Alex smiled while she witnessed the exchange between Carmen and Fiona, it seemed like they were really trying to get along. After she started feeling better, she would make sure to spend more time with her best friend. She had been so preoccupied as of late with this budding romance, that she had started to neglect her friendship with Carmen. She didn't want any resentment or hurt feelings for anyone and knew that she would be able to make this all work with just a little effort from all parties involved. After saying goodbye and goodnight to everyone, she went to bed. She was exhausted with a capital E.<br/><br/>-----<br/><br/>At school two days later, Alex decided to take the plunge, unbeknownst to Fiona beforehand, and come out of the closet. She was feeling much better and super confident. She just wanted to continue riding the good waves. Carmen and Fiona had visited her a few more times, once they actually arrived together joking. Her heart just about burst with pride thinking about those becoming friends. She knew that Carmen was still feeling insecure, but Alex was making sure to take the time to bond with her.<br/><br/>Fiona was waiting for Alex at the top of the steps for her when the warning bell rang. Alex kissed Fi on the lips, smiled and grabbed her hand. She was excited to make it known that Fiona was hers and hers alone. Her ex would be the most surprised because he still held onto hope that they would get back together, but Alex wasn't feeling too shy about it. She felt like embracing who she was and not being so shy. She was tired of being the good girl who always did what everyone expected her to do. She was ready to make mistakes and own up to them. She was ready to be her true self, for once in her life.