IX

CHAPTER 9

"What truth?" Samantha asked curiously while drying her wet hair, Julia and Alexis looked at each other, she bid goodbyes leaving the couple to talk.

Alexis stood up, walked to her girl, made her sit down on their bed and sigh.

"Can you let me finish talking first before you decide?" Samantha looked at Alexis confused but still nodded.

"You see..." she paused looking at the green eyed beauty, "I was born female with an added body part" she tried to explain, the other girl blinking, "I'm born intersex, my cousin said you thought I am a male, but no I am a female" she finished and then Samantha gasp in shock.

She is dating a female that has another extra male part. Her mouth agape, taking everything in, Alexis patiently waiting for her to speak, her heart pounding so fast. She is so nervous, overthinking, what if she broke up with her the moment she knew the truth.

"Let me think about it for a moment" Samantha stated, she stood up and changed her clothing.

She left their hotel room, leaving Alexis sighing in defeat. "I guess this is it" she told herself.

She went to the window and look at the parting girl she fell for, walking away not knowing where. She lay down in bed, grabbed a book trying to read and to let her mind off. Alexis covers her face with the book and closes her eyes for a bit not realizing she suddenly fell asleep, probably from the tiring day they had, and for making love that afternoon.

Samantha left, went to the nearest park she could find. She wanted to think about what Alexis had just told her. She decided to facetime her friends and told them about it. She doesn't know what to do, she is so confused and shocked at the same time.

"Do you want to break up with Alex?" Rose asked her, she nodded no.

"I'm just shocked" she stated and stared at her friend who was worried about her, she is far away from them and couldn't comfort her.

"You know she is leaving in two days, it's either you accept the truth and move on or break up with her." Donna gave her two options to choose.

"Even if you don't admit it, we know you love Alex. It's been so obvious in the past weeks, Sammy. So it is up to you, ask yourself what you want and what you feel." Dina told her opinion, making the blonde nod in understanding.

She thanked her friends for comforting her and for their opinion, now she knows what to do and to tell Alexis. She went back to their hotel room. She looked for Alexis and saw that she had fallen asleep with a book covering her face.

Her abs showed, making her bite her lips. Alexis is so damn hot and sexy to watch like that.

She stared at her for too long until she decided to join her to bed. She hugged her, smelling her scent and fell asleep. She is also tired from all the fun and naughty things they did. They will talk about it tomorrow, for now they will cuddle to sleep.

The next morning, Alexis woke up to a beautiful goddess beside her, it made her smile to see her, she thought she left her and would avoid her. She kissed her forehead softly not wanting to wake her up. She probably came back late last night, so she doesn't want to disturb her sleeping.

She went to the shower to freshen up, after that she wore a white shirt and gray jogger pants. She looks at the woman who is still fast asleep, thinking how much she doesn't want to lose her. Last night was scary for her to tell the girl. She only have two days to spare to stay here, "I need few more days" she said and made a phone call

Calling her mother to let her know she needs a few more days, she doesn't want to leave, not making sure her and Samantha are alright. "Mom, please let me stay for more extra days"

"Why hunny? You know your dad needs you back here" her mother reasoned out on the line.

"I know. But something happened, I need to fix things with my girlfriend. Can you please tell dad?" She pleaded to her mom, her mom will surely agree but her dad is strict especially when she is needed.

"Alright, just two more days. Knowing your father, it is the most he can consider giving you" her mom said that made her smile. She thanked her mom making a smooch sound just to make her mom giggle on the other line.

Alexis ended the call and looked at the stirring woman on the bed. Samantha opened her eyes to the bright light coming from the window, making her groan and cover her face with a pillow. Alexis came to bed slowly taking the pillow away.

"Love?" She sweetly called her, Samantha opened her eyes and sit properly staring at Alexis who was now laying her head to her lap.

She tries to play with Alexis' hair, soothing it making the blue eyed moan liking the gesture. She stares at the blonde, adoring her beauty.

