Previously on Mysterious Attraction…

RECAP

*********

Lexie and Carter walk into her apartment

Lexie: So which pizzeria should we order from?

Carter’s phone rings

Carter: Sorry I should take this, (answers it and walks into the bed room).

Lexie’s phone rings

Lexie: (laughs) Hi dad.

Reeves: Hey Princess, how’s everything goin?

Lexie: Dad I’m fine. You know since the last hourly phone call.

Reeves: Well you know you can never be too careful.

Lexie: Yes, I know. But everything is fine. Carter’s here.

Reeves: Well alright, but you call me if you need anything.

Lexie: I will dad. Thanks, bye.

Reeves: I love you princess.

Lexie: I love you too. Bye. (smiles and hangs up as Carter walks out)

Carter: (Sarcastically) Who do you love?

Lexie: It was my dad, (laughs).

Carter: (looks at his watch) Wow he is on point.

Lexie: I told you. Every hour.

Carter: Ah, he loves you. He just worries about you. It’s sweet.

Lexie: I’m sorry did you just say my father was sweet… that’s a first.

Carter: Hey, anyone who cares about you, is ok in my book.

Lexie smiles and kisses him

Lexie: So what was your mysterious phone call about?

Carter: Oh um it was just some last minute loose ends about the divorce. No big deal.

 Lexie: Oh. Anything you care to share?

Carter: No, it was really nothing just fax information and stuff like that so he can send me copies of everything.

Lexie: Oh ok, good. So we’re actually allowed to be a couple now?

Carter: Yup. I mean let’s me honest we’ve been a couple for a long time now. Despite how much you protested it at first, (kisses her cheek and walks toward a draw pulling out takeout menus).

Lexie: Hey I only protested because you did.

Carter: Oh, really? You wanna to this….

Lexie: What it’s the truth (puts her hand on her hip).

Carter: Who kept pushing who away?

Lexie: (laughs) In all fairness I thought your life was at stake.

Carter: We have one hell of a love story don’t we? (laughs)

Lexie: That’s for sure. It’s the causalities of falling in love in “The business” (air quotes).

Carter: (gasps) Aren’t we supposed to keep that on the down-low?

(they both laugh)

Lexie: I’m really glad that’s not our life anymore. Thank you for helping me realize I deserved better.

Carter: Anytime, (kisses her)…Ok so let’s order… you’re hungry right?

Lexie: Yes!

Carter: Tony’s good?

Lexie: Absolutely.

Carter: (picks up the phone) Hello?…can I place a delivery….Oh ok, alright never mind. Thanks.

Lexie: What happened?

Carter: It’s gonna be over an hour for delivery so I’m just gonna go pick it up.

Lexie: Well we could order from somewhere else?

Carter: No No, I know you want their thin crust pizza…

Lexie: I really do. (laughs)

Carter: Alright, I’ll be back. (kisses her)

Lexie: Did you want me to come with you?

Carter: Nah, stay here, get comfortable, pick out a movie.

Lexie: Ok (smiles).

Carter goes to leave, but turns back

Carter: By the way, call me if anything, ok?

Lexie: Carter everything is fine. Look at me I’m fine. Besides there’s high security, my father made sure of it.

Carter: I know but-

Lexie looks at him

Carter: Ok ok. I love you.

Lexie: I love you.

Carter leaves

Lexie changes into her pajamas, makes a cup of tea and sits on the couch flipping through her movie channels

Carter walks into a store

He’s greeted by a friendly woman

Woman: Mr. Carter. I assume you’re here to pick up your ring?

Carter: Yes I am. Thanks for calling.

Woman: Well here ya go. (hands Carter a blue velvet ring box)

Carter: (opens the box and smiles) Wow, that’s more stunning then I remember, it’s gonna look even more stunning on Lexie’s finger.

Woman: (smiles) We’re very glad you approve.  Here’s your receipt, you’re paid in full.

Carter: Thank you so much.

Woman: Thank you Mr. Carter. Best of luck. She’s a lucky lady whoever Lexie is.

Carter: (laughs) I’m the lucky one. Thank you. (puts the ring in his jacket pocket and leaves)

******

Carter knocks on an office door

Reeves: Come in.

Carter: Hey.

Reeves: Carter. What can I do for you?

