Not What I Expected
written by:
DG Hear

Not What I Expected By DG Hear

A big ‘Thank You' to Mr. Wolf for his editing and making this a much better read.

Each year, Earth Day marks the anniversary of what many consider the birth of the modern environmental movement. Earth Day 1970 capitalized on the emerging consciousness, channeling the energy of the anti-war protest movement and putting environmental concerns front and center.

The first Earth Day led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts. It was a gamble, but it worked.

**** Chapter 1

Earth day two thousand twelve changed my life forever. This is what happened.

Lexi was special; her name was Alexis but everyone called her Lexi. I was a senior in college when I met her. It was love at first sight, she didn't have to say anything. I have dated a lot of girls and women in the last few years but I knew Lexi was the one. There was this look about her that I can hardly describe, beautiful, sexy, elegant, sophisticated, even pleasant. That was without even talking to her.

I'm Tom Davis and according to my friends I guess I wasn't so bad looking either. I stood around six foot, a hundred and eighty pounds. In high school I played football, baseball and even a little basketball. I loved to work out and was in great physical shape. I was the homecoming king as well as the valedictorian of our class. I had it all going for me.

I came from a wealthy family and had a brother and sister who also did well for themselves. I finished college and went on to become a CPA, a certified public accountant. Life was good.

Lexi and I have been together for a year now and she was a senior in college. We saw each other at least twice a week but talked to each other almost every day. Our dates almost always ended up with us making love or at least having sex. It was different with her than it was with most other women. I honestly think it was me. I tried every way I could to please her. I always put her first in our lovemaking. By putting her first I got so much more out of it.

I kind of laughed when she told me her parents approved of her dating me. I later found out she was adopted. Her parents were unable to have kids and adopted her when she was two years old. They kept her on a pretty tight leash until she started college. Even then they wanted to know her every move.

They were a well known and wealthy family in the area. Her father was in local politics and her mother's family owned a large corporation; her mother was on the board of directors. I had found that they had done a background check on me when Lexi and I started dating.

I asked Lexi about getting married but she said she wanted to wait till after she finished college. I let her know I would wait as long as it takes. She also told me there was one other thing she wanted to do before she would get married.

"Tom, I told you I was adopted. What I didn't tell you is that I have a twin sister. Our parents were killed in an auto accident when I was two years old. I want to find her if I can. My adopted parents told me they have no idea where she would be, but I have to try.

"There have been times throughout my life that I might feel sorrow or pain for no reason. I've heard that sometimes a twin can have the feeling of the other. I just feel I need to find her."

I promised Lexi that we would find her twin sister together, but that didn't happen. You see, Lexi was fatally injured in an auto accident on the way home from college. I'll never forget the date because it happened on ‘Earth Day' two thousand and twelve. I rushed to the hospital and was talking to her; we were both crying. I had looked at the doctor and he shook his head. I knew she wasn't going to make it.

She asked me to promise her I'd look for her sister and give her some of her personal things and to let her know she had thought about her throughout her short life. She closed her eyes and it was all over, my Lexi was gone.

I was sad for days and after the funeral I talked with her mom and dad. They were both terribly distraught. We talked for hours about Lexi and the joy she brought to all our lives. I asked them about her sister. They were at the hospital when Lexi asked me to find her sister. I told them I promised her I would look for her.

"Tom, you don't need to keep that promise. You're a young man and need to go on with your life," said Mr. Johnson.

"No, I promised Lexi and I'm going to do my best to find her sister. Anything you can tell me at all about her sister or where she might be would help. I'm going to do my best to honor my promise to Lexi." The Johnson's knew I was serious.

Mrs. Johnson explained to me how they came about adopting Lexi. They had tried for years to have a child but were unsuccessful. When they heard about the accident and two people dieing they asked about the young girls who were in the accident. Lexi was shaken up but otherwise uninjured. Her sister, however, was in critical condition with internal injuries. Because of their status in the community children services let them be foster parents to Lexi and they eventually adopted her.

They lived in Michigan at the time. Her sister whose name was Alexandra was transferred to Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. She needed surgery; they didn't tell Lexi that she had a sister, let alone a twin until she was eight years old.

Lexi wanted her parents to see if they could contact her sister somehow or at least find out if she survived the accident. They had told Lexi that she did survive and was adopted by a family but had no idea who they were or where they lived.

Mr. Johnson told me that they did know who Alexandra lived with. It was her aunt and uncle who lived somewhere in Kentucky. They never told Lexi because they were afraid of losing her; that maybe she would want to be with them. They thought it best to let it lie, which they did. They were never in contact with the family. All they knew was they lived in a farming community somewhere in Kentucky.

They wished me luck in finding Alexandra. They said they didn't even know if she was adopted or just lived with her relatives. Lexi and Alexandra's given name was Moore but they thought her aunt's married name might have been Smith, which would make them much harder to locate.

I let my employer know that I was taking time off. I told them I had a promise to keep. I was told that if I left for more than two weeks that I need not come back by my employer. I believe my boss was jealous of my family having money and a lot of their friends asked for me to do their taxes.

I knew I was good at doing taxes; I graduated the top of my class and would have no trouble finding another position or even starting my own business. I told them they could fill my position if they chose too. My boss said they were giving me the two weeks personal time without pay.

My parents said I was making a big mistake but I told them I was following my heart and it never failed me yet. I explained to my parents what I was doing and even though they didn't agree with my decision they wished me luck. They were always supportive of me.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnson gave me Lexi's diary. It wasn't really a diary but more of a book that she wrote things that happened to her in life. I glanced quickly through the book and it was full of little things like when she felt sick for no reason or even happy when it was just a normal day. She also wrote about meeting me and how we were good together. I couldn't believe how much she talked about the sister she never knew. It really brought tears to my eyes.