"I thought you left me" Alexis stated an obvious worry laced on her voice.

"I just needed to think and be alone" Samantha explained, still playing with Alexis' hair, "I also called on my friends and they voiced out their opinion, making me come up with a decision" after hearing that Alexis sat and looked at the blonde.

"What decision did you come up with?" Alexis asked, still heart pounding, nervous at whatever answer her bella will say.

"That I am accepting you as who you are because..." Samantha paused cupping Alexis face, smiling softly and leaning to kiss her lips, "I love you" hearing that made Alexis hug her and carry her happily.

"I love you more, my swan. '' She kept kissing the blonde's cheeks and lips repeatedly, "You beat me to it" she smiled at the blonde whose eyes are now teary.

Her heart feels so warm and she feels emotional, she obviously loves this woman she thought of as a man at first. The blue eyed wiped the tears that were almost spilling. She knows it is a happy tear, but she doesn't want to see the girl crying, it pains her.

They packed their stuff and prepared to go back to Florence, Italy. Alexis is supposed to leave tomorrow but Samantha didn't know that she had two extra days more. Samantha's friends picked them up at the airport and drove them to the apartment.

Her friends keep asking questions about Alexis being different, they were really curious about it, Samantha listening to them feeling a little annoyed by their noise, suddenly she feels like puking.

"Are you okay, Sammy?" Donna asked her, the both of them are at the kitchen munching Japanese take away food they ordered, chips and slices of cheese.

"I'm alright, I think I ate something bad. You know how much I dislike raw fish." Donna nodded agreeing, they knew she hated it but her twin sister insisted on ordering Japanese food, so Alexis just made her something for her to eat.

She took a bite at Alexis' food though, because it looked appetizing, and it was sushi, but when she ate it it was tasty.

"Alex, was the sushi you ate earlier had raw fish?" Donna asked.

"Yeah there was, why?" Alexis asked curiously.

"Oh nothing was just curious," Donna said and looked at Samantha who was still puking at the sink.

"You really hate the poor fishes," Donna teased, earning a glare from her friend. She gargle and wash away the stinky smell of her puke, take a mint candy to freshen her breath, not wanting to kiss Alexis with a stinky breath.

Her friends left the couple after late in the afternoon, they spent time playing card games, making the poor Alexis lose some money to the trio, Samantha laughing at her pouting girlfriend. Alexis doesn't know how to gamble, making her on a disadvantage, and the trio on advantage.

Dina won €155.00, Rose won €67.00 while Donna won €28.00, in total Alexis lost €250.00 to her friends, Dina likes playing card games making her the most expert compared to the other three players. Alexis complained it was so unfair that they stole her money, it only made the blonde laugh and pinched her cute face, giving her a peck on the lips.

"What time is your flight tomorrow?" Samantha asked, feeling unhappy.

"I'm staying for another two extra days" the blue eyed grin at her making her smile.

"Can't you really come with me to L.A? My mom wants to meet you" Alexis asked with a cute pout, making it hard for her, she sighed, "I told you the last time I can't, maybe after a month and a half I will be free from all this auction and works I have, I will fly and be with you" Samantha said making Alexis sighed, she understands the situations.

"I guess I will be sleeping at my parents garden, until you finally get to meet my mom" Samantha giggled at that statement, she remembered Alexis telling her that her mom will make her sleep at their garden if she failed to bring the girl to L.A. to meet her in person.

It is time for Samantha to go back working, everything was put on hold and rescheduled when she decided to spend time with Alexis, everything was worth it for her. She will be busier than usual. Tonight she needed to attend and host a gallery auction, she wanted to ask Alexis to come and see it but she only had one extra person to come with. She needed Rose this time.

She is now changing, wearing her maroon long gown that has split on the left side. Alexis kissed her collarbone, making her gasp for some air. It sends shivers to her spine whenever Alexis kisses parts of her body.

"You look so beautiful, my swan" Alexis whispered to her ears giving it a kiss.

