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Sorry for the wait on this, but I've written about 4 more parts tonight already, so this one will be updated quite frequently over the next few weeks.
Part 11
“I’m so glad we’re all doing this. It’s been too long.” I hear Izzy say as I walk out of my bedroom.
In our living area, Maria and Gabby are sitting on our couch, with Isabel in an armchair.
“Do what?” I question, moving to sit on Isabel’s lap, which is the farthest seat from Gabby, who is rolling her eyes at my entrance. Izzy groans good-naturedly as I plop down on top of her, and I just stick my tongue out in her direction.
My question is ignored as Maria pipes up. “Yeah, now you can meet everyone, Gab.”
Ugh. She has given her an even shorter nickname now. Was that really necessary? I glare at Maria, and only Isabel notices. She chuckles.
You see, apparently I’m the only one who sees through the bitch’s facade. While Maria has embraced Gabby as a new member of the group, Isabel tolerates her, seeing as how they share a room. I know that she’d rather share with one of us, and at this stage in the game, I’m contemplating bringing up a switch so that Izzy is with me. Maria is a traitor, anyway.
“What’s happening tonight?” I try again, and Izzy answers me. Maria and Gabby are too busy gabbing about something or other.
“Everyone’s coming over. It’ll be our first movie night since we’ve all moved.”
Shit. That means...
“Yup. He’ll be here.” She answers my silent question. This is just... just great!
My mind immediately goes to work, attempting to think of some sort of excuse to get out of this gathering. I mean... I really don’t want to be in the same space as him. He just... drives me nuts lately!
“It won’t be the same without Tess.” I mumble, and Maria finally decides to speak.
She smiles in my direction, completely oblivious to the fact that I consider her to be socializing with the enemy. “Good thing Kyle picked her up this morning.”
My mood is lifted momentarily, to be followed by the realization of what this all means. There is no way that I can get out of movie night now that Tess is in town. I barely ever get to see her now that we’ve made the move and I won’t let Max stand in the way of visiting with one of dearest friends. I’ll stay, I decided finally, but I won’t say a damn word to Max.
Moments later, there is a loud knock on our front door. I jump up to get it, excited to see Tess. With a large smile, I swing the front door open.
Michael is standing before me, his arms full of pizza boxes. Pushing past me hurriedly and grunting a greeting, he juggles the boxes and 2 liters and makes his way toward the kitchen. I almost miss the person standing behind him, hands in his pockets, looking bored and distracted.
Max fucking Evans.
I won’t lie and say that he doesn’t look good, because he certainly does. I mean, really good. Surprisingly good, even. He must be doing pretty well without me. I suppress a growl.
He offers me a smile, that I can only describe as... cocky. I want to slap him across the face.
“Hi Liz.”
Clearly annoyed, I roll my eyes and step to the side, allowing him room to enter.
“Max.” I reply with a scowl, trying to look anywhere but at him. He steps inside, the grin still covering his face. Why is he so fucking happy? He doesn’t seem at all affected by my sour mood, which only causes my scowl to deepen. Is he really over me?
I mentally slap myself as I shut the door and make my way back into the living room. Why do I care how Max is? I shouldn’t! I mean... it is totally over between us. There is nothing left. Yet, when I see the scene unfold in front of me, the jealously that surges through my veins is like nothing I have ever experienced in my life.
Max and Gabby are being introduced. And Gabby is flirting shamelessly as Max sends her a handsome smile, one that shows his interest in her clearly. I feel like I’m going to be sick.
Before I can think another thought about the painful death I have planned for Gabby, I’m rushing into the bathroom and emptying my stomach into the toilet. I hear Gabby laughing in the living room, and Maria’s voice rising as she tells her a story. Good, nobody noticed my sudden exit.
“You okay?” He breathes, leaning over me to gather up my hair. God dammit!
“I’m... I’m fine, Max.” I return, my voice sounding far more vulnerable than I would have liked. I sit with my back resting against the bathtub as I grab a hand towel to wipe off my face. His eyes are shining with concern as he brushes some hair out of my eyes. It feels wildly inappropriate for this to be happening, but comforting at the same time. I feel guilty for finding comfort in him.
The moment is quickly interrupted as Isabel pushes Max out of the way, and he falls over with a groan. She ignores him as she gives me the once over.
“Babe, are you okay?” She questions, putting her cheek to my forehead to check for a fever.
“I’m fine now.” I assure her, and Max who is now standing. “It must have been something I ate.”
Something changes in his eyes and his head slightly leans forward, as if trying to study me. I know what he is thinking. And I must admit, I’m thinking the same thing.
Isabel stares at me a moment longer, but her concentration is broken as we hear the commotion outside. Tess must have arrived.
“LIZZIE? IZZY!? Where are my girls??” We hear, and a smile quickly covers my face at the sound of Tess’s voice. Max has left the bathroom already and Isabel gives me a hard look before helping me stand.
“We’ll talk later.” She informs me, and I nod my head as she exits the bathroom to let me freshen up.
TBC.. maybe tomorrow since this one was so short.
'Failure by Design': M/L & CC, AN 5/13 TEEN [WIP]
Moderators: Anniepoo98, ISLANDGIRL5, truelovepooh, Forum Moderators
Thanks for the feedback! Here is the next part, as promised. The song is "We Belong" = Pat Benatar
Part 12
I stand with my hand on the handle of the bathroom door for a moment before I decide to face to world. Hopefully, there will be minimal questions from the others. But, it’s not like I won’t be thinking about it the entire night. How could I let this happen? Hadn’t we been careful?
My grip on the knob has become painfully tight and I force myself to breathe deep, soothing breaths. I don’t know if that is it. It just might be stress. God knows that I’ve experienced plenty of it lately.
Yeah, that has to be it. There is no way that I am pregnant. It just isn’t possible. Once I get more comfortable with school and this new town, everything will be back to normal. I’m fine! I open the door wide and stride into the living room with confidence in my step. I’m perfectly fine!
Tess is sharing a warm hug with Max when she sees me, and her smile grows even wider if possible. I laugh and attempt to steady myself as she launches herself at me.
“Oh my god, Liz! You’ll never believe how much I’ve missed you.” She whispers into my ear and she hugs me tightly. I return the hug with as much strength as I can muster. It feels good to see her. “I don’t know how I’m going to survive in Roswell without you for much longer. All of those bitches back home are driving me nuts. You wouldn’t believe the shit Pam Troy is trying to pull this year...” She trails off as she notices Alex enter the room and squeals in delight as she runs to him. I chuckle and shake my head. Tess really needs to graduate already! It’s much better when she is around.
