Amanda raised an eyebrow, amused. "Alexa," she began with a playful tone, "I've known you since the day you were born. There's no point in trying to hide things from me." She paused for dramatic effect before adding, "So what is it?"

Alexa sighed, resigned to facing the truth. "Fine," she said, looking her mother straight in the eye. "I was just...thinking about you and..."

Amanda blushed slightly as her eyes widened in surprise. "You were...thinking about me?" she asked, trying to sound casual but failing miserably. Alexa nodded shyly. "Well," Amanda said slowly, "I think it's time we had a talk." She took Alexa's hand and led her back to the kitchen where they could sit down together at the table. "There are some things I need to discuss with you, sweetheart..."