I Was Here
AN: Hello everyone :) This is my second story, and a sequel to Drops of Jupiter. I'd recommend you read it before you read this one. This follows on right after and follows Lily Kane (Duncan's daughter) through her senior year at Neptune High. It's been more difficult developing nearly all of my own characters for it, so I hope it's all right. As always, please review and let me know what you think. Feel free to make suggestions or requests. Also, I like to use song lyrics to help shape my writing. My last story was base around one song, and this one will use various songs and lyrics to help build chapters.
Chapter 1 – Wild at heart
Long hot summer, a couple kids runnin' loose and wild
Lily ran down the beach, her hair streaming. The sun was hot, her skin was tanned, her eyes dancing with mischief. Her purple bikini left little to the imagination, a fact her boyfriend, who was chasing her, was very aware of.
"Lily Kane! Just stop and give me my phone," Scott shouted, he wasn't angry however.
Lily just laughed and turned around, running backwards and dangling the phone in his direction.
"If you don't stop I will catch you," Scott told her, pretending to be threatening.
"So catch me!" Lily replied.
Lily turned around and continued running. Scott followed in hot pursuit. He gained ground on her quickly and when he was close enough he launched himself at her and tackled her to the ground, careful not to crush her smaller frame.
"Pinned you again," he said with a laugh.
"The Lion King would be your favourite childhood movie," Lily said giggling.
"So, can I have my phone now?" Scott asked.
"I have a price," Lily said cheekily. She moved her face closer to his, her stomach tingling. No matter how many times he kissed her or held her in his arms, it still made her heart race. "Kiss me."
"Oh, I guess so," Scott said, pretending to be reluctant.
He leaned in and kissed her lightly on the lips. He was still lying on top of her, so when he pulled his face back Lily dropped his phone on the sand and grabbed his neck and pulled his mouth back to hers.
A little while later they detangled their limbs, Scott stood up and pulled his girlfriend up from the sand. They both brushed themselves off and Scott finally got his hands on his phone and quickly checked his messages. He took Lily's hand in his and they started back down the beach, at a more sedate pace than before.
"So, why did you want your phone so badly?" Lily asked.
"Unlike you, I have not been left to my own devices for the last few weeks of the summer," Scott answered. "I was supposed to let Mom know my plans for the evening hours ago."
"Aww it's so cute that your mom still checks up on you," Lily said, naughtily pinching his cheek. "And I still have chaperones, as you well know. Uncle Logan and Aunt Veronica check up on me all the time, seeing as I'm staying with them."
"I know, I know, and at least Logan is not as scary as your dad," Scott said.
"My dad's only scary to you," Lily replied laughing. "He likes you, and you know it."
"Yeah, I know, it's just, he's your dad," Scott explained unnecessarily.
"Isn't that the truth," Lily remarked. "Don't worry, Uncle Logan will be super scary when Aubrey becomes old enough to date. In fact, I don't know if she'll ever get to date!"
"I'm sure she's worried about that, you know, being a baby," Scott said dryly.
"Hey, hang on, what exactly are your plans for tonight? I don't remember you asking me to do anything," Lily said suddenly, Scott's earlier words just registering in her love-addled mind.
"Oh, I've got plans with the boys. It's the end of summer and finally everyone is back from being away, so we're getting together at Jim's. Nothing big, and no other girls," Scott answered.
"Oh right, of course. I'm not a jealous girlfriend, I trust you. Besides, look at me, you'd never cheat on me," Lily stated, her eyes dancing with laughter.
"You say that like you're joking, but you know you're gorgeous," Scott said, wrapping his arms around her. "And, I would never cheat on you."
The young couple had reached their towels on the sand and they stopped to collect them. They walked hand-in-hand up to Veronica and Logan Echolls' house where Logan was sitting on the balcony, holding his two-and-a-half month old daughter, Aubrey.
"Look Aubrey, it's Aunt Lily with her boyfriend. Let's get something clear now princess, you may hear the word boyfriend, and your friends might have boyfriends, but you will never, ever be allowed to have a boyfriend. Maybe when you're 40," Logan told the oblivious baby. Aubrey just smiled at her father and Lily and Scott smothered grins.
Veronica came out onto the balcony with a pitcher of lemonade and said, "Poor Logan, this heat must be making you suffer from delusions."
"I am feeling a little under the weather," Logan replied. "I think a kiss might make me all better though."
Veronica winked at Lily from her place behind Logan. Lily moved over towards Logan, but addressed Aubrey, "Hello baby. You're looking very adorable in pink suit."
She then kissed Logan's cheek and said, "There you go Uncle Logan. You should be feeling much better now."
Veronica laughed and said, "Yes Logan, you should feel much better now. How about you go and put our daughter to bed?"
Logan got up with Aubrey, grumbling good-naturedly.
"Are you staying for dinner Scott?" Veronica asked.
"No, thank you," Scott answered. "I've got plans with the boys. In fact, I'd better head off now."
"I'll walk you out," Lily said.
They walked together to the front door, Scott kissed her thoroughly, and Lily trotted to her bedroom – or the bedroom she was using at the Echolls' – to change out of her bikini. She went back out to the balcony where Veronica was sitting, watching the roll of the ocean waves. Veronica looked at Lily and smiled indulgently.
"You know, I think it helps that I never knew you when you were a little girl, otherwise the look of wonderstruck love on your face might be a little hard for me to cope with!" Veronica remarked.