I notice Gabby trying hard to get an introduction to the new people in the room. She is practically following Tess around, and I’m not the only one who has noticed. After Tess has embraced Alex, she turns around to face Gabby with her hands on her hips.
“Can I help you?” She questions rudely. That’s my girl!
Gabby’s smile falters only slightly as she extends a shaky hand. “I’m Gabby. I’m Isabel, Maria, and Liz’s roommate. Good to meet you.”
Tess’s eyebrows are raised slightly at the friendly invitation. She does not like this girl and it is very clear as to why. She feels threatened.
I would too, if I were in Tess’ shoes right now. If my best friends had moved to a new city and left her behind, only to find a new girl to fit right into her place. I quickly move to Tess’s side and wrap her into a hug. She still hasn’t responded to Gabby’s introduction, and Gabby’s arms are now hanging limply at her sides. I whisper to her so that no one can hear me.
“Yeah, she is our roommate until you get your ass graduated and move up here with us. Then, this bitch gets the boot!” I reassure her. She laughs and returns my hug before searching out Kyle, still not responding to Gabby.
I almost feel bad for the brush off that Gabby has been given by Tess. Almost. And then I remember all of the bullshit this bitch has pulled and how she was eyeing my boyfriend. This shit just isn’t going to fly! I will not let her just waltz into....
Did I just refer to Max as my boyfriend? Sweet Jesus. I thought I had told myself that I wasn’t even going to talk to him tonight, and now I am about ready to punch the bitch who looks at him for more than 2 seconds. I need help!
I turn to walk away as Gabby grabs my arm and spins me back around to face her. When did this slut get so strong?
She is seething as she gets in my face and whispers angrily. “I don’t know what the hell you are saying to your little friends, Lizzie, but I will not have you turning everyone against me. I know that you are terribly jealous of the fact that everyone likes me better than you, but it’s just something you are going to have to learn to live with! Now, you’d better keep that big mouth of yours shut or you’ll be sorry, got it?”
Oh, hell no! She did not just get in my face and threaten me. This whore is going down.
“You’re delusional, Gabby.” I spit, trying to look as intimidating as possible. I will not hesitate to go totally ape-shit on this bitch.
Before I can say anything more, my brother is by my side. She releases my arm quickly and looks up at Alex with a friendly smile. He doesn’t even notice her.
“Get your ass over here. You’ll never believe what I found.”
Pushing Gabby out of the way, I follow him and plop down on the soft carpeting in front of the tv. Maria, Michael, Tess and Kyle are squished together on the couch, Isabel and Alex share the armchair as he messes with our remote in an attempt to get whatever video he has found to work, and Max is on the floor on the other side of the room. I haven’t heard a word out of him since the bathroom incident. He seems very interested with the carpeting.
I push some of my many text books out of the way in order to get myself in a comfortable position. I’m getting situated and leaning my back against the couch when I notice Gabby finding a seat... right next to Max. She smiles at him and he smiles back. They look cozy. I resist the urge to throw a book at them.
A triumphant smile covers Alex’s face as he cries, “Ah-hah!” We all turn our eyes to the tv and what we see causes us all to break out in uncontrollable laughter. All except for Gabby, who has no idea what is going on.
“This is the greatest fucking New Years Party that ever lived!” I hear myself cry out, stumbling across the screen with a beer in my hand. Ahh, good times. New Years of ‘05.
We are all in the Evans living room, as usual, and we have all had far too much to drink. The parentals were in Clovis for a party and weren’t going to be home until the following day. We had the place to ourselves and we were living it up.
The camera operator ventures into the kitchen where Isabel is doing shots by herself. She notices Alex, who is obviously operating the camera, and sends him a dopey, drunken grin. “I love you, pookie! I love you so much! Have a drink with me!” She is trying to grab hold of the camera and Alex attempts to leave the kitchen.
“That’s enough out of you, Izzy. And, I thought you weren’t going to call me pookie with everyone around!”
Isabel is laughing hysterically while trying to bury her head in Alex’s chest. Alex has turned bright red as he continues to laugh, obviously having forgot about the ‘pookie incident’.
Alex moves to the basement where Maria is fiddling with the big screen tv. Tess is passed out on top of the pool table on the far side of the basement. Kyle, Max, and Michael are on the couch opposite the tv and are arguing about their favorite flavors of kool-aid. The once friendly debate is getting slightly out of hand.
Kyle throws himself to his feet unsteadily and points his beer accusingly toward Max. “We cannot be friends, buddy, if you do not like Rock-O-Dile Red kool-aid!”
Max laughs and Michael is shaking his head. Kyle continues his rant.
“25 years of friendship wasted because you are a damn commie who hates Kool-aid! I can’t believe you, Evans. What the fuck do you think you are doing living in the United States of American!”
Max’s laughs grow louder, causing him to burp loudly. “Kyle, Rock-O-Dile Red is the lamest kool-aid flavor of all time. Kickin-Kiwi-Lime is a thousand times better!”
Clearly outraged, Kyle attempts to leave the room, but finds it hard to walk straight. He trips and lands on top of Maria, spilling his beer all over her.
“Kyle! Get your drunk ass off of me!” She cries, knocking him upside the head.
Capturing this all on film, Alex tries to narrate in-between giggles.
We are all dying by this point. We’ve had some hilariously amazing times together, that is for sure.
At this point, a drunken me comes stumbling down the stairs. Looking like I’ve seen a ghost, I get as close as possible to the camera and Alex, offering my advice.
“Stay away from Isabel.” I suggest, completely serious. “She is trying to get us all drunk!”
Unable to contain myself, I burst out laughing and fall on the couch next to Max. He slings an arm around my shoulder. Isabel practically falls down the stairs. “Where did everyone go? Let’s have a drink!” She exclaims, excited about her idea. We all groan and tell her to sit down. She obeys, but not before trying to grab the camera from Alex’s hands again.
Clearly embarrassed, Isabel shakes her head at her drunken self on the television. “I’m such a sloppy drunk.” She admits. We all agree and she she flips us off.
Michael begins to speak and the room goes silent, intent on listening to his insight. “I don’t know how I can stand to be in the presence of you pansies!” He declares, moving to leave. “Eerie Orange was the greatest Kool-aid Flavor ever made!”