She turns to look at her girlfriend, cupping her face and kissing her passionately. She feels horny now but needs to stop herself. She needs to do her work.

"As much as I want you right now, I can't, darling" she stated while Alexis kissed her hand.

The blue eyed understands that she is going to do her job, and will join her to bed late tonight. She drove her and Rose to the auction location, giving her a kiss before leaving. Rose teases her friend, telling how red she is from blushing.

She wanted this night to be over and so she could go back to her apartment and cuddle with her girlfriend. She is still trying to get used to calling Alexis her girlfriend. She never had a girlfriend before, she only dated men.

She guesses that is why Alexis seems different to her compared to the guys she dated. They don't know how to satisfy her in bed, they usually release first, leaving her undone. But with Alexis she is more than satisfied, since the first time until now, she is making her crazy in love with her.

"Ow" she shrieked when someone bumped into her, luckily Rose caught her before she fell down the staircase.

"I'm so sorry" a brunette who seemed a few years older than her apologized.

"Look where you're going" Rose spoke angrily, but Samantha squeezed her arm telling her to calm down.

"I'm sorry I was just rushing" the brunette said but Rose could feel it wasn't sincere, making her furious.

"You almost made my friend fall down the stairs. Who the hell do you think you are?" Rose said, pointing fingers to the brunette who is wearing a glimmering black gown.

"I said I'm sorry, I already apologize, geez" the brunette said, having an attitude. Samantha sighs, pulling her friend away. She doesn't want to be stressed out by some nonsense.

She pulled Rose to the room where they are allowed to rest while the not so important pieces are being auctioned.

"That girl ugh" Rose groaned, crumpling the papers she was holding.

"Calm down. I'm fine and safe, thank you" she said hugging her still fuming friend who is trying to take a deep breath to calm herself.

She hates it whenever her friends are in danger just because of some bitchy or an asshole kind of human. Rose is like their safety guard whenever some people get them in trouble, she will stand up for them. Samantha is always the calm one, while the twins are the troublemakers, most especially Donna, Dina is milder compared to her twin.

The night goes on so fast, Rose looking at the brunette who is now competing for a painting of a Greek God that is Hermaphroditus, that is known for the god of effeminacy. The Greek god that had female and male characteristics.

"Just like Alex" Rose said and Samantha nodded agreeing with her friend.

The two look at the brunette they had a bad encounter earlier in the night, battling to win the bid.

"€500.000" the brunette bid, making everyone gasp.

The painting started for only €40.000 making everyone bid not a lot, the bidding of the painting kept adding €10.000 as the rules stated for it when it came out. The last one bid it for only €230.000 then suddenly the brunette bid it for half a million euros.

"Going once, going twice..." the emcees paused looking if someone would bid higher than the last offer, "sold to bidder number eight" the emcees announced.

The brunette smiled happily, she hurriedly stood up and came to the staff who assisted her to pay for it. The night came down to its end and it's time for them to go back to their own apartments. When the two walk to the front of the event's place, on the pavement waiting for their car to pick them up. Samantha again shrieks for the second time someone bumps her again.

"Oh I'm so sorry" the brunette said, smirking at them.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Rose said fuming, ready to pounce at her but Samantha looked at her pleading not to make a scene.

"I don't know, but when I saw her I disliked her very much" the brunette stated, eyeing Samantha up and down, who looked confused. She never met the girl yet, why would she dislike her when it is the first time she saw her?

"It's time to go Miss Rutherford" an old looking guy looking like a butler came beside the brunette, opening the door of a black Rolls-Royce. She turned around and got inside the car, but before that she stated, "You aren't that pretty" then closed the door and the car left leaving Samantha confused and Rose fuming.

They both left the place when Dina and Donna came to get them. The twin looks at Rose who is frowning and seeming to have a black aura. Dina is driving while the curious Donna asks, "What happened to you Rose?"

