No one ever leaves this place.

You try so hard to raise a child, to instill your values into her. You want her to be her own person, but you hope she'll always remember what's important... Family.

[judge-holloway]

Nymphetamine -- Alex/Margaret

[alexander-shepherd-blog]

“Oh it’s not a problem, trust me,” Alex replied with a grin as he moved towards the counter, picking up the bottle of wine and moving back to the table, pouring Margaret a glass, then himself.

After putting the bottle in the center of the table, Alex sat down in one of the chairs and patiently waited for Margaret to finish up with the food, the scent of it flooding his nostrils even more as she opened the oven.  For only a moment, Alex caught himself glancing at Margaret as she leaned over to pull the entree out of the oven.  Why should he hide it?  He was an adult long ago, and Margaret was a very attractive woman.

As she turned to come back to the dining room, Alex gave her another smile.

“That looks amazing.  You must have been at it for quite a while.”

[judge-holloway]

Admittedly, she lingered in that position a bit longer than she should have, allowing Alex to admire her rear. Hell, she even went so far as to shift her weight between her feet, making the two mounds of flesh flex ever so slightly.  So what if she wanted to look nice and show off a bit? Deep down, every woman -- whether they'd admit it or not -- wanted to be admired. Lord knew that Alex wasn't the same boy she'd practically raised and cared for all those years ago.  Moments later, she'd re-enter the dining room, carrying the main course -- thinly-sliced chicken, cooked in a cream of mushroom-based sauce. On the days that she actually had the time (or desire) to cook for her family, the meal had always been well-received. After setting it on a cork potholder on the table, she took a seat across from Alex and smiled. "After you."

[judge-holloway]

Nymphetamine -- Alex/Margaret

[alexander-shepherd-blog]

“And you as well, Margaret,” Alex replied to his welcome with an equally warm smile.  As he walked in, the aroma of whatever it is she had cooked lingered throughout the house and warmed his heart.  This wasn’t something he had experienced often in his own home.

“Dinner smells delicious,” he complimented, looking back with a grin.  He noticed that Margaret was dressed much differently than the usual business-like style he was used to seeing.  Her hair was down, her skirt much more figure-hugging, her top was lower-cut and she had a pair of rather…well, sexy black heels on her feet.  It was refreshing to see her in a more relaxed setting.

Alex moved through the hallway into the dining room where two wine glasses were set up with the dishes for dinner.

“I can get us some wine for those glasses if you like,” Alex offered, motioning to where he spotted the bottle on the counter.

[judge-holloway]

The change in her attire was hardly a subtle one. Whether she merely wanted to try something different or actually aimed to impress him was unclear; either way, the fact that his eyes roamed over her body only served to let her know the change was a welcome one.  The dining room was quaint -- not bland, but not overly-decorated, either. Olive green walls surrounded the sleek, plain brown table in the middle of the room, where the basis for their meal awaited them. Another charming smile was his reward. "I'd appreciate that, Alex. Thank you."  

[judge-holloway]

Nymphetamine -- Alex/Margaret

[alexander-shepherd-blog]

As Alex made his way up to the Holloways’ house, only a few blocks from his own, his mind was swimming with questions that he wanted to fire at Margaret.  He wanted to know where the missing kids were, why the town was literally falling apart, and a hundred and one other things.  But he was happy at the fact that SOMEONE was showing some sort of appreciation that he was home again.

He stepped up to the door and hesitated a moment before ringing the doorbell.  His stomach started to knot up and he felt his body’s urge to start sweating.  But he did his best to keep it in check.

As much as he wanted answers, Margaret was still a very dear friend to his family and had always been very good to him.

[judge-holloway]

The sound of the doorbell ringing distracted her from her thoughts. He's here... Upon passing a mirror on her way out of her bedroom, she hesitated. The normally pristine bun she wore her hair in didn't fit her outfit at all. Slowly, she reached up to pull her pale blonde hair out of the bun, which fell around her shoulders in loose curls as a result. Much better. A few moments later, the door would open slightly to reveal Margaret in the resulting space. She smiled warmly at Alex and opened the door completely as she stepped aside, allowing him to enter the house.  "It's good to see you, Alex..." 

