You and Alexia Putellas have never liked each other.She thinks you’re uptight and impossible to please. You think she’s arrogant, emotionally unavailable, and incapable of committing to anyone for longer than a few months.The only thing you have in common are your best friends, a happily married couple with a one year old daughter.But when a tragic accident leaves that little girl orphaned, everything changes, because hidden inside their will is one final surprise.They named you and Alexia as the legal guardians.
Part 9 Word Count: 7.5k
The room was almost silent, not truly silent hospitals never were, there was always something. The soft rhythm of monitors, the quiet hiss of oxygen, footsteps passing outside, the occasional murmur of nurses changing shifts.
You sat beside Olivia's bed, exactly where you'd been for hours, you hadn't moved, not really.
One hand rested gently on the top of her head, your thumb stroking slowly backwards and forwards through her impossibly soft hair.
The movement was instinctive now, the same one you'd used every night when she struggled to sleep, your eyes never left her.
She looked so small the hospital bed swallowed her whole, tiny fingers disappeared beneath layers of blankets. One arm lay outside them, taped carefully where the IV disappeared into the back of her hand, a pulse oximeter wrapped around one little finger. Heart monitor leads disappeared beneath her gown, machines quietly confirmed what you already knew.
Heart rate, respiratory rate, Oxygen saturation, numbers you'd spent years reading without emotion.
Today they were the only things stopping you from falling apart, she looked peaceful, her little chest rose and fell steadily. A dummy rested against her cheek where it'd slipped from her mouth sometime after she'd been sedated to keep her calm.
You reached over, gently brushing a curl away from her forehead looking to the clock, you knew Alexia would still be on the pitch, you just wished time would go quicker. 🍼
The car hadn't even fully stopped outside the emergency department before Alexia was opening the door.
She ran past reception, past the waiting area, all she wanted was to find you.
She reached the paediatric department, the automatic doors slid open and a wall of noise hit her, children crying somewhere further inside monitors beeped steadily, parents sat with exhausted expressions.
Alexia's eyes darted everywhere, then she spotted you immediately, still wearing the same clothes you'd left the hotel in that morning, hair uncharacteristically a mess sitting in one of the chairs outside a treatment room.
You looked up as she approached, the relief on your face was instant, "Ale."
She was in front of you in seconds, "What happened?" Her hands found your arms immediately, "Where's Olivia?" she asked pulling you into a hug as you burst out crying a hand cradling your head as she kissed your forehead.
You wiped at your tears trying to pull yourself together, "She's having an MRI scan" You guided Alexia into the empty room Olivia was just in, "She should be back soon"
"What happened?"
"She had a seizure"
Alexia stared at you, for a moment she didn't speak, didn't breathe the words didn't seem to register, "She..." Her voice came out barely above a whisper, "...had a seizure?"
You nodded once, your eyes red raw from crying, "She'd just started walking." You rubbed your hands together nervously, "She took a few steps towards me... then she tripped." You swallowed hard, "It wasn't even a hard fall." You stared at the floor, "She cried for a minute I picked her up I cuddled her, I thought..." Your voice cracked, "I thought she'd be alright."
Alexia quietly pulled another chair over until it was directly beside yours. She reached for your hand, you held on immediately, you squeezed your eyes shut.
"I should know better. I'm a doctor, I should've—"
"No." Alexia's voice was firmer now, you looked at her, "You stop that." She took your face gently between both hands until you couldn't look anywhere except at her.
Her thumb brushed away the tears still falling, your shoulders shook, "I froze." You whispered, "For a second...I froze."
Alexia rested her forehead against yours, "You got her here." Her voice softened.
You broke then, really broke, "I was so scared." The words dissolved into sobs, "So..." You struggled to breathe, "...so scared."
Alexia wrapped both arms around you, pulling you against her chest, you buried your face into her shoulder, "I know." She whispered into your hair, "I know."
You cried for several minutes, neither of you cared who walked past the room. Eventually your breathing steadied enough for Alexia to ask quietly, "What have they said?"
You rubbed tiredly at your face, "The CT didn't show any bleeding." Alexia visibly sagged with relief, "But..."
You couldn't quite make yourself continue, her stomach tightened again, "But?"
"They're worried because of the seizure." You nodded towards the corridor, "They've taken her for an MRI. They want to make sure there's no injury the CT couldn't pick up."
Alexia looked towards the empty doorway as though she could somehow see through the walls to where Olivia was, "Has she..." Her voice caught, "...has she woken up?"
You nodded slowly, "Briefly. She's been under a mild sedation for the scans and things"
"And?"
"She cried." Your own voice cracked again, "She didn't understand why strangers were touching her." You smiled sadly through fresh tears, "She just kept reaching for me."
Alexia closed her eyes.
"And then they gave her a top to help her settle before the scan."
Silence settled between you, Alexia squeezed your hand again, "You've been here on your own?" You nodded, "You called me."
"I knew you were playing but I knew if they told you, you'd come."