They also gave me a lot of nice clothing and other personal things to give to Alexandra if I found her. They told me they had no reason to keep them. They just kept some of the things Lexi made for them and all her school mementoes. They even gave me a few of her pictures while growing up. Damn! I missed her so much.

I packed up my car and headed south. I just hoped that the Smith's still lived in Kentucky. It had been nearly twenty one years since the death of the girls' parents. I stopped at the Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio and asked the records department about an Alexandra Moore or Alexandra Smith.

They were extremely hesitant about giving me any information. I tried to explain to them that Alexandra's sister had passed away and I had things to give her. I was lucky enough that they gave me the name of Bob and Alice Smith in Kentucky. I figured I was really lucky to at least get that.

I would go to the court house at each county seat and look through the farm properties hoping to find one belonging to the Smith family. The problem was every county had Smith's that had farms. I would go to one and asked them if they knew Bob or Alice Smith. I kept hitting dead ends.

I did meet a lot of nice people as well as some that weren't so nice. I was in my sixth county seat when I came across a family by the name of Moore. I remembered it was the family name of Lexi and Alexandra. I knocked at the door and the farmer didn't look like he was happy with me being there. The first thing he asked me if I was a revenuer.

After I explained to him that I wasn't but was looking for a woman by the name of Alexandra Moore or Smith. Mr. Moore called his wife into the room.

"Ellie, didn't your brother Bob adopt a girl named Alex many years ago? Remember her parents were killed in an accident. I think she was a twin."

"Yeah, it was sad. The poor thing was in the hospital for a month or more and then was to be sent to a children's home. Bob and Alice didn't even know that her brother and his wife died. It was over a month before they found out. No one notified them. Her sister was already in foster care with a family up in Michigan," replied Ellie.

I was beginning to feel a little better about finding Alexandra. I told Ellie and Ray about the Johnson's and Lexi. They felt bad when they heard Lexi had died and offered to help me.

"It's sad, first she's taken from her family and now she's taken from her new family. I hope she lived a happy life, although short," replied Ellie.

"She was a very happy girl. Smart, beautiful and a wonderful person to be around." I knew I had tears in my eyes.

"You must have loved her," said Ray. "Going out of your way to find her sister like this."

"I made her a promise and I'm doing my best to keep it. Where does your brother live? Does Alexandra live with them?"

"They live in Carter county, I can give you directions. It's about three hours away. Why don't you come in and eat something before you go." said Ray.

I did stay and have dinner and thanked them for their hospitality as I headed off to the Smith's farm. I honestly didn't know what to expect. Ellie did say that Alex, as she called her was a beautiful woman.

As I drove down the dirt road and then up a dirt drive to a big farm house I saw a woman kneeling down working in the garden. She had a hat on her head so I couldn't see her real good. She seemed young and quite trim from the back.

Pulling up in the drive the women turned around and I couldn't believe my eyes. They weren't just twins, they were identical twins. Without a doubt I knew the young woman I was looking at was Alexandra. It hit me so hard and fast that I knew I had tears running down my face.

"Excuse me, it there something wrong? Can I help you," said the young lady.

"I'm so sorry. I have come to see you, you are Alexandra aren't you?" I asked.

"How do you know my name? What do you want?" she seemed a bit nervous.

Two young men came running out of the house; both holding rifles. "Alex! Are you alright?" yelled one of the young men.

"I'm fine," replied Alex. "But this man called me by my name." She looked at me and asked me again how I knew who she was?

"Who the hell are you and what do you want, Mister?" said one of the men who I later learned was Larry and the other man was his brother Jerry. They were cousins of Alex.

Before I could answer, a big man came out of the door with a woman. I figured it was Bob and Alice. Bob spoke, "It's alright boys. Your uncle Ray called to let us know that this young man was coming. Are you Tom Davis?" he asked.

"Yes Sir, I am. I'm sorry if I startled the young lady but she looked so much like... like her sister." Bob asked me to step out of the car. As I did Alex stared at me.

"My sister? You know my sister? Where is she?" asked an excited Alex.

"Honey," Bob said to Alex. "Your sister was killed in an auto accident last month. This was her friend Tom who promised her that he would look you up and give you a few things that belonged to Alexis.

Alex began to cry. Her mom took her in her arms and held her. I felt so sorry for her. I knew I had tears in my eyes.

"Please come in the house and we can talk," said Alice.

Bob looked in my car and told his sons to help carry the boxes of stuff I had brought with me. They were surprised when I told them there was even more in the trunk.

After taking all the boxes into the house we sat in a large living room. I had a hard time trying not to stare at Alexandra. Every time I looked in her direction she was looking back at me. She reminded me so much of Lexi.

Bob mentioned to his sons that they had chores to do and they left the rest of us to talk. I asked them if they wanted me to go first. I did mention that I was interested in the family history and how the sisters got separated.

Bob said he would give me a quick explanation later after I was finished telling them what I knew. I began by telling them how I met Lexi at college and we became friends.

"We had dated for awhile and had future plans after she graduated college. In her last breaths she asked me to look up Alexandra and I promised I would. So, here I am."

"Don't you have a job, Son?" asked Bob.

"Yes Sir, they said they would hold it for me for two weeks. I've already used up one just finding Alexandra. I told him I had to follow my heart and my promise. Besides I'm a CPA, a certified public accountant and can find work most anywhere."

Alex spoke up. "You're a CPA? Dad, maybe he can help us out." She looked over at her father.

"It's not his problem Honey. We'll talk more about it later. By the way, don't you have a date with Lance tonight? You might want to get ready," her dad smiled at her.

"I think I'm going to cancel. I'm not in the mood to be going out right now. Lance will understand." She went to call her friend.

"Bob, can you tell me what you know about Lexi and Alexandra? How they got split up. The Johnsons told me they got Lexi at children's services when she was two years old. They adopted her and I will say she had a very good life however short. They mentioned that Alexandra was severely injured in the accident that killed their parents. What happened after that?"

