Laying on the Beach (Alex Attn Ashley, Anyone)

[Alex Bridgerton]

Alex did not have Kai this afternoon, and she had no work. So she planned to spend the day relaxing and attempting homework. Which was still confusing. America History was the most confusing subject, yet it was the most important subject if she planned to get her citizenship in a year when she turned eighteen. Alex tried to work on homework and decided she would most likely need a tutor. Perhaps Greg could be of service. He was nice and kind of cute.

Actually Alex's first thought was to ask Ashley because he would understand, hopefully, but then she realized that she might be bothering him if she did ask and with everything that had been going on, and and her return, it was probably easier to ask someone else to be the lucky tutor. Alex sighed as she looked over the papers her Aunt got her. She was seventeen now and had a year to prepare for this test. Her Aunt was pushing the paperwork now. But the problem was Alex had to be in America for a certain amount of time, but still it never hurt to look into it right.

Alex decided she could use a break and it was a nice day out. Not nice enough to swim at the beach, but nice enough to at least go to the beach, not that she would swim anyway, given Alex was afraid of the water and had never learned how to swim. Thats right Alex Bridgerton could not swim. So she choose to stay on the beach. Alex got a ride from her Aunt. She grabbed her blanket and bag with books and headed to this beach her Aunt picked. Alex did not even know the name.

She picked a spot that was not too close to the water. She would be safe. Alex spread out the blanket and sat down. She had a snack and a water. Alex pulled out a book and started to read, enjoying the relaxation. She wondered what Kai was doing and wondered if maybe she could talk to Ashely about seeing Kai this weekend. Alex's phone began to ring as usual. Guess who...as usual...and as Usual Alex ignored it once. Then it repeated and by the this time Alex tossed it down. Right by someone's feet. She looked up. The sun made it so she had to squint and could not see the person very well.

"Sorry if my phone almost hit you. It was not being quiet and for some reason that makes it stop."

[Ashley Bolton]

It had been hard to work out where she might be, but he decided that he'd rather talk to Alex about the letter than have it out first with his parents. He didn't really want to have an irrate set of parents, he was aggitated enough as it was. Without dealing with that hornets nest, Kai was on his hip ice cream in his hand getting pretty messy if the wet patch on his t-shirt was anything to go by. Not that he minded, his thoughts were on trying to get this hellish day out of his way. Well it had started well enough, but it had ended with a god damn letter from that sorry son of a bitch that was Alex's father.

All he really wanted was to lead his life raise his child, would it have been less stressful without Alex coming, you bet your ass it would be. But then his son would not have his mother in his life. He didn't blame her, he really couldn't but he just wanted a stress free life. Kai had been quiet all the way down here, sensing that his father was upset about something. Ashley spotted his folley more through luck than anything else and approached, shushing Kai who was wriggling in his arms as they got nearer, he was a little shocked to have the phone chucked at his feet and highly amused it seemed that he was not the only person in something less than a stellar mood.

"Sorry if my phone almost hit you. It was not being quiet and for some reason that makes it stop."

"Hey Alex you do know they call that assault in this country right." he said to her with a small smile as he placed Kai down on his own feet. "I thought that maybe you could do with some company, it was hell finding you thought." he told her as he sat down. "Kai wanted to see you." he added, he didn't tell her straight away that he had also wanted to see her. Though he wasn't sure whether it was because of the letter or just that he wanted to see her.

[Alex Bridgerton]

Alex was not in the best mood due to her family. she wished they would stay out of her life. Alex was not in a good mood and had not been expecting company, but she was very happy with the company she had now. It brightened her day and brought a smiled to her face.

Alex smiled as she held her arms out to Kai. She scooped him up and hugged him. "I am always excited to see you too. " She told Kai. "I missed you. Have you been having a wonderful day?" She asked as she tussled her son's hair. Alex let out a small giggle and a wide smile as she held Kai. " Then I am glad you have found me. I would hate to disappoint Kai, if he wants to see me. I believe I have mastered the skill of stealth or is it being incognito." Alex told Ashley with a smile when he said she was hard to find.