Alexia looked at you with an expression so full of love it almost hurt, "There was nowhere else I was ever going to be."
You gave a tiny nod, "I know."
A gentle knock interrupted the silence., both of you looked up, one of the paediatric nurses smiled softly from the doorway, "They're just bringing Olivia back now."
You and Alexia were both on your feet before she'd even finished speaking.
A moment later the bed appeared around the corner, Olivia looked impossibly tiny beneath the blankets, still sleepy, still pale her curls flattened where they'd been tucked beneath the MRI head supports.
The porter carefully wheeled her back into the room as soon as the brakes clicked into place, you were beside her again, your hand immediately finding her hair.
Alexia moved to the other side of the bed, she reached carefully for Olivia's tiny hand, avoiding the IV taped to the back of it.
Olivia stirred, her eyelids fluttered slowly very slowly she opened her eyes, for a second she looked confused.
Then she saw you, "Mama..." The tiny whisper was barely audible.
Your eyes immediately filled again, "I'm here, baby." You bent down, kissing her forehead, "Look who's here."
Olivia's gaze drifted across the bed, "...Ale."
Alexia let out a shaky laugh that sounded suspiciously like a sob, "Hi, princesca."
She kissed the back of Olivia's little hand, "We're both here." Neither of you let go, and neither of you intended to.
A soft knock came at the door, a consultant neurologist stepped inside, followed by one of the paediatric registrars you'd worked with before.
You immediately stood, doctor mode threatened to take over again.
The registrar noticed, "You can stay where you are." You nodded, but couldn't quite bring yourself to sit.
"So..." The doctor smiled reassuringly, "We've reviewed Olivia's MRI." Your stomach tightened, "There is some good news."
You instinctively reached for Alexia's hand, she intertwined her fingers with yours.
"The scan is completely normal." The breath you hadn't realised you'd been holding escaped all at once, "No bleeding or swelling and no evidence of structural injury."
You closed your eyes, Alexia's head dropped forward with relief, "Oh thank God..." She whispered.
The consultant continued, "We believe Olivia has suffered what's called an impact seizure." You nodded slowly, he recognised the look, "I imagine you already know what that means."
"I do." You answered quietly., "But..." You looked up and glanced to Alexia, "...could you explain it anyway?"
He smiled knowingly, "Of course." He glanced briefly towards Alexia, "Sometimes after a bang to the head, particularly in young children, the brain essentially has a temporary electrical overload. It can cause a seizure. It looks incredibly frightening, but..." He smiled gently, "...on its own, it doesn't necessarily mean theres anything to worry about."
Alexia looked between the two of you, "So..."
The consultant nodded, "We're optimistic. We'll keep her overnight for observation, If she remains ok in herself and has no further seizures or concerning neurological changes then she'll be able to go home tomorrow."
You finally sat back down, your legs suddenly didn't feel capable of holding you anymore, "I thought" Your voice was barely audible, "...I'd missed something."
The consultant looked at you kindly, "I've read your notes from the emergency department. You recognised the seizure immediately. You protected her airway. You even thought to time it. You handed over every important detail before she'd even reached us." He shook his head gently, "You didn't miss anything. You did exactly what I'd hope any A&E doctor would do."
Your eyes filled again, "I wasn't her doctor." You admitted quietly, "I was just" You looked at Olivia sleeping peacefully between you and Alexia, "I was just terrified."
The consultant smiled, "I can imagine." He glanced between the pair of you, "She is very lucky."
When he left, neither of you spoke for a long while, eventually Alexia broke the silence, "You know" She looked down at Olivia, "...I have never been so scared in my life I've played World Cup finals, thought my career was done when i tore my ACL, I've played in front of ninety thousand people." She shook her head slowly, "None of that..." Her voice caught, "felt anything like trying to get here today."
You squeezed her hand, you understood, "I know." You whispered.
The room fell quiet again, Olivia sighed in her sedated state, her tiny fingers twitched before finding both of your hands resting beside hers.
One little hand settled over yours, the other over Alexia's, holding both, completely unconsciously.
Alexia looked down and smiled through fresh tears, "Bossy even when she's asleep."
A small laugh escaped you, "Wonder where she gets that from."
Alexia looked sideways at you, "I'm choosing not to answer."
You rested your head gently against Olivia's pillow, for the first time since the ambulance doors had closed you finally felt your breathing slow, because Olivia was safe and the three of you were together again.
For now that was enough.
🍼
The ward had quietened, lights had been dimmed, the bustle of the afternoon had given way to the soft rhythm of the night staff.
Olivia slept between the two of you, one tiny hand still resting across both of yours as though making sure neither of you disappeared.
Neither of you had moved for nearly an hour, eventually you spoke, "So..."
Alexia turned her head slightly, "Hm?"
You smiled tiredly at Olivia, "I think we should probably address the fact she's calling me mama."
Alexia looked down at the sleeping toddler, then back at you, "I was wondering when you were going to."
You let out a quiet breath, "I don't know how I feel about it."