Jumping up, afraid that he will leave, I grab his arm and escort him back to the couch. I grab Max’s beer as I get in front of everyone, including one frustrated Maria, who is whining about not being able to get the television to work so that we can watch the ball drop from Times Square.
I throw my head back in frustration against the couch. “This is going to be bad, isn’t it?”
Those who remember this part of the night offer me their reassurance. “It’s fucking hilarious!”
I sway before propping myself against a coffee table and regaining my balance. “You can’t leave, Michael. We belong together.”
Suddenly, without warning, I pull my brother up with me, pretend my beer bottle is a microphone, and I begin to belt out the lyrics that will haunt me forever.
“We belong, we belong to the light
Many times I’ve tried to tell you
Many times I’ve cried alone
Always I’m surprised how well you
Cut my feelings to the bone!”
Some are laughing and some are into my heartfelt ballad. Alex catches my drift and joins in, swaying as he sings.
“Don’t want to leave you really
I’ve invested too much time
To give you up that easy
To the doubts that complicate your mind!”
At the chorus, everyone is belting out the lyrics, except for Michael. He says that we are all being fucking idiots.
“We belong to the light, we belong to the thunder!
We belong to the sound of the words we’ve both fallen under!
Whatever we deny or embrace, for worse or for better,
We belong, We belong, We belong together!!”
“We are so out of control!” Max finally speaks up, and I smile at his drunken self who is latched on to my leg in the home video, trying to sing. He looks so cute.
Before we can continue to sing, Kyle pushes us all out of the way, looking surprisingly steady. With conviction, he orders us to shut up. We begin to protest, but he silences us with ease. “You don’t know nothing about Pat Benatar!” He informs us. He continues the song, solo.
“Maybe it's a sign of weakness
When I don't know what to say
Maybe I just wouldn't know
What to do with my strength anyway
Have we become a habit
Do we distort the facts
Now there's no looking forward
Now there's no turning back
When you say....”
“Oh my goodness, Kyle Valenti!” Tess laughs at her blushing boyfriend. “Who knew you had such a set of pipes!”
The camera has somehow gotten turned around and is now focused on Michael. Banging his head up and down, it is clear that he has gotten into our rendition of “We Belong”. He belts out the chorus along with the rest of us with conviction.
“We belong to the light, we belong to the thunder!
We belong to the sound of the words we’ve both fallen under!
Whatever we deny or embrace, for worse or for better,
We belong, We belong, We belong together!!”
After we applaud each other’s efforts, someone suggests that we turn in. Isabel has already made her way into the bathroom and is puking her brains out. Alex turns the camera off to go and assist her.
The screen goes fuzzy for a few seconds before the tape resumes.
Everyone appears to be asleep. Isabel, Kyle, and Maria are on the ‘’L shaped’ couch in the basement, Tess still on the pool table, Michael is tucked in cozily in Isabel’s bed. As Alex ventures into Max’s room, he finds us fast asleep, looking cozy together. He mutters something under his breath about his baby sister’s innocence before yawning and moving slowly toward the spare bedroom. Turning the camera around to face himself, he gives one of his famous grins and shrugs.
“Happy New Year, everybody. It’s 2005! I love you all!”
He stops the tape and our laughter has ceased. We are all grinning at each other. And my eyes are glued to Max’s. He looks at me, like he is expecting something. I shrug, unsure of what he wants. He lowers his eyes to the ground.
Michael breaks the silence. “Well, it’s true, you know.”
We all look equally confused. “Huh?”
“We belong together!” He sings out and we all laugh. Then, the moment is broken, by the only person who could have done it.
“Wow, Liz. How much weight have you gained since then?” Gabby looks at me, trying her hardest to look like she is asking an innocent question.
“Excuse me?”
She shrugs. “You just look a little heftier now.”
I tllt my head to the side and offer her an evil smile. “Whatever, Gabby. I really don’t care what you think about my weight.” If she is going to try and get under my skin, fat comments aren’t going to get the job done.
Tess can only laugh at the pathetic excuse of an insult, which has Gabby scowling in the corner. Everyone, besides Isabel, look confused.
We continue the night like any other, and as it winds down, Maria makes an announcement.
“Sorry, kiddos. But, we know that we can’t all fit in here tonight to sleep over.”
Everyone looks dissappointed, but I’m more than ready for bed. It was a very enjoyable night, but I’m exhausted.
Gabby pipes up. “Well, lets see here. We can put Isabel & Alex in her bed, Maria & Michael in yours, Kyle & Tess can have Liz’s bed, and Liz can take the couch.”
As I’m scowling in her direction for giving my bed away, Max speaks up. “What about me?”
Her grin grows wider. “I have plenty of room and I don’t mind sharing.” She bats her eyelashes at him. He smiles at her, maintaining his friendly demeanor, but declines her offer.
“No, that’s okay.”
She pouts. I grin.
“I’ll just take the floor out here. It’s no problem, really.”
Everyone agrees to the arrangements, minus Gabby. We all head for our designated beds.
Alex hugs me goodnight, but not before telling me something.
“I really don’t like that Gabby girl.”
I send him a crooked smile. “That makes three of us. We should form a club.”
“Sounds like a good idea to me. ‘Night Kuh-Liz.”
“Night Kuh-Alex.” I return.
Max has made a little bed for himself on the floor, not far from my couch. I plop down and I know that we’re going to have to talk. I guess that is the least I can do, talk to him.
But, he doesn’t say anything for a long time. I’m convinced that he is ignoring me as I doze off. But, right before sleep finds me, I hear him.
“I really miss you.”
I yawn, oddly feeling completely comfortable with the situation. “The feeling is mutual.” And then, I’m out like a light.
TBC... later this week.
Whadja think?
Part 12
I stand with my hand on the handle of the bathroom door for a moment before I decide to face to world. Hopefully, there will be minimal questions from the others. But, it’s not like I won’t be thinking about it the entire night. How could I let this happen? Hadn’t we been careful?
My grip on the knob has become painfully tight and I force myself to breathe deep, soothing breaths. I don’t know if that is it. It just might be stress. God knows that I’ve experienced plenty of it lately.
Yeah, that has to be it. There is no way that I am pregnant. It just isn’t possible. Once I get more comfortable with school and this new town, everything will be back to normal. I’m fine! I open the door wide and stride into the living room with confidence in my step. I’m perfectly fine!
