whitter'Ll displace me and come and spoonfeed you."
Alexis smiled slightly and muttered, "Flirt."
Oscar shot back with his trademark killer smile, "You bring out the worst in me."
Alexis choked back a laugh.
John stared intently at her plate, "You're thin. You're not eating. I'm warning you young lady if that roast isn't in your stomach by the time I count 20. . . . . . ."
Alexis laughed and dug in even though she still couldn't build up an appetite.
The conversation turned to horse breeding. William was saying, "Elsie, my mare is due anytime soon. I've got the vet camping nearby, just in case. Alan always said. . . . . ." He stopped as hushed silence greeted his words and all eyes turned to Alexis.
She offered a small smile, "I'm sure Uncle Alan said some pretty smart things, it'Ll do all of us good to hear them. I'm not going to go into hysterics at the mention of his name if that's what you're worried about."
Leo, Caroline, husband's expression changed to one of haughty disdain as he proclaimed in a lofty tone, "Is that what you thought? That we were treading softly out of concern for your feelings? Not at all, its just that you looked very beautiful in the lighting."
Oscar laughed, as the mood lightened at the older man's intervention, "You're a married man. Behave like one."
Alexander put on a wounded look and whined as he fed his son off his own plate, "I was just being gallant!"
The evening passed peacefully and soon it was time to go.
While she was tired, Alexis wasn't looking forward to going back to the ranch alone. She said goodbye, kissed a sleepy Jeremy goodbye and was heading to her car, when she heard footsteps behind her.
She turned in the dark to recognize Oscar striding towards her, "Hey! I was thinking, perhaps I could drop you home."
Alexis quenched the butterfly effect and said, "Thank you. But I think I can keep the car on the road."
She almost felt like thrusting the car keys into his hands when she saw his face fall, but Oscar took matters into his own hands saying, "I was just being polite asking your permission. Now I'm going to go ahead without it."
Within minutes of being subjected to a cool blend of strength, gentleness and THAT killer smile, Alexis found herself seated next to Oscar in his car, protesting, "How am I supposed to get my car back now?"
Oscar smiled, without taking his eyes off the country road, "I'll bring it down for you tomorrow. All you have to do is keep breakfast ready for me."
Alexis shot back, "What makes you think you'd be welcome?"

"Instinct."
_______________________________________________________

When they finally reached Aurelius, Alexis was unwilling to get out of the car.
Odd how only hours ago, she'd have been a threat to his life had she had a remotely sharp object in her hand.
She was surprised to find him opening her door for her.
Oscar grinned and said, "I'll see you tomorrow then."
Alexis smiled, "I'll have a stack of toast ready."
Alexis walked to the door, and waved back at Oscar, who stood at the car, still looking at her. Bertha opened the door.
She too saw the man as he got into the car and drove away, "Do my eyes deceive me?"
Alexis replied shyly, "Not really. We talked. Seems he didn't know why I stayed away. Hence the misconception. Turns out he's a nice chap. He's coming for breakfast tomorrow. Don't you give me that look and don't you get that gleam in your eyes!"
Alexis flounced off to her room blushing furiously.
Sleep was hard to come by. Each passing wind, each innocent creak caused Alexis's heart to jump.
She twisted and turned till she was tangled in the sheets. She then set out to untangle herself. This proved entertainment enough, but only for a while.
She felt that she was missing something. There was something she had to do, but that was eluding her, dancing in the shadows.
Growling in irritation, she buried her head into her pillow and tried to go to sleep. If only it were that easy. The rest of the night passed that way.
Finally an exhausted and sleep deprived Alexis danced into the bathroom for a shower at 7 in the morning. She danced because she finally had something to do.
Lathered up, covered in bubbles from head to toe because of the extra bath syrup she'd poured into the tub, inspiration struck!
Her uncle had kept journals! She immediately decided to go through them.
Caught up, she was sliding out of the bath, when she saw herself, bubble monster in the mirror.
A few minutes in the shower later, she she put on a white sundress and ran down the stairs.

She tripped at the last stair, and braced herself for the inevitable fall that didn't come.
Opening her eyes, she stared into you know who's eyes. He smiled happily, "If I'd known that you'd be in such a hurry to see me, that you'd risk your life, I'd have camped outside since daybreak." Alexis blushed, but not to be distracted from her goal, she dragged him along as she headed to the study, "Don't flatter yourself, I'm going to the study to find my uncle's journals."
Once inside she instructed authoritatively, "You search the right side of the room. I'll take the left." Oscar stared at her curved form as she headed to her side of the room. That woman was driving him nuts. Not to mention her dress was quite transparent because her damp hair had worked magic on the white fabric.
Not to be distracted, and determined to be of help, he started his search. Bertha entered a little while later with a tray laden with breakfast.
Despite her announcement, neither made a move to the food. Not discouraged, Bertha left the room with a secret smile on her face.
An hour later, Alexis had almost reached the centre of the round room, when her back connected with something hard and warm, turning, she found that she'd bumped into Oscar's back, who looked as surprised at the contact.
Both of them burst out laughing, when suddenly Oscar stopped, his eyes widening.
"Gotcha!" he said and reached to the lowest shelf and pulled out a tan leather bound book, that could only be a journal. Alexis, followed his example and within minutes there was a pile of 10 dusty note books sitting next to them in a pile. Sitting back on the floor Oscar smiled, "Mission accomplished. Now what about breakfast?"

Alexis smiled, her heart in her eyes, "Sounds good to me!"
--

CSI- Thank you soo much. Yeah this is kinda different, humorous, but deeper.

Miniman- Yeah! Winny's like hammered into my head!

Lily- Need I say it? But I'll say it-thanks!

Sally- JD- You asked for more, you got it!

Alyssa- You made my day!

Ishi- The thing is my dad's got a huge business and so you know, I'm a city girl. But I'm always happiest when I go to the country houses for my holidays. Its slower, simpler and to a great extent I guess the people are less complicated@

Gianna- I looked for your name in the comments first! And there you were!

Grace- I think you now know what happened to Oscar! And start putting up your story!

Addicted- Nah I don't publish real books. Not yet. Maybe some day !

PS- I thought about drawing out the fight. But I just didn't have the heart. I'm a sucker for happy love stories. I mean I love reading complicated ones, but I can't bring myself to write them! Call me an idiot, but .......................genes!

COMMENTS!