Part 21: Alison's Reasons

Dean

Dean was nervous, to say the least. As if her brother wasn't intimidating enough and start enough how to get people to do as he wishes. What would her father be like? Was he a combination of his son's cleverness and Alison's temper? Or was he as intimidating as both his children when they want to be? or did they get that from their mother? Dean was doubtful it was from their mother they got that trait.

Dean sighed and looked out the window as Alison drove. He figured the best person to help end his worries and prepare him for what was to come was Alison, but every time he turned her way the words got stuck in his throat as he admired her beauty once again.

"What's wrong?" Dean was once again admiring her and was at a loss for words.

"Huh?"

"In 20 minutes you have sighed about 15 times. What's wrong?"

"Just wondering what to expect."

"Are you worried about my dad?"

"Well of course. Your brother was intimidating enough to leave an impression that your father might be the same."

"Usually my dad would be worse, but tonight he will probably be anything but."

"Why?"

"Because he is grateful that you helped me without hesitation."

"I just did what anyone would do."

"That's where you are wrong. People don't really rush to my aid only Professor Smoak and that's because he is practically family."

"Why is that so?"

"Well you've met my brother and you know me. We push people away. My brother is really protective of me and I don't like pity or fake friends so I push everyone away and well most people are scared of my brother and dad. Thus most people leaving me to my own devices."

"And no one ever questions why you faint?"

"No one really cares, and the times that I have it's usually Professor Smoak who takes me to Ms. Julia."

"I understand your brother because I am very protective of my sister and do the same thing when whenever we are together, but why do you feel the need to push people away? I am not fake nor do I pity you. I have no reason to."

"Well, I'm sure Ms. Johnson has been talking to you."

"I mean yes she has but she hasn't given me a reason to pity you."

"Well, it's not talked about much since it's been so long but I guess you truly are clueless."

"Have you ever heard anyone talk about my mother?"

"Now that you mention it no one has spoken about her. Why is that?"

"Well, my mom was an amazing artist. She wrote songs for herself and others but she was an amazing singer. She had the most beautiful voice, and she was quite famous."

"Was?"

"About 5 years ago my mom had a heart attack while on stage. We found out she had gone the week before to get some tests done and a few days after we got back the results she had a heart problem and was in need of a transplant. Her career was literally hurting her, it was what made her keep pushing herself so hard, straining her heart."

"I... I didn't know I'm sorry."

"It's okay, you didn't know. But um after her death everyone started treating me like I would break. People tried to get close to me because they felt bad for me or because they thought they could get something from me. So I started to build my shell, that's when the others started to realize how much like my father I really am."

"So you were always this feisty?"

"I have always been feisty to an extent but not like I am now. It was until I started pushing people away they noticed how intimidating I can be if I want to be."

"So your glares and smart comebacks were to push me away."

"You're new so I had to start from scratch with you, but clearly that didn't work."

"Clearly you didn't try hard enough."

"How about we get through this weekend then you decide."

"And if I decide to stick around."

"Which I doubt you will."

"You don't know me if you think I give up easily."

"We will see," she turned to face Dean and smirked, "Hope you are ready because we are here."

"Woah!" Dean was shocked to say the least, her home was a mansion. He didn't think anyone could live in a house that big.

He turned to face Alison and for the first time he saw a genuine smile on her face as she drove the car down the driveway nearing the entrance to her 'home'.

Alison

Throughout the ride, Alison couldn't help but keep asking herself why was she telling Dean so much about her life. But each time she shared something new she waited for his reaction and each time it persuaded her to share more because of how genuine they were.

It was refreshing to talk to someone who didn't pity her or wanted something from her and it made her think that the night might not turn out so bad after all.

As she parked her car she noticed Dean staring at her. "What's wrong?"

"This is the first time I've seen you smile so big. You have a beautiful smile Alison."

Alison couldn't help but blush, "Oh shut it. Grab your things from the back we don't want to be late."

Alison quickly jumped out of the car and retrieved her things from the back seat. When she made her way around the car Dean was waiting for her with the strap of his back on his shoulder. He smiled at her and nodded in the direction of the door.

She took a deep breath and started making her way to the door. As she stood in front of the door she rang the doorbell and turned to Dean.

"Okay, so warning don't talk about hotels, restaurants, or cars."

"Why?"

"Because then my dad and brother will take over and the conversation won't end anytime soon."

"Umm okay."

As Alison turned back to the door her brother opened it.

"Ali I'm so glad you are here," Alexander hugged her, "Dad is reminiscing the old days."

"Guess we got here just in time then."

Alex then let her go and looked over her head to see Dean standing awkwardly. He then put an arm over Alison and let it rest on her shoulder as he smirked.

"Hey man, you look a bit nervous you good?" Alex asked with an eyebrow raised.

Dean took a deep breath and smiled, "Yeah I'm good so where will the dinner be?"

"Yes, Alex is it going to be out here, or will you let us in?"

"Ah yes come in, come in." Alexander backed out of the doorway and allowed the pair to enter.

As Alison led the way she noticed Dean looking around in awe, their home was beautifully decorated with white and champagne walls with paintings and some of her mother's awards that she had won. Alison came to an abrupt stop and squealed.

"Dad!" She rushed over to his side and gave him a big hug.

"There is my shining star. How are you darling?"

"I'm great dad I missed you."

"I missed you too Alison, now where is this gentleman who helped you?"

Alison smiled and stepped back.