"Assualt...on a cell phone, but the bloody thing started it." Alex said laughing back. "I think I have killed the phone. It will not turn on now." Alex said as she picked up her phone and attempted to turn it on. "So these phones enjoy acting like children. This thing misbehaves more then some of the children I have seen at the park act." Alex said with a bright smile as she put her phone off to the side.

Alex sat up on her knees as she let Kai go and looked up at Ashely, "I was curious if Kai can swim. I know it is too cold to swim during this season, but my Aunt has a pool and during the summer I would like to take Kai into the water. The shallow end anyway and I was wondering if he knows how to swim or is he still too young." Of course it would only be in the shallow end. because Alex could stand in the shallow end. Alex could NOT swim, so the only place she would ever take Kai into the water is in the shallow of a pool with no waves. The reason Alex never went into the water at the beach was because of the waves. They were scary. Of course Ashely would know that, even if it was embarrassing that a teenager could not swim.

"Oh and how have you been Ashley? I am not sure I asked. My mind is a tad preoccupied. So many things to wonder about" Alex said glad that Ash was talking to her and did not seem to be holding a grudge, although she could not blame him if he did. Alex was also unaware of the latest letter.

[Ashley Bolton]

Ashley smiled at her, "He loves the water, he hasn't learned to swim yet, so just stick a pair of wings on him he'll take care of the rest." Ashley told her. "He is kind of fearless when it comes to the water, so you have to watch him like a hawk, but other than that you can have fun." Ashley said to her with a smile, he tried to watch what terms he used around Alex, he didn't want to insult her. He used a moment to look at the child sitting between Alex's legs and smiled. "You don't need to worry about much with him, his as stubborn as we can both be. If he doesn't want to do something, your not going to get him to do it. Not without a bribe anyway." Ashley said to her grinning.

"Your father sent me a letter, I got it today, and no I didn't bring it with me. I would likely spend the next hour covering Kai's ears, while you vented about him. It basically told me to use what ever means I wished to get you to go back to your family, I've come to expect that so I'm not bothered by the threats or the offer he made me." Ashley said to her. "But you can expect more calls I think, and if this does go on for much longer, I wouldn't put it past him to pay a visit to LA. To convince us both in person." Ashley said to her with a sad smile. "He did a bad job of threatening me in the process, but I'm used to the threats by now." he said to her and looked at her. "I'm worried about you, your father is not someone to take no for an answer. Defy him to much more and you may not like the consequences for yourself." Ashley said to her.

[Alex Bridgerton]

"Wings...you mean those orange flotation devices I have seen other children wear." Alex nodded, "I will have to buy some as soon as I am able to make it to the market. Kai can be fearless all he wants, as long as he remains in the shallow end. Although I could always ask any friends I shall make this year from school or you may join us if you have nothing else planned. Then again this is many months away, so it might be better to discuss it them. I would just basically need someone who can help if Kai is daring enough to wade the waters of the deeper end. However, I do plan to watch him like a hawk." She said with a light laugh as she watched Kai play between her legs. "I am afraid being stubborn is a trait that will forever be a part of Kai, since as you mentioned we both have it running in our veins so to speak."

Alex perked up, but not in a good way at the mention of another letter. She reached into her bag and pulled out a coloring book and crayons. She always had those with her just in case Kai ever wanted to color while she was taking care of him. "Kai would you like to color?" She said with a sweet smile and handed Kai the book and the crayons as she slowly stood up to listen to Ashely more intently. She listened closely. He had a point. her father did not mess around. these letters and phone calls were just warnings. He would take action if she did not do as he wished.

"Bloody hell, I was hoping my father would have understood my decision by now, apparently that is to much to hope for." Alex right as she looked down at Kai briefly before looking back at Ashley, "I am so sorry for all of this Ashley. My father has no right to be threatening you in any way." She gave him a soft smile when he said he was worried about her and the consequences. "You are too kind to be worried about me, but you do not have to worry about me. As much as I hate to admit this, I am my father's daughter, so I have few ideas of what he might choose to do." Of course her father was capable of terrible things from blackmail to paying someone off.

