Archive of Our Own ^beta

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Alex never really anticipated the sudden visit of Norma at his office the day after he met with Dylan to talk about putting Norman back to Pineview for Norma’s safety. He told Dylan that if his wife does not want to put Norman back to Pineview, then they don’t have any other choice but to report Norman’s violence to him to Dr. Edwards and let Pineview take him away behind Norma’s back. 

However, things went down the drain. The plan to protect her from Norman. And their marriage. Dylan must’ve warned her about Norman’s unpredictable attitude and the need to send him back to Pineview. Norma being the smart woman that she is, immediately caught up with what Dylan meant and who he talked with. So she came in busting through the doors of the police station in a hurry with flares shooting out of her nostrils. The deputies at the station immediately paved their way when they saw Norma’s upset stance, afraid that she would bark at them first before going into her husband’s office. 

Alex, who's oblivious to what’s about to happen, was still busy with the new cases that he’s been working with day and night. He felt something before Norma even reached his door. Alex always has this knowing feeling whenever Norma’s near, you know, those flutters you felt when someone you love is near. However this time, Alex felt flutters that later on turned into something like a pit in his stomach. Which didn’t really last long and proved that what he’s feeling’s right because Norma busted into his office slamming the doors open as if it was a nuisance to her from seeing her husband immediately. 

Alex sighed and immediately threw his gaze to the person who just entered. He stood up from his seat and closed it immediately when Norma went straight to the point of her visit. 

“What was that you talked about with Dylan?” She said with venom in her voice and he froze. 

“You’re going to put Norman back to Pineview without my permission?” Norma huffed as she put her back on the seat in front of Alex’s table. 

Alex, on the other hand, stood in front of her waiting for Norma to finish what she’s saying, not trying to interrupt. He’s actually afraid that what he'd say would just create the gap between them stretch further. As he listens, he’s already thinking about how he could persuade her softly so she’d relent to the idea of sending Norman back to the facility. 

He knew better though, who was he kidding anyway? Alex knew that when his wife’s upset, she doesn’t and couldn’t hear and rationalize her thoughts especially that this topic is all about her beloved son Norman. 

“Look, Norma. He’s dangerous, Norman’s not supposed to be even out ye–” Alex softly explained but was immediately cut off by her. 

“Oh, no… no Alex. You don’t get to tell me what should and should not be done.” Norma paused. 

“What? Just because you married me, you already think that you have the right and say to my son’s life?” Norma said with pure rage, Alex was hurt but he doesn’t really take it to heart. He knew that she’s just sensitive, especially when Norman’s mental status is being talked about. And she’s been on the edge as to what she had told him because Norman’s been wanting her to divorce him too. So Alex kept his cool and still tried to talk things out softly. 

“It’s not that. I’m just concerned about your well being, Norma.” Alex said as he tried to take her hand but she shrugged his hands off. That hurts more than the words she spit out. 

“Concerned? He hasn’t even done anything since he went home, Alex. Why do you keep on antagonizing him? You even brought Dylan into this matter.” Norma said, thrashing her hands around to prove her point to him. And he sighed knowing that this conversation will just go round and round.

“Norma, of course I am concerned because when it comes to Norman, you can’t see things clearly.” His voice started to rise in volume but it was still not loud enough to scare her and show that he’s already getting frustrated too. When he remembered that one of them was supposed to keep his cool while in the middle of a heated conversation, he softened his voice and continued.

“You have to listen, you need to bring him back to Pineview because he’s not well ye–” 

Norma closed her eyes, scrunched her nose and turned her head side by side like Alex’s voice was too loud for her.

“Alex… Alex…” She cut him back. 

“I can see what you’re doing here. You don’t like Norman I know that and you don’t have to like him either.”

“It’s not like tha–”

“But you see, Norman is my son. I decide when he can get home because that house is his home. Besides he already promised that he’ll still be seeing doctor Edwards thrice every week.” She paused and surprisingly her voice softened on the second half of her statement as if she’s convincing herself too with this whole situation.