Tess is sharing a warm hug with Max when she sees me, and her smile grows even wider if possible. I laugh and attempt to steady myself as she launches herself at me.
“Oh my god, Liz! You’ll never believe how much I’ve missed you.” She whispers into my ear and she hugs me tightly. I return the hug with as much strength as I can muster. It feels good to see her. “I don’t know how I’m going to survive in Roswell without you for much longer. All of those bitches back home are driving me nuts. You wouldn’t believe the shit Pam Troy is trying to pull this year...” She trails off as she notices Alex enter the room and squeals in delight as she runs to him. I chuckle and shake my head. Tess really needs to graduate already! It’s much better when she is around.
I notice Gabby trying hard to get an introduction to the new people in the room. She is practically following Tess around, and I’m not the only one who has noticed. After Tess has embraced Alex, she turns around to face Gabby with her hands on her hips.
“Can I help you?” She questions rudely. That’s my girl!
Gabby’s smile falters only slightly as she extends a shaky hand. “I’m Gabby. I’m Isabel, Maria, and Liz’s roommate. Good to meet you.”
Tess’s eyebrows are raised slightly at the friendly invitation. She does not like this girl and it is very clear as to why. She feels threatened.
I would too, if I were in Tess’ shoes right now. If my best friends had moved to a new city and left her behind, only to find a new girl to fit right into her place. I quickly move to Tess’s side and wrap her into a hug. She still hasn’t responded to Gabby’s introduction, and Gabby’s arms are now hanging limply at her sides. I whisper to her so that no one can hear me.
“Yeah, she is our roommate until you get your ass graduated and move up here with us. Then, this bitch gets the boot!” I reassure her. She laughs and returns my hug before searching out Kyle, still not responding to Gabby.
I almost feel bad for the brush off that Gabby has been given by Tess. Almost. And then I remember all of the bullshit this bitch has pulled and how she was eyeing my boyfriend. This shit just isn’t going to fly! I will not let her just waltz into....
Did I just refer to Max as my boyfriend? Sweet Jesus. I thought I had told myself that I wasn’t even going to talk to him tonight, and now I am about ready to punch the bitch who looks at him for more than 2 seconds. I need help!
I turn to walk away as Gabby grabs my arm and spins me back around to face her. When did this slut get so strong?
She is seething as she gets in my face and whispers angrily. “I don’t know what the hell you are saying to your little friends, Lizzie, but I will not have you turning everyone against me. I know that you are terribly jealous of the fact that everyone likes me better than you, but it’s just something you are going to have to learn to live with! Now, you’d better keep that big mouth of yours shut or you’ll be sorry, got it?”
Oh, hell no! She did not just get in my face and threaten me. This whore is going down.
“You’re delusional, Gabby.” I spit, trying to look as intimidating as possible. I will not hesitate to go totally ape-shit on this bitch.
Before I can say anything more, my brother is by my side. She releases my arm quickly and looks up at Alex with a friendly smile. He doesn’t even notice her.
“Get your ass over here. You’ll never believe what I found.”
Pushing Gabby out of the way, I follow him and plop down on the soft carpeting in front of the tv. Maria, Michael, Tess and Kyle are squished together on the couch, Isabel and Alex share the armchair as he messes with our remote in an attempt to get whatever video he has found to work, and Max is on the floor on the other side of the room. I haven’t heard a word out of him since the bathroom incident. He seems very interested with the carpeting.
I push some of my many text books out of the way in order to get myself in a comfortable position. I’m getting situated and leaning my back against the couch when I notice Gabby finding a seat... right next to Max. She smiles at him and he smiles back. They look cozy. I resist the urge to throw a book at them.
A triumphant smile covers Alex’s face as he cries, “Ah-hah!” We all turn our eyes to the tv and what we see causes us all to break out in uncontrollable laughter. All except for Gabby, who has no idea what is going on.
“This is the greatest fucking New Years Party that ever lived!” I hear myself cry out, stumbling across the screen with a beer in my hand. Ahh, good times. New Years of ‘05.
We are all in the Evans living room, as usual, and we have all had far too much to drink. The parentals were in Clovis for a party and weren’t going to be home until the following day. We had the place to ourselves and we were living it up.
The camera operator ventures into the kitchen where Isabel is doing shots by herself. She notices Alex, who is obviously operating the camera, and sends him a dopey, drunken grin. “I love you, pookie! I love you so much! Have a drink with me!” She is trying to grab hold of the camera and Alex attempts to leave the kitchen.
“That’s enough out of you, Izzy. And, I thought you weren’t going to call me pookie with everyone around!”
Isabel is laughing hysterically while trying to bury her head in Alex’s chest. Alex has turned bright red as he continues to laugh, obviously having forgot about the ‘pookie incident’.
Alex moves to the basement where Maria is fiddling with the big screen tv. Tess is passed out on top of the pool table on the far side of the basement. Kyle, Max, and Michael are on the couch opposite the tv and are arguing about their favorite flavors of kool-aid. The once friendly debate is getting slightly out of hand.
Kyle throws himself to his feet unsteadily and points his beer accusingly toward Max. “We cannot be friends, buddy, if you do not like Rock-O-Dile Red kool-aid!”
Max laughs and Michael is shaking his head. Kyle continues his rant.
“25 years of friendship wasted because you are a damn commie who hates Kool-aid! I can’t believe you, Evans. What the fuck do you think you are doing living in the United States of American!”
Max’s laughs grow louder, causing him to burp loudly. “Kyle, Rock-O-Dile Red is the lamest kool-aid flavor of all time. Kickin-Kiwi-Lime is a thousand times better!”
Clearly outraged, Kyle attempts to leave the room, but finds it hard to walk straight. He trips and lands on top of Maria, spilling his beer all over her.
“Kyle! Get your drunk ass off of me!” She cries, knocking him upside the head.
Capturing this all on film, Alex tries to narrate in-between giggles.
We are all dying by this point. We’ve had some hilariously amazing times together, that is for sure.
At this point, a drunken me comes stumbling down the stairs. Looking like I’ve seen a ghost, I get as close as possible to the camera and Alex, offering my advice.
“Stay away from Isabel.” I suggest, completely serious. “She is trying to get us all drunk!”
Unable to contain myself, I burst out laughing and fall on the couch next to Max. He slings an arm around my shoulder. Isabel practically falls down the stairs. “Where did everyone go? Let’s have a drink!” She exclaims, excited about her idea. We all groan and tell her to sit down. She obeys, but not before trying to grab the camera from Alex’s hands again.
