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Part 11
The blankets are too tight around my body.
I push them away quickly.
It’s stifling in here.
Too hot.
The walls are too close.
Everything is TOO much.
Too much heat.
Too much cloth.
Too much pressure.
Way too much pressure.
I stand up.
And the world starts going black.
Finally.
Some peace.
*~*~*~*
His hands are cool on my burning face.
My eyes blink open.
His eyes are trained on me.
“Liz?”
He’s worried.
Why?
I lift my head slowly.
Ignoring the pain.
My hand trails to my forehead.
Why does it hurt?
My fingers follow a small path of dried blood.
I open my mouth.
“What happened?”
“I don’t know.”
I try to sit up.
“No, Liz, just relax. The ambulance is on it’s way.”
I shake my head in protest.
“I’m okay.”
And then the blackness claims me again.
*~*~*~*
Maria is holding my hand as I open my eyes again.
“Max?”
I whisper, staring at Maria.
She shakes her head.
“He went home. Didn’t think you’d want him here. He called me as soon as he found you.”
“How?”
She shakes her head.
“Didn’t ask.”
She smoothes the hair off my forehead and winces.
“You had us worried there, Lizzie.”
“I’m okay.”
She smiles.
“Sure thing. But the doctors still did all these tests on you while you were out. A CAT scan, blood work, IV fluids, the works.”
I look at the tube sticking out of my arm.
I never liked needles.
I volunteered at a vet clinic one summer.
The IV catheters they use to put animals down.
The butterfly needles.
They’re the same ones they use to draw blood from humans.
I freaked out the next time I was in the hospital.
I didn’t want to go to sleep.
Not forever.
Right now, though, the thought is appealing.
The doctor approaches me.
More comfortable in his scrubs than me in this bed.
“Miss Parker, I’m Doctor Williams.”
“Nice to meet you.”
He nods.
“Well, the good news is, there’s nothing seriously wrong with you.”
The bad news is.
“The bad news is.”
You’re suffering from too much stress.
“You’re suffering from too much stress.”
You need to take some time and relax.
“I recommend you take some time off and relax. No work for the next week, Miss Parker. The nurse will be in shortly to discharge you.”
He exits.
I sigh.
“Hundreds of dollars of tests and they tell me to take time off work and relax?”
Maria grabs my hand.
“Take his advice, Liz. Take some time and relax. Forget about work and Max and Eric.”
Max.
He helped me.
Maybe he’s serious.
I nod.
“No more Max or Eric. I can do that.”
Maria smiles.
I grimace.
*~*~*~*
“Parker.”
Mr. Boss Man looks at me sternly.
“Yes, Mr. Boss Man?”
He looks at me strangely.
“Shouldn’t you be home resting?”
I frown.
“Too much work. And the doc cleared me. I’m A-ok. B.A.R.”
“Your friend Maria called us.”
Damn DeLuca.
“Go home, Parker. I don’t want to see you here until next week.”
The look on his face changes.
I see something flit across his face.
Could it be…
Dun dun DUN!
Compassion?
I shake my head.
‘Course not!
This is Mr. Boss Man.
Hard ass.
Nice ass.
Ummm….
Boys are bad.
Haha..
Boys are stupid.
Throw rocks at them.
Which reminds me of this funny story.
See, when Max was younger, like fifteen or sixteen, he used to ride bikes. And ONE DAY, Isabel was playing in the front when Max was jumping his bike. And he just happened to jump into the path of a rock she was throwing. Which happened to hit him in the head.
But it didn’t turn out funny.
He almost went into a coma due to bleeding in the head.
I almost never met him.
I wonder what life would’ve been like then.
I never would’ve know what passionate and stupid love could be like.
Or know that Isabel is deathly afraid of spiders and has only killed one.
With a giant box.
Which chipped the paint on the wall.
Mr. Boss Man looks at me strangely.
I think I spaced out a little too long.
“Sorry. Sir, really, I’m fine.”
“I’m serious, Parker. Get out of here.”
I glare at him and collect my papers.
“This isn’t the last of me.”
He smiles.
“I didn’t expect that it would be.”
I walk away from my room, leaving him behind.
Damn DeLuca.
*~*~*~*
“You have three messages.”
I groan.
Why is it that people decide they like you when they hear you’ve been in the hospital?
What ever happened to good time friends?
Such a wonderful lost breed.
“Tuesday at 9:30. Beep. Liz, it’s your Mom. Maria called me and let me know you were in the hospital but that you’re okay. I’d rather hear it from my own daughter, as much as I love Maria. Why is it that I have to hear everything from other people? And why haven’t you been here in such a long time? Honey, I worry about you. Call me.”
I throw my jacket on the couch and plop down next to it.
Beep.
The machine beeps.
But then.
You already knew that.
“Tuesday at 9:47. Beep. Liz? It’s Isabel. I just wanted to make sure you were ok. Max told me you weren’t doing too well. Anyway, let me know when you’re doing better so we can meet up.”
Max told her.
Max is thinking about me?
Why am I thinking about him?
I’m not.
I square my shoulders.
And fight the little voice in my head.
Max.
Max.
MAX!
MAXWELL FUCKING EVANS IS THINKING ABOUT YOU!
Sometimes.
I really hate that voice in my head.
The machine beeps again.
“Hey, Liz, it’s me.” A husky voice reaches through the machine speakers.
“I just wanted to say I’m sorry. I hope you’ll forgive me and give me a second chance. I shouldn’t have lied to you like that, and I regret it. Just, please, give me another chance. You won’t regret it.”
His voice sounds….
Sincere.
But then again.
That’s Eric’s game.
Resurrection M/L Mature Pt 27 [COMPLETE]
Moderators: Anniepoo98, Rowedog, ISLANDGIRL5, Itzstacie, truelovepooh, FSU/MSW-94, Erina, Hunter, Forum Moderators
new part!
Part 12
“I am dreaming of you, day by day. Dreaming when the skies are blue, when they’re gray. When the silv’ry moonlight gleams, still I wander on in dreams, in a land of love, it seems, just with you.”
I tap my pen on the notebook in front of me.
Completely ignoring the signing…person….in front of me.
“Let me call you sweetheart, I’m in love with you. Let me hear you whisper that you love me too. Keep the love-light glowing in your eyes so true. Let me call you sweetheart, I’m in love with you.”
It might not be SO bad if he looked like a person.
But nope.
Eric paid the guy to dress up like Hobbes.
You know, the tiger from Calvin and Hobbes.
Whom I admit I love.
But still.
This is against the rules.
“Longing for you all the while, more and more; longing for the sunny smile I adore. Birds are singing far and near, roses blooming everywhere. You alone, my heart can cheer; You just you.”
I throw the pen at him in frustration and he stops dancing.
“Look, lady, I’m just doing my job. So can it.”
I look down.
Slightly ashamed.
He starts dancing again in that ridiculous suit.
“Let me call you Sweetheart, I’m in love with you. Let me hear you whisper that you love me too. Keep the love-light glowing in your eyes so true. Let me call you sweetheart, I’m in love with you,”
“How much do they pay you?”
He glares at the pen laying at his feet.
“Not enough.”
“Tough life for a tiger.”
“I’m Hobbes.”
“And I’m Liz.”
He rolls his eyes and groans.
“Lady.”
“Liz.”
His eyes roll again.
Hey.
This is kinda fun!
Shh…
I didn’t just admit that!
Uh uh
NOT ME!
I need to go back to work.
“I’m just trying to work my way through school.”
I smile.
“There are less embarrassing ways of doing that.”
He smiles seductively.
Haha.
A seductive Hobbes.
That is so wrong,.
He’s a TIGER!
Haha.
Ha.
Tee hee.
I wipe an imaginary tear from my eye.
A result of the imaginary laughter.
In my head.
Dude.
I need a life.
*~*~*
A gorilla in a tutu stands in Eric’s door when he finally answers the persistent knocking. He rubs his forehead in irritation as the gorilla begins to talk.
“Message from Max Evans. Ahem.” The gorilla clears his throat and whips a piece of paper out of his fluffy pink tutu. “Really, Eric. A singing telegram is your way of winning the girl? Idiot.”
He holds his hand out and Eric mumbles incoherently, cursing his friend, as he pulls out a five and places it in the outstretched hand.
“Fuckin’ Max.”
*~*~*
“So Sean calls me, and you KNOW he’s seeing the picture of me without my shirt on!”
Isabel can’t stop laughing.
And truthfully.
Neither can I.
“Oh, GOD!”
“I know. I figured out what he was seeing, and I couldn’t BREATH!”
“How could Max be so stupid?”
I laugh.
“This is your brother we’re talking about! He thought no one would ever see the picture.”
“Were you at least wearing a bra? Anything?”
“NO!”
She wipes the tears from her eyes and I smile at her.
This is good.
This is what friends are supposed to do.
I’ve missed this.
She sips her iced tea and chuckles softly.
And then asks me the dreaded question.
“So who are you bringing to the wedding?”
I shrug nonchalantly.
“Can’t decide. You?”
“Well, I was thinking of going with this great guy I know. His name’s Alex. Alex Whitman.”
I laugh at the happy expression on her face.
“I’m happy for you, Iz, I really am.”
Her face lights up.
“Thank you, Liz. That means a lot.”
“I know. Anything means a lot when it comes from me. I am THE shit.”
She laughs again and glances at her watch.
Her smile fades as she sees the time.
“Shit! I’ve gotta run, Liz. But I’ll see you Saturday, right?”
The wedding.
A whole three days away.
Three days and I come face to face with everything that left me behind.
Music.
Musicians.
Max.
The band.
Happiness.
I smile sadly.
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
She hugs tight.
As though knowing the sadness running through me.
And I think it’s time to face the truth.
I miss it.
Part 12
“I am dreaming of you, day by day. Dreaming when the skies are blue, when they’re gray. When the silv’ry moonlight gleams, still I wander on in dreams, in a land of love, it seems, just with you.”
I tap my pen on the notebook in front of me.
Completely ignoring the signing…person….in front of me.
“Let me call you sweetheart, I’m in love with you. Let me hear you whisper that you love me too. Keep the love-light glowing in your eyes so true. Let me call you sweetheart, I’m in love with you.”
It might not be SO bad if he looked like a person.
But nope.
Eric paid the guy to dress up like Hobbes.
You know, the tiger from Calvin and Hobbes.
Whom I admit I love.
But still.
This is against the rules.
“Longing for you all the while, more and more; longing for the sunny smile I adore. Birds are singing far and near, roses blooming everywhere. You alone, my heart can cheer; You just you.”
I throw the pen at him in frustration and he stops dancing.
“Look, lady, I’m just doing my job. So can it.”
I look down.
Slightly ashamed.
He starts dancing again in that ridiculous suit.
“Let me call you Sweetheart, I’m in love with you. Let me hear you whisper that you love me too. Keep the love-light glowing in your eyes so true. Let me call you sweetheart, I’m in love with you,”
“How much do they pay you?”
He glares at the pen laying at his feet.
“Not enough.”