Alexia didn't answer immediately, she waited.
"I mean..." You searched for the words, "part of me" Your eyes stayed fixed on Olivia, "...part of me loves it." Your throat tightened, "And I feel guilty even saying that." Your voice became quieter, "But every time she does" You blinked away fresh tears, "I feel like I'm stealing something that belongs to Sofia and Marta."
Alexia reached over, gently rubbing your arm.
"They should have heard it first." You whispered, "They should've been there, the ones crying when she said mama. They deserved that."
The room was silent for a few moments, then Alexia spoke, "They did deserve that." You looked at her, "They deserved every first. All of it."
She looked down at Olivia.
"And it's desperately unfair that they don't get those moments." She paused, "But..." Her hand found yours again, "you aren't taking there place."
You frowned, "It feels like I am."
She shook her head gently, "Sofia and Marta being her mothers doesn't disappear because she calls you mama. They're still her mother's. They always will be."
You looked away, "I just" Your voice was barely audible, "don't want her to forget them."
Alexia smiled sadly, "She won't. She might not remember them, but forgetting someone" she squeezed your hand, "requires knowing them first."
The words settled heavily between you.
"We'll tell her." Alexia continued, "Over and over. We'll tell her how ridiculous Sofia was."
A watery laugh escaped you, "She was ridiculous."
"And how Marta pretended she wasn't emotional."
You smiled, "She cried at everything."
"Exactly." Alexia smiled too, "We'll tell her how excited they were to meet her. How much they loved her. How impossible they found it to stop talking about her."
You nodded slowly, "She'll know them."
Alexia looked at Olivia, "Through us."
You brushed a finger over Olivia's curls, "I've thought about correcting her." You admitted "When she says mama, I did the first time" Alexia looked at you, your eyes filled again, "It's horrible to find so much joy in something you feel so guilty about"
Neither of you spoke for a little while, then Alexia smiled softly, "You know..."
"Hm?" You looked at her.
"I think she's saying mama" Alexia glanced affectionately towards the sleeping toddler, "because that's what love she holds for you."
You closed your eyes, a tear escaped anyway, "I don't know if I'm ready for that." you looked back down at the little girl sleeping peacefully between you.
Her tiny lips moved in her sleep, a sleepy murmur escaped, "Hungee..."
This time neither of you cried, Alexia simply smiled, and quietly whispered to the little girl, "You've always had a way of making me smile, cariño."
She looked at you before finishing.
"You and mama both do."
🍼
Alexia had climbed carefully onto the hospital bed, mindful of every wire and monitor attached to Olivia.
Now the little girl was tucked securely against her side, one tiny fist curled into the front of Alexia's shirt as she lay contently.
You stood nearby, watching them both a soft knock interrupted the quiet.
You glanced towards the door before walking over and pulling it open, Eli and Alba stood outside.
Alba held a small overnight bag,Eli clutched Olivia's well-loved stuffed rabbit beneath one arm and a McDonald's bag in the other.
You smiled tiredly,"Hi."
"We don't want to keep you," Alba said quietly, holding out the bag. "Or interrupt. We just thought... Alexia might want a change of clothes."
You accepted it gratefully, "Thank you."
Eli held out the rabbit,"And Olivia might want her rabbit."
You took it gently, the familiar little toy made something tighten painfully in your chest, then Alba lifted the paper bag with a sheepish smile.
"We were grabbing some food anyway, so we picked some up for you both. We figured you'd probably be hungry."
You looked between the three things now filling your hands, "You didn't have to do all this."
Eli reached over, giving your arm a gentle squeeze, "It's nothing, honestly." Her eyes searched yours, "...Is she okay?"
You nodded, "Do you want to eat with us?"
Both women immediately shook their heads,"Oh no," Eli smiled. "We wouldn't want to intrude."
"You're not intruding." You stepped aside, opening the door wider, "You're family. Please."
They exchanged a small look before slowly walking inside the moment they saw Olivia lying in the hospital bed amongst the monitors and IV lines, both of them visibly faltered, their smiles disappeared.
The reality of it all landing much harder than hearing about it over the phone. Both women instinctively lowered their voices even further as though the room itself demanded it.
Alexia noticed immediately, "She's awake." She smiled reassuringly, "It's okay."
You smiled softly towards the bed, "Look who's here."
Olivia peered over Alexia's stomach before recognising them, one little arm slowly lifted away from her chest to point at them.
Eli's face softened instantly, she stepped over, gently taking Olivia's tiny hand, "You gave us all quite the scare, cariño."
Olivia simply blinked sleepily.
Alexia carefully kissed the top of her head, "I'm just going to change out of my stinky kit."
The reaction was immediate, Olivia's grip tightened ger little bottom lip wobbled dangerously.
Alexia laughed softly, "I'll come back, I promise. I'm just going to the bathroom."
The wobble became even more dramatic, before the tears could arrive, Alba stood beside the bed, holding out both arms, "Shall Olivia and Alba have a cuddle?" She smiled brightly, "Yeah?"