“Norma, you know that being an outpatient for someone like Norman is not a good option right?” Alex interrupted and that statement angered Norma more. Although Alex is right, she can’t help but to fume because why can’t he just support her with this kind of decision? 

Well, it’s always been me and Norman so it’s always me who’s going to understand him better and no one else will. Besides, what’s wrong with him being an outpatient? There’s nothing wrong with being an outpatient. She tried to reason out in her mind

“You just became my husband and now you think you can already decide what’s good or bad for my son? But let me tell you, Alex, you’re wrong. You know what? I think that you’re an incredibly arrogant man who thinks he already knows what’s best for me after he married me.”

“Norma–”

“We were in a bubble. We were happy and everything felt real and perfect Alex. But when a little reality crept in, that was it for you. Baam! so much for the stupid bubble.” Norma scoffed and Alex sighed, feeling incredulous by the words that’s coming out of her mouth. Despite that, he still stayed calm and rational. 

“Fine. You can spin it however you want Norma, it doesn’t make the truth anyway. And you clearly can’t see what kind of situation this is.”

“Of course I can. He’s my son, I know him. He’s not dangerous like what you think he is.” Norma paused before continuing. She said with too much conviction that she can’t even believe what she’s saying at this point of time. But you all know that a fuming Norma is an unstoppable Norma, so she continued even though her heart is already crashing in a million pieces from this fight.

She can’t also understand herself as to why she’s doing this in the very first place. She doesn’t want to let go of Alex and there's no way that she's gonna divorce him. She wanted him to protect her from her own son too, but why can’t she just be rational with what’s happening right now? Because she always gets back to the past where the men in his life do not really want to fight for her, to protect her. And now that Alex is giving her that kind of attention, she’s getting overwhelmed and him not trying to get along with Norman is making her heart ache. But she still continued anyway. Let everything fall down, I started this, and now I should be able to handle the consequences of this shit. But please, help me Alex. This is the only way I know to ask for help, so please listen to my plea, and I’m very sorry.

 “You don’t get to play God when it comes to Norman Alex, and being my husband doesn’t grant you that privilege.” You always have that privilege because you’re my husband, and I’m wrong. 

“Norma.” Alex sighed, this whole conversation is getting out of hand.

“No. You crossed a line and you’re never crossing back.” Norma said before gathering her things and storming out of his office.

“You left me no choice.” Alex said, exhaustion immediately dragging him down. The moment she stepped into his office, he knew where this was all going down the drain, and he doesn’t like that idea.

“And you left me none.” She said with finality before going out of his office, slamming the door but before she went out of the station, tears started streaming down her face and she went to the loo to cry her heart out. She can’t bear the pain right now and all she wanted was for him to hug her tightly and whisper in her ear that everything’s going to be alright. 

“I’ll never let you go, Norma.” He muttered after she slammed the door shut. Alex might be hurting at this moment, but her words won’t stop him in protecting her. She can’t protect herself from her own son, well, he’ll be the one who’s going to shield her from harm.

Alex had already decided to cut his shift short today to go to the motel and make amends with Norma. They already promised each other that they would not sleep mad at each other and despite this problem being so big, he’s determined to make amends and come to a common decision that will not end up sacrificing what they had already created.

Sometimes, you just need to find the common ground to fix things up. You just need to try and work it out.

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It’s already 10 minutes past 8 and Alex decided to go home by 8:30, however, he somehow felt uneasy sitting with the last case he’s been working with in his office. He doesn’t know why but he didn’t wait for the clock to strike the time he intended to go home, Alex just grabbed his leather jacket and told Regina that he’s going home early tonight. 

On his way to the motel, the pit in his stomach doesn’t really go away, instead, it intensifies. So he drives past the speed limit to get to Norma as soon as he can. As soon as he parked beside Norma’s car at the driveway, he immediately checked the house. 

No lights. She must be sleeping already.

Alex ran like there’s no tomorrow and opened the door with the spare key Norma had given him. His heartbeat intensified when he heard something down the basement. A rat’s way too small for that kind of sound. Like something’s trying to open something that is made of metal. He heard it again, a faint scratching of two metal things. 