"We've told Alex the story a hundred times; she keeps asking us to repeat it. It all began when my wife Alice and her brother Ralph inherited this property after the death of their parents. It also came with a healthy lein on it.

"Ray said he didn't want to be a farmer all his life and offered us his share of the property at a fair price. We would either have to sell the farm or buy Ralph's share. We chose to purchase it and Ray and his wife moved to Michigan. He got a position in an auto factory.

"We didn't stay in touch very often after the first few months. We just had a check deposited each month in an account in Michigan for his share of the property. We had the farm and our two sons at the time. We hired a few farm hands to help us run the place. It's a lot of work keeping up a farm like this. We have over five hundred acres.

"We did get a Christmas card that said they had a set of twins, but we had never seen them. It was about two years later when we went to make our deposit when the bank notified us that the account was frozen. We contacted them and they said that Ralph and his wife, Christine, were killed in an auto accident.

"We got the name of their lawyer and found out all we could. That's when we heard that one of the twins was in the children's hospital in Ohio and the other was already in a foster home. Even though we didn't know these girls, they were family. We went to the hospital and cried when we saw little Alex. She had internal injuries but the doctors told us she was a fighter and was pulling through.

"We contacted children services and asked to be foster parents since she was our niece. We took her home when she was released from the hospital. We were never in contact with the family that adopted Lexi. We wished we could have gotten them both. We're happy to hear that Lexi was in a good home.

"That's about it son. We call Alexandra, Alex, except for her cousins when they get mad at her," he grinned. "We never adopted her but she is like a daughter to us and always will be. Larry and Jerry, our sons, treat her as a sister."

"What does Alex do," I asked.

She had walked back in the room. "I help work the farm and am a senior at the local college studying agriculture. I'm a farm girl and proud of it," she smiled. I loved her southern accent.

She had an attitude just like her sister. I was seriously afraid of having feelings for her. I didn't even know her but I knew I liked her.

"So, if you're an accountant can you help us out?" asked Alex.

I had to laugh. "Are you always this forward?"

"When our farm's at stake, I could be very forward. Dad, did you tell him about the taxes?" asked Alex.

"No, Honey. I don't think he wants to get involved in our personal finances. Besides we hardly know the man," replied Bob. "I'm sorry Tom but it would be a lot to take on for a fairly new CPA."

"Bob, I graduated the top of my class at Michigan in accounting. I've been doing taxes for quite a few wealthy people for over a year. I've done personal, farm and even corporate taxes. I'd like to help you out. Can you tell me the problem?"

"We got a notice from the IRS and they are questioning our taxes for the last five years. They are auditing us and saying we owe over fifty thousand dollars in back taxes. We have an extension for three months to get it straightened out or pay the money.

"Our finances are tied up in the farm. We don't have that kind of cash lying around. We need what we have to plant our crops, fix our equipment and to feed the animals."

"What about your tax adviser? Can't he help you out?" I asked.

"He had a stroke last month and can hardly speak. Our lawyer got us the extension but doesn't know much about farm tax accounting. He told us to find a good CPA and now we're looking for someone we can trust. We don't want to turn five years worth of our finances over to just anyone," replied Bob.

I looked up and Alex was looking directly in my eyes. "I know if you did this for my sister Lexi that you are an honest man to go out of your way the way you did. Will you help us save the farm?" Just looking at her face could melt my heart.

"Well, seeing I have a week left at the present time and have time on my hands, I'll take a look and we'll go from there." I couldn't believe it when Alex hugged me and said thank you.

I let Bob know that I needed all his tax records for the last five years. He said that Alex could take me the following day to his accountant's office. His wife would be there; she was cleaning up odds and ends at the office. He called her to let her know we would be there the following day.

I asked them if they could show me where the nearest motel was. I would be needing a place to stay at least till I got a look at the taxes. They told me I could stay at their house, that they had plenty of room. I explained that for now I would prefer to be alone but I would be by everyday to work on their taxes at their house.

The truth was I couldn't be around Alex. She just reminded me too much of Lexi. I could hardly tell them apart. Both of them had firm bodies. Lexi's was from working out and Alex's was from working the farm. Their light brown hair was identical as well as their eyes. It was going to be hard on me being around Alex, but I couldn't just walk away. The only way to tell them apart was Alex's accent, which I loved.

Chapter 2

Larry and Jerry both worked the farm. They were in their mid to late twenties Larry being a year older and both were married and had kids. They each had a house built on the property. Their parents gave them each five acres of land of their own. The houses were at least a hundred yards from each other. They were really a close knit family. It was full of love.

Jerry offered to take me in to town to the motel. On the way we talked a bit. He mentioned that when Alex came to live with them that he was just a kid himself. He said that Alex followed him everywhere. To him she was his little sister. They had heard that she was a twin but never met her sister. He laughed when he mentioned that Alex was independent and wanted to do everything herself.

I asked him why he and his brothers came out with rifles when I pulled up. Did they think I was a revenuer or something? He laughed and told me they didn't do home brew anymore. They really were legit farmers and were just trying to make a life for their families.

The reason they came out with rifles was that Alex had told them that she had gotten a few harassing phone calls. She had no idea who it was from but it bothered her in this day and age. She expected it was from a couple of the guys at college that bothered her, but she couldn‘t be sure.

Jerry said he thought that I might have been one of them who had come to the farm. They were just going to scare me. They tried to trace the calls but it came from the bar down the road. It was sort of a college hangout. After I signed into the motel I asked Jerry to take me to the bar. I wanted a look around at who might be harassing Alex, maybe we could get lucky.