Olivia looked between Alexia then Alba, to everyone's surprise she reached for Alba.
Eli touched with Alba's back with gentle encouragement, "Sit with her, Alba." Alba sat on the bed leaning back as Olivia tucked herself into her arm.
Alexia disappeared into the bathroom with the overnight bag, you wandered back over as Eli unpacked the food onto the little hospital table.
You leaned gently on the side of the bed looking at Olivia, "Who's that?" You pointed towards Alba, "Who are you cuddling with?"
Olivia rested comfortably against her, then with complete confidence, she lifted one finger towards Alba's face, "Silly Abba."
A quiet laugh escaped you, "Yeah..." You smiled warmly, "That's your silly Alba."
Alba immediately looked away, biting down on her lip as her eyes filled, she blinked rapidly, trying desperately not to cry in front of Olivia.
Eli noticed, without saying a word, she reached over and squeezed Alba's shoulder.
Olivia, completely oblivious to the emotion she'd caused, reached up and patted Alba's cheek with one tiny hand, "Silly Abba."
Alba laughed through the tears she'd failed to hide, "Oh, carino." She kissed the top of Olivia's curls.
🍼
By the following afternoon, Olivia had made her opinion on being allowed home very clear, she wanted to swim.
Apparently, the hospital had been an inconvenience she'd already decided to move on from. You found out Alexia often brought Olivia to her home to make use of the pool and she absolutely loved it at Alexia's.
You'd barely finished helping her into the tiny swimming costume Alexia had produced from a cupboard before she was pointing enthusiastically towards the garden doors.
"Wa'er!"
Alexia laughed from the kitchen, "I told you."
You shook your head, smiling, "She had a seizure yesterday."
"And today she wants the pool. Children they're resilient." Alexia disappeared upstairs before calling down, "Y/N?"
"Yeah?"
"I've left something on my bed."
You frowned but headed upstairs anyway, sitting neatly folded on the bed was a dark green bikini.
You blinked, Alexia appeared in the doorway a second later in a hoodie a bikini under it.
"I thought" She rubbed the back of her neck, "if you're getting in with her, you probably don't want to do it in your clothes."
You picked up the bikini, "You own a spare bikini?"
She smiled, "I own several."
You laughed, "Of course you do."
"It should fit."
You looked between the bikini and her, "You've somehow guessed my size?"
Alexia's ears pinkened almost instantly, "I" She cleared her throat, "...educated guess."
"Hm." You looked at her knowingly, "Very educated."
She looked everywhere except your face, "I'll... go get in the pool with Olivia."
You couldn't stop yourself smiling as she made a very quick exit.
A few minutes later, you stepped out into the garden, the bikini fit perfectly, almost suspiciously perfectly.
Olivia was already in the pool with Alexia, kicking her little legs excitedly.
The moment Alexia looked up she stopped, entirely.
You almost smiled, "Well?" You asked, "You guessed right."
Alexia swallowed, "...Yeah."
She hadn't expected that, not really. She'd pictured it, of course she had, but imagination and reality turned out to be two very different things.
The afternoon sun caught your skin, your hair was up from tying it back, something Alexia learned she liked very quickly, you with your hair up.
The dark green somehow suited you better than it ever had her, Alexia became acutely aware she'd been looking for far too long.
She tore her eyes away, "Olivia wants you to get in."
"Mhm."
You answered, already smiling because you knew exactly what had just happened.
You crouched at the side of the pool, smiling at Olivia, "Ready?"
The little girl nodded enthusiastically, "Wa'er!"
You lowered yourself carefully into the shallow end, she squealed immediately, tiny hands slapped happily against the surface, sending little splashes in every direction.
Alexia's attention stayed firmly on Olivia, very firmly, exceptionally firmly, almost unnaturally firmly, "You can look, you know."
Alexia blinked, "What?"
"I'm just saying, you're making a remarkable effort not to when you don't have to"
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Mhm."
"I don't."
"You've looked everywhere in this garden except at me."
"I've looked at you."
"Barely."
"I've looked enough."
You laughed, "So now you're rationing it?"
Alexia sighed dramatically, "You are impossible."
You smiled and she risked another glance, just one, it lasted perhaps half a second before she looked back at Olivia again.
"I am trying to be respectful."
You couldn't help smiling, "Alexia."
"Hm?"
"I've seen you stare at cake for longer than that."
She burst into laughter, "That is completely different."
"Is it?"
"Very."
"Because?"
"Cake doesn't turn me on"
You grinned, "So that's the issue?"
Alexia immediately realised what she'd admitted, she groaned, rubbing a hand over her face, "I walked into that."
"You sprinted into it."
Olivia looked between the two of you before deciding neither of you were paying enough attention to her. She slapped both hands into the water as hard as she could, water splashed straight over the pair of you.
Cold water hit Alexia square in the face and she stared at Olivia in mock disbelief, "You little menace."