"We encountered a bitch at the auction" Rose said laced with anger in her voice.

Rose told everything that happened to them at the auction, from when Samantha almost fell from the top of the stairs and till its time to leave the area. The twins frown, complaining and wishing they have met her because they will obviously make her hair bald.

Samantha only stares from the window of the car at the quiet street, wondering why that brunette hated her, when she didnt do anything wrong. The trio drop her to her apartment and drive away. When she got inside her room she saw Alexis sleeping holding one of her nightgowns, she thought Alexis probably wanted her to wear that when she came back, so she picked it up slowly from her hand, then wore it for the night.

She lay down beside the sleeping Alexis snuggling closer, "Goodnight, I love you" she said to the sleeping Alexis, but she replied, "I love you more" with a groggy voice, and pulled her closer to her body, spooning the blonde.

The day has gone by fast and it is time for Alexis to go back to L.A. Samantha, together with her friends, drop Alexis to the airport, she have become close to the friends of her girlfriend. She had a lot of fun with them, even though she kept losing money from playing card games with them in the past few days.

"You don't really wanna come with me back to L.A.?" Alexis said pouting at her girlfriend, she looks at her knowing why she is asking her again.

"You'll be fine. Call me when you get back home and let me talk to your mom" the blonde suggested making Alexis smile, nodding thinking that is a better idea, because knowing her mom she will really make her sleep in their garden by the night.

"Flight going to LAX with a flight number AF13-758 please prepare to board." The speaker announced to the passenger to prepare.

"That's mine, it's time for me to go," Alexis said sadly to her girlfriend. She pulled Samantha for the last time, gave her a passionate kiss, and smelled her scent. The same goes with Samantha, she hugged Alexis so tight, kissing her neck and smelling the scent she loved so much.

"I love you" they both said right after they parted.

Alexis bid her goodbyes to the trio, telling them to please look out and be there for Samantha. They nodded, making them also sad for her to go, to them she is a really nice and cool person to be with, they understand now why Samantha is so crazy to have her.

Samantha suddenly received a call and answered, "I'll miss you a lot, love, my swan" Alexis said an obvious sadness to her voice.

"I will miss you too, darling snail" Alexis chuckled at that.

They talk for a few until it is time for Alexis to get inside the plane. Samantha sighs walking to her friends who reaches for her hand and gives it a little squeeze. The four walk to where their car is parked, Samantha looks at the sky looking at the plane that Alexis just boarded a while ago.

She doesn't notice she is crying until she feels Donna is wiping her tears, her friends hug her comforting their besty. They all decided to spend the night in their apartment, they don't want Samantha to feel alone at this time, they promise Alexis that they will look out for the blonde. She took all of their phone numbers wanting to contact them whenever she thought she needed to.

Alexis looking at the window of the plane, looking over Florence, Italy. She opens her phone, looking at the photos of her and Samantha. She smiles while staring at the stolen photos she took of Samantha, she remembers how cute she was when she stole a picture of her devouring the pineapple on pizza. "I'll miss you, my swan"

The next morning, Rose woke the three who were still sleeping soundly. She looks at Samantha who is smiling in her sleep, guessing she is probably dreaming about Alexis and her together, it made her smile too. Suddenly Samantha screams, panting, tears coming down her cheeks.

The twins stir awake when they heard her scream, Rose together with the twins came rushing beside her. "What's wrong?" Rose asked worriedly, while soothing her hair.

"I dream about Alex drowning. I tried reaching for her hand but she submerged under water" she explained with a sob.

"It's just a bad dream, Alex is okay" Donna said comforting her.

"Why don't you try calling her, by this time she is already home" Dina suggested, making her nod in agreement.

She got her phone from the bedside table and dialed Alexis' number, it's already night time there and she knows Alexis calls her to greet her goodnight when she is about to go to bed, while she is preparing to go to work.

"It's unreachable, I can't get through," Samantha told them, still worried.