“Tough life for a tiger.”
“I’m Hobbes.”
“And I’m Liz.”
He rolls his eyes and groans.
“Lady.”
“Liz.”
His eyes roll again.
Hey.
This is kinda fun!
Shh…
I didn’t just admit that!
Uh uh
NOT ME!
I need to go back to work.
“I’m just trying to work my way through school.”
I smile.
“There are less embarrassing ways of doing that.”
He smiles seductively.
Haha.
A seductive Hobbes.
That is so wrong,.
He’s a TIGER!
Haha.
Ha.
Tee hee.
I wipe an imaginary tear from my eye.
A result of the imaginary laughter.
In my head.
Dude.
I need a life.
*~*~*
A gorilla in a tutu stands in Eric’s door when he finally answers the persistent knocking. He rubs his forehead in irritation as the gorilla begins to talk.
“Message from Max Evans. Ahem.” The gorilla clears his throat and whips a piece of paper out of his fluffy pink tutu. “Really, Eric. A singing telegram is your way of winning the girl? Idiot.”
He holds his hand out and Eric mumbles incoherently, cursing his friend, as he pulls out a five and places it in the outstretched hand.
“Fuckin’ Max.”
*~*~*
“So Sean calls me, and you KNOW he’s seeing the picture of me without my shirt on!”
Isabel can’t stop laughing.
And truthfully.
Neither can I.
“Oh, GOD!”
“I know. I figured out what he was seeing, and I couldn’t BREATH!”
“How could Max be so stupid?”
I laugh.
“This is your brother we’re talking about! He thought no one would ever see the picture.”
“Were you at least wearing a bra? Anything?”
“NO!”
She wipes the tears from her eyes and I smile at her.
This is good.
This is what friends are supposed to do.
I’ve missed this.
She sips her iced tea and chuckles softly.
And then asks me the dreaded question.
“So who are you bringing to the wedding?”
I shrug nonchalantly.
“Can’t decide. You?”
“Well, I was thinking of going with this great guy I know. His name’s Alex. Alex Whitman.”
I laugh at the happy expression on her face.
“I’m happy for you, Iz, I really am.”
Her face lights up.
“Thank you, Liz. That means a lot.”
“I know. Anything means a lot when it comes from me. I am THE shit.”
She laughs again and glances at her watch.
Her smile fades as she sees the time.
“Shit! I’ve gotta run, Liz. But I’ll see you Saturday, right?”
The wedding.
A whole three days away.
Three days and I come face to face with everything that left me behind.
Music.
Musicians.
Max.
The band.
Happiness.
I smile sadly.
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
She hugs tight.
As though knowing the sadness running through me.
And I think it’s time to face the truth.
I miss it.
<center>
</center>
</center>Thanks for the fb! I love it!
Part 13
Large black sunglasses hold my hair up as I stare at the notebook on the table.
The bright California sunshine flows around me.
I squint at the blindingly white paper.
Only a few scrawls mare the perfection of the emptiness.
Okay.
Basically, I’m staring at the notebook I’m currently writing in.
Yup.
I am actually writing a fucking movie myself.
No more working on ideas for Mr. Boss Man.
It’s all about me.
See, I’ve come to this conclusion.
Men.
Aren’t.
Worth.
Shit.
Yup. Men aren’t worth shit. Basically, no man is ever going to be able to give me what I want without a heaping side of shit to go with it. And no man is worth dealing with all that shit.
So.
Men.
Fuck off, I’m done dealing with you.
Now, this might come as a surprise, considering I’ve been more open lately. More like the person I was in high school. The person who attracted Max and our friends.
But Max brings drama with him, everywhere he goes. And I’m done of dealing with drama. It’s so high school.
“How’s your head?”
I look up at him, glaring.
“Okay. Why were you there?”
He shrugs and sticks his hands in his pockets.
“I wanted to see you.”
“You haven’t tried to talk to me since the pier.”
He sits at the table and stares me in the eye.
The gold reflects the sunlight and blinds me.
“I’ve been an ass, Liz.”
I snort.
“Really. I’m admitting this now. “
He leans closer to me, a jaunty smile on his lips.
I look away and pull the sunglasses down onto my face.
A strand of bangs brushes my cheek.
He smoothes it away with his warm hands.
I roll my eyes.
Too smooth for school.
“Liz Parker, I’m sorry for the way I treated you. I love you.”
And then he kisses me.
I pull away the second his warm lips touch mine.
And slap his stubbly cheek.
He rubs it and looks at me with dark eyes.
I stand up, shoving the notebook into my purse.
“What the hell? What is wrong with you and Eric? What gave you the impression that I wanted to be with you? That I wanted you to touch and kiss me? Thank you for calling the paramedics, Max, but stay the fuck away from me. You think you can come back here, apologize, break into my house more times than I want to think about, and things are good between us? Really, Max, really? It doesn’t work that way. I NEVER want to see you or your friend Eric again. Fuck you both.”
I feel his gaze on me as I turn and storm off in the other direction.
See, I told you so.
Men aren’t worth shit.
*~*~*~*
Maria smoothes strands of my dark hair away from my face. Her nimble fingers pin the straight strands before reaching for the curling iron.
“I really wish you’d come, too, Maria.”
She smiles, curling my hair into delicate ringlets.
“I know, honey. You’ll be okay there without me. Remember, you’re a tough cookie.”
I laugh.
“Duh.”
“So what’s the game plan?”
“Look hot and make them jealous?”
“Yup.”
I lean closer to the mirror and finish my makeup while she finishes my hair.
Sultry eyes.
Luxurious curls pinned into place.
Glossy red lips.
“Damn, you look hot, chica.”
I smile.
“I know.”
She gives me a hug, careful not to wrinkle the pale, clingy green dress.
The doorbell rings and she runs to get it.
A man in a dark suit with a matching pale green tie walks in with Maria.
I rise to greet him.
“Hobbes.”
“Liz.”
Maria throws me at him.
And then throws my purse at me.
So…
My date for the wedding.
Is Hobbes.
Yea.
He’s actually quite attractive under the tiger suit.
Plus, he’s smart.
Twenty four year old law student.
Hates California and can’t wait to get out of here.
Hates actors.
And basically everyone in show business.
Plus, his last girlfriend cheated on him with a director.
I won’t name names, but this guy is twice her age.
They got married last weekend.
Hence the reason my singing telegram was delivered by a Hobbes in a shitty mood.
“You know my name’s Nick, right?”
He asks me as we traipse to my car.
I unlock the doors and step in.
“Sure thing, Hobbes.”
*~*~*~*
Twenty minutes later, after dropping Nick back off at my driveway, I arrive at the wedding location. It’s a snazzy hotel overlooking the PCH and the cliffs. A grassy knoll is set up with white chairs, a white carpet, and flowers everywhere.
I take a deep breath.
And slowly start walking towards my past.
Part 13
Large black sunglasses hold my hair up as I stare at the notebook on the table.
The bright California sunshine flows around me.
I squint at the blindingly white paper.
Only a few scrawls mare the perfection of the emptiness.
Okay.
Basically, I’m staring at the notebook I’m currently writing in.
Yup.
I am actually writing a fucking movie myself.
No more working on ideas for Mr. Boss Man.
It’s all about me.
See, I’ve come to this conclusion.
Men.
Aren’t.
Worth.
Shit.
Yup. Men aren’t worth shit. Basically, no man is ever going to be able to give me what I want without a heaping side of shit to go with it. And no man is worth dealing with all that shit.
So.
Men.
Fuck off, I’m done dealing with you.
Now, this might come as a surprise, considering I’ve been more open lately. More like the person I was in high school. The person who attracted Max and our friends.
But Max brings drama with him, everywhere he goes. And I’m done of dealing with drama. It’s so high school.
“How’s your head?”
I look up at him, glaring.
“Okay. Why were you there?”
He shrugs and sticks his hands in his pockets.
“I wanted to see you.”
“You haven’t tried to talk to me since the pier.”
He sits at the table and stares me in the eye.
The gold reflects the sunlight and blinds me.
“I’ve been an ass, Liz.”
I snort.
“Really. I’m admitting this now. “
He leans closer to me, a jaunty smile on his lips.
I look away and pull the sunglasses down onto my face.
A strand of bangs brushes my cheek.
He smoothes it away with his warm hands.
I roll my eyes.
Too smooth for school.
“Liz Parker, I’m sorry for the way I treated you. I love you.”
And then he kisses me.
I pull away the second his warm lips touch mine.
And slap his stubbly cheek.
He rubs it and looks at me with dark eyes.
I stand up, shoving the notebook into my purse.
“What the hell? What is wrong with you and Eric? What gave you the impression that I wanted to be with you? That I wanted you to touch and kiss me? Thank you for calling the paramedics, Max, but stay the fuck away from me. You think you can come back here, apologize, break into my house more times than I want to think about, and things are good between us? Really, Max, really? It doesn’t work that way. I NEVER want to see you or your friend Eric again. Fuck you both.”
I feel his gaze on me as I turn and storm off in the other direction.
See, I told you so.
Men aren’t worth shit.
*~*~*~*
Maria smoothes strands of my dark hair away from my face. Her nimble fingers pin the straight strands before reaching for the curling iron.
“I really wish you’d come, too, Maria.”
She smiles, curling my hair into delicate ringlets.
“I know, honey. You’ll be okay there without me. Remember, you’re a tough cookie.”
I laugh.
“Duh.”
“So what’s the game plan?”
“Look hot and make them jealous?”
“Yup.”
I lean closer to the mirror and finish my makeup while she finishes my hair.
Sultry eyes.
Luxurious curls pinned into place.
Glossy red lips.
“Damn, you look hot, chica.”
I smile.
“I know.”
She gives me a hug, careful not to wrinkle the pale, clingy green dress.
The doorbell rings and she runs to get it.
A man in a dark suit with a matching pale green tie walks in with Maria.
I rise to greet him.
“Hobbes.”
“Liz.”
Maria throws me at him.
And then throws my purse at me.
So…
My date for the wedding.
Is Hobbes.
Yea.
He’s actually quite attractive under the tiger suit.
Plus, he’s smart.
Twenty four year old law student.
Hates California and can’t wait to get out of here.
Hates actors.
And basically everyone in show business.
Plus, his last girlfriend cheated on him with a director.
I won’t name names, but this guy is twice her age.
They got married last weekend.
Hence the reason my singing telegram was delivered by a Hobbes in a shitty mood.
“You know my name’s Nick, right?”
He asks me as we traipse to my car.
I unlock the doors and step in.
“Sure thing, Hobbes.”
*~*~*~*
Twenty minutes later, after dropping Nick back off at my driveway, I arrive at the wedding location. It’s a snazzy hotel overlooking the PCH and the cliffs. A grassy knoll is set up with white chairs, a white carpet, and flowers everywhere.
I take a deep breath.
And slowly start walking towards my past.
<center></center>
</center>Just a little interlude, since I just had YET ANOTHER fight with my boyfriend. *sigh* I'm so tired of this.
