Character Prompt Bingo for Castle

[catko]

...for a challenge at tv_universe, to pick a character from the show we chose--I chose Castle--and do writing or graphic fills. I chose writing this time, and am trying my hand at writing about Alexis. Posting the fills in a different order than on the card, made more sense that way.

Fandom: Castle
Rating: G, some mention of trauma
Notes: Featuring Alexis. Possible spoilers for Season 7.



Acrostic
All the good things the world could provide;
Life should be wonderful but still, though I’ve tried.
Everything shaky, I feel so afraid;
eXistence so fragile, my trust is betrayed.
Is it forever, can I survive?
Shouldn’t I be happy that we’re all alive?

Can’t seem to shake it, this deep fear of loss
Although I know I should show it who’s boss
Something keeps gripping, whenever Dad’s out
Though I know in my mind that he’ll soon be about
Let me be free of this pain in my chest
Emotions be gone! and give me some rest!

******
First person
Well, that’s not the best poem ever written; actually it could be the worst. More like something I would have done in middle school, but what the hell did I know about pain and fear back then?

I like how it goes from corny to Shakespearean, not to throw roses at it or anything.

Anyway, it was supposed to be therapeutic, but I can’t tell if it worked. It does make my feelings look kinda ridiculous, sitting there in doggerel. So maybe that does help.

I just know I can’t go on like this, being scared at every turn that Dad will disappear, or someone I love will die. Dr. Lopez says it’s a form of PTSD…hmmm. I’ve been scared to talk to Dad or Grams about this, don’t want them to feel worse. But maybe….Kate?

******
Pre-series
Alexis ran to the railing and looked out over the broad vista, where that sight of a lifetime, the Eiffel Tower, rose up in the sky.

She gazed in wonder until she felt a gloved hand on her head, then her mother, in a whoosh of fragrance, bent down and swept her up into her arms. Squeezing her with excitement, she trilled, “I KNOW, sweetie, isn’t it just magnificent? Ah, Paris, Paris, how I have missed you!” Swinging the little girl back down to her feet, she grasped her hand and waved toward a grand set of stairs. “And no place better to enjoy it than L’Hotel Paris, my darling! Just in time for dejeuner!”

******
Flashback
Alexis ran to the railing and looked out over the broad vista, where that sight of a lifetime, the Eiffel Tower, rose up in the sky.

She gazed in horror around her at the scarred rooftop and then down to the street. Grasping the railing, she opened her mouth to scream for help. But no sound emerged. She rubbed her throat and tried again. Still nothing. She strained and strained until her face got hot and her eyes filled with tears, but to no avail.

She felt a hand on her shoulder, and turned, flailing in panic—

“Alexis! Alexis!” Her grandmother’s face hove into view. “Darling, are you all right?” Alexis fell back against the cushions and looked around the apartment then back at her grandmother, who was gathering her into her arms and patting her back. “It was just a bad dream, sweetheart. It’s okay, you’re safe.”

*****
Free Space
There was a young woman named Castle
Who found that her life was quite fragile
   She’d experienced trauma
   And to limit the drama
Went to London which was sure to dazzle.

******
Day off
Alexis ran to the railing and looked out around her, where that sight of a lifetime, Piccadilly Circus, glowed and twinkled around her. She grinned with delight as she watched the big black cabs and red double-decker buses, honking little cars, and crowds of passers-by circle around her.

She threw her head back and feasted her eyes on the statue of Eros poised in the sky above her, reveling in his glorious pose. Coming back down to earth for a moment, she realized that, for the first time in months and months—since her father had gone missing—she felt truly happy, and free.

******
Epistolary
Dear Dad: Hope you and Grams are getting my postcards. London is glorious and the pictures don’t do it justice, but I tried to choose some of my most favorite places to send you.

I’m writing an actual letter, because what I want to say won’t quite fit on a postcard.

You were right. Yes, yes, stop gloating. It does feel fantastic to get away from New York and always worrying about whether you will make it home. Huh. Role reversal much?

Anyway, I know I was being irrational. By the time I get back, hopefully I’ll be over it. And just remember this the next time YOU don’t want ME doing something a little scary or different. “Love is letting go of fear.” Mom gave me that book when I was in middle school and you know, for once, she wasn’t wrong.

Adore you, be home soon. Love to Grams.

—Alexis

****
OTP
Alexis flung herself down on the chair and smiled across the dining table. Her father looked her up and down. “Well, well. Someone’s got something to say.” He gestured broadly, as Martha bustled over with a plate of cheese and crackers, which she set on the table and then sat down herself, looking expectant.

Alexis bounced in her chair and clasped her hands in front of her. “So. I do…I have an announcement! I’m….I’m in LOVE!”

Castle and Martha stared. “You…what?” “What on earth?” they chorused. “Back up, tell the whole story,” Castle instructed, sitting back in his chair with a concerned look.

“Oh I will,” Alexis beamed. “It’s simple. I. Am. In. Love. In love with….LONDON!” She jumped up with excitement and leaned across the table at the two stunned faces. “I want to go back. I want to live there. Finish my degree. I want to make it my home!” She spun around with joy, as her two family members looked at each other, stunned.

*****
Future
“And we’re here with renowned psychologist Dr. Alexis Castle; Dr. Castle—may I call you Alexis?—what brings you back to New York and the Red Carpet?”
“I’m here to celebrate my grandmother’s nomination, and I hope to see her take home an award!”
“Ah, yes, Martha Rodgers, up for a featured actress award for Applause, how very exciting. Now you, Alexis, recently hit the limelight with that very high-profile case in London, involving the Royal Family. Following in your famous father’s footsteps, are you, with an interest in crime?”
“No, actually, he is following me tonight—oh and there he is, back there. And anyway, it was really his wife, Detective Kate Beckett, that got me interested in solving crimes to begin with.”
“Of course, Chief Beckett, is she here tonight?”
“Nope, she’s home with the triplets, it’s too late a night for ten-year-olds.”
“Well, thank you for visiting with us, and pass along our best wishes to your grandmother tonight!”
“I certainly will. And — oh, Dad, Dad! Over here! — thanks, and good night.”