"Probably her phone battery is dead, or having a call. Let's try it again later, for now you go and have a shower, we will be late for work." Rose suggested making everyone agree.

While driving their way to work, Samantha tried to call Alexis again but still she couldn't get through. She tried it again and again until they arrived at their office, it is unusual for Alexis not to contact her. She promised to call her as soon as she got back to L.A. or when she got home, she still needed to talk to her mom, and tell her she will meet her after a month and a half.

"Breaking News: The aircraft going to the United States of America with a flight number AF13-758 had a malfunction, the left wing caught on fire making the plane crash to the ocean last night at 9pm. European and American rescuers are now being sent to help and rescue the survivor of the plane crash." a reporter reported on the television screen.

Samantha's heart pounded nervously, worried about her girlfriend.

"Did you remember what plane Alex boarded?" Dina asked her, she nodded no. They don't remember the plane she boarded, they hope she is not in that plane that crashed last night.

Samantha tried focusing to work, but is still worried. She kept contacting Alexis' number but it was still not answering, until afternoon came and another flash report reported on the television screen.

"Breaking News: According to our data, one of the Elite family was one of the passengers of aircraft AF13-758 the name is still unknown to us. Oh wait..." The reporter paused her hand holding her earpiece, listening to the data she just received, "...just now we got the data that there were 104 passengers boarding plus 12 crews including the pilots. Based on the gathered data the member of the Elite family is now named... A 23 year old, Alexis Max Leone boarded the plane yesterday afternoon from Florence, Italy. Her family confirmed she is now one of the missing person from the plane crash"

Samantha and her friends gasped, tears in her eyes built. The face of Alexis drowning from her dream this morning came to mind. She cried her eyes out, screaming 'NO' Rose came to her side, trying to lift her up from the floor.

Dina and Donna looking at their miserable friend. She was so happy yesterday with her girlfriend but today had a terrible accident.

"She was drowning in my dream" Samantha stated while sobbing, "Please not Alex" she sobs, tears like a waterfall. Rose only holds her close, not knowing how to comfort her friend, she stares at the twins asking for help, they sigh and come to help Rose lift Samantha off the floor and help her sit on the sofa.

They tried their best to comfort her, telling her that Alexis is still safe just keep hoping. The trio brought her home to their apartment, and helped her to bed. They got her food to eat but she refused to eat anything.

"Please eat Sammy" Donna said feeling sad too.

"Alex wouldn't want you like this" Rose said, sitting beside their still crying friend.

"You need to eat. Do you have her cousin's number?" Dina asked, making her nod and gave her the phone. "Let's call her, ask her updates about Alex" she suggested and she agreed.

They talk to her on the phone, face timing Julia, Alexis' cousin. She asked Alexis her number while they were in Germany so if she can't contact her, there is someone else she can ask about her whereabouts. While talking on the phone, they could hear the noise of sirens, someone crying, screaming Alexis' name and could hear worry and sadness in Julia's voice while trying to talk to them.

"I'll keep you posted, Sam '' Julia spoked and then they ended the call.

"Come on, let's help too" Donna said making them all agree, "Let's call our family and help find Alex" they nodded.

Samantha tried to gather herself and think that Alexis is still alive out there, she just needs to keep her hopes up. She called her family asking them for help to send people to go and search for Alexis, her family asking who is this person to her.

"She is my girlfriend, please dad" she begged and hiccuped. "Please help me find Alex '' her dad signed and agreed to help, they asked her to send a photo of Alexis.

The television was never turned off, she wants to be updated of the situation, if there are survivors. It is already midnight and she is still up, her friends looking at her worriedly, telling her to go get some sleep and two of them will stay up and watch the news for her. She agreed after some time of persuasion, Dina and Rose were left to watch the news update, and call their investigators their family sent but still not getting some progress. They sigh and look at their friend who is now sleeping, hugging a pillow, wearing Alexis' white shirt she left here.