Interlude
“What? You want a break from this? Then we’ll just take a break from our whole relationship.” I scream at him.
“God, Liz, is it your job in life to make everything so much more difficult?”
I hang up the phone angrily.
It rings a second later.
“What?”
“Why can’t you see this will be good? It’ll make things better for us. We don’t appreciate our time together anymore.”
“You ASS! I said the same thing last week and suddenly it’s a good idea because it came out of your mouth? And what, it’ll make things better when? In two years? Screw you, Max.”
He sighs.
“Liz, call me when you, I don’ know, get some sense.”
“Oh, great, insult me on top of it all. I don’t want to talk to you again, Max Evans.”
I never do call him back.
Interlude
“What? You want a break from this? Then we’ll just take a break from our whole relationship.” I scream at him.
“God, Liz, is it your job in life to make everything so much more difficult?”
I hang up the phone angrily.
It rings a second later.
“What?”
“Why can’t you see this will be good? It’ll make things better for us. We don’t appreciate our time together anymore.”
“You ASS! I said the same thing last week and suddenly it’s a good idea because it came out of your mouth? And what, it’ll make things better when? In two years? Screw you, Max.”
He sighs.
“Liz, call me when you, I don’ know, get some sense.”
“Oh, great, insult me on top of it all. I don’t want to talk to you again, Max Evans.”
I never do call him back.
<center></center>
</center>Here's the new part! 5 days. Like agreed.
<center>Part 14</center>
She floats down the aisle in her sparkling gown of white.
A smile dances on her face as she stares at the man of her dreams.
It almost brings tears to my eyes.
And the happiness in this wedding is blinding.
Isabel approaches her love, her destiny, flocked by their best friends.
Max stares at her, smiling lovingly, supportively at both of them.
And I don’t know what to think as I watch him.
He looks so sincere.
Watching his best friend, his sister, his twin marrying the love of her life.
The tears almost move me.
And at that moment I almost feel something inside me melting.
I can’t be sure.
But I think it’s my heart.
*~*~*~*
Michael lifts the glass of champagne to his lips, his other arm wrapped around his girlfriend, Tess. He smiles at me, almost like he’s missed me. But I know better. Tess stares at me, hatred glimmering in her icy blue eyes. She has the look of a rock star girlfriend, the glare that screams “Stay away from my boyfriend.” She’s got the desperation down, the attitude as she clings to the one that she’s won.
If only she knew.
“So how’s DeLuca?”
He asks nonchalantly.
As though every thought he has isn’t of her.
As though he isn’t hanging by a thread, wanting to know how she is.
I nod nonchalantly and sip my champagne.
“She’s good.”
He smiles.
“Good.”
I nod.
“Yea, good.”
His smile drops as he takes another sip and stares at Alex and Isabel dancing and laughing.
“I miss her.”
I turn and stare at the happy couple.
“She misses you, too.”
We nod and ignore Tess.
“I should call her.”
“You should.”
Alex spins Isabel back into his arms.
“I will.”
“Good.”
And that’s when Eric spots me.
I turn and mutter a quick goodbye to Michael.
“Liz!”
His voice is urgent, as he rushes me.
“Liz!”
I ignore him, heading for the ladies’ room.
His hand grabs my arm, pulling me to him.
I push him away.
Anger blazing in my eyes.
“What?”
I ask, venom blaring in my voice.
His chest pushes against mine as he stares at me.
His grasp on my loosens slightly.
“Let’s go outside.”
I glance at my happy friends and nod.
I won’t be responsible for ruining Isabel’s wedding.
I wouldn’t do that to her.
I wrench my hand away from him and storm towards the door.
Eric follows only a foot behind.
The darkness welcomes me.
I take a deep breath.
A cool breeze blows up from the ocean and I shiver.
I welcome the cold.
Eric wraps his arm around me in response.
I push his arm away.
And turn to him.
Ready for the showdown.
My eyes flash warningly, daring him to make another move.
A strange expression crosses his face.
One of love.
“Liz. Why are you being like this?”
I cross my arms, careful not to wrinkle the green dress.
“Why am I being like this? What the hell did I ever do to you, Eric?”
Confusion replaces the love.
“You made me love you!”
“How?”
He smiles.
“By being you.”
His hand caresses my cheek.
I slap him.
“I never did anything. You stormed into this town, Eric, already thinking you were in love with me. You manipulated me. Wormed your way into my life. Into my pants. You never gave me a chance to know you.”
He scoffs.
“I didn’t force my way into your pants. You were more than willing.”
I inch closer to him, staring him defiantly in the eye.
“You manipulated me, making me think you were the normal I needed in my life. You knew my dislike for Max Evans, for the life he was entrenched in, but you still forced your way into my life. If I needed any more proof that men were assholes, you gave it to me.”
He stares me straight in the eye.
“I did nothing of the sort. I was nothing but supportive of you in your whole little drama with Max. I tried to end it all by inviting him over after we made love. So that he could SEE with his own two fucking eyes that you were over him. That you’d moved on to someone better for you. I would never hurt you, Lizzie.”
“Don’t you EVER call me that!”
“Why not, Lizzie? Brings back memories?”
Yes.
But I don’t tell him that.
Memories of my father belong to me and me alone.
I refuse to share them.
“Just don’t.”
He laughs sarcastically.
“Whatever you want, Princess. You realize not everyone is gonna drop their lives for you, don’t you? You have to work harder than everyone else for what you want.”
I gasp.
“And what the hell do I want?”
“Love, happiness.”
“And I’m not going to get that?”
He sighs.
“Liz. I’m offering that to you now. I’m offering you a life of love and happiness. Just stop pushing me away. I love you. Accept it and be happy.”
I laugh.
“There’s something important that you’re missing from that equation, Eric. I don’t love you! I never will! In these weeks that we’ve known each other, you took my trust and fed it to the dogs. We have no future together, Eric. NONE.”
He smiles.
“I’ll convince you otherwise, Liz. Mark my words.”
I smile at him.
“Goodbye, Eric.”
Walking away, I hear him calling out to me.
I’m so over this shit.
*~*~*~*
He stands by the cake, sneakily stealing frosting.
I laugh.
“You’re so bad.”
His ears turn red like a little kid.
“Hey.”
“Hey.”
I smile shyly.
“You wanna dance?”
I nod and take his hand.
The music flows around us as we sway together.
“I really did miss you.”
“I know.”
“What can I do to make things better?”
“I don’t know.”
I’m truthful.
“Max. I- I …I don’t know if I want you to make things better.”
He nods.
“I understand. It was bad. But we weren’t ready for that kind of love.”
I pull farther back and look him in the eye.
“I really did love you, Maxwell Evans.”
He smiles.
“I really do love you, Elizabeth Parker.”
He pulls me closer and I rest my head on his chest.
He starts to sing along to the music.
<center>Juliet the dice were loaded from the start
and I bet and you exploded in my heart
and I forget I forget the movie song
when you gonna realize it was just that the time was wrong Juliet?
Come up on different streets they both were streets of shame
both dirty both mean yes and the dream was just the same
and I dreamed your dream for you and now your dream is real
how can you look at me as if I was just another one of your deals?
Wellyou can fall for chains of silver you can fall for chains of gold
you can fall for pretty strangers and the promises they hold
you promised me everything you promised me thick and thin
now you just say oh Romeo yeah you know I used to have a scene with him
Juliet when we made love you used to cry
you said I love you like the stars above I'll love you till I die
there's a place for us you know the movie song
when you gonna realize it was just that the time was wrong?
I can't do the talk like they talking on the TV
and I can't do a love song like the way its meant to be
I can't do everything but I'd do anything for you
I can't do anything except be in love with you
And all I do is miss you and the way we used to be
all I do is keep the beat and bad company
all I do is kiss you through the bars of a rhyme
Juliet I'd do the stars with you any time
Juliet when we made love you used to cry
you said I love you like the stars above I'll love you till i die
there's a place for us you know the movie song
when you gonna realize it was just that the time was wrong?
A lovestruck Romeo sings a streetsuss serenade
laying everybody low with a lovesong that he made
finds a convenient streetlight steps out of the shade
says something like you and me babe how about it?</center>
“One more try, Parker?”
I smile at him and lean closer.
Our lips meet in a silent compromise.
One more try.
I pull away, a hint of a smile still on our lips.
“We have to make things better before jumping back into a relationship. Okay, Max?”
He smiles and kisses me again.
And from the corner of my eyes, I see Eric staring at us.
My one last try.
<center>Part 14</center>
She floats down the aisle in her sparkling gown of white.
A smile dances on her face as she stares at the man of her dreams.
It almost brings tears to my eyes.
And the happiness in this wedding is blinding.
Isabel approaches her love, her destiny, flocked by their best friends.
Max stares at her, smiling lovingly, supportively at both of them.
And I don’t know what to think as I watch him.
He looks so sincere.
Watching his best friend, his sister, his twin marrying the love of her life.
The tears almost move me.
And at that moment I almost feel something inside me melting.
I can’t be sure.
But I think it’s my heart.
*~*~*~*
Michael lifts the glass of champagne to his lips, his other arm wrapped around his girlfriend, Tess. He smiles at me, almost like he’s missed me. But I know better. Tess stares at me, hatred glimmering in her icy blue eyes. She has the look of a rock star girlfriend, the glare that screams “Stay away from my boyfriend.” She’s got the desperation down, the attitude as she clings to the one that she’s won.
If only she knew.
“So how’s DeLuca?”
He asks nonchalantly.
As though every thought he has isn’t of her.
As though he isn’t hanging by a thread, wanting to know how she is.
I nod nonchalantly and sip my champagne.
“She’s good.”
He smiles.
“Good.”
I nod.
“Yea, good.”
His smile drops as he takes another sip and stares at Alex and Isabel dancing and laughing.
“I miss her.”
I turn and stare at the happy couple.
“She misses you, too.”
We nod and ignore Tess.
“I should call her.”
“You should.”
Alex spins Isabel back into his arms.
“I will.”
“Good.”
And that’s when Eric spots me.
I turn and mutter a quick goodbye to Michael.
“Liz!”
His voice is urgent, as he rushes me.
“Liz!”
I ignore him, heading for the ladies’ room.
His hand grabs my arm, pulling me to him.
I push him away.
Anger blazing in my eyes.
“What?”
I ask, venom blaring in my voice.
His chest pushes against mine as he stares at me.
His grasp on my loosens slightly.
“Let’s go outside.”
I glance at my happy friends and nod.
I won’t be responsible for ruining Isabel’s wedding.
I wouldn’t do that to her.
I wrench my hand away from him and storm towards the door.
Eric follows only a foot behind.
The darkness welcomes me.
I take a deep breath.
A cool breeze blows up from the ocean and I shiver.
I welcome the cold.
Eric wraps his arm around me in response.
I push his arm away.
And turn to him.
Ready for the showdown.
My eyes flash warningly, daring him to make another move.
A strange expression crosses his face.
One of love.
“Liz. Why are you being like this?”
I cross my arms, careful not to wrinkle the green dress.