As we drank a beer I asked Jerry about Alex's boyfriend, Lance. He told me Lance has liked Alex ever since high school. They even went to the prom together. The problem was Lance was crazy about Alex but she just liked him as a friend. He knows it but doesn't stop trying.

It was about that time that three guys walked up to Jerry and I. They looked like smart ass college kids and somewhat drunk. The smallest guy named Will was doing all the talking. Saying things like, "Hey where's your sister. Damn, she sure is a looker."

Jerry just sort of shrugged it off. He mentioned to me that his father said not to get into it with these drunk college guys unless he had no choice. It was better to walk away. As I mentioned earlier, I was well built and very capable of taking care of myself. When they started saying how they would like to get Alex drunk and what they would do to her it pissed me off.

I looked at the biggest of the three assholes and said to him, "Hey, Buddy! If your little friend doesn't close his filthy mouth and stop talking about my girlfriend, I'm going to kick your ass."

"Who the fuck are you, anyway?" said the little guy. "Don't give me that shit! She's not your old lady."

I reached in my wallet and took out two pictures of Lexi and set them on the end of the table. One was Lexi and I kissing and the other was signed, ‘To my boyfriend, I love you Tom.'

I then stood up and cold cocked the biggest guy. I hit him first in the stomach and then hard in the chest right at his heart. He fell to the floor holding his chest. The other two jumped back and said, "Sorry Man, We don't want any trouble. We were just messing with Jerry here."

"If I ever hear of any of you bothering my woman or anyone in her family, I'll be back and I won't be so easy on you. I suggest when you see Alex in school that you apologize for harassing and scaring her. So you know, this isn't a threat, it's a fact. I'll be around for awhile."

Jerry and I finished our beer and left the bar. "Damn, Tom, that was something else. Where did you get those pictures of Alex?"

"It wasn't Alex, it was her twin sister that passed away. They were identical twins. She was my girlfriend. I figured that might put a scare into those idiots. Don‘t mention it to Alex, I don‘t want her mad at me," I laughed.

The next morning I arrived at the house and Alice invited me to breakfast. She had pancakes, eggs, potatoes and bacon. I couldn't believe they ate like this most every day. Bob said they always work it off. When Alex entered the kitchen I felt my heart beat faster. There wasn't a lot I could do about it.

It was Sunday but the accountant's wife was still going to be there to give us the files. The Smith's headed for church and asked me if I wanted to go along. I told them maybe next time.

Later when Alex and I arrived at the accountant's office I felt sorry for the lady. She told us that her husband's stroke hit him pretty hard. The doctor mentioned to him that he would probably have to retire; that his speech and probably his memory would be affected.

She told us that he would have to sell his business or find someone to run it. She even told me if I was interested in it that they would make me a good offer. I took the five years of the Smith's back tax filings. Mrs. Henry said they also had it backed up on the computer. She let Alex know that she was sorry that her husband wouldn't be able to help them and hoped it would all work out for them.

On the way back to the house Alex asked me a lot of questions about her sister. I answered them as best I could. She said she was up most of the night reading the diary. She told me about some of the dates that Lexi had mentioned and she thought back and could correlate a lot of the dates. She wished she would have kept a diary as well.

"She died on Earth Day didn't she?" asked Alex. I nodded in the affirmative.

"I know this might seem odd but this diary has really brought me close to her. We may have been in different states and lead different lives' but I can see we also had so much in common. I don't know how to thank you. There aren't very many men who would have done what you did. I can see why she fell in love with you."

"How did you know she died on Earth day? I don‘t remember telling anyone that." I asked.

"Around here we celebrate earth day since there are so many farmers. We plant our crops in the earth and take care of them. God oversees our farms and helps our crops grow. On earth day we had a fair in town. I got off one of the amusement rides and felt deathly sick. I figured that was when Lexi was in her accident.

"I ended up going home and Mom was going to take me to the hospital when the pain went away. All of a sudden a dark void came over me like I just lost a best friend. I began to cry. I talked to Mom but we couldn't explain it. Now I know that it was when my sister died."

I was lost for words so I just looked at her. I had to ask myself if I was having feelings for Alex or was she just so much like Lexi and I missed her. We got back to the house and Alex showed me a room with a desk and computer that I could use to begin going over the taxes. She explained that she had farm chores to do and would see me later.

Bob came in and said we never discussed my fee. I told him to let me look over the files before quoting any kind of a price. I wanted to see what type of problems we were having first. He brought in his letters from the IRS questioning deductions and income.

After spending a few hours going over some of the taxes Bob came in and invited me for dinner. "Well, do you think you will be able to help us out?" asked Bob.

"As a matter of fact I think we can have it done in about five days. I see where the deductions on the farm equipment weren't applied correctly in last year's return. I haven't looked at your past tax years yet but I'm figuring it's why they went back to look at the previous taxes. It's an error that's often made. So the IRS disallowed those deductions until you have them corrected.

"There were also a few minor errors but shouldn't affect the outcome too much. No need to go into all of them with you. That's why you have someone do your taxes for you, to save you all the aggravation."

"So, have you arrived at a cost yet?" asked Bob.

"I usually get fifty dollars an hour for personal tax preparations and a hundred an hour for business. I'm willing to do this for you for twenty dollars a day plus dinner. It should take me less than a week to correct them all."

"Are you serious? You're willing to correct five years of our taxes for twenty dollars a day?" asked Alice.

"Plus dinner," I added, smiling at Alice. I looked over at Alex and she was smiling at me.

"Why would you do that?" asked Bob. "We don't want to take advantage of you."

"You're not taking advantage of me. I'm just glad I could help," I replied.

"At least say you'll stay here to save you from renting a motel room. I won't take no for an answer," Bob responded.

"Ok, it's a deal. Room and board plus twenty dollars a day till your taxes are completed." I was hoping I wasn't making a mistake. It wasn't the money or the room and board, it was all about Alex and I knew it.