Clearly embarrassed, Isabel shakes her head at her drunken self on the television. “I’m such a sloppy drunk.” She admits. We all agree and she she flips us off.
Michael begins to speak and the room goes silent, intent on listening to his insight. “I don’t know how I can stand to be in the presence of you pansies!” He declares, moving to leave. “Eerie Orange was the greatest Kool-aid Flavor ever made!”
Jumping up, afraid that he will leave, I grab his arm and escort him back to the couch. I grab Max’s beer as I get in front of everyone, including one frustrated Maria, who is whining about not being able to get the television to work so that we can watch the ball drop from Times Square.
I throw my head back in frustration against the couch. “This is going to be bad, isn’t it?”
Those who remember this part of the night offer me their reassurance. “It’s fucking hilarious!”
I sway before propping myself against a coffee table and regaining my balance. “You can’t leave, Michael. We belong together.”
Suddenly, without warning, I pull my brother up with me, pretend my beer bottle is a microphone, and I begin to belt out the lyrics that will haunt me forever.
“We belong, we belong to the light
Many times I’ve tried to tell you
Many times I’ve cried alone
Always I’m surprised how well you
Cut my feelings to the bone!”
Some are laughing and some are into my heartfelt ballad. Alex catches my drift and joins in, swaying as he sings.
“Don’t want to leave you really
I’ve invested too much time
To give you up that easy
To the doubts that complicate your mind!”
At the chorus, everyone is belting out the lyrics, except for Michael. He says that we are all being fucking idiots.
“We belong to the light, we belong to the thunder!
We belong to the sound of the words we’ve both fallen under!
Whatever we deny or embrace, for worse or for better,
We belong, We belong, We belong together!!”
“We are so out of control!” Max finally speaks up, and I smile at his drunken self who is latched on to my leg in the home video, trying to sing. He looks so cute.
Before we can continue to sing, Kyle pushes us all out of the way, looking surprisingly steady. With conviction, he orders us to shut up. We begin to protest, but he silences us with ease. “You don’t know nothing about Pat Benatar!” He informs us. He continues the song, solo.
“Maybe it's a sign of weakness
When I don't know what to say
Maybe I just wouldn't know
What to do with my strength anyway
Have we become a habit
Do we distort the facts
Now there's no looking forward
Now there's no turning back
When you say....”
“Oh my goodness, Kyle Valenti!” Tess laughs at her blushing boyfriend. “Who knew you had such a set of pipes!”
The camera has somehow gotten turned around and is now focused on Michael. Banging his head up and down, it is clear that he has gotten into our rendition of “We Belong”. He belts out the chorus along with the rest of us with conviction.
“We belong to the light, we belong to the thunder!
We belong to the sound of the words we’ve both fallen under!
Whatever we deny or embrace, for worse or for better,
We belong, We belong, We belong together!!”
After we applaud each other’s efforts, someone suggests that we turn in. Isabel has already made her way into the bathroom and is puking her brains out. Alex turns the camera off to go and assist her.
The screen goes fuzzy for a few seconds before the tape resumes.
Everyone appears to be asleep. Isabel, Kyle, and Maria are on the ‘’L shaped’ couch in the basement, Tess still on the pool table, Michael is tucked in cozily in Isabel’s bed. As Alex ventures into Max’s room, he finds us fast asleep, looking cozy together. He mutters something under his breath about his baby sister’s innocence before yawning and moving slowly toward the spare bedroom. Turning the camera around to face himself, he gives one of his famous grins and shrugs.
“Happy New Year, everybody. It’s 2005! I love you all!”
He stops the tape and our laughter has ceased. We are all grinning at each other. And my eyes are glued to Max’s. He looks at me, like he is expecting something. I shrug, unsure of what he wants. He lowers his eyes to the ground.
Michael breaks the silence. “Well, it’s true, you know.”
We all look equally confused. “Huh?”
“We belong together!” He sings out and we all laugh. Then, the moment is broken, by the only person who could have done it.
“Wow, Liz. How much weight have you gained since then?” Gabby looks at me, trying her hardest to look like she is asking an innocent question.
“Excuse me?”
She shrugs. “You just look a little heftier now.”
I tllt my head to the side and offer her an evil smile. “Whatever, Gabby. I really don’t care what you think about my weight.” If she is going to try and get under my skin, fat comments aren’t going to get the job done.
Tess can only laugh at the pathetic excuse of an insult, which has Gabby scowling in the corner. Everyone, besides Isabel, look confused.
We continue the night like any other, and as it winds down, Maria makes an announcement.
“Sorry, kiddos. But, we know that we can’t all fit in here tonight to sleep over.”
Everyone looks dissappointed, but I’m more than ready for bed. It was a very enjoyable night, but I’m exhausted.
Gabby pipes up. “Well, lets see here. We can put Isabel & Alex in her bed, Maria & Michael in yours, Kyle & Tess can have Liz’s bed, and Liz can take the couch.”
As I’m scowling in her direction for giving my bed away, Max speaks up. “What about me?”
Her grin grows wider. “I have plenty of room and I don’t mind sharing.” She bats her eyelashes at him. He smiles at her, maintaining his friendly demeanor, but declines her offer.
“No, that’s okay.”
She pouts. I grin.
“I’ll just take the floor out here. It’s no problem, really.”
Everyone agrees to the arrangements, minus Gabby. We all head for our designated beds.
Alex hugs me goodnight, but not before telling me something.
“I really don’t like that Gabby girl.”
I send him a crooked smile. “That makes three of us. We should form a club.”
“Sounds like a good idea to me. ‘Night Kuh-Liz.”
“Night Kuh-Alex.” I return.
Max has made a little bed for himself on the floor, not far from my couch. I plop down and I know that we’re going to have to talk. I guess that is the least I can do, talk to him.
But, he doesn’t say anything for a long time. I’m convinced that he is ignoring me as I doze off. But, right before sleep finds me, I hear him.
“I really miss you.”
I yawn, oddly feeling completely comfortable with the situation. “The feeling is mutual.” And then, I’m out like a light.
TBC... later this week.
Whadja think?
Thanks for all of the wonderful feedback, everyone!
Only a few more parts until this finished. I'm considering a sequel, but not for a few months or so.
Part 13
I sleep surprisingly well, considering I slept on the couch.