[judge-holloway]

Nymphetamine -- Alex/Margaret

It had been quite a while since Margaret had invited anyone over for dinner. Alex seemed like a worthwhile guest.  Her regular outfit was abandoned, replaced with a sleek black skirt that reached just above her knees and a simple, rather low-cut black button-down. Normally, she dressed rather modestly, but Alex was a grown-up now... There was no reason to treat him like a child.  Alex had certainly turned into a fine young man, and while that didn't surprise the judge, she was still pleasantly surprised to find that he was also incredibly handsome. His father had always been more of a rugged, buff type. What Lillian saw in him, she'd never know.  That's a lie, Margaret. She knew of Lillian's crippling dependency and fear of being left alone. In fact, when they were younger, she had noticed how upset her friend had become at the idea of growing old alone, and urged Lillian to reconsider courting Adam. The younger woman insisted that she had feelings for the young soldier, when Margaret knew that she was only saying that to convince herself. Over time, Lillian's frail state of mind gave way to the actual belief that she was, in fact, in love with Adam. With a sigh, Margaret shook her head and pulled on a pair of black heels to complete her outfit. Jewelry had never suited her -- much too flashy. No matter how many times she had told her late husband that she didn't care for it, he continued to purchase various pieces for her, which she always thanked him for, but never wore.  Some people just didn't learn. The food was prepared, and currently resting in the oven to keep it warm. Fresh biscuits were set in a small dish on the table, along with two wine glasses and whatever dishes the two might need. With that, she made her way downstairs to await Alex's arrival.  

[elle-holloway-blog]

Thanks, Mom! -Beams, content by this little discovery.- I really appreciate that. Heh… Yeah. -Rubs the nape of her neck with a guilty expression.- I guess court was never my thing. Mom… Do you think I should pay Mrs. Shepherd a visit?

[judge-holloway]

Hmm... that's up to you, dear. You're old enough to make your own decisions.  -Waves a hand dismissively, shaking her head.- Oh... there's some spaghetti and marinated chicken strips in the fridge, if you're hungry. You were fast asleep by the time I got home last night, and I didn't want to wake you up to eat.

[alexander-shepherd-blog]

Nymphetamine -- Alex/Margaret

[alexander-shepherd-blog]

Alex held Judge Holloway’s hand in a firm, yet gentle grip, maybe a little longer than he expected to.  But it never felt awkward or forced.  He greatly appreciated the fact that she and Elle had always been there for him.

“If there’s anything you need from me, I wont be far off.”

He smiled and looked at her, releasing her hand.

“It really is great to be back home again.”

[judge-holloway]

She nodded and retrieved her hand, the smile still tugging at the corners of her mouth. "I assume your mother isn't feeling well enough to cook again... so, I was wondering if you'd like to join me for dinner." Elle wouldn't be home that night. Earlier, she'd told her mother that she'd be staying at the library to do a bit of research. Why that girl spent all her time in that dusty old place, Margaret would never know...  "Nothing too fancy; just a meal and a bit of wine. Sort of a 'welcome home' celebration."

[alexander-shepherd-blog]

Nymphetamine -- Alex/Margaret

[alexander-shepherd-blog]

**smiles**

You’ve been part of my life for as long as I can remember.  It counts for quite a bit.

Thank you again.

**extends his hand slowly**

[judge-holloway]

In all honesty, she'd come to care for the boy deeply over the years. When his parents turned a blind eye to his problems and pain, the normally stoic judge provided a sort of strong parental figure for young Alex that he didn't -- or couldn't -- find at home. Years passed, but the affection never faded... merely changed ever so slightly. Another smile, along with one of her pale hands, was his reward. "Again, it was nothing. Just telling the truth."   

[alexander-shepherd-blog]

Nymphetamine -- Alex/Margaret

[alexander-shepherd-blog]

I……..

