Bannisters Wharf. Luke has just told Alexis that she is Natasha and then leaves her. Alexis sits down on the bench and shuts her eyes. She sits for a second and then yanks her cell phone out of her purse and dials a number. She wipes tears away from her eyes as it rings.

Ned: (over the phone) Hello.

Alexis pauses for a moment as she tries to speak.

Alexis: (begging, desperate) Don't hang up.

{Next Scene}

Alexis is sitting on the bench, her face in her hands, when Ned runs down the stairs and joins her on the bench.

Ned: I got her as fast as I could.

Alexis: (trying not to cry) Thank you.

Ned puts his arm around her.

Ned: (extremely concerned) Something happened?

Alexis nods, crying.

Ned: Can you tell me what it is?

Alexis shakes her head, signifying she can't.

Alexis: No. (she starts to sob)

Ned grabs her and pulls her to him. She sobs against his chest, as he holds her tightly, and gently rubs her back.

{Next Scene}

Alexis wipes away her tears and sits up, trying to regain control.

Alexis: I'm sorry. You must think I've lost my mind. (she wipes her face with her gloved hands) I think I have.

Ned: Did Stefan do something? Did he retaliate somehow?

Alexis: It's me. (she can't completely stop crying) It's..... I found out who I am.

Ned: (trying to make her smile) I hope that doesn't happen to me.

Alexis: (sobbing) And it could kill me.

Ned is concerned.

Alexis: (through her tears) And it's out of my hands.

Ned: I... you're not making any sense, Alexis.

Alexis wipes her eyes roughly.

Alexis: I know. I can't.

Ned: Well. I don't mind. I just think that you should be.... not making sense someplace warmer. You're shivering.

Alexis starts crying again.

Ned: Come on.

Alexis leans into his chest, sobbing again. He holds her for a moment and then stands, gathering her things for her and they leave.