Carter: I love your daughter, my divorce is final and I’m hoping that she and I can really build a life together. But that just depends on two things.

Reeves: Which are?

Carter: (reaches into his pocket and pulls out the box, sets it down on Reeves’ desk) Whether or not she says yes, and whether or not you’ll give us your blessing?

Reeves: You wanna marry my daughter?

Carter: I do. More then anything.

Reeves stands up adjusting his suit jacket and walks around his desk to Carter; face to face.

Reeves: Why?

Carter: I know that you still don’t trust me and I know that I have a lot to prove. But I love Lexie. She’s the only person who I feel like actually understands me. She’s complicated but simple, she’s sweet but has a glare that could cut through you, she’s funny but sarcastic. She’s beautiful and smart and kind. I’ve never met anyone like her. And nothing that this business has done has affected her true heart, so I’m just asking you to get behind this. Because I love her, and I think she really loves me too.

Reeves: I think you’re right.

Carter: You do?

Reeves: Yea. So go…go ask her! What are you waiting for?

Carter: Ok. (smiles slightly shocked at Reeves’ acceptance) Ok, Thank You.

Reeves: And Carter? As she’s so infamously told me, Lexie’s a big girl, you definitely didn’t need my permission, but the fact that you still came to me….it goes a long way. You’re a good man….and you’re a lot like Lexie… you’re nothing like your father.

Carter: That means the world. Thank you.

Reeves: Congratulations.

Carter: She hasn’t said yes yet.

Reeves: Oh she will.

Carter: You think so?

Reeves: Go ask and find out. (laughs)

Carter rushes off.

******

Carter walks into the apartment

Pizza box in hand, Carter finds the apartment empty.

Carter: Lex? Baby….

Carter sees the tv is still on and a cup of tea is still full.

Carter: Oh my god. Lexie! Lexie! (screams running throughout the house.)

His phone rings

Carter: Hello? (in a panic)

Voice: I told you, you’d be hearing from me. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Carter: Skully.

*I take no credit for any of these images*

Happy Weekend!

TGIF TGIF TGIF!

-<3-

Quick Note to anyone keeping up with this series:

So I was in a rush to post this because I knew I wouldn’t be home til late last night, and being that I posted from an iPad I think the format bugged out and therefore I am SORRY, because when I checked it, even I was annoyed with how it looked and it was impossible to read! LOL. But anyway new and improved Mysterious Attraction Chapter 8 is up and running…enjoy!

Previously on Mysterious Attraction…

RECAP

**********

Carter & Lexie ❤

ONE MONTH LATER…

Carter wakes up to find the bed empty

Carter: Lex? (there’s no answer) Lex? Lexie! (starts to get nervous and jumps up searching the house)

Lexie walks in a few minutes later smiling with breakfast and coffee in her hands

Lexie: Hey! Morning.

Carter: Jesus, Lexie! You gave me a heart attack.

Lexie: Why? (laughs)

Carter: I woke up and you weren’t there.

Lexie: Oh I’m sorry, I just went to get us some breakfast. I got you a bacon cheese omelet like you like. (smiles brightly)

Carter smirks slightly, still a nervous wreck inside

Lexie: I left you a note. (points to the note on the fridge)

Carter: (notices it and sighs) Oh.

Lexie smiles

Carter: But still, you should have woke me, I could have went with you.

Lexie: Why? It’s not a two person job. Besides we were up so late working on the plans for the fashion business that I knew you could have used the extra sleep, so I got up early and took one for the team, (smiles). You know I can take care of you, every once in a while. (pats his chest as she walks toward the kitchen to set up breakfast on the table).

Carter: I know you can. (smiles) But with everything that happened with Kelly…I mean it’s been a whole month, and I still can’t shake the idea of what could have happened to you.

Lexie: Well it didn’t. Ok. And I’m not gonna be afraid of living my life. Besides I’m not gonna let her ruin us. Because if we do, that just means she wins.

Carter: And I know how much you hate to lose, (smiles).

Lexie: That is true. But back then it was just about feeling in control and feeling respected, nowadays it’s more about who I have to lose. And I don’t wanna lose you.

Carter: I can safely tell you that’s never gonna happen, (smiles and kisses her).

Lexie: Good.

Carter: But would you please be more careful… for my sanity?