Did someone break in? He examined the parameters for trespassing. There’s no traces of intrusion though. Alex thought. On the front of the basement door, he withdrew his gun from its holster, opened the door and slowly walked down the stairs. The lights were off and as soon as he reached the last step, he saw a silhouette of a person trying to sneak up and hide.

Alex knows his way in the basement especially when he cleaned it with Norma to make way for her ornaments and hobbies. His great eyesight helped him spot things in dark places and his great senses and reflexes saved him just now from getting stabbed by a scissor at his carotid pulse.

As soon as the person swayed forward, Alex reacted instantly. His grip snapped into the man’s wrist locking down like an iron to prevent the culprit from stabbing him. In one fluid motion, Alex pivoted his body, twisting the man’s arm, pulling the intruder’s arm across his back, restraining the offender from any attacks. The sudden force Alex had lunged into him made the man’s body rotate sharply, his shoulders wrenched back staggering. 

When Alex pressed in closer and felt like the culprit was already bound by his brute strength, he grabbed the cuffs from his back and in one decisive move, he snapped them onto the man’s wrist and secured him against the pole in the middle of the basement. When Alex is already sure that the man can’t harm him any further, he moves to open the lights and the features of the attacker don't really shock him anymore. It’s none other than Norman. 

“Norman.” Alex said calmly.

“What are you doing sheriff? Uncuff me!” Norman shouted at Alex, his eyes getting dark and in the midst of the situation, Alex saw a glint of panic that crossed Norman’s eyes but he immediately masked it with pure rage. 

“Why don’t you tell me first what you are doing in the basement, sneaking around like a robber Norman.” Instead of answering his question, Norman chuckled darkly when he saw Alex staring down at him. 

For a moment, Norman’s stare, the sinister smile and dark eyes he had made his skin crawl. It’s the first time Alex had seen him like that. Before Norman could even answer, he heard like a fire crackling. And that’s when he saw the furnace burning up wildly that’s making the house warm. 

“Norma.” Alex whispered and hurried upstairs to wake Norma up.

As he took two steps at a time he wished that he’s not yet too late in waking Norma up. He called 911 on his way up to make sure there was immediate help coming their way in case things went haywire. When he was done calling a back up, Alex remembered what Norma told him before, that the furnace can’t be used this upcoming winter because of the leak it has. And the person who fixed it advised to have it replaced as soon as possible due to the possibility of carbon monoxide leaking which will endanger their lives if they inhaled it. 

When he reached the room, he immediately broke the window to let the fresh air come in and he tried to wake up Norma. He tapped her repeatedly, when he was about to lose hope, he saw her eyes flutter. “Hmm? What is it? Norman?” She rubbed her eyes and looked around her.

“Norma? Oh thank goodness baby, you’re good. Let’s get you out of here.” Alex whispered, he hurriedly removed his jacket and covered Norma with it. He carried her bridal style to his car to avoid further harm from the air inside the house. 

“Alex? What’s wrong? Why are you taking me to your car?” Norma asked with her groggy voice. If they’re on good terms, Alex would whisper sweet things to her as to how sexy her bedroom voice is and how it made his heart flutter at this point of time. However, they are still puzzled by the things happening around her. 

“I’ll explain later, baby okay? For now you have to stay here, the medics are coming to check on you. I have to get Norman.” Alex kissed her temple which lingered a little longer to make himself believe that she’s still there safe. “Thank goodness you’re okay.” Alex whispered before going back to the house.

Alex called Pineview on his way back to fetch Norman to have him admitted involuntarily. After tonight, he doesn’t want to have Norman around Norma alone at the house, enough is enough. He needs to be treated seriously and continuously right now because he just threatened Norma’s life tonight. Had he arrived late, there will be no time to save Norma from the demise that she doesn’t deserve at all. Alex immediately got Norman and as soon as they reached the front porch, the back up and medics he called earlier arrived at their driveway as well. One of his deputies went to him and he handed him Norman as he followed them back to where Norma was. 