That is, until Gabby decided to introduce her pillow to my face.
“Wake up!”
I manage to grunt in response and roll over.
And she hits me again.
And I just... snap.
Throwing the blankets off of my body, I leap up from the couch. She jumps back in surprise.
“You listen here, missy.” I spit, getting as close to her face as possible. “I’m not exactly sure how you got the impression that you have the right to boss me around and try to steal my friends, but let’s get some things straight, shall we?”
Her eyes narrow as I continue.
“You are really pathetic, you know that? Everyone can see it! And if you want to spare yourself the embarrassment of getting your ass laid out right here, right now by someone who is close to 6 inches shorter than you are, I suggest that you take a step back and rearrange that attitude problem you seem to be having. Got me?”
She gulps. I turn away, heading for the bathroom to cool off.
I’m closing the door to the bathroom when I hear him.
Peaking my head out of the door, I glance back into the living room and roll my eyes at what I see.
Max is laying on the floor, laughing hysterically as he rolls around, not even trying to get himself under control.
Gabby is near tears as she runs back into her room.
Everyone else, minus Kyle and Tess, are standing in our small kitchen, looking completely stunned. Maria looks slightly pissed. Isabel looks pleased.
Max is snorting now, practically crying with laughter. Just great... I’m glad that he finds this situation amusing
“Shows over.” I inform them as I shut the door and proceed to start the shower. Stripping down and grabbing a towel out of the closet, I quickly hop into my steaming shower. I release a breath I didn’t realize I had been holding as the soothing water sprays across my shoulders.
I don’t hear the door open.
With my eyes shut, I reach toward the edge of the tub, blindly feeling around for my shampoo. Someone hands it to me.
“Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.”
I notice the bottle is nearly empty and I groan in frustration. I hate it when people use my shit without asking. I mean, come on. Have some decency and at least ask someone bef....
Wait a second...
I hear the toilet seat go up and the sound of.... oh my god!
“MAXWELL EVANS!”
He sounds startled. “What?!”
“Why in god’s name are you in here? I’m showering, for christ’s sake!”
He snorts in response. “That has never stopped me before. Besides, I really had to pee.”
I shake my head. I can’t even get privacy when I’m in the damn shower around here!
After a moment, I respond. “I guess you did.”
He chuckles as he continues to relieve himself. “I really, really had to go.”
Accepting the fact that I’m not alone in the bathroom, I continue my shower, remaining silent.
He makes an attempt at small talk.
“So, how are your classes.”
I hesitate. “Don’t you think it is kinda weird that the first time we’ve talked in weeks is while I’m naked and you’re peeing?”
He busts out laughing. I can’t help but the chuckle, too. “I guess you’re right, it is kinda strange.”
But, the moment quickly turns serious.
“So... since I have you cornered,” He begins, “I just want you to know something.”
I gulp. I really, really don’t want to hear this.
“Max..” He interrupts me.
He is forceful in his response. “Just... listen. Let me get this out.” He continues. “I wanted you to know... that I’m so sorry about everything that has transpired between us since... the incident. I really didn’t handle the situation well, and looking back, I was a really big ass. I should have been there for you when you needed me, but I was too wrapped up in worrying about my mother to think about what anyone else was going through. I was selfish, and my behavior was wrong.”
I’m crying now. Huge, noisy sobs. Ugh, I’m so pathetic.
I know he can hear me, and he forges on, sounding even more vulnerable.
“I’m so sorry about your mother, Liz. I’m so sorry about everything that has happened, and that I wasn’t there for you when you needed me.” His voice cracks, and I can hear the tears in his voice as he struggles to continue. “I’ve been so miserable without you. So lonely, and guilty for how I’ve treated you.”
My cries grow louder as I slide down into the tub. The memories of the gut wrenching past come flooding back and I can’t help but to break down.
Not only because of my mother, but because of Max.
Because no matter what, I’m in love with him. Hopelessly.
And he loves me, too.
And we miss each other.
The shower curtain is pulled back hesitantly and he wraps me in a hug before I can object. The water sprays on us.
I hold onto him for dear life.
He crawls into the tub with me. He doesn’t let me go. We’re both crying.
For the time we’ve wasted. The shit we’ve put each other through. The friendship we destroyed in the process.
I barely notice that I’m completely naked and his clothes are soaking wet as he clings to me. I’m too wrapped up in how good he feels against me, and all of the little things that I hadn’t realized that I’d missed about him.
We stay there for a while, until there is a loud knock on the door.
“The rest of us need showers, too!” Michael calls.
I’m brought back to reality.
Pushing him away, I look everywhere but him. He stares at his feet, avoiding looking at my nakedness.
“I’ll let you shower.” I mumble as I practically run for the door, wrapping myself in a towel. He nods.
Grabbing my clothes, I bolt out of the bathroom and into my empty bedroom before anyone sees me. Falling back against my door, my heart beating fast and breathing hard, my eyes go wide.
What just happened?
Only a few more parts until this finished. I'm considering a sequel, but not for a few months or so.
Part 13
I sleep surprisingly well, considering I slept on the couch.
That is, until Gabby decided to introduce her pillow to my face.
“Wake up!”
I manage to grunt in response and roll over.
And she hits me again.
And I just... snap.
Throwing the blankets off of my body, I leap up from the couch. She jumps back in surprise.
“You listen here, missy.” I spit, getting as close to her face as possible. “I’m not exactly sure how you got the impression that you have the right to boss me around and try to steal my friends, but let’s get some things straight, shall we?”
Her eyes narrow as I continue.
“You are really pathetic, you know that? Everyone can see it! And if you want to spare yourself the embarrassment of getting your ass laid out right here, right now by someone who is close to 6 inches shorter than you are, I suggest that you take a step back and rearrange that attitude problem you seem to be having. Got me?”
She gulps. I turn away, heading for the bathroom to cool off.
I’m closing the door to the bathroom when I hear him.
Peaking my head out of the door, I glance back into the living room and roll my eyes at what I see.
Max is laying on the floor, laughing hysterically as he rolls around, not even trying to get himself under control.
Gabby is near tears as she runs back into her room.
Everyone else, minus Kyle and Tess, are standing in our small kitchen, looking completely stunned. Maria looks slightly pissed. Isabel looks pleased.