Olivia shrieked with laughter, you laughed just as hard, Alexia looked over this time she didn't immediately look away, her eyes met yours. There was amusement there, affection something softer than either of you had quite found the courage to name yet.
"You know" She said quietly, "I think this bikini looks much better on you than it ever did on me."
You felt warmth creep into your cheeks despite yourself, "You've finally admitted you were looking."
Alexia smiled, "I never said I wasn't."
"You absolutely did."
"I changed my mind."
You laughed, shaking your head, "I noticed."
Before either of you could say anything else, Olivia splashed you both again, giggling so hard she nearly toppled backwards into Alexia's waiting arms.
"Alright" Alexia laughed, lifting her higher out of the water, "I think someone likes having both her people in the pool."
Olivia beamed at the pair of you.
You laughed as Olivia splashed both of you again, “Right, little fish, I think that's enough." You said as you carefully lifted yourself out of the pool sitting on the edge, water cascading down your skin as you sat on the warm edge, pulling your hair over one shoulder to squeeze the excess water out.
The sun was warm against your skin as Olivia squealed happily as Alexia spun slowly with her in the water, Olivia's giggles echoed around the garden, "Again!" you heard Alexia laugh as Olivia kicked her little legs.
Alexia looked up and stopped, her eyes travelled over you far less subtly than they had ten minutes ago.
You raised an eyebrow immediately, as a grin spread across her face,” Ay Olivia" she said casually, "who knew your mama had a body like that?"
You nearly choked, “Alexia!"She looked entirely unashamed.
Olivia just laughed because Alexia was laughing, Alexia shrugged innocently, “What? She doesn't understand."
You pointed accusingly at her, “That is not the point!" She grinned wider.
Olivia looked at you and clapped her hands, “Mama!"
Alexia looked at Olivia with complete seriousness, “I know, princesa. Ale agrees."
You covered your face with both hands, “Oh my God."
Alexia walked closer to the edge of the pool, still holding Olivia securely against her, "Do you think it's nap time, princesca?" Olivia yawned immediately as if on cue and Alexia gasped dramatically, “Look at that." Then she looked directly at you, “Ale needs to help mama get out of that bikini."
You stared at her, ompletely stunned, “Alexia!" She burst into laughter, you pointed at her in complete disbelief, “You've gone from being stupidly respectful to... that!"
Alexia lifted Olivia higher against her hip as she climbed out of the pool, "Well I tried respectful."
"And?"
She smiled shamelessly, “I didn't enjoy it nearly as much."
"You practically needed permission to look at me 15 minutes ago!”
"I did."
"And now?"
Alexia walked closer, water dripping from her hair, entirely unapologetic, “Now I know I'm allowed to look." You stared at her, she smiled slow and confident, dangerously charming, “And I like what I'm looking at." You felt warmth rush straight to your cheeks. Unfortunately for you, Alexia noticed that too.
"Come on then, little fish." Alexia shifted Olivia higher onto her hip. The little girl was already rubbing sleepy fists against her eyes, all the excitement of the pool finally catching up with her, she glanced towards you, "I'll get her dried off and down for a nap."
You watched her disappear into the house, Olivia's head found Alexia's shoulder almost immediately, one tiny arm wrapped around her neck as Alexia kissed the side of her head on the way inside.
"You are so sleepy, princesa."
You heard Olivia mumble something unintelligible.
Alexia answered as though she'd understood every word, "I know."
The patio doors slid shut behind them, silence settled over the garden.
You leaned back on your hands, letting the afternoon sun warm your still damp skin.
Your eyes drifted towards the now still pool as your mind wandered.
You'd been so busy reacting to Alexia's shameless comments that you hadn't really allowed yourself to acknowledge the obvious.
She'd looked ridiculously good. The black bikini she'd been wearing had fitted her like it'd been designed specifically for her strong shoulders, tanned skin still glistening with water. The defined muscles in her arms every time she'd lifted Olivia into the air, her stomach.
The tattoos, even the way she'd laughed her head tipped back. completely carefree.
You groaned quietly, you'd always known she was attractive, anyone with functioning eyesight knew Alexia Putellas was attractive and happened to look like that in a bikini.
You let out a long breath, as the patio door slid open again.
You looked up instinctively, Alexia stepped back outside, hair now tied into a messy bun, sunglasses resting on top of her head.
You couldn't stop your eyes travelling over her for the briefest second.
Alexia caught it immediately, a slow smile spread across her face, "What?"
You looked away far too quickly, "Nothing."
"Mhm."
She folded her arms, "You've been looking at me."
"I have not."
"You absolutely have."
You rolled your eyes, "I was merely" You searched desperately for something believable, "checking you'd remembered to dry off."
Alexia laughed, "Oh, was that it?"
"Yes."
"Interesting." She took another step closer, "Because from where I was standing" Her smile grew, "it looked a lot like you were checking me out."
