Alexa is the first pov character.
Her name was something else originally. I don't remember exactly, most of the characters had other names (Miles was supposed to be a Peter). However, I have a friend who told me to pick more interesting names or she would never read my books. Soooo, I went back to the drawing board and accumulated a list of interesting names.
Died black hair. Natural red hair. 5”6’. Blue eyes.
She is artistic. She’s had practice within art classes in school. She works hard to create realism within her painting of Rayleen.
She uses make up to cover her face in a mask, and to cover up her freckles. Hair dye helps to cover up her natural hair colour. She uses both to hide from herself.
Alexa cuts herself. Has for a while. The need to cut comes and goes depending on her situation; as an emotional escape. Her thighs are one of the key areas she cuts, because they are an area easily covered by most types of clothing.
*** Sidebar - Alexa’s actions are not something I wish for people to emulate. They are in the books because it is a very real reaction and behaviour to emotional distress. Some of my dearest people have cut themselves or do cut themselves.
If you do cut yourself, or think you want to, please talk to someone about it. Please get help.
There are other ways to help you deal with whatever you are going through. If you don’t think you can trust anyone, there are always hotlines you can contact. Check your local numbers for Kid’s Help Phone or Suicide Hotlines, or any such hotlines of the sort : many of which are toll free.
***
Alexa and Rayleen have been in the foster system for four years. Since the death of each of their parents in a plane crash. Alexa’s older sister, Kathleen, is Rayleen’s mom. They had no other family that could take them in.
In the beginning of the school year they moved in with June and her husband, and their foster kids. Alexa spends her time checking up with Rayleen there and with Darius.
Darius and Alexa started dating soon after she arrived. He was attracted to her, and pursued her. The attraction quickly became possessive and intense.
The relationship was toxic and abusive even before the revolution. The physical abuse began in the farm house after Miles came to rescue Alexa. Darius slapped her, and blamed her for it. He apologized (not really) for slapping her, then to make up for it he gives her Rayleen as a gift (one he threatens time and time again that he can take back).
Alexa goes back and forth between thinking that Darius is the bad guy, and professing her love for him. She thinks he can protect her and Rayleen; thinks that he can make her stronger so she can protect Rayleen better.
Alexa moves on, in a sense, to be with Daniel, because he shows her he cares for her. He’s a rebound/holding place while she is away from Darius. She does begin to love him as time goes on.
But of course, Darius is always lurking in the shadows to get her back in his clutches.