They fixed a nice room for me. At least I wasn't anywhere near Alex's room. I had a little trouble getting to sleep with my mind wandering. When I woke up the next morning Alex was already out the door and headed to college. I had breakfast and headed into the office to work on the taxes.

The errors were of a minor nature but the IRS has a tendency to scare people. I knew if I rushed I could have them done in a couple of days but I wanted to stay for a few more days and took my time.

I was in the office when Alex came barging in. "What did you do? I had three idiot guys come up to me and apologized for harassing me. They promised never to do it again. It seems some guy pretending to be my boyfriend had an altercation with them.

"I already went out in the field and talked to Jerry. He said you sort of had a fight with Mark, the big guy. Why did you do that?"

"I listened to them talking about you and it pissed me off. I showed them pictures of Lexi and me and told them it was you. I'm sorry if I offended you; I didn't mean too."

"Can I see the pictures?" I showed them to her. "My God, we really do look alike. No wonder they apologized. I wore that same skirt this morning. It was one that you brought me."

"Would you like to take a break and come out and help me with some chores?" asked Alex.

"I'd love to. I don't know much about farming," I answered. I loved her hillbilly accent. She would sort of slap me whenever I laughed after she said something.

We jumped on a tractor and she drove. She took me on a tour of the farm. Her cousins waved to me as we rode by. It was fun being out in the open, a bright sunny day. It would take a little getting used to the smell but I can see where farming is a big part of nature. Now I knew why it was in Alex's blood.

I helped her with her chores and she took me up in the barn loft. We sat there and talked. She thanked me for standing up for her. It seemed so calm and peaceful looking out the loft door over the acres and acres of farm land.

I wanted to lay her on the bales of hay and kiss her. What was the matter with me? I sat up quickly and she asked me if there was a problem. I told her we better get back to the house. I wanted to complete a little more work before stopping for the day.

After dinner I was going to ask her if she wanted to take in a movie or something. There was a knock at the door and it was her friend Lance. I couldn't believe I felt a twinge of jealousy.

She introduced me to Lance and said they were going to the movies and asked me if I wanted to come along. I could tell by looking at Lance that it was the last thing he wanted. I made up some dumb excuse and told them maybe next time. After they left I went back to the barn loft and just gazed out the door. I had to wonder what I was doing.

The next couple of days were similar. I took my time with the taxes and when Alex came home I'd help her with her chores. I met Larry's wife and two kids. I also met Jerry's wife and his daughter. They all seemed like really nice families.

By Thursday I had to ask myself what I was doing. I came here to honor Lexi but I knew I was falling for Alex. I knew I needed to back off. I was letting my emotions go too far. When Alex came home and asked me if I was going outside with her, I made an excuse about having to do something. She looked at me kind of odd, almost worried, said ok and went outside.

On Friday, it was getting dark out and I went up in the loft. It had become my place of solitude. Alex had a late night class on Fridays and I saw Lance drop her off at the house. A few minutes later she came up in the loft.

"Tom, what's the matter? The last couple of days you seem like you are more distant. Did I do or say something to make you mad at me? Please talk to me. I'm sorry if I did something to distance you from me."

"No, it's not you, it's me. I came here to honor my promise to your sister but I believe it went further than that. I interfered in your life and your family's. Alex, I think I'm falling in love with you only I'm not sure if it's you or the memory of Lexi. Maybe I'm just filling a void in my life; I don't know."

She had tears in her eyes. "Tom, kiss me, I mean really kiss me. I've been feeling similar, like I've fallen for my sister's boyfriend. Lance asked me to go out Saturday and I told him that I was going out with you. You're not the only one dealing with this problem."

I kissed her and she felt so soft, so sweet. I backed off, looked her in the eyes and kissed her again. I felt it, the love that comes with kissing someone you truly care for.

"So, did you kiss me or Lexi?" asked Alex.

"I kissed you and I don't regret it," I replied.

"Tom, maybe, just maybe you were sent here so we could be together. You may think I'm crazy but last night I talked to Lexi. Not in person of course but spirit to spirit. I honestly believe she sent you to be with me. She wanted us both to be happy."

I knew I had tears running down my cheeks. I knew I couldn't just walk away from Alex; if I did I would regret it the rest of my life. That night I slept in the loft with Alex next to me. We were both fully dressed but we did talk and cuddle. We glanced out the loft door at the beautiful blue sky full of stars and a quarter moon.

When we woke up in the morning we both headed into the house. I felt funny and wanted to tell Bob and Alice that we didn't do anything wrong. Instead, Alex just said ‘Good Morning' to them and sat down for breakfast. Everyone acted like nothing happened. Later Alex told me that they trusted her judgment and she didn't feel I would take advantage of her.

I told Bob that his taxes were finished, all five years' worth and that I would be going to the post office that day to make sure it was sent priority mail. He didn't owe any back taxes. He thanked me and asked what my plans were for that day. I told him I would like his permission to take Alex out to dinner and to a movie.

He looked over at Alex and she was smiling. "Son," he said to me. "You should realize by now that Alex does pretty much what she wants. All we ever ask is that you treat her good."

He reached in his pocket and took out a hundred dollar bill and told me his bill was paid. Five days, twenty dollars a day. "By the way," Bob said. "I watched you doing the taxes. I believe you could have done them in three days." He just smiled at me and glanced over to Alex. I guess I didn't fool anyone.

I let them know that I planned on going home the next day and I thanked them for their hospitality. They did tell me I was welcome back any time. When I looked at Alex, she looked away. That evening we did go out for a wonderful dinner. Afterwards we sat in the lounge and talked. We even danced a couple of slow dances. We glided on the dance floor with ease. She smelled so good and felt so soft.

"Why do you have to leave?" she asked me.