You watched her with narrowed eyes as she prowled closer to the pool’s edge. Alexia shrugged out of her hoodie and tossed it onto a lounge chair. She dropped her sunglasses alongside it, then, without preamble, walked straight to where you sat, legs dangling in the blue.
Her shadow flickered over your knees, you didn’t move. You didn’t have the sense or the will to move.
“Is there room for one more?” she asked, but she didn’t wait for a reply.
You watched as she dipped her toes, then slid into the water, resurfacing with a quick, practiced flick of her head. The droplets caught the light, scattered like glass beads over her neck and shoulders. She treaded water, took a hand to slick her hair back, and then drifted toward you until she was close enough that your knees pressed against her collarbones.
You should have said something, anything. Instead, your breath came shallow, a tremor in your thigh you hoped she didn’t notice.
She settled herself between your legs, hands braced casually on either side of your hips, and looked up, “I think I like this view.”
You snorted, but it came out thin and shaky, “Is that so.”
She grinned, leaning in to rest her chin just above your knee. “Mhm.” Her voice went low, almost a growl, “But I still think the bikini looks better on you.”
You rolled your eyes, but your skin burned where she touched it, “Bold claim.”
She ran her palms up your thighs, slow, deliberate, “I like to be bold.”
You tried for a retort, but the words died as she pressed a kiss to the inside of your knee, then another, higher. The sun was suddenly too hot, the world too sharp. You tried to glare at her, but she only smiled with a lazy confidence that made your heart stutter.
She kissed up carefully, like she was savouring some new and precious discovery. When she reached the hem of the bikini, she hesitated a question in her eyes. You felt it, the simmering tension of the moment, and you tipped your chin in the smallest nod.
“Still want me to be respectful?” she asked, voice ragged at the edges.
A shake of your head, then she ducked again, mouth hot and wet and perfect along the inside of your thigh.
Alexia’s hands slipped higher, knuckles grazing the crease at the top of your thigh. She left a trail of damp heat, mouth teasing along each centimetre upward, and when she nudged your bikini aside and set her tongue to work, you nearly slipped off the edge entirely.
She steadied you with a tight grip around your hips, pinning you in place, then licked a slow, deliberate stripe. The sun was on your shoulders and the world narrowed to the warm press of her mouth, the scrape of her teeth, the low hum she made as you shuddered underneath her.
You fisted your hands in the pool towel but the sound that came from you was nothing like restraint. Alexia grinned against your skin, then redoubled her efforts, relentless, single minded, like she’d decided this was her afternoon’s work. She pulled you closer to the edge of the pool, your calves braced around her neck, and the slip of tile against your back did nothing to ground you.
You felt the groan in your throat more than heard it, and Alexia paused only long enough to say, “Don’t worry. The neighbours can’t hear you.” Her voice dark with satisfaction at how little control you had left.
She brought her mouth back, hands anchored at your waist, and took her time. She was methodical, attentive, absolutely ruthless each pass of her tongue seemed designed to unravel you. She must have felt the way you trembled, because she slowed until you were nearly begging. You hated how desperate you sounded, but you couldn’t stop. Not when her mouth was so good, not when her fingers dug into you like that.
You reached for her, fingers tangling in the roots of her wet hair. She looked up, flushed with pride and bright with the kind of happiness only mischief brings. There was a streak of your slick on her cheekbone and you almost lost it at the sight.
Alexia pressed two fingers inside, slow at first, then curling with authority. Her mouth followed, relentless, you squeezed your eyes shut, head tipping back, and moaned loud enough that it echoed off the garden walls.
She pumped her fingers, found that sweet, secret spot that made your moans dissolve into shameless noises you’d once only heard in movies, and she ate up every sound like it was a reward she’d earned. You heard yourself pleading once without even knowing what you’d asked for. Alexia answered you by moaning back, a muffled vibration that nearly finished you right there.
Above you the sky was clear blue, trembling in the heat, but your world telescoped to the pressure building between your legs and the glorious, obliterating tug of her mouth. You clamped down, your thighs squeezing tight around her head, and Alexia didn’t protest she just urged you on, like she wanted to see how far you’d go.
When you crested, the surge left you gasping, a convulsion that left you slumped on the pool’s edge, knees splayed, hair damp and sticky at the nape of your neck. Alexia glanced up, gaze flicking to your face for permission, and then licked a finishing stripe, slow and self satisfied.
You tried to catch your breath, but you tasted chlorine in the air and the hint of salt on your lips. Your hands spanned your own thighs in disbelief. Alexia eased her fingers free and pressed a kiss to your knee, then wiped her mouth on the back of her hand with a cocky little smirk that made you want to throttle her and kiss her, preferably both at once.
“Jesus Christ,” you managed, “You’re…” The words failed to queue.
She let her head rest on your thigh, blinking up, “Incredible? Best you’ve ever had? Internationally recognised?”
You snorted, still half dazed, “I was going to say ‘shameless,’ but yes, internationally recognised also works.” You slid a hand through her hair, the strands warm and slippery from the pool. “I can’t believe you just did that. In your backyard. In broad daylight.”