“Why am I being like this? What the hell did I ever do to you, Eric?”
Confusion replaces the love.
“You made me love you!”
“How?”
He smiles.
“By being you.”
His hand caresses my cheek.
I slap him.
“I never did anything. You stormed into this town, Eric, already thinking you were in love with me. You manipulated me. Wormed your way into my life. Into my pants. You never gave me a chance to know you.”
He scoffs.
“I didn’t force my way into your pants. You were more than willing.”
I inch closer to him, staring him defiantly in the eye.
“You manipulated me, making me think you were the normal I needed in my life. You knew my dislike for Max Evans, for the life he was entrenched in, but you still forced your way into my life. If I needed any more proof that men were assholes, you gave it to me.”
He stares me straight in the eye.
“I did nothing of the sort. I was nothing but supportive of you in your whole little drama with Max. I tried to end it all by inviting him over after we made love. So that he could SEE with his own two fucking eyes that you were over him. That you’d moved on to someone better for you. I would never hurt you, Lizzie.”
“Don’t you EVER call me that!”
“Why not, Lizzie? Brings back memories?”
Yes.
But I don’t tell him that.
Memories of my father belong to me and me alone.
I refuse to share them.
“Just don’t.”
He laughs sarcastically.
“Whatever you want, Princess. You realize not everyone is gonna drop their lives for you, don’t you? You have to work harder than everyone else for what you want.”
I gasp.
“And what the hell do I want?”
“Love, happiness.”
“And I’m not going to get that?”
He sighs.
“Liz. I’m offering that to you now. I’m offering you a life of love and happiness. Just stop pushing me away. I love you. Accept it and be happy.”
I laugh.
“There’s something important that you’re missing from that equation, Eric. I don’t love you! I never will! In these weeks that we’ve known each other, you took my trust and fed it to the dogs. We have no future together, Eric. NONE.”
He smiles.
“I’ll convince you otherwise, Liz. Mark my words.”
I smile at him.
“Goodbye, Eric.”
Walking away, I hear him calling out to me.
I’m so over this shit.
*~*~*~*
He stands by the cake, sneakily stealing frosting.
I laugh.
“You’re so bad.”
His ears turn red like a little kid.
“Hey.”
“Hey.”
I smile shyly.
“You wanna dance?”
I nod and take his hand.
The music flows around us as we sway together.
“I really did miss you.”
“I know.”
“What can I do to make things better?”
“I don’t know.”
I’m truthful.
“Max. I- I …I don’t know if I want you to make things better.”
He nods.
“I understand. It was bad. But we weren’t ready for that kind of love.”
I pull farther back and look him in the eye.
“I really did love you, Maxwell Evans.”
He smiles.
“I really do love you, Elizabeth Parker.”
He pulls me closer and I rest my head on his chest.
He starts to sing along to the music.
<center>Juliet the dice were loaded from the start
and I bet and you exploded in my heart
and I forget I forget the movie song
when you gonna realize it was just that the time was wrong Juliet?
Come up on different streets they both were streets of shame
both dirty both mean yes and the dream was just the same
and I dreamed your dream for you and now your dream is real
how can you look at me as if I was just another one of your deals?
Wellyou can fall for chains of silver you can fall for chains of gold
you can fall for pretty strangers and the promises they hold
you promised me everything you promised me thick and thin
now you just say oh Romeo yeah you know I used to have a scene with him
Juliet when we made love you used to cry
you said I love you like the stars above I'll love you till I die
there's a place for us you know the movie song
when you gonna realize it was just that the time was wrong?
I can't do the talk like they talking on the TV
and I can't do a love song like the way its meant to be
I can't do everything but I'd do anything for you
I can't do anything except be in love with you
And all I do is miss you and the way we used to be
all I do is keep the beat and bad company
all I do is kiss you through the bars of a rhyme
Juliet I'd do the stars with you any time
Juliet when we made love you used to cry
you said I love you like the stars above I'll love you till i die
there's a place for us you know the movie song
when you gonna realize it was just that the time was wrong?
A lovestruck Romeo sings a streetsuss serenade
laying everybody low with a lovesong that he made
finds a convenient streetlight steps out of the shade
says something like you and me babe how about it?</center>
“One more try, Parker?”
I smile at him and lean closer.
Our lips meet in a silent compromise.
One more try.
I pull away, a hint of a smile still on our lips.
“We have to make things better before jumping back into a relationship. Okay, Max?”
He smiles and kisses me again.
And from the corner of my eyes, I see Eric staring at us.
My one last try.
<center></center>
</center>Part 15
His arms surround me and I lean farther into his embrace as we sit on my couch.
“I’ve missed you.”
His deep voice whispers against my hair.
I smile sadly.
“I’ve been too busy hating you to miss you.”
He laughs.
“Where did we go wrong, Liz?”
I sit up an turn to face him.
“I don’t know anymore, Max. I think we were just…wrong for each other.”
His eyes express sadness his words fail to.
“No. We were always right for each other.”
“Than what was it?”
He waves his hand.
“Forget it. It’s not important. Let’s just focus on here and now.”
He smiles happily.
“We’re together. Everything is going to be okay.”
“No, Max. I…I need to know what was wrong last time so we don’t make the same mistakes.”
I stand up and trail my hand through my short hair.
“Liz, we were young and stupid.”
“We were.”
I agree.
“But there was more to it than that.”
“We were dishonest and didn’t appreciate each other.”
His words touch me.
I cringe.
He’s right, after all.
Stupid.
Young.
Dishonest.
Unappreciative.
I nod.
“But we’re not nineteen anymore. We just have to work on being a couple.”
“You left me.”
All emotion fades from my face.
We’re going to fight.
We have to.
We have to get everything out there.
Our hatred for each other.
Our love.
Our lies.
Without this…
We’ll fail again.
“I warned you.”
“But you did it anyway. We had a fight and the next thing I know, you’re gone. All your stuff. You didn’t even leave a forwarding address.”
He stands up to face me.
A weary sigh escapes his lips.
“Liz, I was tired. I was doing it for us. The band had a chance, I took it. I did it for OUR future. So that we could be live happily together.”
“But you never came back!”
“You never called me.”
I laugh.
“You were really waiting for me to fucking call you?”
My hands clench my hips as I glare at him.
“You leave me while we’re FIGHTING, take your stuff, and MY PILLOWS, and expect me to call you?! I loved you, Max, but even then I had respect for myself. And when time went by, you never once called. You moved on. So did I.”
He laughs.
“Neither of us moved on! Or else we wouldn’t be in this situation.”
“And what situation would that be?”
“Trying to make something work that never had a chance!”
Silence.
“Then why are we wasting time?!”
“Because I fucking love you! I want to make it work more than I‘ve ever wanted anything. I can’t live without you. And maybe I was right. Maybe we never stood a chance, but there’s a reason we’re drawn to each other. A reason our lives are incomplete and we’re incapable of loving anyone else. It’s because we’re right for each other.”
I stand there silently.
“You’re just like Eric! Trying to manipulate my feelings so that I’ll be with you! I don’t need you to be happy, Max. I’m fine by myself!”
And my strength has returned.
He smiles.
“Can you honestly tell me that you’ve been happy the past five years?”
“Yes.”
I lie.
“Then tell me. Look me in my eyes and tell me you were happy without me.”
I look him in the eyes.
And crumble.
But just a little bit.
Cause the thing you need to realize about Max’s eyes…
Is…
They’re incredible and make you feel things you never knew you could feel.
Or some romantic bullshit like that.
“Maybe everyday hasn’t been a walk in the park. You really hurt me when you left.”
His cocky smile fades and he reaches out for me.
But I sidestep him
No touching.
Not while we’re fighting and getting this out there.
“Because you loved me.”
I nod.
I can give him that.
“Yes. It hurt like hell because I loved you and you walked out without giving us a second chance.”
He sighs wearily.
“Liz. I thought you didn’t want to try anymore. We were fighting all the time. I thought you were ready to let go.”
“And that didn’t hurt like hell for you?”
I’m close to screaming.
He steps closer.
I let him.
His eyes come into contact with mine again.
And I listen to him.
“Liz, walking away from you like that was torture. I wanted to call you every five minutes to see if we could work things out. But I forced myself not to. I told myself you were better off without me. And when I spoke to Isabel, she told me you were doing great. Throwing yourself into your dreams. That’s all I ever wanted for you, Lizzie. I wanted you to achieve your dreams.”
A silent tear escapes my eyes.
We wasted so much time.
Young.
Stupid.
Naïve.
“But you didn’t give a damn about leaving me with nothing! You ruined me when you left me! I had to move back in with my mother. And do you know how hard it was to find out I was pregnant and knowing that the father had left me without a second glance? THAT is torture, Max. When you have absolutely no control over a situation that totally sucks, then you know what torture is. I lost my love, innocence, and independence in the same two weeks.”
More tears runs down my cheeks.
I swat at them.
Annoyed.
Tears are a sign of weakness.
And I am NOT weak.
Max wraps his arms around.
I try to push him away.
He just holds me tighter.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
I laugh.
“I didn’t find out until two weeks after you left. And by that time, I hated you.”
He rests his head of mine.
“I’m sorry, Liz. I should’ve known. I should’ve stayed. I messed up so badly. I’m sorry.”
He pauses for a second.
“Liz? What happened?”
And I know what he means.
Do we have a kid out there somewhere?
“I miscarried a month later. A month and a half after you left and I lost the last part of you I had.”
He hugs me tighter.
“That’s where you’re wrong, Liz. Cause you’ve always had my heart.”
I snort.
A disgusting sound.
But he just laughs and holds me to him.
“Anything else you want to get out there?”
He asks me, worry staining his voice.
I push him away and wipe away the salty tears.
“Yea. Why’d you come back?”
He smiles genuinely.
“My sister was getting married to one of my best friends. I saw how in love they were together and I knew without a doubt that they deserved each other. I’d seen them grow together, become friends, and then evolve into something more, something deeper. I saw love grow between the two of them. And it reminded me of us, back in high school. Watching them share their love, made me hurt even more than I had for the past two years. I knew at that time I would give anything to have you back in my life.”
“So you sent me a check.”
“And white roses. I know how much you love those white roses.”
I smile.
“I did. They’re not my favorite anymore.”
“What?! When did that happen?”
His eyes are open wide in surprise.
“They’re the only flowers you ever wanted me to give you!”
I smile bitter sweetly.
“Things change in five years, Max.”
“What’s your favorite flower?”
“The Rainbow Sorbet rose.”
“What?”
I smile.
“It’s this beautiful yellow and pink tipped rose.”
He sits down on the couch, smiling.
“What else has changed in the past five years?”
I shake my head and finger at him.
“Nu-uh. Not yet. You still haven’t explained why you tried buying me.”
He laughs.
“Lizzie. I wanted a reaction. I knew you wouldn’t take it. But knowing you like I did, I know you wanted me to repay my debts to you.”
His smile fades.
“And I know I am in debt to you. You helped support me, and I never thanked you or supported you in the same way. I want to make it up to you.”
“How?”