Alex did not want to play his game, but if she had to she would. Her father was not about to separate her from her son. "I have weighed all the options he has, and the only thing he can truly do to make me ever leave yo...Kai" Alex quickly corrected. She was about to say you, but hoped she covered in time. "Would be to have me deported. As of now I have a student visa, and My Aunt is looking into citizenship. However, I fear you maybe correct. If I know my father he will be paying a visit in person. In which case, do me a favor...do not ever let Kai out of your sight. I will handle my father, but I do not trust him."

[Ashley Bolton]

Ashley smiled at her, "Its fine, seriously I'm used to putting up with your fathers idiocy. If he could see this straight he may just understand why your here." Ashley told her with a smile on his face, it was a force smile, but he had no plans on telling the girl how bothered he was by the letter. Just in case she got the idea that her presence was causing him to much of a problem. It was causing him a problem, he had a quiet and stress free well almost stress free life before the girl had come back in to their lives. Now he had to deal with neurotic fathers who thought they knew what was best for their daughters, without asking the girls in question. Oh well.

"Your father may hate the very mention of my name and your son, but he isn't that stupid to go after either, no matter how much influence he has. The man touches one hair on his head, and I can tell you, he will like the inside of a jail cell even less than he likes me." Ashley said to her with a reassuring smile, he was kind of glad that Kai was to young to understand what was going on with his parents. He ignored the slight cock up that she had made when she had almost said you, he would have liked to have picked it up, but he was not going to show that he still cared in that way not yet anyway. Maybe when everything was settled and they could just concentrate on raising Kai. "Well deal with your father together, his coming here to talk you into leaving our son. Whether you realise it yet or not, we are in this together. Kai is the one who is going to get hurt if your dad actually manages through some miracle to convince to go home." Ashley told her. "That is something that I am not willing to let happen without a fight." he added.

[Alex Bridgerton]

Alex let out a bitter laugh, "All my father sees in this life is his reputation and power. He will not be happy until he has his way. Which I assure you will not happen. My father will be forced to accept that I am in America to stay for good. I have no desire to return to England." Alex said her British accent a tad thicker, which happened when she got emotional. "I wish this was not happening, but we cannot help who our parents. I am thankful you were blessed with good parents. It means Kai is blessed with grandparents." The only set Kai would have. Alex would never fully trust her father. He was a deceitful man and she knew this.

Ashley spoke the truth. Her father would eventually come to America and find a way to attempt to force her home. Alex would not go. "I know what my father is capable of and I will not let him hurt Kai either. The only way I plan to leave my son is when I die from old age. My father can try all he wants, but it will not work. The only leverage he has would be deportation, but I obtained a student visa, which should keep me safe at least until the end of the school year. Which gives time to find a way to deal with my father."

Alex really hated dragging Ashley into this. It was her fight, "I appreciate you willing to help deal with my father. Its nice to know that despite everything he has done you seem unafraid of him. Many men have crumbled in the past." Alex admitted knowing that she had many boyfriends who had been scared off by her father, as well as some of her older brothers girlfriends. "He maybe a scary man, but my father is a man. There must be some way to stop him and make him see that this is the right choice. " Alex let out a sigh. "I am glad I returned and sorry I ever left. But that is neither here nor there. For now my plan is to focus on being a mum to Kai."

[Ashley Bolton]

Ashley smiled at her he wanted to do more but decided against it, "We'll work it out together, your father is coming after me and Kai. That's not something I will allow to go unanswered, no one makes threats against me or my son. Its one thing I can't stomach, people can call me what ever they like but that doesn't apply to him." Ashley said to her. "Its why you came back, you gave birth to him, their's a connection that mothers have that fathers don't have. He needs his mother, he always has. So regardless of what our past is between the two of us, I'd fight to keep you in his life." Ashley told her with a smile. "College comes up we'll work it out, so he can see you as often as possible, it won't be easy but we'll work it out." he added.

"You make him happy Alex, he really doesn't stop talking about you when he gets home from an evening with you." Ashley said to her. "Its usually when can I see mommy again, or something similar. You make him happy, your good for him and that really is all I can ask of you." Ashley added. "I'm glad your here, I mean who's going to help to teach him how to tie his shoe's or whistle, because I can't whistle to save my live. I can teach him football, and how to treat a girl without the mistakes I made along the way." he said with a huge grin.