Lexie: Yes. (sighs and hands him his food with a smile.)

Carter: So how many times has your dad checked in on you today?

Lexie: Um just about every hour, which is an upgrade considering it used to be every 5-10 minutes. (she laughs) I think he’s over worrying about Kelly, but he’s still nervous about Skully making some big move.

Carter: I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Skully calling me. I should have came right to you. If I had, Kelly would have never been here, or at least I could have been with you.

Lexie: Stop, ok? There’s no way you could have known she’d be here, and you did what you thought was right. My dad has a lot of in-tell when it comes to Skully. Don’t blame yourself, I won’t let you.

Carter: (smiles) I’m still just so sorry. I promised to be here for you always and I feel like I let you down.

Lexie: Carter you went to my dad…someone who you haven’t exactly had the best relationship with. But you went to him just because you were worried about my safety. I don’t see that as you letting me down I see it as a sign of how much you love me.

Carter: Well you got that right. (smiles and leans in to kiss her). So let me guess, is your dad giving you grief about me? “Is he taking care of you…. do you want me to come get you?”

Lexie: No he’s actually warming up to the idea of you.

Carter: Really?

Lexie: Ok he’s thawing.

Carter: Right. (he laughs)

Lexie: So listen, I’ve been kind of dancing around with the idea of bringing this up, but I figured it’s never going to be the right time, so I guess it doesn’t matter….but I just don’t want to cause any problems between us, because I really love how we’ve been… and it feels like we’ve really gotten so much closer, but I-

Carter: Lex? You’re rambling. You and I are good, nothing you say is gonna change that. Whatever you wanna talk about, just talk.

Lexie: Ok well…there’s still the whole added issue that you’re still a married man? And I was just curious, if you’ve spoken to your lawyer about-

Carter: Oh. Yea I’m actually not….a married man, in the legal since of course (he smiles and kisses her on the cheek).

Lexie: (dumbfounded) Wait…what?

Carter: My lawyer called the other day, and told me it’s all been settled.

Lexie: But Kelly’s been in a rehab facility this whole time, how is that possible?

Carter: Well once Kelly was admitted and they realized why she snapped, it was just a matter of her needing treatment.

Lexie: So what was her diagnosis?

Carter: She’s bipolar.  We never knew. I mean thinking back now there were probably a lot of signs but she and I never suspected anything. We just thought, hey this is life, shit happens, people go through things.

Lexie: Well that explains why she cheated? I mean bipolar disorder is a mixture of feeling really happy and then just feeling devastatingly sad. So maybe once you guys got married her mood shifted and given that she wasn’t being treated at the time, it led her to act out.

Carter: Could be, (Carter avoids Lexie’s eye contact and starts to clear off the table).

Lexie: Does that change how you feel about her?

Carter stops and looks at her

Carter: I sympathize with her and her situation, but no I don’t have any overwhelming needs to be with her.

Lexie: But what if when she gets out, she’s the women you married, the women you fell in love with. I mean we can’t exactly blame her for something that wasn’t in her control. She didn’t know she was sick. You may feel differently about her when she’s on her meds and fully healthy again.

Carter: I am sure her diagnosis had something to do with her actions, yes, but I also can’t forget that they happened. I can’t act like just because she has a medical condition that it magically fixes things. I love you, and I wanna be with you that’s all I need to know.

Lexie: I just don’t want you to have any regrets.

Carter: The only regret I have, is letting you continue with this conversation, can we drop it?

Lexie looks hurt and shocked

Carter: I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to snap at you. It’s just that I hate that you feel like you’re constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop. And it’s all because of her. God it just burns me that now she’s got this medical piece of paper that can be her excuse for every shitty thing she’s ever done. Talk about a free pass. I mean it’d be nice if we all could have that… something that will just wipe the slate clean, and act like everything is all perfect. After everything she put us through, I just hate it so much.

Lexie: I understand you’re frustration, I do. But bipolar disorder isn’t a free pass Carter. It’s a disease. You just have to have some compassion. You don’t owe her anything, but don’t hate her. It won’t do your heart any good. If there’s anything I’ve learned from hating Skully all these years, it’s that it will eat you alive. So let’s just change the subject, we don’t have to talk about her anymore, I’m sorry.