Alexia grinned, unbothered, “It’s my backyard. My rules.” She pressed her cheek to your knee, voice lowering, “And my girl.”
You snorted, “We haven’t even gone on a real date yet.”
She shrugged, all fox and trouble, “We’ll do that after. I have plans.”
You couldn’t help it, you laughed. Your body still trembled, energy frizzing with aftershocks and nerves.
Alexia straightened, hands sliding up your calves, then to your thighs, then to your waist, she pulled you down into the pool trapping your body against the pool wall, your legs wound around her waist, the both of you still in nothing but those damn bikinis, skin slick and hot, arms tight around each other. She held you there, just above the waterline, barely afloat, her hands braced beneath your thighs.
You couldn’t think, not properly, not with her mouth on yours, insistent and wild, not with the shudder of pleasure still rippling through your nerves. Your head felt light, like you’d been spun around and let go.
She pressed in, tongue begging access, and you parted for her, hungry for the taste of her.
You lost track of time whether it was minutes or hours, the sun slipping behind the neighbour’s roof, or if it remained caught immobile, like you were trapped in a time warp. You barely cared that you were half-naked in a suburban backyard, Alexia’s hands all over you, fingers carving patterns on the small of your back, your chest pressed against hers.
She groaned into your mouth, low in her chest, the kind of sound you hadn’t heard from anyone in years not directed at you, it made everything inside you combust.
Eventually, after what felt like lifetimes, the fever broke. You pressed your forehead against hers, both of you panting, reckless with endorphins, as you both grinned like idiots.
You rested there, still tangled, cheek against her temple. The pool water was cooling, the air breezing damp over your skin. You shivered, and Alexia rubbed your back, softly.
Alexia’s hand moved in slow circles on the small of your back, your bodies floating gently, anchored together in the cool water. Alexia’s hair had escaped the bun and fanned along her shoulders, the ends curling at her collarbone. She pressed a soft kiss against your jaw, then rested her chin on your shoulder, quietly.
Just the sound of the water, birds somewhere in the trees, the distant hum of a lawnmower a few gardens down.
"You know..." She rubbed absent minded circles against your side beneath the water, "I've been thinking."
"Dangerous."
She smiled, "I think" There was a slight hesitation, "the three of us should live here."
You lifted your head to look at her, "What?"
She nodded towards the garden, "I mean" She looked around, "look at this."
You followed her gaze, the pool shimmered in the afternoon sun, beyond it stretched the lawn where Olivia would undoubtedly spend hours running around one day.
"When she's bigger" Alexia continued, "she'll have somewhere outside to play in a garden, a pool. Space." You stayed quiet, "The apartment is lovely" She shrugged, "but it's still an apartment. Here she could learn to ride a bike, kick a football, run around."
You tipped your head back, water lapping at your neck, and gazed up at the trees. The thought was so outlandish it almost made you laugh, but Olivia’s giggle had sounded different here, brighter. The last apartment had thin walls and concrete everywhere and held so many good and bad memories.
You pictured the three of you, a morning with Olivia in the grass, breakfast at the patio table, the way it would feel to turn the key and step inside this luxury home as if it were already home.
She squeezed your waist gently, “I just think” Her eyes followed the sunlight dancing across the water, “this would be a nice place for her to grow up."
You smiled faintly, "You've thought about this."
"A lot." She admitted without embarrassment, "I may have even imagined where we'd put a swing."
You laughed, "You've planned the garden?"
"Only a little."
"A little?"
"Fine." She grinned, "I also know where I'd put a sandpit."
You couldn't help smiling, "You really have been thinking about this."
Alexia's smile softened, "I have." There was a long pause, then she spoke much more quietly, "It isn't really about the house."
You looked at her.
"I just" She searched for the right words, "I like waking up with you both." Your heart skipped, "I like hearing Olivia shouting for us in the mornings. I like eating breakfast together. I like” She laughed to herself, "...watching you pretend not to like me flirting with you."
"I don't pretend."
"No?"
"No."
"What do you do then?"
"I tolerate it."
Alexia smiled knowingly,"Mhm."
"I do."
She leaned her forehead lightly against yours, "I've spent years living in this house on my own." Her voice was barely above a whisper, "It stopped feeling like home a while ago."
She glanced towards the baby monitor, "Then I moved into their apartment with you and it quickly felt more like home than this place ever did. And i realised, a family makes a home.”
You reached up, your fingertips brushing lightly against her cheek, "You know I was almost convinced this conversation was about the pool."
Alexia laughed, "Well that too." She looked back at you, "Am I making a very compelling argument for Olivia?"
You narrowed your eyes playfully, "Entirely for Olivia?"
Alexia held your gaze, for a moment she looked like she might lie, instead, "Mostly."
You laughed, "I appreciate the honesty."
She rested her chin lightly against your shoulder again, "I'm not asking you to decide now." She said quietly, "I know its quick and very sudden" Another gentle squeeze around your waist, "I just wanted you to know I've been thinking about it."