He watched Kai as he played glad that things were going well, for the pair of them, that they had worked it all out for the most part. Ashley looked back to Alex, "For all the hell we went through when you were pregnant, you just have to look at him to know it was worth every ounce of trouble." he added.

[Alex Bridgerton]

Alex's heart jumped for joy at Ashley's words. He would fight to keep her here, but she knew he meant only for Kai. Alex was not an idiot. She knew the moment she had left those two years ago, she had blown things with Ashley. As much as she wanted another chance, it had to be his decision. Ashley had to want her back, and Alex could not push it. So Alex, knew that unless Ashley wanted that, then she had to move on. Although Alex could not blame him. At the time she left because she felt she had no choice. It was either save Ashley and Kai and sacrifices herself or watch as Ashley was dragged off to jail on a bogus charge and Kai was put up for adoption. Alex sacrificed herself. As a result she lost Ashley. At least she had Kai. Thank god Ashley had a kind heart. So as much as Alex would love more from Ashley, she knew she had no right and knew she should attempt to move on.

"My father will have to get through me for him to get to you or Kai. I love my son dearly, and would never let that bloody man hurt him. I will let you know when he is here. Hopefully he will not be devious and he will let his plans be known." Alex said wondering what wicked ideas could be in her fathers head, "As for college, we are both juniors. Although I never thought much of continuing my education, I guess I should begin thinking about it. I will probably stay local. Where do you plan to attend?" Alex asked curiously. "I will hopefully be able to obtain another student visa for college. My Aunt says it should not be that hard." Which is good because the only alternative way for Alex to stay was not an option. She would not forced someone to marry her for a greencard. First it was wrong, and Alex was sure it was illegal to marry someone just to stay in the country, rather then marry them for love.

Alex smiled when Ashley spoke of Kai loving his time with her, "And I love my time with Kai. He is always making me smile and laugh. Kai makes me feel like I am a better person. Especially these past two years, I was not so good, but I am better now." Alex glanced down at Kai and smiled, "I am glad I only work a few days out of the week. So I have more time for Kai." Alex laughed when Ashley said he could not whistle. Then she pushed her lips together and gave a small whistle, "I can teach you as well you know. Wait doesn't this country call football something else...hold on....its soccer, right...futbol here is called soccer." Alex said thinking Ashley meant futbol from London not American football.

Alex just gave Ashley a look at the final comment, "You have not made any mistakes when it comes to how to treat women and if someone has told you different, I would like to meet her, so I can knock the woman upside her head. Tis lies for you to think you have made mistakes. Believe me you have not made any. You treat women very well, compared to some of the other American men I have seen."

Alex then bent down and tickled Kai a little listening to him laugh, "Which reminds me. If you will permit it, I was wondering if Kai may spend the night at my place one night?" Alex asked hoping Ashley would grant permission. "I would love it and My Aunt would love it, and he has a room. You may con inspect the house if you wish so you know it is childproof." Alex said with a hopeful smile. "Kai is most definatly worth any trouble my father might send our way."

[Ashley Bolton]

Ashley gave her a cheek smile before he tugged lightly on Kai's hair to get he boys attention the boy growled at him as he flattened his hair making Ashley laugh like a mad man. "What do you think Kai, would you like to spend the night with your mom, or can I lock you up somewhere?" he asked the boy he didn't need to think about it.

"Yeah." Kai said.

"Yes I can look you up or yes you want to go with your mom some time soon, it won't be today buddy, but at some point very soon." Ashley said to him, the boy nodded as Ashley plucked him of the sand into his lap. "Okay but when you go, you don't just have to listen to your mom, if your moms aunt tells you to do something you know what you have to do right?" he asked the boy gave him a nod.

"Of course you can take him for a night, well work it out for a weekend. I know there is a lot going on at the school at the moment, after school anyway. But your taking him of my hands for a night will allow me and dad to do some redecorating." Ashley said to her. "Allows to update a certain room in the house, which hasn't changed since we brought him home." Ashley told her.