“Don’t let him out of your sight and let the medics check on him. The staff from Pineview is coming anytime now to get him and have him back at the facility, so until they arrive, don’t let him out of your sight.” Alex said and they continued down the stairs. He gave commands to his deputies to check the vicinity before going to Norma who’s now getting checked by the paramedics. 

“Is she okay?” Alex’s soft voice echoed as soon as he arrived when Norma was getting her vitals checked by the paramedics. She can’t really look him in the eye. Earlier, when she asked the deputies of Alex what happened and why they’re there, they already told her what happened. “Sheriff Romero called 911 for a back up because your son was attempting to poison you using carbon monoxide from the furnace.” Norma was left speechless and she can’t believe what she just heard. 

The moment Norma hears about it, she can’t remove from her head the confrontation she and Alex had today at his office. She was actively shielding Norman and at the end of the day, Alex and Dylan were right. She knew they were right. They were always rational about things, especially about Norman having the need to stay at Pineview, but they can’t really blame her because Norman’s her son. All her life they were together protecting each other, and at this moment, she still wanted to believe that him being an outpatient of Pineview will still make a difference and her unconditional love will still help alongside his meds to make him heal faster. But boy was she wrong.

Time went by so fast, she couldn't really hear what the paramedics and Alex were talking about as they checked on her. And the only thing she heard was the end of their conversation.

“I would advise to have her checked further at the hospital Sheriff. We don’t really have the exact time as to how long she’s been inhaling carbon monoxide there, so she needs to be checked further and have the gas pushed out of her system just in case.” The paramedics who checked on Norma said before leaving the two of them alone.

“Okay I’ll bring her to the hospital right now. Thank you Lewis.” 

“Come, I’ll bring you to the hospital to get checked. We can’t risk anything at this point of time, Norma.” Alex said softly and guided her to his car and he drove to the hospital. Norman on the other hand was already with doctor Edwards, the case will be talked about as soon as Norma was already cleared by the doctor from the hospital. So they take Norman first back to Pineview to have him admitted again, this time involuntarily. 

They drove silently on their way at the hospital and Norma was fidgeting in her seat beside Alex. He wanted to hold her hand and tell her that he’s glad that she’s all fine and breathing, and since Alex could feel the discomfort of Norma beside him. Loving a person so much will make you change, and so Alex let his intrusive thoughts win and he talked to her. 

“I’m so glad that you’re safe, Norma.” He said softly as Alex reached for her hand, she didn’t flinch, but that just made all the waterworks break and she’s very sure that she heard his voice crack as he spoke her name. Norma's heart broke, and a lone tear escaped her eyes followed by another, then another until she’s sobbing silently beside him. 

Listening to her silent sobs made Alex’s heart break too, but he held her hand firmly not letting her go, he kissed her hands to at least try to soothe her. Knowing Norma, she didn’t reply though, afraid that if she spoke another word, she would break down even more. But she held his hand too, as if trying to ground and calm herself from the incident tonight. To make sure that she’s still alive and he’s really there beside her. Norma’s just thankful that Alex heard her plea, and he was able to save her. 

As soon as the doctor was able to confirm that she is safe and only needs to stay at the hospital to flush the carbon monoxide from her body by having an oxygen support connected to her, Alex felt relieved. Norma fell asleep and while Alex watched her all evening, holding her hand and silently thanking God for making Norma safe. 

Years had passed and after his mother died when he was only 10 and killed so many people as a sheriff who are considered a nuisance in his county, he stopped praying. He didn’t believe in God until today. Until he saved Norma from dying. That’s why as he prayed to always protect and heal Norma, he also prayed to heal their relationship. To help them cope and get together again. To have a mutual understanding of the things that they both can’t understand with each other. And thinking about tonight, he’s one lucky man, and so he prayed to have Norma stay by her side and heal her heart from the painful things that she had experienced in life. But if they are not really meant to be, Alex will wholeheartedly accept their fate and will let Norma go if that’s what's going to make her happy. 

