They rolled into town mid-afternoon, and headed straight to the hotel. As Alex pulled into the parking lot, Nikki said, "Doubletree, huh?"
"I'm sorry I couldn't do better. This is the best they have here."
Nikki was surprised by her reaction, and replied, "It wasn't a criticism, sweetheart. Actually, I'm surprised we're staying someplace so nice. I'm used to staying in cheep motels."
She pulled into a parking space, and sat quietly for a moment as she calmed her racing heart. "I'm sorry. I guess I'm more stressed about all of this than I thought. Just when I think I’m getting better, my demons raise their ugly heads again." She turned to Nikki with a frown. "The last time I brought someone here, all she did was complain about how horrible the hotel was, and how backward the town was."
Nikki reached out and clasped her hand, entwining their fingers. "I'm sure the hotel will be fine. You wouldn't keep staying here otherwise." She gave her hand a squeeze. "You've known me long enough to know that my tastes are simple. I don't need anything fancy. I'm happy as long as I have you by my side." She gave her a reassuring smile. "How about we go check in?"
Alex leaned over, gave her a quick kiss, and said, "I love you."
"I love you, too."
Several hours later, Alex leaned back against the pillows beside a very satisfied Nikki and said, "The good thing about staying here, is that they have room service."
"It’s a good thing, because it could be a while before I'm able to walk again."
Alex grinned as she climbed out of bed, and sauntered across the room to retrieve the room service menu. Once dinner was ordered, she snuggled into Nikki's arms and sighed. "Thank you for coming here with me."
"I'm happy to. I want to share everything with you, both the good and the bad. Sharing makes it easier." She pulled her closer and placed a kiss on her temple. "I want you to know that you can tell me anything. You don't have to hide from me."
Alex closed her eyes as a wave of guilt swept over her. "I know and I'm trying. There are things I need to tell you, but I'm afraid." She rolled away and sat up on the edge of the bed. "Part of me wants to just leave the past in the past, but I know that's not possible. I just hope you can–" Her head snapped up at the knock on the door. "Damn it." She grabbed her robe and headed for the door. "I'll get this if you want to get cleaned up." She watched as Nikki slipped from the bed and disappeared into the bathroom.
Chapter Twelve
Alex pulled into the cemetery and parked the car along the narrow road. After a deep breath, she took the flowers from Nikki, and climbed out of the car. She looked across the green, precisely mowed grass, at the rows of headstones in various shapes and sizes, and felt her heart skip a beat. They were far enough away from the main road that a peaceful silence had descended upon them, and the only sounds heard were the joyful chirping of birds. She nodded at Nikki, where she stood waiting patiently, and led the way towards her mother's and sister's graves. Their shoes were soon damp from the early morning dew that still clung to the grass under the shade of the trees. Nikki hung back slightly as Alex stopped in front of a gray stone with a white angel perched on one corner.
She dropped to her knees and tenderly placed the flowers at the base of the stone. She removed her sunglasses and bowed her head as she whispered, "Hi Momma, hi Ray. I'm sorry I haven't been by for a while. I still miss you both so much, and think of you often. I love you." She kissed her fingers and traced the names in the stone. "I'm finally doing better, Momma. I think you'd like Nikki, and I'm sure Ray would. She reminds me of you just a little bit, sis. Always looking out for me, just like you did." She sat quietly for a moment as a wave of happiness swept over her, bringing tears to her eyes. Alex wiped her cheeks and smiled up to the heavens as she said, "Thank you." She replaced her sunglasses, stood, and turned to Nikki. "Thank you for coming with me today. It really means a lot."
Before she could respond, a woman several years younger than her pushed off of the nearby tree and walked up to them. "Hello." She gave them both a friendly smile. "My name is Paige Williams. We've always wondered who it was that brought flowers on the anniversary of their deaths. I thought I'd come out here early this year to see if I could figure it out." She grinned. "I think I just missed you last year."
Nikki stepped between Alex and Paige, shielding her slightly. "Who's 'we', and what's it to you?" she asked.
Paige raised her hands and took a small step back. "Easy. I mean no harm." She pointed down at the graves and said, "That is my aunt and cousin. The 'we' is her family. Now, care to tell me who you are and why you visit every year?"
Nikki felt Alex clutch her arm, her fingers digging in at the mention of her mother's family. She looked down at her and saw the firm set of her jaw. She was surprised when she finally spoke. "I don't believe you."
Paige was surprised by