**shakes his head, shrugs**

What can you do?  I just did my best to make them proud.  I’m sure they were…..at some point.

Just gotta keep on moving forward, I guess.

[judge-holloway]

-Nods, looking thoughtful.- Well... even if they weren't, I can honestly say that I -- at the very least -- am proud of you. Whatever that counts for. 

[alexander-shepherd-blog]

Nymphetamine -- Alex/Margaret

[alexander-shepherd-blog]

**turns red slightly and runs a hand through his hair**

U-uh…I….thank you, Margaret.

Coming from someone of such high esteem in this town……that means something. Thank you.

[judge-holloway]

-Merely chuckles, dismissing his compliment, and offers another smile.-  Really, it's nothing. I'm just telling the truth, Alex. I'd say I was surprised you hadn't heard it before, but... considering the circumstances... -Shakes her head, recalling the way her old friend and her husband had treated the boy.-

[alexander-shepherd-blog]

**shakes head slowly, sighing again**

Alright, well I’m gonna head out and start looking again.  If you see Joshua, tell him to head right home.

Take care of yourself, ma’a………..Margaret.  I’ll see you again soon.

**smiles and stands up**

[judge-holloway]

... Alex.  -Stares down at her desk for a moment, mulling over what to say, before glancing up at him once more, her pale blue eyes meeting his own brown ones.-  ... I admire you. What you've become. You've turned into a fine young man, and if your mother and father can't see that... then I pity them.

[alexander-shepherd-blog]

You seem awfully calm with all of these disappearances happening, Judge.

Has anyone come forward with any evidence?  Witnesses?  Anything?

[judge-holloway]

-Waves her hand dismissively at his first comment, offering a sweet smile.- I'm afraid not. Actually, I haven't seen anyone in what seems like ages... besides you and Elle, of course. 

[alexander-shepherd-blog]

That is an understatement.  Shepherd’s Glen was always such a happy town, even when the weather was bad.  It always had such a welcoming atmosphere.

But now……I can’t even explain it.  Haven’t even seen a single dog in the neighborhood.  They used to be all over the place.

[judge-holloway]

Hmm... I can't say I've noticed. Dogs aren't particularly important to me. Elle always wanted a dog...  -Tilts her head slightly and glances off to the side, as if deep in thought.- 

[elle-holloway-blog]

I know, Mom. -Tugs at her jacket, mirroring her mother’s frown.-

It doesn’t seem like time’s the cure. That’s all I’m saying. …Did you put up those posters in Town Hall for me?

[judge-holloway]

-Nods, her frown transitioning into a neutral line.- Yes, I did. You never liked visiting my office as a child, so I thought I'd save you the trouble of having to put them up. 

[elle-holloway-blog]

Maybe if things were to change around here, I would act differently. 

All I can do is keep looking. -Crosses her arms with an abrupt sigh.-

[judge-holloway]

You say that as though I have the ability to change this place. Even public officials have limited power, Elle.  -Frowns, a familiar stern expression passing over her face.- 

[alexander-shepherd-blog]

**sits in a chair and leans on her desk, sighs**

I don’t even know…..everything looks so different.  There’s this thick fog everywhere and some of the roads are completely destroyed.

Ah who am I kidding?  I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know.

**rubs his temple**

[judge-holloway]

-Leans back ever so slightly in her chair and crosses her legs, lacing her fingers together.-  Well, this all must come as a shock to you. You've been gone for so long; it's only natural that what we see every day is a new experience for you.  

[alexander-shepherd-blog]

Yeah, I suppose you’re right.  It’s been a long time……Margaret.

[judge-holloway]

-Nods appreciatively, her smile broadening.-  That's better. Now... what can I do to help you find your brother, Alex?  

[elle-holloway-blog]

… -Scowls.- Look around us, Mom! This fog isn’t letting up anytime soon. It makes everything seem so… So hopeless.

[judge-holloway]

-Sighs and shakes her head, loose blonde strands of hair swaying with the movement.- You always were such a pessimist, Elle... but I don't suppose that'll ever change.