Max is snorting now, practically crying with laughter. Just great... I’m glad that he finds this situation amusing
“Shows over.” I inform them as I shut the door and proceed to start the shower. Stripping down and grabbing a towel out of the closet, I quickly hop into my steaming shower. I release a breath I didn’t realize I had been holding as the soothing water sprays across my shoulders.
I don’t hear the door open.
With my eyes shut, I reach toward the edge of the tub, blindly feeling around for my shampoo. Someone hands it to me.
“Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.”
I notice the bottle is nearly empty and I groan in frustration. I hate it when people use my shit without asking. I mean, come on. Have some decency and at least ask someone bef....
Wait a second...
I hear the toilet seat go up and the sound of.... oh my god!
“MAXWELL EVANS!”
He sounds startled. “What?!”
“Why in god’s name are you in here? I’m showering, for christ’s sake!”
He snorts in response. “That has never stopped me before. Besides, I really had to pee.”
I shake my head. I can’t even get privacy when I’m in the damn shower around here!
After a moment, I respond. “I guess you did.”
He chuckles as he continues to relieve himself. “I really, really had to go.”
Accepting the fact that I’m not alone in the bathroom, I continue my shower, remaining silent.
He makes an attempt at small talk.
“So, how are your classes.”
I hesitate. “Don’t you think it is kinda weird that the first time we’ve talked in weeks is while I’m naked and you’re peeing?”
He busts out laughing. I can’t help but the chuckle, too. “I guess you’re right, it is kinda strange.”
But, the moment quickly turns serious.
“So... since I have you cornered,” He begins, “I just want you to know something.”
I gulp. I really, really don’t want to hear this.
“Max..” He interrupts me.
He is forceful in his response. “Just... listen. Let me get this out.” He continues. “I wanted you to know... that I’m so sorry about everything that has transpired between us since... the incident. I really didn’t handle the situation well, and looking back, I was a really big ass. I should have been there for you when you needed me, but I was too wrapped up in worrying about my mother to think about what anyone else was going through. I was selfish, and my behavior was wrong.”
I’m crying now. Huge, noisy sobs. Ugh, I’m so pathetic.
I know he can hear me, and he forges on, sounding even more vulnerable.
“I’m so sorry about your mother, Liz. I’m so sorry about everything that has happened, and that I wasn’t there for you when you needed me.” His voice cracks, and I can hear the tears in his voice as he struggles to continue. “I’ve been so miserable without you. So lonely, and guilty for how I’ve treated you.”
My cries grow louder as I slide down into the tub. The memories of the gut wrenching past come flooding back and I can’t help but to break down.
Not only because of my mother, but because of Max.
Because no matter what, I’m in love with him. Hopelessly.
And he loves me, too.
And we miss each other.
The shower curtain is pulled back hesitantly and he wraps me in a hug before I can object. The water sprays on us.
I hold onto him for dear life.
He crawls into the tub with me. He doesn’t let me go. We’re both crying.
For the time we’ve wasted. The shit we’ve put each other through. The friendship we destroyed in the process.
I barely notice that I’m completely naked and his clothes are soaking wet as he clings to me. I’m too wrapped up in how good he feels against me, and all of the little things that I hadn’t realized that I’d missed about him.
We stay there for a while, until there is a loud knock on the door.
“The rest of us need showers, too!” Michael calls.
I’m brought back to reality.
Pushing him away, I look everywhere but him. He stares at his feet, avoiding looking at my nakedness.
“I’ll let you shower.” I mumble as I practically run for the door, wrapping myself in a towel. He nods.
Grabbing my clothes, I bolt out of the bathroom and into my empty bedroom before anyone sees me. Falling back against my door, my heart beating fast and breathing hard, my eyes go wide.
What just happened?
...*waves*
Hi.
I am unbelievably sorry for how long this has taken me. I haven't decided if this is going to end soon with a sequel or just be longer. But, I promise that it will be finished by June 6th (my graduation). That's my big goal!
Part 14
Everyone is on their way out, and Gabby in no where to be found. I say my goodbyes and fall into bed, suddenly exhausted.
I curl into my favorite blanket, shoving my head in between two of my pillows, and I try to drift off, keeping my mind blank of all of the things that have been happening. It was working pretty well.
Suddenly, my blanket is ripped off of my body and my pillow is soon to follow. Isabel stands above me, and I stare at her for a second before she shoves me over, and lays down next to me.
Okkay? Not exactly what I was expecting.
She remains silent for a while, staring at the ceiling, deep in thought. I take this as permission to drift off again.
Her words cut through the silence and any thoughts of sleep go flying out of my mind.
“Are you... pregnant?”
I can’t find words to respond, but I begin to shake. Am I? I find myself becoming worried about it again, and about what this might mean.
I finally manage to croak out an answer. “I don’t know, Iz.”
I don’t realize that I’m crying until my tears reach the pillow. Isabel is quick to wrap her arms around me and comfort me while I let it all out, for the second time that day.
I’m not ready to be a mother. I’m just, not. I don’t know if I’ll ever be.
I mean, take a good hard look at the woman who called herself my mother. A total maniac, completely not suitable to ever be around children. I couldn’t subject a child to that again.
That’s the part that I cry about the most. The fact that no matter what I do or how hard I try, I am my mothers daughter and that scares the shit out of me. One day I could wake up and be a crazy, abusive drunk.
What if I’m never a good mother. What if I turn out just like her. Even if this is a false alarm, I’ll have her legacy hanging over my head until the day I die, if I ever have children in the future. I’m doomed.
Still hugging me, she speaks, breaking my train of thought. “Let’s go.”
She stands up and offers her hand, and I know what this means. The moment of truth. We’ll head to the local pharmacy, buy a pregnancy test, and find somewhere to take it, because I most definitely will not be caught dead with one of those in the community bathrooms. Rumors will be flying even before I pee on the damn stick.
And then, well... we’ll deal with that when the time comes.
We leave my room together, and as we prepare to leave for the pharmacy, we hear someone talking.
It’s Gabby. Isabel starts to move out into the open, but I pull her back after I hear the next words out of Gabby.
“Hey Max. It’s Gabby.”
WHAT!?! We both look at each other in shock.
“Yeah, you know, Isabel’s roommate.”
Ha bitch! He doesn’t even remember you!
“Isabel gave me your number. I was hoping maybe you wanted to get together tonight.”
I have to hold Isabel back from jumping out of the shadows. We both know that Isabel never gave Gabby Max’s number, so she must have gotten it by snooping around. I know that Isabel won’t hesitate to knock the bitch out for going through her stuff, but I want to hear how the conversation plays out before we make ourselves known.