"Because I need to know for sure how I feel. I have to work out my feelings. I've only been here a week and I believe I love you. I need to know that it's you and not just memories of Lexi. I can't do that if I see you every day. Besides you have college to finish and I'm in the way of your studying."

"I've never felt this way about anyone," said Alex. "Is it even possible to fall in love in only a week? I honesty do feel that I love you too. Will you at least promise me that you'll come to my graduation next month?"

The music stopped and I squeezed her tight against me. "I promise! I wouldn't miss it for anything."

We headed back to the house. My head was swimming in turmoil. After we got back to the house I walked out to the barn. It was after midnight but it was a place of serenity for me. As I lay there I heard a noise. I looked up and Alex was standing there. She kneeled down next to me.

"Do you want to make love to me?" she asked.

"More than anything in the world, but I can't. I can't do that to you until I get my thoughts straightened out. Believe me, I want you in the worst way but I won't take advantage of you," I replied.

She leaned over and kissed me softly. "I love you Tom, please come back to me." She got up and left the barn. I don't know why but I had tears in my eyes and it wasn't allergies.

The next morning Alice told me that I needed a good breakfast if I would be driving six hours. She made me biscuits and gravy, bacon and eggs, also some hash browns. I told them I promised to come back for Alex's graduation from college the following month. They told me I was always welcome. Alex wasn't saying anything but she did try to smile.

I walked to my car and was about to get in when I heard Alex yell, "Tom, Wait!" I turned around and she ran up to me and kissed me. I mean she really kissed me, right there in front of Bob and Alice. She then turned and ran past Bob and Alice and into the house.

I knew I had tears running down my cheeks as I drove away. I kept asking myself if I was doing the right thing. It was like in the movies; should I drive back and pick up Alex and take her to never, never land. The problem was this was real life, not a movie. I had to gather my thoughts.

I promised myself that I would take the next three weeks to work out my feeling and go back for Alex's graduation. It would also give her time to figure out what she really wanted. Yes, I knew I was doing the right thing.

Chapter 3

I still lived with my parents and they were happy to see me when I got home. They asked me if I found Alexandra and I told them I did. I let them know that I was tired and would tell them about my visit the next day. I headed to my room and have to admit I was already missing Alex.

I went to work the next day and my boss was somewhat surprised to see me. I buried myself in my work. I tried to think about anything except Alex. That evening I told my parents the story and even showed them pictures of Alex that she had given me. They couldn't believe that is wasn't Lexi.

They did tell me that I did the right thing to come home and let time decide my feeling. All week I just worked and in the evenings watch TV. I knew I was missing Alex.

On the following Saturday I called her. Alice answered the phone and mentioned that Alex was studying for finals with Lance and a couple of other friends. I told her not to bother her and I would call her the next week.

"Are you kidding me?" laughed Alice. "If I didn't tell her you were on the phone she would never speak to me again. Please hold on while I get her."

The next thing I heard was Alex's voice. I had her accent embedded in my mind. "Tom, it's so good to hear from you. How is everything going?"

"I miss you and just thought I'd give you a call. Sorry to interrupt your study session."

"Tom, I hear jealousy in your voice. I've told you Lance is just a friend and we aren't alone, two of my girlfriends are here also and want to meet you."

We talked for about twenty minutes before she had to get back to studying. I told her I would try calling again the following week. The last thing she said to me was, "I really do love you Tom."

I worked through the next week and did my best to work through my thoughts. I had decided that I really did love Alex for who she was. I had a long talk with my parents and did my best to explain to them my true feelings. They told me to give it a little more time but I told them I would be leaving the following week and I might not be back.

When I called Alex on Saturday Bob answered the phone and was glad to hear from me. He said Alex was out on the tractor so I told him not to bother her. I did tell him I would be down the following Friday for Alex's graduation on Sunday. He was happy to hear that. He said Alex had really missed me. I asked him not to tell Alex I would be down on Friday. I wanted to surprise her.

Bob did tell me that her finals would be over by Wednesday and that she would be going to a couple of her classmates graduation parties. I knew by my silence that Bob knew it bothered me. "Don't worry Tom; believe me when I tell you that she's in love with you. We will be throwing her a big party on Sunday after the graduation. I expect the whole community will be here."

I was hoping I was making the right decision; I was truly following my heart. I let my employer know that I would be leaving the company at the end of the week. They seemed surprised by my decision when I told them I was moving to Kentucky.

When I was talking with my parents they had asked me, what was the big rush, I had a whole life ahead of me and that I really was only with Alex for a week. I knew they were just being concerned parents even though I was twenty five years old.

"I thought I had a lifetime with Lexi but fate stepped in and I lost her. I have to do this or at least try."

I let my parents know that I had talked with Mrs. Henry, the accountant's wife and I'll be purchasing their accounting business. I would be using up some of my savings to purchase the business. I had the business checked out the first week I was home and stayed in contact with Mrs. Henry. She promised not to say anything to the Smith's especially Alex.

I would be purchasing the business but not the building. We would be setting up a rental agreement. The nice part was there was an apartment above the office. Mr. Henry used it when he would work late on some nights. It was pretty much fully furnished and I would be living there. There was no way I could live in the same house with Alex. At least not until I asked her to marry me.

I hoped I wasn't getting too far ahead of myself. I was making all these plans hoping Alex felt the same way I did. If for some reason it didn't work out I would just own an accounting business in Kentucky. I would be signing a one year lease with the Henry's for the building.

Mrs. Henry said it would give them a monthly check along with Social Security to live on. Her husband had done well in his business over the years and they had put away a nice nest egg.

****

On Friday I left for Kentucky the first thing in the morning. I knew Alex was expecting me to call but I would be there to surprise her. I really felt good about my decision. I had packed up most of my clothes but not much else.

When I arrived at the farm Alice greeted me giving me a big hug. She said Alex and her brothers (that's what she called them) were out working in the fields. She would call them on the walkie-talkie. I asked her not to because I wanted to surprise her.