Carter: No I’m sorry, come here. (hugs her) Besides, what I was going to say…was that once Kelly was diagnosed and now that she’s been receiving treatment, she must be thinking a little clearly because she signed the papers, voluntarily.

Lexie: Wow. So it’s processed and everything?

Carter: Yup.

Lexie: But don’t divorces usually take years to settle?

Carter: When there’s a fight involved. But I think Kelly realized it was a useless cause….a losing battle. So we’re divorced… it’s official. My team works fast. (smiles)

Lexie: And by team you mean, my father’s friendly lawyer staff.

Carter: Absolutely. I mean who else would work that fast?

Lexie and Carter laugh

Carter: I’m gonna go jump in the shower…when I get out wanna go for a walk?

Lexie: Sure (smiles).

Lexie walks into her bedroom and starts making her bed. She hears the shower turn on

As she finishes making her bed she catches her reflection in the mirror, she turns to the side and lifts up her shirt, exposing her stomach.

Her baby bump is slightly growing

Lexie: You have to tell him Lexie. Today.

She walks into the kitchen and reaches into her purse taking a prenatal vitamin

A few minutes later Carter is dressed and ready to go

Carter: You ready?

Lexie: Yea let’s go (smiles taking his hand).

Lexie and Carter walk around town, hand in hand

A little boy runs past them chasing after a ball

Carter stops the ball with his foot and picks it up

Carter: Here ya go buddy

Little Boy: thank you

The little boy’s mom runs up to them

Mom: (out of breath) Thank you, we’ve been chasing that ball for the past 3 blocks.

(They all laugh)

Mom: Come on sweetie, (she takes her son’s hand) Enjoy your day.

Carter: Thank you, have a good one… and you don’t lose that ball again kiddo (he takes Lexie’s hand again).

(the little boy laughs and waves)

Lexie: He’s adorable.

Carter: Yea cute kid.

Lexie: You were so good with him.

Carter: Ah kids are easy, as long as you relate to them, and try to put yourself on their level, they’ll respond.

Lexie: Wow. You seem to know a lot.

Carter: I used to be a big brother back in high school. Every senior was obligated to volunteer at the nearby daycare, but I actually ended up really liking it.

Lexie: I learn something new about you everyday, (smiles).

Carter: Well what about you, I mean I know babies can be a sore subject for you, but do you ever think about having kids?

Lexie: Yea of course. I mean I would love to. I love kids.

Carter: Good to know. (smiles and kisses her hand)

Carter notices a jewelry shop behind Lexie, he smiles slightly

Carter: Hey um why don’t we head back home, we can relax, maybe watch a movie?

Lexie: Yea sure sounds perfect, we can order in?

Carter: Chinese or Pizza?

Lexie: Hmmm… Definitely pizza! (smiles)

They walk toward the house hand in hand.

-<3-

*I do not take any credit for the actual photos used in these “edits”*

Previously on Mysterious Attraction…

RECAP

*********

Lexie sits in a hospital room, Carter by her side

Doctor: So Lexie, when did you start feeling the dizzy spells?

Lexie: Just today, a few hours ago. But it’s been an eventful couple hours so…

Doctor: And the vomiting? Also within the last few hours?

Lexie: Yes.

Doctor: Ok…well we’re gonna run some tests, take some blood. Could just be due to all the stress of the day, or could be a bug or something else…but with the tests we’ll get to the bottom of it.

Lexie: Ok.

Doctor: We’ll start with the blood test first ok? So nurse April will get that started while I order some other tests.

Lexie: (turns to Carter) Hey. Would you call my dad?

Carter: I’m not leaving you.

Lexie: I’m ok. I’m feeling a little better.

Carter: Don’t lie to me.

Lexie: I’m not I promise, besides I’m in good hands.

Nurse April smiles

April: I’ll take good care of her. There’s a phone right outside that you can use, right in site range. (smiles)

Carter: I thought you said you didn’t want me to call him?

Lexie: I know, but if he hears I was in the hospital and didn’t call him, I’ll never hear the end of it, so please save us both the headache.

Carter grabs her hand and squeezes it

Carter: I’ll be right back.

Lexie: I know you will.

Carter kisses her

Carter: I love you.

Lexie: I love you too.

Carter looks back once more before walking outside

Nurse April: It’s so sweet how much he loves you.