“Can I give you a nice big check?”
“No.”
I cross my arms.
“I don’t want our relationship to be about money.”
“It’s a token of my love.”
My voice drops to a whisper.
“I don’t want words or checks Max, I want the grand gesture.”
“What?”
I flail my hands in the air.
“The grand gesture, Max! I want you to do something that makes me see without a doubt that this is real!”
My voice quiets again.
“I want you to prove that you love me.”
He jumps off the couch and kisses me.
It’s a quick kiss.
Like a habit.
“I love you, Liz. But I gotta go. Call you later.”
My fingers touch my lips as I watch him leave.
“I love you, too?”
His arms surround me and I lean farther into his embrace as we sit on my couch.
“I’ve missed you.”
His deep voice whispers against my hair.
I smile sadly.
“I’ve been too busy hating you to miss you.”
He laughs.
“Where did we go wrong, Liz?”
I sit up an turn to face him.
“I don’t know anymore, Max. I think we were just…wrong for each other.”
His eyes express sadness his words fail to.
“No. We were always right for each other.”
“Than what was it?”
He waves his hand.
“Forget it. It’s not important. Let’s just focus on here and now.”
He smiles happily.
“We’re together. Everything is going to be okay.”
“No, Max. I…I need to know what was wrong last time so we don’t make the same mistakes.”
I stand up and trail my hand through my short hair.
“Liz, we were young and stupid.”
“We were.”
I agree.
“But there was more to it than that.”
“We were dishonest and didn’t appreciate each other.”
His words touch me.
I cringe.
He’s right, after all.
Stupid.
Young.
Dishonest.
Unappreciative.
I nod.
“But we’re not nineteen anymore. We just have to work on being a couple.”
“You left me.”
All emotion fades from my face.
We’re going to fight.
We have to.
We have to get everything out there.
Our hatred for each other.
Our love.
Our lies.
Without this…
We’ll fail again.
“I warned you.”
“But you did it anyway. We had a fight and the next thing I know, you’re gone. All your stuff. You didn’t even leave a forwarding address.”
He stands up to face me.
A weary sigh escapes his lips.
“Liz, I was tired. I was doing it for us. The band had a chance, I took it. I did it for OUR future. So that we could be live happily together.”
“But you never came back!”
“You never called me.”
I laugh.
“You were really waiting for me to fucking call you?”
My hands clench my hips as I glare at him.
“You leave me while we’re FIGHTING, take your stuff, and MY PILLOWS, and expect me to call you?! I loved you, Max, but even then I had respect for myself. And when time went by, you never once called. You moved on. So did I.”
He laughs.
“Neither of us moved on! Or else we wouldn’t be in this situation.”
“And what situation would that be?”
“Trying to make something work that never had a chance!”
Silence.
“Then why are we wasting time?!”
“Because I fucking love you! I want to make it work more than I‘ve ever wanted anything. I can’t live without you. And maybe I was right. Maybe we never stood a chance, but there’s a reason we’re drawn to each other. A reason our lives are incomplete and we’re incapable of loving anyone else. It’s because we’re right for each other.”
I stand there silently.
“You’re just like Eric! Trying to manipulate my feelings so that I’ll be with you! I don’t need you to be happy, Max. I’m fine by myself!”
And my strength has returned.
He smiles.
“Can you honestly tell me that you’ve been happy the past five years?”
“Yes.”
I lie.
“Then tell me. Look me in my eyes and tell me you were happy without me.”
I look him in the eyes.
And crumble.
But just a little bit.
Cause the thing you need to realize about Max’s eyes…
Is…
They’re incredible and make you feel things you never knew you could feel.
Or some romantic bullshit like that.
“Maybe everyday hasn’t been a walk in the park. You really hurt me when you left.”
His cocky smile fades and he reaches out for me.
But I sidestep him
No touching.
Not while we’re fighting and getting this out there.
“Because you loved me.”
I nod.
I can give him that.
“Yes. It hurt like hell because I loved you and you walked out without giving us a second chance.”
He sighs wearily.
“Liz. I thought you didn’t want to try anymore. We were fighting all the time. I thought you were ready to let go.”
“And that didn’t hurt like hell for you?”
I’m close to screaming.
He steps closer.
I let him.
His eyes come into contact with mine again.
And I listen to him.
“Liz, walking away from you like that was torture. I wanted to call you every five minutes to see if we could work things out. But I forced myself not to. I told myself you were better off without me. And when I spoke to Isabel, she told me you were doing great. Throwing yourself into your dreams. That’s all I ever wanted for you, Lizzie. I wanted you to achieve your dreams.”
A silent tear escapes my eyes.
We wasted so much time.
Young.
Stupid.
Naïve.
“But you didn’t give a damn about leaving me with nothing! You ruined me when you left me! I had to move back in with my mother. And do you know how hard it was to find out I was pregnant and knowing that the father had left me without a second glance? THAT is torture, Max. When you have absolutely no control over a situation that totally sucks, then you know what torture is. I lost my love, innocence, and independence in the same two weeks.”
More tears runs down my cheeks.
I swat at them.
Annoyed.
Tears are a sign of weakness.
And I am NOT weak.
Max wraps his arms around.
I try to push him away.
He just holds me tighter.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
I laugh.
“I didn’t find out until two weeks after you left. And by that time, I hated you.”
He rests his head of mine.
“I’m sorry, Liz. I should’ve known. I should’ve stayed. I messed up so badly. I’m sorry.”
He pauses for a second.
“Liz? What happened?”
And I know what he means.
Do we have a kid out there somewhere?
“I miscarried a month later. A month and a half after you left and I lost the last part of you I had.”
He hugs me tighter.
“That’s where you’re wrong, Liz. Cause you’ve always had my heart.”
I snort.
A disgusting sound.
But he just laughs and holds me to him.
“Anything else you want to get out there?”
He asks me, worry staining his voice.
I push him away and wipe away the salty tears.
“Yea. Why’d you come back?”
He smiles genuinely.
“My sister was getting married to one of my best friends. I saw how in love they were together and I knew without a doubt that they deserved each other. I’d seen them grow together, become friends, and then evolve into something more, something deeper. I saw love grow between the two of them. And it reminded me of us, back in high school. Watching them share their love, made me hurt even more than I had for the past two years. I knew at that time I would give anything to have you back in my life.”
“So you sent me a check.”
“And white roses. I know how much you love those white roses.”
I smile.
“I did. They’re not my favorite anymore.”
“What?! When did that happen?”
His eyes are open wide in surprise.
“They’re the only flowers you ever wanted me to give you!”
I smile bitter sweetly.
“Things change in five years, Max.”
“What’s your favorite flower?”
“The Rainbow Sorbet rose.”
“What?”
I smile.
“It’s this beautiful yellow and pink tipped rose.”
He sits down on the couch, smiling.
“What else has changed in the past five years?”
I shake my head and finger at him.
“Nu-uh. Not yet. You still haven’t explained why you tried buying me.”
He laughs.
“Lizzie. I wanted a reaction. I knew you wouldn’t take it. But knowing you like I did, I know you wanted me to repay my debts to you.”
His smile fades.
“And I know I am in debt to you. You helped support me, and I never thanked you or supported you in the same way. I want to make it up to you.”
“How?”
“Can I give you a nice big check?”
“No.”
I cross my arms.
“I don’t want our relationship to be about money.”
“It’s a token of my love.”
My voice drops to a whisper.
“I don’t want words or checks Max, I want the grand gesture.”
“What?”
I flail my hands in the air.
“The grand gesture, Max! I want you to do something that makes me see without a doubt that this is real!”
My voice quiets again.
“I want you to prove that you love me.”
He jumps off the couch and kisses me.
It’s a quick kiss.
Like a habit.
“I love you, Liz. But I gotta go. Call you later.”
My fingers touch my lips as I watch him leave.
“I love you, too?”
<center></center>
</center>Okay, Kim.
Laura, I really didn't expect that many people to view today! Honest! and take your time updating ES&L, don't stress yourself out too much.
To the rest of you, I promise to respond tomorrow! But thank you all so much for leaving fb! I love you all!
Part 16
“So when do I get this grand gesture of love?”
I smile teasingly at him.
He smiles widely.
I can feel his pleasure from here.
And if you’re wondering,
Which you’re probably not.
But, no, we haven’t slept together yet.
I have my dignity still.
And I keep it in my pants.
“Be patient. Something this grand takes time. But you’ll love it and realize I’m honest.”
I stick my tongue out at him.
“Never.”
He turns and nuzzles my cheek with his nose.
“Oh, yea?”
And then the tickling starts.
*~*~*~*
Mr. Boss Man stands outside my door, watching me work.
Which is a little creepy to me.
I mean, who honestly works well with their boss watching them?
When I was younger, I used to get really self conscious if my boss could hear me.
And then I’d make stupid mistakes.
He walks into the room confidently.
“Parker.”
I look up.
“Mr. Boss Man.”
He’s gotten used to it.
“Are you happy here?”
I pause.
“Yes.”
He sits on the desk.
“Parker, I want you to be honest with me. What’s wrong?”
I smile.
“Nothing. Life is grand.”
“What about work?”
I shrug.
“I enjoy my job. I love creating.”
He smiles.
“You want your own.”
“Huh?”
“Your own company. Your own film.”
I look down at my laptop and close it.
Hiding the outline of the script.
“Sir. I’ve done that. And yes, I want that again. But I’m not in a position to attempt that again.”
He stands up and offers me his hand.
We shake.
“Just know, Parker, when you do, you have our full support.”
I smile.
Genuinely.
“Thank you, sir.”
He nods and walks out.
The happy dance that follows is not completely unexpected.
*~*~*~*
“Parker! Answer your phone!”
I run to the phone and answer it breathlessly.
“Yea?”
I throw my purse on the beige couch and kick off my shoes.
“Parker? What took you so long?”
“Geez, Maria. I just walked in the fuckin’ door. What do you want?”
Her tone changes.
Irritation turns into joy.
One of two things happened.
She got a recording deal or
“Michael called me!”
I nod.
Even though she can’t see.
“I thought he might. He seemed interested at the wedding.”
She sighs romantically.
“Dudette! Do you think he’s real this time?”
I smile.
Knowing very well the same emotions she’s wading through.
“Maria. I think he is. Something happened to them on tour. They actually seem ready for relationships again.”
She laughs joyfully.
“Oh, Liz, I have a piece of gossip for you!”
“Huh?”
I put my hair into a high ponytail.
“Max wasn’t with any other girl for the past five years.”
“Huh?”
I ask again.
Stunned.
“All those groupies he was always photographed with?”
My hands fall to my sides.
“Yea?”
She laughs again.
“They were just groupies! The others liked them, but Max never let them, uh, service him. Gotta go!”
She hangs up on me.
“Huh?”
*~*~*~*
The door swings open and I’m faced with someone I never wanted to see again.
He glances down at my sweatpants and tank top.
“What do you want?”
I ask.
Distracting him from checking me out.
He tries to push past me.
I don’t let him in.
“Liz.”
He sighs.