You looked towards the house again, then you looked back at Alexia, "You know I’ve come to realise, I think she'd be happy anywhere as long as we're both there." Alexia didn't say anything, “I’ve held onto to this idea that if we’re there, we’re somehow close to Sofia and Marta but in a way, i feel the furthest from them there, because it's a constant reminder they aren’t here any more.”
You admitted it, not just to Alexia but to yourself.
“I think I’ve held myself hostage in that place,” you said, “Maybe it’s time to stop.”
Alexia didn’t smile, she didn’t need to, she just tucked a strand of hair behind your ear and said, “Then we’ll look at it together, when you’re ready.”
“Deal,” you said, and meant it.
You drifted for a while in the pool, legs still hooked around her hips, neither of you spoke. You just soaked in the warmth, the steadiness of her arms, the contentment on her face.
“I need a shower,” you said eventually, teeth chattering as the sun dipped behind a cloud, “I smell like chlorine and regret.”
Alexia laughed, a bright, delighted sound, “I like both.”
You splashed her on the way to the pool ladder, but she caught your wrist before you could escape. She pressed her mouth to your knuckles, then let go, “Go on. I’ll check on Olivia.”
You didn’t look back as you made your way upstairs, heart warm and pried open. You could get used to this, this house, that pool, her hand in yours.
Showering in Alexia’s house felt different than at the apartment. There was more space, more glass, a sense of being on display even behind steamed-up doors. Her shampoo smelled like citrus and something floral, and when you stepped out wrapped in a towel, you nearly ran headfirst into Alexia, who’d materialised on the landing in her hoodie, hair still dripping.
“Sorry,” she said, not moving aside.
You stood there, droplets tracing your collarbone, the air thick between you, “Do you always just stalk the hallway, or is this special?”
“I missed you,” she said, deadpan.
You rolled your eyes and edged past, but she caught your elbow lightly. “Hey,” she said, voice shifting. “I meant what I said earlier.”
“Which part?”
“That this can be our home,” she said, “whenever you want it to be.”
You studied her, unsure what to do with the swelling in your chest. Not fear, but something adjacent, maybe hope. “That’s a pretty big promise,” you said.
She smiled shy, “I’m a big promises kind of girl.”
You shook your head, gave her a half shove before ducking into the bedroom. Olivia was already in her pajamas, sprawled starfish on the bed, she stirred when you entered, blinking sleepily.
“Mama,” she said, eyes already drifting closed.
You knelt by the bed and brushed her hair back, the wet strands sticking up in soft tufts. You kissed her forehead, then her cheek for extra measure. She smelled like sunscreen, sugar, and something indefinably sweet. You whispered, “I love you, baby”
You kissed her forehead once more before carefully pulling the blanket a little higher over her tiny shoulders.
Behind you, the floor creaked, you didn't need to turn around to know it was Alexia.
She'd changed into joggers and an oversized T-shirt, her damp hair hanging loose over one shoulder.
She smiled at the sight in front of her, she came to stand beside you, both of you looking down at the sleeping little girl.
Alexia reached over, gently smoothing one of Olivia's curls away from her face.
"She looks so peaceful."
"She does."
There was something about watching Olivia sleep that always seemed to slow the world down, you looked back down at Olivia, "I think" You spoke quietly, "today felt normal." Alexia looked at you "In a good way, yesterday was awful, but today we went swimming. We laughed. She splashed us. You flirted far too much."
"I flirted the perfect amount."
"You absolutely did not."
"I disagree."
You smiled despite yourself, "My point is..." You reached down, absentmindedly rubbing your thumb over the back of Olivia's tiny hand, "it felt like a family day."
Alexia didn't answer straight away, instead she stepped a little closer until your shoulders brushed, "It did."
You let the silence settle, then quietly admitted something you hadn't expected to, "I liked it."
Alexia turned her head, "So did I."
You looked at one another, Alexia spoke carefully, "I think it's the happiest I've been in a very long time."
Your heart tightened, "I was going to say exactly the same thing."
Her fingers found yours tentatively, giving you every opportunity to pull away.
You didn't, instead you intertwined them, she smiled, "So does this mean you're going to let me keep flirting with you?"
You rolled your eyes affectionately, "I've accepted that's probably a losing battle."
"I knew you'd come around."
"I didn't say I enjoy it."
"You smiled."
"I smile at lots of things."
"You blush at me."
"I do not."
"You absolutely do."
You laughed quietly as she lifted your joined hands, pressing the gentlest kiss against your knuckles.
She gently tugged at your hand, "Come on, I'll give you a tour, so you can feel at home" "Alexia, I'm literally in just a towel" Alexia titled her head playfully tugging at it, "Why don't we just loose the towel all together?" You called her bluff and let the towel drop and you saw her brain short circuit for all of a second, "Why don't we start with the master bedroom?" You giggled as she pulled you into her, her arms snaking around you as she walked you backwards out the spare room laughing with you.