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Two months later…

Time went by so fast. Norman’s case of being involuntarily admitted at Pineview was expedited due to the incident that happened two months ago. Norma was also back to her jolly self, managing the motel and of course the house that was again empty due to the absence of Norman. She misses him a lot, but she also can’t risk the fact that he tried to kill her that fateful night. Dr. Edwards does not allow visitors because he’s under intensive sessions and medication so Norma can’t really visit him even if she wanted to. And her relationship with Alex? She can say that they’re getting there. 

Norma just got back to the house as soon as the investigation was done and the furnace was fixed thanks to Alex’s help. Speaking of Alex, she lived at Alex’s house for a while to make sure that she’s safe and could recover quickly. They reconciled after that night however, they still talked about the elephant in the room. The curiosity of Alex as to why she’s not letting him in fully, and that conversation helped them in having a closure in their relationship. Communication that healed everything, that made them realize things and made them change their perspectives in life, especially Norma. 

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A week after Norma’s recovery several weeks ago

Norma had already been released from the hospital the day after the incident. And since the motel and the house is still under investigation, Alex had brought her to his house alongside with her several clothes which were not really used by her as she’s comfortable wearing Alex’s clothes. She enjoyed her resting time at Alex’s house however, she can’t really deny the fact that she’s still thinking about what doctor Edwards said about Norman’s condition. That he’ll be under intensive sessions and they’ll also change his medication as his prior meds are only giving him significant but not really that promising progress in the sessions. Visitation is also prohibited due to the incident that he had caused, hence, there will be changes in his therapy session as well. This broke Norma’s heart but this time, he already adhered as to what Alex and Dylan had said. To let Norman stay and be cured. Despite the pain she’s feeling, she also wanted to help Norman get better. 

When she went home, Alex had prepared a simple dinner for them. They ate and shared how their day went over a glass of wine. Conversations flowed non-stop like the usual dinner before the incident, they also washed dishes together. His touches lingered, and after Norma wiped her hands, Alex turned her to him. 

“I prepared a date night movie tonight. Why don’t you wait for me in the living room and I’ll go get something.” His forehead touches hers and she hooked her arms on his neck, basking at the moment they’re at. 

“Okay then.” Norma said softly, tip-toeing and giving Alex a peck on his lips. Alex on the other hand, snaked his hands on her waist and he deepened the kiss but remembering the plans for tonight, he cut it short and they giggled together just like teenagers on their first date. 

“I gotta get things ready. So you should wait for me there.” Alex pushed her towards the living room and spanked her ass as he went. 

“Hey! I’ll take my revenge for that later Sheriff.” Norma said before giggling to the couch.

Alex, being the sappy one in their relationship, had prepared a cozy pajama party and movie night for the two of them. He had prepared matching ugly Christmas sweaters for them to wear and they got cozied up with hot chocolate on the table in front of them. They watched the classic movie A Walk to Remember. A movie that Alex had told Norma he really enjoyed watching with his mother. The thing is that, whenever Alex wanted to share with her what he watched and loved doing with his mother before, it just makes her heart beat wildly. It’s so romantic and she hoped she could also share with him things that she loved when she was a kid. However, due to her rough childhood, she can’t really share memorable things with him, but she can just create better memories with him now. 

In the middle of the movie where Landon had been trying to find help to cure Jamie, Alex remembered the day when he and Norma had a terrible fight at the station. He looked at her and contemplated whether he should ask her about it or not. But despite the hesitation, he asked anyway.

“Baby.”

“Hmm?” Norma said, looking at Alex with tears in her eyes. She’s so immersed in watching the movie that she didn’t even know she’s already crying. 

“I have to ask you something, and if you don’t want to answer it it’s fine. But if you answer it, it would also help me understand you more.” Alex said quietly rubbing Norma’s shoulder to soothe her. Norma wiped her tears away and straightened her body ready to give answers to his questions. The moment she was discharged from the hospital, she already vowed to be open to Alex, to let him know everything. “Okay.” Norma said quietly, her voice a little hoarse and she completely forgot about the movie she’s watching and focused on what Alex’s about to ask. 

“Why are you so reluctant to let us protect you?” Norma froze and Alex felt it. Did he hurt her in any way? Was his question insensitive?