Like I’m the problem.
“Eric.”
Venom drips from my voice.
“Did you give it any thought?”
“Yes.”
“And?”
A small smile graces his lips.
“I’ve decided to find happiness without you.”
“Max isn’t worth your time. He doesn’t love you the way I do.”
I smile.
“Nothing is worth having if it isn’t worth fighting for.”
A masculine voice speaks up from behind Eric.
“And Liz is the only one I’d fight for.”
Eric turns around to face an angry Max.
“Back off, Max, this isn’t about you.”
I snort again.
Dude.
I really need to get that under control.
Max smiles a little at me.
I glare at him.
Concentrate on Eric!
Beat his puny little ass.
I just want this whole thing to be over with.
I want my chance at happiness.
And I can’t do that with Eric in the shadows.
Waiting for me to be alone so that he may taint my thoughts.
Make me lose my faith.
Make me doubt.
“Not about me? Eric, you’re a good guy, but you need to learn that this is about Liz and me. We have a history.”
“Which she desperately tried to forget.”
I interrupt.
“Not really. I hated him too much to forget him.”
Eric smiles at me.
I glare at him.
“See? She hates you.”
“I’m learning not to hate him anymore!”
Eric tells me to shut up.
Max hits him.
And after that, everything’s a blur.
Laura, I really didn't expect that many people to view today! Honest! and take your time updating ES&L, don't stress yourself out too much.
To the rest of you, I promise to respond tomorrow! But thank you all so much for leaving fb! I love you all!
Part 16
“So when do I get this grand gesture of love?”
I smile teasingly at him.
He smiles widely.
I can feel his pleasure from here.
And if you’re wondering,
Which you’re probably not.
But, no, we haven’t slept together yet.
I have my dignity still.
And I keep it in my pants.
“Be patient. Something this grand takes time. But you’ll love it and realize I’m honest.”
I stick my tongue out at him.
“Never.”
He turns and nuzzles my cheek with his nose.
“Oh, yea?”
And then the tickling starts.
*~*~*~*
Mr. Boss Man stands outside my door, watching me work.
Which is a little creepy to me.
I mean, who honestly works well with their boss watching them?
When I was younger, I used to get really self conscious if my boss could hear me.
And then I’d make stupid mistakes.
He walks into the room confidently.
“Parker.”
I look up.
“Mr. Boss Man.”
He’s gotten used to it.
“Are you happy here?”
I pause.
“Yes.”
He sits on the desk.
“Parker, I want you to be honest with me. What’s wrong?”
I smile.
“Nothing. Life is grand.”
“What about work?”
I shrug.
“I enjoy my job. I love creating.”
He smiles.
“You want your own.”
“Huh?”
“Your own company. Your own film.”
I look down at my laptop and close it.
Hiding the outline of the script.
“Sir. I’ve done that. And yes, I want that again. But I’m not in a position to attempt that again.”
He stands up and offers me his hand.
We shake.
“Just know, Parker, when you do, you have our full support.”
I smile.
Genuinely.
“Thank you, sir.”
He nods and walks out.
The happy dance that follows is not completely unexpected.
*~*~*~*
“Parker! Answer your phone!”
I run to the phone and answer it breathlessly.
“Yea?”
I throw my purse on the beige couch and kick off my shoes.
“Parker? What took you so long?”
“Geez, Maria. I just walked in the fuckin’ door. What do you want?”
Her tone changes.
Irritation turns into joy.
One of two things happened.
She got a recording deal or
“Michael called me!”
I nod.
Even though she can’t see.
“I thought he might. He seemed interested at the wedding.”
She sighs romantically.
“Dudette! Do you think he’s real this time?”
I smile.
Knowing very well the same emotions she’s wading through.
“Maria. I think he is. Something happened to them on tour. They actually seem ready for relationships again.”
She laughs joyfully.
“Oh, Liz, I have a piece of gossip for you!”
“Huh?”
I put my hair into a high ponytail.
“Max wasn’t with any other girl for the past five years.”
“Huh?”
I ask again.
Stunned.
“All those groupies he was always photographed with?”
My hands fall to my sides.
“Yea?”
She laughs again.
“They were just groupies! The others liked them, but Max never let them, uh, service him. Gotta go!”
She hangs up on me.
“Huh?”
*~*~*~*
The door swings open and I’m faced with someone I never wanted to see again.
He glances down at my sweatpants and tank top.
“What do you want?”
I ask.
Distracting him from checking me out.
He tries to push past me.
I don’t let him in.
“Liz.”
He sighs.
Like I’m the problem.
“Eric.”
Venom drips from my voice.
“Did you give it any thought?”
“Yes.”
“And?”
A small smile graces his lips.
“I’ve decided to find happiness without you.”
“Max isn’t worth your time. He doesn’t love you the way I do.”
I smile.
“Nothing is worth having if it isn’t worth fighting for.”
A masculine voice speaks up from behind Eric.
“And Liz is the only one I’d fight for.”
Eric turns around to face an angry Max.
“Back off, Max, this isn’t about you.”
I snort again.
Dude.
I really need to get that under control.
Max smiles a little at me.
I glare at him.
Concentrate on Eric!
Beat his puny little ass.
I just want this whole thing to be over with.
I want my chance at happiness.
And I can’t do that with Eric in the shadows.
Waiting for me to be alone so that he may taint my thoughts.
Make me lose my faith.
Make me doubt.
“Not about me? Eric, you’re a good guy, but you need to learn that this is about Liz and me. We have a history.”
“Which she desperately tried to forget.”
I interrupt.
“Not really. I hated him too much to forget him.”
Eric smiles at me.
I glare at him.
“See? She hates you.”
“I’m learning not to hate him anymore!”
Eric tells me to shut up.
Max hits him.
And after that, everything’s a blur.
<center></center>
</center>Thank you!
New part. Boring.
Part 17[/b[
“I’m sorry, Liz.”
“I’m not.”
He frowns.
“Why not?”
I shrug nonchalantly.
“I needed someone to do that. And I’m sure my fists are quite ineffective in comparison to yours.”
“So you don’t mind that Eric and I were fighting over you?”
I shrug again.
“Not at all.”
I’m lying of course.
“You’re lying.”
Huh?
How the hell did he know that?
I turn and look at him.
My mouth hanging open of course.
He chuckles softly.
“I know you, Liz. Five years later or not, you’re still Liz.”
I fold my arms and pout.
“I’m more mature now.”
“But you’re still a lousy liar. Come here.”
“No.”
I pout more.
Why does he seem to know who I am?
I don’t mean things like my favorite flower or favorite ice cream flavor.
Birthday cake remix, by the way.
But he knows who I am.
He knows what I think.
It’s frustrating and annoying.
I hate feeling like he knows me inside and out.
And I don’t know him at all.
I sit up straight and face him.
“In the past five years, have you been with another girl?”
“Yes.”
He answers honestly.
Strength flavoring his voice.
No more lies.
We’ve both agreed.
“Oh.”
I whisper.
Only slightly stunned.
“Was it…was it a relationship?”
He glances away.
“Yes.”
He looks back at me.
I bite my bottom lip softly.
Oh.
“Who was it?”
He smiles.
“A girl you wouldn’t have liked. She liked me because of the music. I liked her because she was everything you weren’t, and at that time, that’s exactly what I wanted.”
I frown.
“What was she like?”
He takes my hand.
“Why are you doing this, Liz?”
“Because I want to know you.”
He nods slightly.
“She was blond. Big boobs. She hung on to my every word, told me from the beginning that she loved me. She was rock and roll. Knew how to be the girl the other girls envy.”
“She wasn’t like me at all?”
He smiles.
“No. Not at all.”
I pull my hand away from him.
Brushing my side bangs away, I whisper.
Torture grazing my words.
Tainting innocent words with pain.
But why?
Ancient history.
And yet it hurts to think of Max with any other girl.
With anyone that isn’t me.
Like I am his,
He is mine.
Mine.
All mine.
Maxwell Fucking Evans belongs to me.
“What was so wrong with a girl like me?”
His warm hand rubs against my cheek softly.
He tilts my head toward him.
And I try to remember what it’s like to be strong.
Cause I’ve gotta admit.
Today I’m not doing a very good job being strong.
First I let Max get rid of Eric.
And now…
I’m being a silly little girl getting upset because the supposed love of her life was once with another girl.
Dude.
I so didn’t miss this kind of drama.
It’s so high school.
“There’s nothing wrong with girls like you, Liz.”
He stands in front of me.
“I love you, Liz. I did then, I do now. But after I left, I don’t know. I couldn’t be with a girl who would remind me of you. I couldn’t be with a brunette because I would think of you every time I looked at her. And that wouldn’t be fair to any of us. I couldn’t be with someone who was passionate and smart, because I would constantly be comparing them to you. And they would always fall short. If I couldn’t be with you, I didn’t want to be with anyone who resembled you in any way, shape or form.
“So I chose a blonde bimbo. She was exactly what I needed. A mindless fuck here and there. We didn’t have a real connection, just a physical one. I knew the only reason she was interested in me was because of the band. And that was okay, because I wasn’t really interested in her either. It was convenient.”
I nod.
I don’t trust myself to say anything.
A mindless fuck?
That’s nice.
I sigh and look him in the eye.
“Why did you feel like you were suffocating.?”
He shrugs and sighs.
“Do we really have to get into this?”
I nod.
Definitely.
“I was your life, Liz. And it was stifling me because you seemed to think all my time should be spent with you. And I had too much going on for that. I loved you, I really did, but I couldn’t be your life. You had passion and intelligence, but instead of using it, you clung to me.”
I stand up and pace.
“I was trying, Max. I was trying to get through school, work, and trying to focus that intelligence and passion. But at the end of the day, you were what I wanted. Was it so hard to put me first?”
His eyes narrow at me.
“I did put you first! You were always my priority, but I had other things in my life, too. I was trying to make a future for us, for me, and that required me to go to practice, to be around the guys, to have a life. I wanted you to be a part of it, but you wouldn’t!”
“I never wanted to be a part of that life! Music was not the end-all be-all for me! I didn’t like the people you were around, I didn’t like seeing girls clinging to your every word. I hated seeing such fake people latch on to you! I hated it! All I wanted was to come first in your life. I didn’t want to feel like the music was more important.”
“It wasn’t! YOU were. You always were. But you never saw it. And we were fighting. Not many relationships can last one person saying ’I don’t give a shit.’”
His tone is slightly icy.
I look at him.
Apologetic.
For the first time.
I realize something in this moment.
It wasn’t all him.
I owe him, too.
“It wasn’t about our relationship, Max. I just wanted to go. I needed to clear my head!”
“And you couldn’t do that by not walking down the street at night? In the dark? I worried about you, Liz. It would’ve killed me if you got in trouble. If you were hurt, I would never stop blaming myself.”
I face him.
Standing closely, I can see the fear in his eyes.
And something else becomes apparent.
He did love me.
He did always look out for me.
When I blamed him for never being around, I completely overlooked the moments that he tried to keep me safe.
