Page 53 of Alexander's Heart

Tiny leans in and kisses her forehead, “You always look pretty little lady, now turn around and go meet your Auntie.”

Alexa turns and gasps covering her mouth then beelines straight for Caroline and climbs straight onto her lap and reaches out to hold her face in her little hands. We’re all wide eyed holding back giggles at Caroline’s expression, her eyes are wide with surprise, I don’t think she was quite prepared for all the love that is… Alexa.

“You looks vewy similar to Mommy but a little diffewant, hmmm,” Alexa says assessing my twin, “you don’t have the staw heawt like Mommy,” Alexa says, noticing the first difference, “and yaw haiw is showtaw.”

“That’s because your mommy is special, she has the biggest heart in the world.” Caroline says with a warm smile that I feel in my chest.

Alexa shakes her head, “You do too, I feels yoaw heawt.”

Such pure innocence, out of the mouth of babes. I watch Caroline’s whole body relax and tears start rolling down my face, I step forward to introduce them properly but Alexa beats me to it.

“Hi, Auntie, I’m yaw niece, Alexa.”

A smile softens Caroline’s face and she looks to me with tears threatening to spill over, then returns her gaze to my little love.

“It’s nice to meet you, Alexa. And you have such a pretty little dress, I like it, it’s very cool.”

Alexa gasps, “You has one too Auntie, wanna see?”

Watching their interaction is so cute, Alexa just brings the best out of everyone she meets and as I stand here watching their exchange, I find hope that Caroline will be okay. How can she not with Alexa quite literally in her face giving her heart away to yet another person in need.

“You bought me a matching dress?” Caroline whispers choked up.

“Yes, I bought you lots of pwetties, you wanna see? Oh, and I have yaw special cupcakes, be right back.”

Alexa jumps down and races to me and looks up and smiles wide, I have to giggle because she really is a special little girl, she’s going to love with her all no matter what. I step up to Caroline while Alexander helps Alexa gather everything, we bought for her and hope this makes her feel more human and connected to the world and not a patient being poked and prodded all the time. Sometimes all it takes is a little kindness and to treat people who have ailments with respect and dignity.

“How was that? You tell me if it gets too much, okay?”

Caroline sobs and I see her break, Tiny rushes forward but I hold my hand up.

“Can I hold you Caro?” I question and she just nods.

I sit on the edge of her bed and wrap my arms around her and all her feelings rush through me, flooding me with my own tears.

“I feel you, Caro, I know Alexa is a lot to absorb but she truly is just that good, her love and beautiful little soul helped heal me and my shattered heart. It was instant and crazy, but oh so beautiful.”

Caroline hiccups and pulls away looking into my eyes and her matching ones look more alive and clearer than I’ve seen them this past couple of weeks.

“Your little girl just stole my freakin’ dead cold heart. How?” She whispers, her face bewildered.

“I know the feeling; Alexa has a heart so pure and doesn’t even know she radiates love so freely. But don’t let her sweet fool you, she’s also very sassy, you should see her command all these big strong men, it’s unreal and quite the impressive.”

Tiny grunts, “She’s bossier than a BUDs instructor, but the cutest damn thing to ever command our asses! We all love our princess.”

Caro and I both laugh but I see the way she has noticed a softer side to Tiny, I try not to react so I drop my head and smile.

“Auntie, Auntie, heaw is yaw cupcakes and dwess.”

Caro basically has to catch the flying missile because of Alexa’s excitement. I laugh and shake my head; I love this kid.

“Want to twy it on? Oh, and the Chucks too, they so cool!” Alexa’s enthusiasm is contagious.

“Ahhh, yeah, okay, I’ll go put this on be right back, thank you honey.”

Caroline stands from the bed, turns toward the bathroom, and disappears.

Alexa climbs onto what little space I have left on my lap and rests her head on my chest.

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