'' Freya...Freya...''
The world seemed to be moving in slow motion. Time was frozen. The cold air cut through her skin like frost.
'' Freya...'' Bain tapped her shoulder. '' You're phased out. Is everything okay? ''
'' I...I need to go.'' She couldn't get herself to form proper sentences. She stared at those blue eyes that reminded her of her own. This was her daughter , alive , standing before her. God , she looked beautiful!
'' Okay...'' Bain was confused and concerned. She looked quite shaken. '' I'll drop you home.'''
'' No need. I came came in a cab. '' She smiled weakly. '' I'll get one home. ''
'' Are you sure you're okay? '' Alison asked curiously.
Freya's teary eyes pierced through her own.
'' I'm okay , dear. Good night. '' She smiled at her and nodded to Bain before walking away.
'' Are you sure you can handle this? '' Gwen held a firm gaze . '' I want everything you can possibly find. '' Everything. ''
'' I'll have all you need in a week. '' Fin Porter assured her with a wink. He was a seasoned private investigator with a taste for mystery. His green eyes flickered whenever he was excited. He was a 50 year old Brit with a round red face and a white puffy head. His white hair reminded people of wool.
'' Then , I'll take my leave. '' He pecked the back of her hand walked off.
'' You're doing the right thing. '' Gwen clasped her hands together. '' It's okay.''
She had to find out the secret this stranger was trying so hard to point out to her and yet still. She felt horrible for going behind Alec's back and having his family investigated. She kept telling herself that it was better this way. Alec would be hurt if she told him that she was starting to believe the words of a stranger. It would seem like she had no faith In him. So , she just had to prove the stranger wrong. He'll find nothing... nothing.
'' Why did you want to meet me so suddenly ? '' Gwen hugged Alec from the back. He always smelt divine. She closed her eyes and let his firm body warm her. She'd been stressed lately.
'' I just wanted to see you. '' Alec held her hand tightly. '' I love you. ''
'' So much emotion! '' Gwen came to his front and cupped his face. '' You called me here to tell me something I already know? ''
Alec closed his eyes and brought her small hand to his lips. He wanted this feeling forever...but...the feeling kept creeping back in. The horrible... sickening fear that something could go wrong and ruin their happy ending.
'' Is everything okay? '' Gwen could feel his tension. He was genuinely worried. His blue eyes shot open and held her own hazel pearls.
'' Don't ever leave me. '' He fiercely hugged her like his life depended on it. '' Please. ''
Gwen was more afraid than she was shocked. She held him with all the strength she could muster. '' Never. ''
Tears were already streaming down her face and she was shaking. '' I'll never do that. ''
Alec wiped the tears from her delicate face and kissed her cheek. '' I didn't call you here to make you cry. ''
'' Then stop talking like that. '' Gwen rubbed her sore eyes. '' You're scaring me. ''
'' Okay , I won't talk like that anymore. '' Alec held her hands. '' I wanted to see you because I wanted to give you a gift. ''
He reached for his pocket and out came a locket. It's was golden and had a beautiful dove at the end. He slowly put it around Gwen's neck with a kiss accompanying it.
'' Alec...'' She admired the dove and looked back at him. '' It's beautiful. ''
'' No. It pales in comparison to your beauty. '' He smiled and his snow white teeth made her blush. '' I'm the luckiest man alive to have you in my life. I don't deserve you. ''
'' Shut up! '' She interrupted him with a kiss. '' I'm nothing without you. I will always love you and nothing in this world could possibly change that. Remember that. ''
'' Gwen. '' His tone changed abruptly. He was more stern. '' A time will come when I...when I'll have to tell you something. ''
The irritating lump of anxiety came back . She felt herself choke from fear.
'' And when that time comes...I ask that you listen. Just listen to me. '' He put his arms around her and brought her closer . '' Okay? ''
Gwen shook her head. She couldn't say a word . She was afraid she'd end up crying. '' Ale..Alec.''
She kissed him again and he kissed her back. He kissed her slowly , carefully. It's like he was afraid he'd hurt her even by touching her.
' What now? ' Gwen asked herself. ' What now? '
'' I was waiting for you. ''
Alec was a bit surprised to find Freya in his room. He took off his coat and loosened his tie.
'' What's the-" he saw how pale she was. '' Are you okay ? ''
She had eyebags and looked ten years older. She'd wrapped herself in a huge blanket which she gripped sternly.
'' I saw her. '' she spoke with a smile on her face and a distant dark look in her eyes. '' Alec...I saw her. ''
'' Who ? '' He squatted before her and took her hands in his. '' Who are you talking about ? ''
Freya looked her son in the eye and gently rubbed his cheek. He blue eyes were tired of crying. She smiled and whispered to him.
'' Your sister. I saw Alison.''
Alec's heart went silent for a second then it suddenly pounded in his ears. He knew this day would eventually come but still...it was finally here. Now all he could do was hope for the best.
Freya saw his un phased reaction. Why was he so ' okay ' with the matter? Did he know about this before?
'' Alec. Didn't you hear what I just said? '' She repeated herself. '' Alison is alive. ''
Alec slowly stood and walked to the window. His back was turned to her. He couldn't look her in the eye. He couldn't tell a mother that he had deprived her of the right to know that her child was alive.
'' Alec! '' Freya was shaking. '' Talk to me. ''
He spoke faintly.
'' I knew. ''