And when he left, I blocked out the moments where I pushed him farther than anyone should be pushed.
I smile weakly.
“So, what’s your favorite ice cream flavor?”
New part. Boring.
Part 17[/b[
“I’m sorry, Liz.”
“I’m not.”
He frowns.
“Why not?”
I shrug nonchalantly.
“I needed someone to do that. And I’m sure my fists are quite ineffective in comparison to yours.”
“So you don’t mind that Eric and I were fighting over you?”
I shrug again.
“Not at all.”
I’m lying of course.
“You’re lying.”
Huh?
How the hell did he know that?
I turn and look at him.
My mouth hanging open of course.
He chuckles softly.
“I know you, Liz. Five years later or not, you’re still Liz.”
I fold my arms and pout.
“I’m more mature now.”
“But you’re still a lousy liar. Come here.”
“No.”
I pout more.
Why does he seem to know who I am?
I don’t mean things like my favorite flower or favorite ice cream flavor.
Birthday cake remix, by the way.
But he knows who I am.
He knows what I think.
It’s frustrating and annoying.
I hate feeling like he knows me inside and out.
And I don’t know him at all.
I sit up straight and face him.
“In the past five years, have you been with another girl?”
“Yes.”
He answers honestly.
Strength flavoring his voice.
No more lies.
We’ve both agreed.
“Oh.”
I whisper.
Only slightly stunned.
“Was it…was it a relationship?”
He glances away.
“Yes.”
He looks back at me.
I bite my bottom lip softly.
Oh.
“Who was it?”
He smiles.
“A girl you wouldn’t have liked. She liked me because of the music. I liked her because she was everything you weren’t, and at that time, that’s exactly what I wanted.”
I frown.
“What was she like?”
He takes my hand.
“Why are you doing this, Liz?”
“Because I want to know you.”
He nods slightly.
“She was blond. Big boobs. She hung on to my every word, told me from the beginning that she loved me. She was rock and roll. Knew how to be the girl the other girls envy.”
“She wasn’t like me at all?”
He smiles.
“No. Not at all.”
I pull my hand away from him.
Brushing my side bangs away, I whisper.
Torture grazing my words.
Tainting innocent words with pain.
But why?
Ancient history.
And yet it hurts to think of Max with any other girl.
With anyone that isn’t me.
Like I am his,
He is mine.
Mine.
All mine.
Maxwell Fucking Evans belongs to me.
“What was so wrong with a girl like me?”
His warm hand rubs against my cheek softly.
He tilts my head toward him.
And I try to remember what it’s like to be strong.
Cause I’ve gotta admit.
Today I’m not doing a very good job being strong.
First I let Max get rid of Eric.
And now…
I’m being a silly little girl getting upset because the supposed love of her life was once with another girl.
Dude.
I so didn’t miss this kind of drama.
It’s so high school.
“There’s nothing wrong with girls like you, Liz.”
He stands in front of me.
“I love you, Liz. I did then, I do now. But after I left, I don’t know. I couldn’t be with a girl who would remind me of you. I couldn’t be with a brunette because I would think of you every time I looked at her. And that wouldn’t be fair to any of us. I couldn’t be with someone who was passionate and smart, because I would constantly be comparing them to you. And they would always fall short. If I couldn’t be with you, I didn’t want to be with anyone who resembled you in any way, shape or form.
“So I chose a blonde bimbo. She was exactly what I needed. A mindless fuck here and there. We didn’t have a real connection, just a physical one. I knew the only reason she was interested in me was because of the band. And that was okay, because I wasn’t really interested in her either. It was convenient.”
I nod.
I don’t trust myself to say anything.
A mindless fuck?
That’s nice.
I sigh and look him in the eye.
“Why did you feel like you were suffocating.?”
He shrugs and sighs.
“Do we really have to get into this?”
I nod.
Definitely.
“I was your life, Liz. And it was stifling me because you seemed to think all my time should be spent with you. And I had too much going on for that. I loved you, I really did, but I couldn’t be your life. You had passion and intelligence, but instead of using it, you clung to me.”
I stand up and pace.
“I was trying, Max. I was trying to get through school, work, and trying to focus that intelligence and passion. But at the end of the day, you were what I wanted. Was it so hard to put me first?”
His eyes narrow at me.
“I did put you first! You were always my priority, but I had other things in my life, too. I was trying to make a future for us, for me, and that required me to go to practice, to be around the guys, to have a life. I wanted you to be a part of it, but you wouldn’t!”
“I never wanted to be a part of that life! Music was not the end-all be-all for me! I didn’t like the people you were around, I didn’t like seeing girls clinging to your every word. I hated seeing such fake people latch on to you! I hated it! All I wanted was to come first in your life. I didn’t want to feel like the music was more important.”
“It wasn’t! YOU were. You always were. But you never saw it. And we were fighting. Not many relationships can last one person saying ’I don’t give a shit.’”
His tone is slightly icy.
I look at him.
Apologetic.
For the first time.
I realize something in this moment.
It wasn’t all him.
I owe him, too.
“It wasn’t about our relationship, Max. I just wanted to go. I needed to clear my head!”
“And you couldn’t do that by not walking down the street at night? In the dark? I worried about you, Liz. It would’ve killed me if you got in trouble. If you were hurt, I would never stop blaming myself.”
I face him.
Standing closely, I can see the fear in his eyes.
And something else becomes apparent.
He did love me.
He did always look out for me.
When I blamed him for never being around, I completely overlooked the moments that he tried to keep me safe.
And when he left, I blocked out the moments where I pushed him farther than anyone should be pushed.
I smile weakly.
“So, what’s your favorite ice cream flavor?”
Last edited by Lorastar on Wed Sep 06, 2006 5:55 pm, edited 1 time in total.
<center></center>
</center>You are SO not going to believe this!!
I'm BACK!! As in with an actual chapter. Short as it may be. Now, I'm outie to work on Down Poison.
Thank you all so much for your support and feedback. It makes my day so much better just seeing and reading what you all are thinking about this story.
Oh, and those who are interested, follow this link to view a scene from the movie I'm making: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVS9L0MDMiI
Part 18
I run when I feel like there’s too much going on in my head.
Sometime I run on my treadmill.
Sometimes I drive two hours away from the city to run in calm, quiet suburbs.
Sometimes I go running in the rich and famous neighborhoods.
Stare at the houses I’ll never live in.
It’s humbling.
Too know you’ll never have everything.
That’s what I’m doing now.
And up in front of me, a gaggle of young people, men and women alike, stand screaming at a gate.
I slow my pace and run up to them.
It’s a natural reaction.
Something’s going on, you need to know what.
I wipe tendrils of soaked hair from my face and turn to one of the girls on the perimeter.
“Hey, what’s going on?”
She smiles at me.
Seriously happy.
Deliriously.
Possibly even psychotically happy.
Anyway.
“Max Evans! Max Evans! Max Evans! Max Evans! We just found out he lives here! Oh my GOD, MAX EVANS!!!”
She squeals deliriously and I turn to the gate.
Max’s house, huh?
We’ve never come to his place, always opting to stay in my bland little apartment.
I find the intercom on the gate and press the button.
“Yes?”
The voice is calm, probably used to these gaggles of hysterical fans.
“Hi. Could you tell Max that Liz Parker is out front?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
He returns a minute later.
This time to the gate.
He beckons to me.
The only one not screaming hysterically.
The only one over the age of twenty.
I follow him to a locked door in the fence and he opens it for me.
I follow him silently into the house.
Into the foyer, covered in rich marble slabs.
The house is big.
Spacious.
Nicely decorated.
Clean.
Entirely not Max.
He smiles at me as he descends from the curving staircase.
He doesn’t look at home here.
It’s so elegant.
And he’s wearing a t-shirt and ripped jeans.
He smiles happily.
“Liz!”
I smile happily back.
Cause this is what life is like for us.
We’re happy to see each other.
It’s slightly creepy how after all this time of hating him, we’re together and loving it.
“Hey.”
He continues his descent and wraps his arms around me, nuzzling my cheek with his nose.
“Not that I’m not happy to see you, but what are you doing here?”
I pull away.
“I was just in the neighborhood.”
He wrinkles his nose and sniffs me.
“We’re you…running?”
I nod slowly.
He laughs.
“Liz Parker running? I thought that beautiful little figure of yours was all due to your speedy metabolism and stressed out life.”
I strike a pose.
He laughs.
We’re so happy go-lucky.
He pulls me by the hand into a room filled with couches and a large screen TV. We sit on the couch and cuddle.
“How’d the business trip go?”
He rolls his eyes in annoyance and groans.
“I’m so glad to be back.”
“I’m glad you’re back.”
He looks at me suspiciously.
“Why?”
I laugh.
“I missed you?”
“Yea right.”
I roll my eyes.
“It’s kinda true. Plus, Maria was complaining about every night she had to spend with you. Says if she knew you were going to be around her so much, she would’ve signed with a different label.”
“Ungrateful bitch.” His voice drips venom.
I hit him.
Laughing.
He sticks his tongue out at me and I lean closer to him.
When our noses touch, he retracts his tongue and swallows hard.
My hand reaches out to stroke his cheek softly and my eyes flutter close.
His hands wrap themselves around me, one buried deep in my hair.
He strokes my head softly as our heads angle themselves carefully.
It’s familiar.
The feel of his breath tickling me.
The feel of his hands in my hair.
The feel of his scratchy face brushing against mine.
The feel of his soft lips against mine.
The warmth travels through me exponentially as our lips meet again and again.
And then I realize something.
This is real.
I'm BACK!! As in with an actual chapter. Short as it may be. Now, I'm outie to work on Down Poison.
Thank you all so much for your support and feedback. It makes my day so much better just seeing and reading what you all are thinking about this story.
Oh, and those who are interested, follow this link to view a scene from the movie I'm making: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVS9L0MDMiI
Part 18
I run when I feel like there’s too much going on in my head.
Sometime I run on my treadmill.
Sometimes I drive two hours away from the city to run in calm, quiet suburbs.
Sometimes I go running in the rich and famous neighborhoods.
Stare at the houses I’ll never live in.
It’s humbling.
Too know you’ll never have everything.
That’s what I’m doing now.
And up in front of me, a gaggle of young people, men and women alike, stand screaming at a gate.
I slow my pace and run up to them.
It’s a natural reaction.
Something’s going on, you need to know what.
I wipe tendrils of soaked hair from my face and turn to one of the girls on the perimeter.
“Hey, what’s going on?”
She smiles at me.
Seriously happy.
Deliriously.
Possibly even psychotically happy.
Anyway.
“Max Evans! Max Evans! Max Evans! Max Evans! We just found out he lives here! Oh my GOD, MAX EVANS!!!”
She squeals deliriously and I turn to the gate.
Max’s house, huh?
We’ve never come to his place, always opting to stay in my bland little apartment.
I find the intercom on the gate and press the button.
“Yes?”
The voice is calm, probably used to these gaggles of hysterical fans.
“Hi. Could you tell Max that Liz Parker is out front?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
He returns a minute later.