Samantha kept mumbling Alexis' name in her sleep, sometimes smiling, and tears dripping on the pillow. Rose and Dina look at each other sighing at the miserable Samantha.

"Do you think Alex is still alive?" Dina asked in doubt, for her there is only a slim chance of being alive in a plane crash.

"I have no clue at all, Di. Let's just hope for the better" Rose said with hope. Alexis is a nice person, she just hopes she is safe somewhere out there. If not , she doesn't know how to comfort her besty who is in love again after a long time.

While in another part of Italy, a brunette is fuming in rage.

"Give me an update!" she yells at a man in a suit.

"Ma'am we are trying our best to look for her" the man in suit cowers when the brunette throws him a vase. It barely hit him on his arm, then it crashed to the tiled floor and smashed in pieces.

"I want you to give it your all to find her or else, I'll have your head" the brunette said and then left with her bodyguards.

At Leone's residents it is still in chaos. Alexis' abuela, which is Alejandra, hired tons of people to look for her favorite grandchild. Every family member is staying at the Leone's mansion helping.

Alexis' mom has been crying for days, when she heard the plane of her daughter boarding crashed, she passed out. Alexis is their only child, her dad Maximus is worried about her wife's health.

"I'm going to join the rescue looking for my own daughter," Maximus stated, changing into comfortable clothing, and calling some men to go with him.

"I'm coming with you, uncle Max" Julia stated and joined his uncle.

She wants to be there when they find Alexis. She hopes to see her cousin still Alive and breathing, not the other way around. Alexis is like a sister to her and her best friend, growing up together, liking girls and trying to hook up with them is one of their competitions when they were in highschool. When they like the same girl they will compete with whoever is able to date her.

"I hope to see my daughter Alex again" her uncle said, making her look at him.

Her uncle always looks tough and so strict but right now he looks a little bit fragile, his eyes look so soft and pitiful. She understands how her Aunt Gretta and uncle Maximus worry so much, they are unable to conceive after Alexis was born due to complications. Alexis is like a miracle baby for them.

"I do hope too uncle" she said trying to comfort her uncle who was sighing in defeat. They need to try their best to look for Alexis, everyone is looking for her, some of their family friends are helping in the search and rescue operation.

She heard that the Herrera family sent their people the day after the accident happened. Her family is so thankful for their helping hand, but one thing is making Julia more worried about Samantha, Alexis' girlfriend.

That girl was crying the moment she heard about the accident, her friend Rose sometimes is the one calling her to ask for an update, whenever Samantha couldn't talk. Rose said she has been crying so much, not eating sometimes and not even wanting to get out of their apartment. She is still trying to work but mostly wants to be at home.

A week has already passed and there's no Alexis to be found. The news announced that there are few survivors, the pilots are announced dead, out of the twelve crew they only recover seven, four of them dead including the two pilots. There were sixteen survivors that are alive and healing at the hospital, they recovered dead bodies but about thirty-eight are still missing, including Alexis.

One of the survivors said he had encountered Alexis. He said in the interview that she saved him and a couple of people when the pilot announced that they were crashing. The last time he saw her was when she was trying to help a child but everything went black for them when it crashed.

Samantha watching and listening to the interview about how heroic Alexis is, made her upset. "You're such a sweet person" she stated while her tears were pouring out.

Donna stared at her friend, she is now the one who is in charge of being with Samantha. The trio have been so worried about her the past week since the incident. She looks at Samantha who looks pale who was once blooming and she lost some weight too. They make sure to let her eat as much as they can.

"Are you okay?" she asked as she helped her steady.

"Just a little dizzy," Samantha answered while holding her head.

"Ahhhh" Donna screams when Samantha suddenly passes out making her go panic.

She fetched her phone and dialed her twin sister's number.

"Help" she said with a panic, making her sister worry about what's happening.

"What happened?" Dina asked while Rose was listening and started driving faster, going to the apartment. They are on their way back home, they went to buy some groceries, because they are making their dinner at home.

"Sammy lost consciousness"