Alice mentioned that they would be in for lunch in a few minutes. I headed out to my favorite spot, the barn loft. I could see Alex coming in on the tractor. I waited till she pulled up in front of the barn and turned off the engine. She was right under the loft door when I yelled down to her.

"Hey, Lady, got a minute."

She looked up and saw me. "Tom, oh my God! No one told me you were coming today. I must look a site." She jumped off the tractor and came up to the loft and laid a kiss on me like she hadn't seen me for years. She felt so good as I hugged her as tight as I possibly could. "Why are you here so soon? The graduation isn't till Sunday."

"Before I answer that question I need for you to answer a couple for me," I replied.

"Anything Tom, what is it you need to know?" asked Alex.

"Do you believe you really love me and do you think of us as long term? It's really important I know what you believe."

"Yes I do believe I love you and I want us to be together forever. Does that answer your question? Is there anything else you want to know?"

I smiled at her. "Yes, can you go into town with me today? I have a surprise for you."

"What is it?" she asked. "Ok, I know it wouldn't be a surprise if you told me. I'll ask Jerry and Larry to cover for me till we get back. Give me a few minutes to clean up." She gave me a quick peck and headed into the house.

On the way to see Mrs. Henry, Alex said she had a couple of parties to go to that night and one the following day. She also mentioned that her parents (that's what she considered Bob and Alice) were throwing her a big celebration on Sunday after the graduation. They told her because they knew they couldn't keep it from her.

I told her I would wait up for her till she returned from her parties. She looked at me and said, "Are you crazy? You're going to these parties with me. I'm tired of trying to explain you to my friends. We are a couple now whether you like it or not." She was smiling at me and I was about as happy as I could be.

I pulled up in front of the Henry's building. Ellie greeted me at the door, smiling. "What's going on?" asked Alex.

"I came to sign the papers. This is my business starting Monday. I needed to know that you expected to be with me, long term before I signed the final papers. Just so you know, I renting the building and there is an apartment upstairs for me to live in but I expect to be seeing you a lot."

"I love you so much," said Alex as she kissed me.

We toured the office and the apartment. We then signed the papers. I now had my own business and a file full of potential clients. I knew Mrs. Henry would promote my taking over her husband's business. She was such a nice lady.

I had to answer a hundred questions from Alex on how I was able to buy a business and rent a building without her finding out. When we got back to her house she told her parents the whole story. They were happy for me.

****

That evening we went to two parties. She told me her friends would be so surprised. In fact she said that Mark and Will thought that I wasn't really her boyfriend since I hadn't been around. They started to harass her a little but were still a bit leery.

I dropped her off at the door at the first party and went to park the car. She was waiting on the front porch for me. I saw Mark and Will come up and talk to her. I could hear them teasing her about her boyfriend as I approached the house.

"Look Guys, he is my boyfriend and if he finds out you are bothering me again I'm afraid he'll keep his promise to you." They laughed at Alex until she said, "Oh, here he comes now." I was approaching the porch.

They changed their tune very quickly and told Alex it was nice seeing her and congratulated her. They said they wished her the best. She thanked them and smiled at me. No other action was necessary.

I met so many of her friends both male and female. A lot of her friends said they really wondered if I existed. I assured them I did. Alex told everyone I was a CPA and taking over the Henry Agency. She was already promoting my business. We only had a couple of drinks seeing as we had another party to go to.

After a few dances we headed to the other party. It was just like the first one and I met dozens of Alex's friends. She let everyone know she was my girlfriend. She even told her girlfriends that I was hands off material. She smiled when she said it but I believe she meant it and got the point across to her friends.

On the way home I asked her about Lance and she told me that she explained to him that she loved me and that he should find another girl to be close friends with. She even told him that she thought I had a jealous streak and didn't want to see him get hurt.

We did see him at one of the parties and he was dancing pretty close with a cute blonde. Alex told me that her name was Marie and she had a crush on Lance. When Marie found out that Alex was taken she went after Lance.

We returned to the house and I mentioned to Alex that it was such a beautiful night and that I was going to sleep in the loft. She kissed me goodnight and I headed to the barn. It was warm and I took off my jeans and shirt. There were always blankets in the loft and I spread one over the hay and looked outside at the beautiful sky.

I thought about how my day went and I was extremely happy. I heard a noise and Alex was standing there in baby doll pajamas. She looked so cute.

"Last time I asked you to make love to me you said you had to get your head on straight. This time I'm not asking you, I'm telling you. Tom Davis, make love to me." She lay down next to me and leaned over and kissed me.

We must have necked for a good fifteen minutes before I unbuttoned her top and began to kiss her breasts. I sucked and squeezed them to her accompanying moans and groans. I slipped my hand down over her tummy and into her pj bottoms. I felt her trimmed bush and continued on to her wet pussy.

I began kissing down her belly and even licked her belly button. I pulled her bottoms off her ankles and got between her legs and buried my face in a very wet pussy. When I say wet, I mean WET! She came while I was eating her pussy. I kissed, tongued and licked her pussy for all I was worth.

She asked me to make love to her. "Tom, I want to feel you in me. I don't usually talk like this but please fuck me. I want you so much."

"Alex, I don't have any condoms with me up here. I wasn't expecting this to happen."

"It's ok, Alice put me on the pill when I was sixteen. I do have to tell you something."

"What is it?" I asked.

"My hymen broke years ago while I was riding a horse. Otherwise I'm still a virgin. I know that's crazy for a woman twenty-three but it's true. I always said I would wait for the right man and I believe with all my heart that you are him."

I leaned up taking my lips off her pussy and began kissing her passionately. "I love you so much," I said. I got between her legs and began rubbing my cock up and down across her slit. It was so wet and opened up every time I rubbed against it.