This time to the gate.
He beckons to me.
The only one not screaming hysterically.
The only one over the age of twenty.
I follow him to a locked door in the fence and he opens it for me.
I follow him silently into the house.
Into the foyer, covered in rich marble slabs.
The house is big.
Spacious.
Nicely decorated.
Clean.
Entirely not Max.
He smiles at me as he descends from the curving staircase.
He doesn’t look at home here.
It’s so elegant.
And he’s wearing a t-shirt and ripped jeans.
He smiles happily.
“Liz!”
I smile happily back.
Cause this is what life is like for us.
We’re happy to see each other.
It’s slightly creepy how after all this time of hating him, we’re together and loving it.
“Hey.”
He continues his descent and wraps his arms around me, nuzzling my cheek with his nose.
“Not that I’m not happy to see you, but what are you doing here?”
I pull away.
“I was just in the neighborhood.”
He wrinkles his nose and sniffs me.
“We’re you…running?”
I nod slowly.
He laughs.
“Liz Parker running? I thought that beautiful little figure of yours was all due to your speedy metabolism and stressed out life.”
I strike a pose.
He laughs.
We’re so happy go-lucky.
He pulls me by the hand into a room filled with couches and a large screen TV. We sit on the couch and cuddle.
“How’d the business trip go?”
He rolls his eyes in annoyance and groans.
“I’m so glad to be back.”
“I’m glad you’re back.”
He looks at me suspiciously.
“Why?”
I laugh.
“I missed you?”
“Yea right.”
I roll my eyes.
“It’s kinda true. Plus, Maria was complaining about every night she had to spend with you. Says if she knew you were going to be around her so much, she would’ve signed with a different label.”
“Ungrateful bitch.” His voice drips venom.
I hit him.
Laughing.
He sticks his tongue out at me and I lean closer to him.
When our noses touch, he retracts his tongue and swallows hard.
My hand reaches out to stroke his cheek softly and my eyes flutter close.
His hands wrap themselves around me, one buried deep in my hair.
He strokes my head softly as our heads angle themselves carefully.
It’s familiar.
The feel of his breath tickling me.
The feel of his hands in my hair.
The feel of his scratchy face brushing against mine.
The feel of his soft lips against mine.
The warmth travels through me exponentially as our lips meet again and again.
And then I realize something.
This is real.
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</center>Short chapter. Thanksgiving. Meant to post it then, got side tracked. 
enjoy!
Part 19
Thanksgiving.
A time where families come together to be thankful for everything good.
I’m currently sitting uncomfortably by my mother and stepfather.
They exchange sappy, happy glances.
And I groan inside.
Until the doorbell rings.
“I’ll get it!”
I spring into action and saunter to the door.
Opening it reveals a charming Max Evans.
He smiles and hands me a bouquet of flowers.
“Those are for your Mom.”
I nod, and walk into the kitchen.
“Not that I’m not happy to see you, but what are you doing here?”
“Your mom invited me. We finished up early at Isabel’s, so I dropped by.”
I smile.
“I’m glad you did. Things are uncomfortable.”
He pulls me into his arms.
“Honey, maybe it’s time to make things comfortable.”
Huh?
“Talk to him.”
Jeez, why do people keep telling me to talk to people? I do just fine on my own, thank you very much.
“It’s been eleven years, Liz. Talk to him. Make your peace.”
I pull away and nod.
“Cover for me.”
He smiles and hands me my keys.
*~*~*~*
“Hi, Dad.”
I kneel down and brush some dirt off the tombstone.
“Sorry it’s been so long since I’ve been here.”
I fold my hands in my lap, trembling slightly.
“I don’t know why I’m even here, it’s not like you really are. Not anymore. Your decayed body is down there, but not your soul. So I probably could’ve talked to you from anywhere and still had you hear me. If you really can. Obviously I don’t know how this death thing works.
“Anyhow, I guess I wanted to say I’m sorry. I’m sorry that it took me so long to forgive you. I know you didn’t want to leave us, that if you had any choice, you wouldn’t have left Mom and me. I’m sorry for hating the one person you made promise to take care of us. I’m sorry for not remembering you the way you should’ve been. I’m sorry, Daddy. I’m sorry for making the mistakes that I have, for letting you down. I love you, Daddy, and I miss you .”
I wipe away the tears.
“Happy Thanksgiving, Daddy.”
*~*~*~*
“John, can I talk to you for a second?”
He looks surprised. A glance and nod from my mother encourages him and he smiles and stands up. Quickly, I follow him into the study and close the door behind us. He settles down on the shiny wooden table, as I continue to pace in the confined space.
“I know I haven’t been nice to you since my father died.”
He stifles a snort. I continue as though I didn’t notice.
“But you have to understand why. My father died when I was thirteen, and I was totally unprepared for it. He was everything to me, I was a total Daddy’s girl, and he left me. I took it as the ultimate abandonment. He wasn’t coming back. And then you were there. You were my uncle for so long, and then it was as if you were trying to take over my father’s spot. No one can ever fill the spot that he left. You may have taken the role of my mother’s husband, but not as my father. That would be impossible.”
He raises a hand and I fall silent, silent tears sparkling in my eyes.
“Liz, I know that you took it hard. Your mother wanted me to talk to you, try to help you, but you were hurting so bad I couldn’t get close to you.”
Did I mention my stepfather is a therapist?
No?
He is.
“I would never try to replace your father, Liz. He was a remarkable man, and one of my closest friends. I promised him, only minutes before he died,” his voice catches “that I would take care of you and your mother. And I did. And while I was doing that, I fell in love with your mother. Cause she is a remarkable and strong woman, who is capable of so much love. I couldn’t help it, Liz, as much as I tried. I tried loving you. I care for you as though you are my own flesh and blood, regardless of the fact that you would never let me.”
“I’m sorry.” I choke out the words.
He nods.
“Me, too.”
We hug awkwardly for a second before letting go.
“I’ll make more of an effort, I won’t push you away, John. I’ll…be nice. Just…give me time. It’ll take time to heal.”
He nods again, before smiling.
“Thank you, Liz.”
I return the smile.
Cause this is what Thanksgiving is about.
*~*~*~*
John stares straight at Max.
“Can I have a word with you for a moment?”
Max swallows roughly, before nodding and following the older man into the kitchen.
“What are you looking for with Liz?”
Max relaxes slightly, it’s about time he’s had this talk with the father figure in Liz’s life.
“I love her, John. She’s the love of my life and I intend to love her and treat her like she deserves. I’m going to take care of her this time around. You can trust me.”
John’s steely blue eyes slice into Max’s warm brown ones. He studies him for a minute before nodding, deciding to trust the young man who’d already broken Liz’s heart once.
“Just know this, Max, if you hurt her again, I will kill you.”
enjoy!Part 19
Thanksgiving.
A time where families come together to be thankful for everything good.
I’m currently sitting uncomfortably by my mother and stepfather.
They exchange sappy, happy glances.
And I groan inside.
Until the doorbell rings.
“I’ll get it!”
I spring into action and saunter to the door.
Opening it reveals a charming Max Evans.
He smiles and hands me a bouquet of flowers.
“Those are for your Mom.”
I nod, and walk into the kitchen.
“Not that I’m not happy to see you, but what are you doing here?”
“Your mom invited me. We finished up early at Isabel’s, so I dropped by.”
I smile.
“I’m glad you did. Things are uncomfortable.”
He pulls me into his arms.
“Honey, maybe it’s time to make things comfortable.”
Huh?
“Talk to him.”
Jeez, why do people keep telling me to talk to people? I do just fine on my own, thank you very much.
“It’s been eleven years, Liz. Talk to him. Make your peace.”
I pull away and nod.
“Cover for me.”
He smiles and hands me my keys.
*~*~*~*
“Hi, Dad.”
I kneel down and brush some dirt off the tombstone.
“Sorry it’s been so long since I’ve been here.”
I fold my hands in my lap, trembling slightly.
“I don’t know why I’m even here, it’s not like you really are. Not anymore. Your decayed body is down there, but not your soul. So I probably could’ve talked to you from anywhere and still had you hear me. If you really can. Obviously I don’t know how this death thing works.
“Anyhow, I guess I wanted to say I’m sorry. I’m sorry that it took me so long to forgive you. I know you didn’t want to leave us, that if you had any choice, you wouldn’t have left Mom and me. I’m sorry for hating the one person you made promise to take care of us. I’m sorry for not remembering you the way you should’ve been. I’m sorry, Daddy. I’m sorry for making the mistakes that I have, for letting you down. I love you, Daddy, and I miss you .”
I wipe away the tears.
“Happy Thanksgiving, Daddy.”
*~*~*~*
“John, can I talk to you for a second?”
He looks surprised. A glance and nod from my mother encourages him and he smiles and stands up. Quickly, I follow him into the study and close the door behind us. He settles down on the shiny wooden table, as I continue to pace in the confined space.
“I know I haven’t been nice to you since my father died.”
He stifles a snort. I continue as though I didn’t notice.
“But you have to understand why. My father died when I was thirteen, and I was totally unprepared for it. He was everything to me, I was a total Daddy’s girl, and he left me. I took it as the ultimate abandonment. He wasn’t coming back. And then you were there. You were my uncle for so long, and then it was as if you were trying to take over my father’s spot. No one can ever fill the spot that he left. You may have taken the role of my mother’s husband, but not as my father. That would be impossible.”
He raises a hand and I fall silent, silent tears sparkling in my eyes.
“Liz, I know that you took it hard. Your mother wanted me to talk to you, try to help you, but you were hurting so bad I couldn’t get close to you.”
Did I mention my stepfather is a therapist?
No?
He is.
“I would never try to replace your father, Liz. He was a remarkable man, and one of my closest friends. I promised him, only minutes before he died,” his voice catches “that I would take care of you and your mother. And I did. And while I was doing that, I fell in love with your mother. Cause she is a remarkable and strong woman, who is capable of so much love. I couldn’t help it, Liz, as much as I tried. I tried loving you. I care for you as though you are my own flesh and blood, regardless of the fact that you would never let me.”
“I’m sorry.” I choke out the words.
He nods.
“Me, too.”
We hug awkwardly for a second before letting go.
“I’ll make more of an effort, I won’t push you away, John. I’ll…be nice. Just…give me time. It’ll take time to heal.”
He nods again, before smiling.
“Thank you, Liz.”
I return the smile.
Cause this is what Thanksgiving is about.
*~*~*~*
John stares straight at Max.
“Can I have a word with you for a moment?”
Max swallows roughly, before nodding and following the older man into the kitchen.
“What are you looking for with Liz?”
Max relaxes slightly, it’s about time he’s had this talk with the father figure in Liz’s life.
“I love her, John. She’s the love of my life and I intend to love her and treat her like she deserves. I’m going to take care of her this time around. You can trust me.”
John’s steely blue eyes slice into Max’s warm brown ones. He studies him for a minute before nodding, deciding to trust the young man who’d already broken Liz’s heart once.
“Just know this, Max, if you hurt her again, I will kill you.”
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