“Well... maybe some other time, then?”
Silence.
“No, I understand, Max. Well, call me sometime, okay?”
Seconds later, the phone is being slammed shut as she falls onto the couch with a sigh, obviously not receiving the answer she had hoped for. Whoop Whoop!
“We have more important things to deal with right now.” I assure my furious friend, sending her a look that brings her back to reality.
“You’re right. Let’s go.”
As we walk out into the living space, Gabby makes no effort to cover up her frustration.
“Hey Iz.” She greets with a sigh, completely ignoring me.
Isabel scowls in Gabby’s direction without responding as we march out of the room and into the hallway. Gabby looks confused but doesn’t say anything more.
We make our way down the hallway and we’ve both visibly relaxed. We’re both trying to avoid thinking about what the future might hold. We exit the building and walk into the sunshine, and Isabel breaks the silence.
“I love you, you know that?” Um.. random much?
“I love you, too.” And I mean it.
“No matter what happens, you are like a sister to me and I’ll always be here for you.”
Realization dawns on me. I’m not going through this alone. “I appreciate it, Izzy.”
She waits a few moments before continuing, and I can’t say that I’m surprised by what she has to say. “Max needs to know.”
I sigh. “I know. He’ll be the first person I tell.”
“What about school?” She asks. I groan aloud.
“Let’s wait and see what this damn stick has to say before we discuss the downfalls of my teenage pregnancy.” The words fly out of my mouth and it catches me off guard how much they scare me. Pregnant? Wow.
“I’m sorry. You’re right.”
We make it to the convenience store and as the doors come into sight, I reach out for her hand. She takes it immediately and we look to each other for support. I can do this. I can do this.
TBC.. I'm trying for Sunday.
Hi.
I am unbelievably sorry for how long this has taken me. I haven't decided if this is going to end soon with a sequel or just be longer. But, I promise that it will be finished by June 6th (my graduation). That's my big goal!
Part 14
Everyone is on their way out, and Gabby in no where to be found. I say my goodbyes and fall into bed, suddenly exhausted.
I curl into my favorite blanket, shoving my head in between two of my pillows, and I try to drift off, keeping my mind blank of all of the things that have been happening. It was working pretty well.
Suddenly, my blanket is ripped off of my body and my pillow is soon to follow. Isabel stands above me, and I stare at her for a second before she shoves me over, and lays down next to me.
Okkay? Not exactly what I was expecting.
She remains silent for a while, staring at the ceiling, deep in thought. I take this as permission to drift off again.
Her words cut through the silence and any thoughts of sleep go flying out of my mind.
“Are you... pregnant?”
I can’t find words to respond, but I begin to shake. Am I? I find myself becoming worried about it again, and about what this might mean.
I finally manage to croak out an answer. “I don’t know, Iz.”
I don’t realize that I’m crying until my tears reach the pillow. Isabel is quick to wrap her arms around me and comfort me while I let it all out, for the second time that day.
I’m not ready to be a mother. I’m just, not. I don’t know if I’ll ever be.
I mean, take a good hard look at the woman who called herself my mother. A total maniac, completely not suitable to ever be around children. I couldn’t subject a child to that again.
That’s the part that I cry about the most. The fact that no matter what I do or how hard I try, I am my mothers daughter and that scares the shit out of me. One day I could wake up and be a crazy, abusive drunk.
What if I’m never a good mother. What if I turn out just like her. Even if this is a false alarm, I’ll have her legacy hanging over my head until the day I die, if I ever have children in the future. I’m doomed.
Still hugging me, she speaks, breaking my train of thought. “Let’s go.”
She stands up and offers her hand, and I know what this means. The moment of truth. We’ll head to the local pharmacy, buy a pregnancy test, and find somewhere to take it, because I most definitely will not be caught dead with one of those in the community bathrooms. Rumors will be flying even before I pee on the damn stick.
And then, well... we’ll deal with that when the time comes.
We leave my room together, and as we prepare to leave for the pharmacy, we hear someone talking.
It’s Gabby. Isabel starts to move out into the open, but I pull her back after I hear the next words out of Gabby.
“Hey Max. It’s Gabby.”
WHAT!?! We both look at each other in shock.
“Yeah, you know, Isabel’s roommate.”
Ha bitch! He doesn’t even remember you!
“Isabel gave me your number. I was hoping maybe you wanted to get together tonight.”
I have to hold Isabel back from jumping out of the shadows. We both know that Isabel never gave Gabby Max’s number, so she must have gotten it by snooping around. I know that Isabel won’t hesitate to knock the bitch out for going through her stuff, but I want to hear how the conversation plays out before we make ourselves known.
“Well... maybe some other time, then?”
Silence.
“No, I understand, Max. Well, call me sometime, okay?”
Seconds later, the phone is being slammed shut as she falls onto the couch with a sigh, obviously not receiving the answer she had hoped for. Whoop Whoop!
“We have more important things to deal with right now.” I assure my furious friend, sending her a look that brings her back to reality.
“You’re right. Let’s go.”
As we walk out into the living space, Gabby makes no effort to cover up her frustration.
“Hey Iz.” She greets with a sigh, completely ignoring me.
Isabel scowls in Gabby’s direction without responding as we march out of the room and into the hallway. Gabby looks confused but doesn’t say anything more.
We make our way down the hallway and we’ve both visibly relaxed. We’re both trying to avoid thinking about what the future might hold. We exit the building and walk into the sunshine, and Isabel breaks the silence.
“I love you, you know that?” Um.. random much?
“I love you, too.” And I mean it.
“No matter what happens, you are like a sister to me and I’ll always be here for you.”
Realization dawns on me. I’m not going through this alone. “I appreciate it, Izzy.”
She waits a few moments before continuing, and I can’t say that I’m surprised by what she has to say. “Max needs to know.”
I sigh. “I know. He’ll be the first person I tell.”
“What about school?” She asks. I groan aloud.
“Let’s wait and see what this damn stick has to say before we discuss the downfalls of my teenage pregnancy.” The words fly out of my mouth and it catches me off guard how much they scare me. Pregnant? Wow.
“I’m sorry. You’re right.”
We make it to the convenience store and as the doors come into sight, I reach out for her hand. She takes it immediately and we look to each other for support. I can do this. I can do this.
TBC.. I'm trying for Sunday.