“Sorry, as I have said you don’t have to answer—”

“No, it’s fine. I had realized that I’ve been keeping myself from you and I’m also falling back to my usual coping mechanism whenever I feel inconvenienced and terrified of the situation. Besides I’m going to tell you this because I want you to understand why I am the way I am. ” Norma said as she looked at Alex with wistful eyes.

Alex wasn’t expecting Norma to be this honest tonight. He expected that she’ll push that kind of idea further so she won’t have the need to confront him and talk about the things that worries her and is not really convenient for her. But he also knows that Norma’s a strong woman and she might not like confrontations but if she decided to do it, she’ll do it anyway.

“Okay. And just so you know, it’s fine if you don’t feel comfortable anymore, you can stop anytime.” He rubbed her shoulders and she relaxed at his touch. 

“I push everyone out when I feel like things are getting way too convenient and easy for me because all my life, I’ve had this realization that despite caring for people, loving them unconditionally, protecting them, I still ended up knowing that those people are not truly afraid of losing me.” She paused and her memories in the past just came rolling in but continued anyway.

“No one pauses when I’m afraid, No one reconsiders my feelings every time a major decision is needed and it concerns me too. No one really chooses me and after the sun sets, I’m only and will always be everyone’s option— never the priority.” Alex’s heart broke at that. Who could have a heart to not prioritize someone they love? Thinking about it only makes his blood boil, but he keeps his mouth shut and lets her continue.

“Their lives continue like I didn’t exist. Like my presence is just something that’s not valuable enough to be remembered. And now, when they experience inconvenience when they’re with me, people would just simply decide to leave me as if the memories and moments we had together are nothing to them— just like those people who decided they wanted to be my friend but turns out they’re not really there for the friendship. They don’t check on me whether their absence in my life is fine with me, and then… and then… I’ll see them one day with someone new who replaced me— not like I care though.” She shrugged, but Alex saw the pain that just passed through her eyes and her voice shaking.

“Is that why you don’t have friends and it’s only you and Norman all along?” Alex interrupted and she nodded before continuing fidgeting with her fingers.

“ But you know, I think that maybe it’s my fault as well that I’m like this, or maybe it’s my childhood or my traumas. That’s why I yearn for the presence of someone whenever I feel like everything’s falling apart, but at the same time I’m also pushing them because at the end of the day, I already know. That no matter what happens, their kindness is just a facade and they’ll eventually leave me, alone, crying, broken, like a disposable thing that can be easily exchanged for something.” Norma paused and several tears had fallen from her ocean blue eyes. And she felt Alex hug her tighter, and it just comforts her, everything about him is just so comforting. It made her feel secure in every way and she’s very much thankful for him.

“That’s why I don’t beg for someone to stay, I detach myself as soon as I can before they could even hurt me further in the long run. That’s why…” She looked at him in the eye with voluptuous tears pooling in her eyes, blurring her vision. And she took a deep breath before she continued.

“That’s why even though I love you, I wanted to run because despite me knowing that I do matter to you, that you genuinely love me with all your heart, that you’re really afraid of losing me, that you’ll be devastated with my absence, I still chose to let go and hurt you because I’m too afraid of this reality, of our reality. I’m really sorry Alex.” This time, the tears that she’s been trying to hold had already slid freely on her face.

“It’s my fault. Everything’s my fault.” She whispered before looking away sobbing. Her shoulders shook and Alex just cradled her in his arms, his heart breaking in a million pieces. It wasn’t her fault. She just did it because that’s what she’s used to doing before. 

All the time that she’s telling her thoughts, he’s just there listening to her. This feeling’s new and it made her heart flutter but at the same time scared. Despite that, she didn’t run, instead, she leaned on him for strength and he supported her too. 

“You want my piece of mind?” Alex asked her a little later after her tears subsided, his hands still rubbing her shoulders calming her. Norma nodded slowly, still basking in his embrace. But things worried her still, what if he decided that she’s not really that worth it? What if he thinks she’s over reacting her whole life? She listened anyway.

“You’re not the problem Norma. All these years knowing you after you moved here in White Pine Bay and being your friend and a husband, I can say that you’re worth holding onto Norma.” 

