Chapter 8
“Hey,” Alexis said, grinning. “I want to try something. Are you up for an experiment?”
Liz looked at her skeptically. “What kind of experiment?”
“Well, from what I’ve read, witches who are directly related have the ability to communicate telepathically. I’ve always wanted to try it.”
“How directly do they have to be related?” Liz asked curiously.
“It has to be a close tie, like parent to child, or sibling to sibling. Since you’re an only child, that meant I never had anyone to try it with. What do you say?”
Liz giggled and nodded. “Sure, but I don’t have a clue how to do it!”
“Me neither. Maybe you just think real hard and it happens.”
“Okay, I’ll try.” Liz took a deep breath and thought, CAN YOU HEAR ME?
Alexis jumped and rubbed her forehead. “Ow, okay, maybe you don’t have to think so hard. You just yelled!”
Liz burst out laughing. “Sorry, why don’t you try it?”
How’s this? Alexis asked, trying not to ”yell”.
Good. Wow, this is cool. You mean, we can talk like this and no one will hear us?
Alexis nodded and grinned. Yeah, that’s what I’ve heard. I can’t believe it works! She cleared her throat and looked down at the table. “Well, we’re done eating, so I guess we better get out of here. They probably need the table.”
Liz stood up, grabbing her purse. “Okay, thanks for the lunch, by the way.”
“Forget about it, it’s the least I can do after not being there for the past 18 years!” she looked up at her nephew’s table for a moment, then back at Liz. “Look, it would seem rude if I don’t go over and say hello to Nikolas. I’ll understand if you’re not comfortable coming with me.”
She shook her head. “No, I don’t mind. But, don’t you think he’ll want to know why we’re together? I’m sure Lucky’s told them by now about us meeting last night.”
Alexis shrugged. “I hid this secret long enough. If you’re comfortable with people knowing I’m your mother, it’s more than fine with me.”
Liz smiled. “Really? Oh, I was so worried you would want to keep this between us. Thank you!” They took a deep breath and walked over to the table, chuckling to themselves over what Nikolas’s reaction would be.
~*~
“Nikolas, your aunt’s coming this way,” Lucky whispered as he saw Alexis and Elizabeth approaching.
“She’s got that girl with her too,” Nikolas said, glancing over his shoulder.
“Her name is Elizabeth,” Lucky muttered, still watching them. They looked like they were laughing about something, and seemed very close, considering that Elizabeth just got into town yesterday!
Oh, so you’re on a first name basis with her already I see, Nikolas teased.
Lucky turned to glare at him. Shut up!
“You guys are doing that staring thing again,” Emily said. “It’s really creepy, you know that?”
They laughed and apologized as the two women reached their table. “Hello, Nikolas, Emily, Lucky,” Alexis said. “Lucky, I hear you’ve already met Liz.”
Lucky nodded. “Yes, we met at the docks last night. How are you?” he asked, smiling at her.
Liz smiled and shrugged. “I’m good.”
“So, how do you two know each other?” Nikolas asked, dying of curiosity.
The two women looked at each other and smiled.
You ready? Alexis asked.
Go for it!
“Elizabeth is my daughter,” Alexis said, smiling when she saw their jaws drop. “I guess that would make her your cousin, Nikolas.”
Nikolas shook his head, trying to digest the news. “Daughter? How come we’ve never met her or heard about her before?”
“Helena forced me to give Raina up for adoption after she was born. It was the only way to keep her safe, so I did it. She found out when she turned 18 and came to find me.”
“Wait, Raina? I thought your name was Elizabeth?” Lucky asked, totally confused.
“Elizabeth is the name my adoptive family gave me. Raina is the name Alexis gave me. I guess I should decide which one to go by, shouldn’t I?” she asked, looking at Alexis.
“It’s up to you. Either name is fine with me. I don’t expect you to change it just because you were born with it.”
Liz thought for a moment. “Well, I’m used to Elizabeth, so I might as well keep that one.”
Alexis smiled. “Of course. Anyway, we better let you get back to your meal. We’ll see you later.”
“Yes, it was nice meeting you, and nice seeing you again, Lucky,” Liz said smiling warmly at them as they turned to leave.
“Alexis has a daughter?” Emily asked, still in shock.
“It looks that way. Wow, this is going to floor my father!” Nikolas said.
Lucky looked at him. I guess that would explain all those questions she was asking me about your family! I was pretty harsh, I hope she doesn’t think I hate her now because of it!
Nikolas smiled. You really like that girl, don’t you?
Why would you say that? I just met her!
Oh, come on! I can tell by the way you were just watching her leave. You’ve got it bad, admit it!
“Guys! The staring? Sheesh, what’s wrong with you today?” Emily said, rolling her eyes.
“Oh, sorry. Guess we’re preoccupied. That was a big shocker, that’s all. I was trying to figure out how my father was going to take the news, and I have a feeling Lucky was just mooning over her,” Nikolas said with a laugh.
Lucky reached across the table and smacked him. “I was not mooning! I don’t moon over anyone!”
~*~
Once they were outside the restaurant, Liz turned to Alexis. “I didn’t want to say anything in there, but I would like to keep Raina, as my middle name.”
“I’d like that. Elizabeth Raina Webber. It sounds nice.”
“Actually, I don’t like Webber anymore. It’s not who I am, I feel like I’m lying by using that name, if that makes any sense. Would you mind if I changed it to Davis?”
Alexis’s eyes teared up. “Oh, of course I wouldn’t mind. Are you sure? I mean, changing your last name is a big thing.”
Liz nodded. “I’m positive. Elizabeth Raina Davis. I like the way that sounds.”
“Me, too, honey. Me too,” Alexis said as they walked away from the hotel. She had never felt such happiness before, and couldn’t wait to share it with Ned.
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