Lexie: Yea. he’s pretty amazing. (smiles) I need to tell you something.

Nurse April: Ok.

Lexie: Before he comes back in here, I should tell you, it’s a possibility that I could be pregnant. And if that’s what this blood test shows, I need you to act like everything is normal and not say anything in front of him.

Nurse April: Is he not the father?

Lexie looks at her taken aback

Nurse April: Oh my gosh, please forgive me, that was completely unprofessional.

Lexie: No. No he’s definatley the father. It’s just we’ve had a really tough…year…um…and the timing isn’t the best…and I’ve miscarried before when I was younger, so I just, I need time to process before I tell him.

Nurse April: Of course, besides it isn’t my place, your the patient, and your entitled to your medical privacy. But if you don’t mind me saying, I think you got one of the good ones. My bet is, he’d be thrilled.

Lexie: Our situation is complicated.

Nurse April nods as she finishes the blood taking

Carter comes back in

Carter: Your dad didn’t answer, but I left word with the office that your ok and being taken care of.

Nurse April: Well I’m gonna go put a rush on these and we’ll be able to get you some answers soon. The doctor should be in again in a few minutes.

Carter: How ya feeling? (walks over to her)

Lexie: I’m ok.

Carter looks at her sternly

Lexie: I am, (smiles and pulls him into a hug)

Carter hugs her tightly

A few minutes later…Nurse April comes in with the Doctor

Doctor: Ok we’re just gonna do a stomach sonogram… Carter if you’d wait outside please?

Carter: Why?

Lexie: It’s ok, I’ll be fine.

Carter: Why does she need a sonogram?

Doctor: Well she’s been throwing up, it’s just routine for us to make sure everything is in working order.

Carter: So why can’t I stay?

Nurser April: Actually we need you to fill out some paperwork for Lexie…if you’ll just walk over to the main desk, they’ll help you.

Carter: Is there something going on, is something wrong with her, that you don’t wanna tell me?

Lexie: Carter don’t be silly, they haven’t even gotten any results yet. Just go fill out the papers and by the time your done, I’ll be done here. And we’ll be one step closer to getting out of here and going home, and putting this crazy day behind us.

Carter: Ok. I’ll be right outside if you need me.

Lexie: I’ll be fine, (smiles).

Carter leaves

Lexie turns to the doctor and nurse

Lexie: I take it you found something out?

Doctor: As Nurse April notified me, You have reason to think you may be pregnant?

Lexie: I think it’s a possibility.

Doctor: Well your blood tests show that you are. That’s what brought on the vomiting and the dizziness.

Lexie: Wow. (Lexie covers her face)

Nurse April: Are you sure I can’t get Carter for you?

Lexie: No. No I’ll be fine. I just…I can’t believe this…

Doctor: Well I’d like to give you a sonogram to just check the baby and make sure everything is healthy and then April here has gotten you all the essentials…prenatal vitamins, and other parenting information if you choose to keep it.

Lexie: It’s not a question of if…I want this baby…but I just don’t know if I’ll be able to carry it.

Doctor: April mentioned you’ve miscarried before?

Lexie: I have. It was a long time ago. I was in high school, I was 16.

Doctor: Well that was most likely just due to your body not being fully developed. There’s no reason to believe you won’t carry this baby to full term. Unless your doctor told you otherwise?

Lexie: No. No nothing like that. I just I worry.

Nurse: Of course.

Doctor: Well the baby seems to be fine, you aren’t too far along. Just about 4 weeks.

But all looks healthy.

Lexie sighs of relief

Lexie: Thank you.

Doctor: Ok well I think we’re just about done here then.

Nurse April hands Lexie a bag of vitamins and other information

Lexie smiles and shoves it in her purse

Doctor: And make sure to see your doctor regularly. And if you have any questions feel free to reach out to either of us.

Lexie: (smiles) Thank you so much.

Nurse April opens the door and calls in Carter

Carter: Everything ok?

Lexie: Yup…just a stomach virus.

Carter: Oh, well that’s good, I mean not good, but good that it isn’t more serious.

Lexie: I know what you meant, (smiles.) Now take me home, I’m so ready for this day to end.

Carter: Ok, (he smiles and takes her hand).

Lexie and Carter thank them and leave

*I do not own any of the images, nor do I take credit for them*

-<3-