I wanted to go slow and not hurt her. I didn't know if it would hurt or not without a hymen. My cock found her opening and I slowly slid in. First the head and then continued pushing the rest of my cock into her.

"Oh God, I love it, I love you, please promise me you'll never stop." She was talking a blue streak on how good it felt and how much she loved me.

She had at least two more orgasms before I told her I couldn't hold back any longer. I asked her if she wanted me to pull out.

"God no! I want to feel you come in me and then stay in me till it gets soft."

I came hard. It felt so damn good. I found myself starting to pump in her again. She smiled at me when she felt I was going again. After I came the second time I pulled out and lay next to her. We fell asleep and woke up at daybreak when the roosters crowed.

We got up and cleaned up as best we could. They had running water in the barn but it was cold. I notice that Alex had brought a small suitcase with some clothes in it. She told me that we would be walking into the kitchen and she wasn't about to do it in her jammies.

She stored her pj's in the case and hid it in the barn. We walked together into the house. Alice looked at us, "I hope you two slept good." I don't think we hid anything from her.

Bob came in and we all had breakfast. Alex told me I had to help her with her chores since we had another party to go to that night. To be honest I was glad to get out of the kitchen. Bob and Alice didn't talk much that morning and even Alex was lost for words.

We worked the farm and latter that night we had a repeat of the parties. A lot of the people I met the night before said hi to me. It was known by everyone I talked to that Alex and I were a couple. Many had asked how we met and I told them it was a long story but that I stopped by her house to drop off some things and it was pretty much love at first sight.

Her friends told me that Alex was always a happy girl but she now seemed happier than ever. She even had a glow about her. When she heard that she burst out laughing stating to me that was how Alice noticed the difference.

We had a repeat of the previous night after returning from the party. After we finished making love Alex didn't stay but went in the house so she would wake up in her own bed.

I knew I loved her but felt a bit guilty making love to her at her house. We were sitting in the kitchen having breakfast with Bob and Alice discussing the day's planned activities. Alice asked me if I wanted to go to church with the family. I didn't go to church very often but I did believe in a deity.

I said I would go and it put a smile on Alex's face. Later she would be going to her graduation and we would attend an hour or so later. There was a lot of setting up to do for her party afterwards.

I sat through the church service holding onto Alex's hand for nearly the whole service. She was honored along with a lot of other graduates. I was so proud of her. When we returned from church we were all sitting in the living room discussing the set up for the party.

I asked Alex if I could give her a graduation present now. It just seemed like the right time.

"Tom, you didn't have to buy me anything," she smiled at me.

"Don't say that till after you open it. You may not want it," I replied.

I handed her a small wrapped package with a tiny bow on it.

"Oh my God! Is this what I think it is?" she looked at me while opening it up.

"If you thought it was an engagement ring then you're correct," I said as she looked at it.

"Alex I know we haven't known each other that long but I know I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you. We don't have to get married right away, I can wait till you're ready. I just want to know that we will be together. Will you marry me?"

"Yes! Yes! Of course I'll marry you. I'd marry you today if I didn't have my graduation to go to." She kissed me as Bob and Alice looked on smiling at us.

"Wow, today, I wasn't expecting that," I smiled. Can we wait at least a month so my family can make plans to attend?"

We set a date right then and there. It would be two months. I was as happy as could be and called my parents to give them the good news and the date of our wedding. They were surprised but happy. I told them that Alex and I would make a trip to Michigan so they could meet each other before the wedding.

The graduation was wonderful watching Alex cross the stage. We all stood up and clapped for her as she crossed the stage. Larry, Jerry and their families all attended. They were all proud of their sister/cousin.

The graduation party was wonderful. The whole community attended not just the college students. It appeared the Smith's were a very well liked family. I saw Ellie and Ray Moore, Alex's aunt and uncle had drove down for the graduation. They were surprised to see that Alex and I were getting married but were happy for us.

Alex invited everyone at her graduation to her wedding which would be in two months. I looked over at Bob and he just shook his head. He figured it wouldn't be cheap. Alex had glanced at Bob and smiled. Later I heard her tell him that she was going to use all the money she received for graduation for her wedding.

"No way Honey, it's the fathers job to pay for their daughter's wedding and make no mistake, you are my daughter. Save your money and by a new tractor or something," Bob laughed.

"I love you Daddy," she said to Bob. You could tell that she melted Big Bob's heart.

Epilogue:

We did get married two months later. When my mom and dad met Alex they fell in love with her immediately. My brother and sister were happy for me.

Alex wrote a long and beautiful letter to the Johnson's thanking them for sending her Lexi's things . She told them the diary answered many questions that she felt over the years. I could tell everything she wrote was from her heart.

She didn't mention me or the fact that she was getting married. She said the Johnson's went through enough sorrow and pain with the loss of their daughter.

For a wedding gift Bob and Alice gave Alex and me five acres of land to build a house on. It was right next door to them so we could go in the barn loft anytime we wanted.

My parents gave us a check for fifty thousand dollars toward the house. Alex was a bit surprised but knew my family was wealthy when we visited my parents a couple of weeks after her graduation.

I moved out of my apartment and we lived with Bob and Alice till our house was finished. It took about six months. We still go over for dinner just about every day. One day I asked Alex if she could cook. She just laughed at me.

Everyone in the community attended our wedding and my business is booming. Mr. and Mrs. Henry attended our wedding also. He is coming along fine and enjoying his retirement. He thanked me for taking over his business. He had made a lot of friends over the years and did their taxes.

Alex used her education to help improve the farm and she works for and belongs to the Farm Bureau helping other farmers. She is no longer on the pill and we're expecting our first child. We're wondering if it might be born on April 22, Earth Day, it would be so fitting.

Thank you for reading my story All comments are welcome and appreciated DG Hear