“Really?” 

“Really. People in your past must’ve taken you for granted and made you feel like you don’t deserve things, but me? I need you. I can’t breathe without you beside me, I want to take care of you, I want to help you lift your burdens and make you feel the love that you so long deserve. So you don’t have to worry about trying to survive now, because you’re safe here with me. You deserve to rest, you don’t have to beg, but I would. So please, let me stay Norma. Don’t leave me.” Alex’s voice faltered as a lone tear escaped his eyes.

“Thank you. I love you.” She repeatedly gave him a peck on his lips before hugging him tight.

“I love you too.” He said with a voice so soft it could lull her to sleep.

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Those memories were etched in her mind and that night, they slept lighter and happier. 

Alex after that incident at the motel had decided to take their time in getting back together in their relationship. Hence, instead of asking Norma back in his life, they had agreed to take their time. Yes, they had literally slept in one bed, but they are consensual about it, they respected boundaries but from time to time, they do what normal couples do— making love. But right now, they have decided that they want to experience what they hadn’t done like dating. Yes, they might be old, but love doesn’t really hinder someone from acting what normal couples do when they’re in love, even doing the cheeziest thing and people would cringe from it. Right now, Alex who went home for lunch had asked her to have dinner with him downtown.

“Hey, you’re back early.” Norma said after placing the utensils beside the plates for their lunch. Norma had noticed Alex’s wide grin and couldn't help herself but to throw a curious gaze at him. 

“Had a great morning at work I see.” 

“Nope, it’s not about work.” Alex said with a smile on his face leaning into the kitchen counter top while watching Norma prepare their lunch today before continuing. “You know I’ve been waiting to bring you to this very good restaurant in town so all morning today, I’ve waited for a slot online to be open because they’re always full every day. And I’m so happy I’ve got a table reservation there. I’ve heard their sirloin steak and champagne are good as well as their tiramisu.” Alex said excitedly.

“Are you asking me to date the sheriff?” Norma smirked, getting the Turkey pot pie from the oven and placing it in the middle of the table and leaving the mittens at the counter top.

She felt Alex snake his arms around her slim waist and she leaned her head back at him. He peppered her kisses from her head, to her neck and spun her around and kissed her chastly on the lips before leaning back and bestowing her a shining smile. 

“If I say I am, would you go on a date with this grumpy old sheriff of yours Mrs. Romero?” Ever since she changed her last name to Romero, he’s been calling her either Mrs. Romero or Mrs. Sheriff, and she loved it very much. 

“How can I say no when you do that to me.” 

“Do what?” Alex was puzzled.
“Hypnotize me with your words… and your love.” Norma said softly and Alex smiled at her with pure adoration in his eyes before leaning in and kissing her passionately.

“I love you, I couldn’t ask for more.” Alex said as he leaned his forehead into her.

“I love you too Alex. So, so much.” Norma said, her eyes glittering with love and affection before closing their gap and hugging Alex tightly as if she’s afraid that she’ll lose him anytime. 

They basked in the moment together under the cold winds and warmer rays of the sun of that one afternoon enjoying life like how normal married couples should live. Ever since the incident, Alex never takes things for granted. He would bring her to a restaurant on a random Tuesday. Would buy her favorite peonies just because he saw one and he remembered her. And he would always make her feel loved every second of the day by giving her a “just because kiss” and an “I love you” every time he would see her enjoying decorating the house and the motel, just like what she had dreamed of.

Norma had opened herself to him every day that’s passing. She’s not afraid to be vulnerable with him beside her and would just simply share to him what happened to her day. Norma would sometimes surprise Alex with packed lunches on random Wednesdays and Fridays in which she would also go back home with a blush on her pretty face, a frazzled hair and shortness of breath. They simply became closer each and every day. There might be some misunderstandings sometimes, but they would eventually fix it anyway after talking about it. 

“Before, I was just dreaming about saying that “I just want to be happy” but now, I am able to proudly say that after all the years of me crying, finally, I was able to be happy and that’s with Alex beside me.”

~~~~ The End. ~~~~