"You're not bothered by having Scott around?" Lily asked.
"Of course not sweetie, I think he's lovely, and I think it's lovely that you're happy with him," Veronica replied. "I was mainly thinking that one day my little girl will look at a boy the way you look at Scott, and I'm glad that I don't have to worry about that with you," Veronica explained.
"Don't worry about that yet Aunt Veronica! Aubrey's just a baby, you're borrowing trouble," Lily said with a laugh.
"Oh you're right. Well, do you want to go shopping for back to school clothes tomorrow? I know you're perfectly capable of going on your own or with your friends, and you have more money than God, but–" Veronica said.
Lily cut her off and replied, "Of course I want you to come shopping with me!"
Veronica smiled and said, "Wonderful. School starts in five days, so I figure going tomorrow is a good idea."
"Great idea! You'd better try and get a good night's sleep tonight!" Lily said cheerfully.
I ain't here to do anything half-way
"You weren't joking about needing a good night sleep!" Veronica groaned, sinking into a chair in the food court, dropping her many bags on the ground.
Lily slid into another seat giggling. "We've only been here for a few hours, we've got heaps of shops to visit still," Lily said.
"I'm too old for this," Veronica melodramatically wailed.
"Not really, you're practically as young as me," Lily retorted. "Well, sort of. You seem barely older than me, most of the time."
Veronica smiled at the compliment, she knew it was more than a compliment. It was a testament to how much Lily loved her and how special their relationship was.
"Well then, let me have a drink, and I'm sure I'll be ready to go again," Veronica replied.
"Okay. And I promise, only 4 more stores, then we can go home," Lily said. "I wonder how Uncle Logan is going with Aubrey?"
"Oh, he'll be fine," Veronica said airily. "You know he worships the ground she lies on. I think Uncle Dick was going to bring Caroline over and he and Logan were going to let them have a play day. I almost wish I was there to watch, but I think Aunt Mac was going to check up on them, so I'm not worried."
"Caroline is so cute!" Lily said. "I love watching her toddle around after Uncle Dick. I can't wait for their second baby to be born."
"Well you'll only have to wait six-and-a-half months," Veronica replied with a smile.
"It will be so nice if you all have kids around the same age! Maybe I'll even get some siblings," Lily said wistfully.
"I'm sure they'll both want to," Veronica replied. "I'm kind of hoping all our kids will be friends. Life in Neptune is crazy, but I'm secretly hoping our lives will end up looking like a 1970s TV series."
Several hours later Veronica walked tiredly through her front door, with Lily following happily behind, though truth be told, she looked a little tired too. Mac, Dick and Logan were sitting on lounges in the living room, Caroline was sitting playing with a few toys, and Aubrey was in her bouncer.
Mac grinned sympathetically at Veronica and said, "Long day?"
"You'll never know!" Veronica replied.
"Oh I'd say she will," Logan remarked. "Caroline doesn't look like she'll be a tomboy, and Dick won't be the one to take her shopping."
"Oh, we'll just do that all online," Mac said unconcernedly.
Lily had dumped all her bags on the floor and sunk into a chair.
"Are you sure you've got enough clothes, Lily-love?" Dick asked with amusement.
"I think so, at least until winter," Lily retorted.
"She didn't even buy everything she tried on!" Veronica exclaimed.
"Shopping is an art, you know that Aunt Ronica, besides, you did have fun, admit it," Lily replied.
Veronica grinned and the others shook their heads.
"Anyway, I think I'll take this home now, I won't need most of it until school goes back, and Dad promised he'd be home by then," Lily commented. "I'll be back for dinner, and to play with Aubrey."
Lily made several trips to her car, stowing bags filled with skirts, shirts, dresses, jeans, shorts, jackets, gym gear, and countless pairs of shoes in her trunk. In her room she left a few bags, ones containing new swimwear and a couple of summer dresses, in preparation for the final parties of the summer.
That night she sat on her bed talking animatedly to her current closest friend from school, Keira, about her shopping. Keira Anderson was the daughter of a wealthy businessman. She and Lily were on the cheerleading team together and Keira was one of the nicer 09ers.
"Melanie is going to have a party two days before school goes back," Keira told Lily. "It should be pretty good, her parents are out of town, so we'll have the run of the place.
"The Wheeler's house is good for parties," Lily agreed. "So are we going for summer casual, or are we opting for little party dresses?"
"Definitely little party dresses," Keira replied. "The last party of the summer has to be done in style!"
"Well now that we've sorted that I think it's about time I called Scott, I haven't spoken to him all day," Lily told Keira.
"You two are so cute!" Keira said with a sigh. "You're probably going to get married."
"I'm seventeen!" Lily replied, nonetheless pleased at her friend's thoughts.
"Well, you haven't slept with him, and he's still with you, so clearly he loves you," Keira reasoned.
"You say that like I should be sleeping with him," Lily said.
"No, no, I just mean it's a good way of telling his true intentions. If you aren't ready I totally respect that," Keira returned.
"Thanks Keira. Anyway, I'll see you at Melanie's! Night," Lily finished.
"Bye Lil," Keira responded.
Lily hit Scott's speed dial and waited for him to pick up.
"Hey beautiful," his voice greeted her.
"Hey Scott," Lily replied. "How was your boy's night?"
"It was good to see all the guys again, but we didn't really get up to anything wild. Just drinking, a bit of poker and some video games," Scott replied.
"Well I think we can fix that on Saturday," Lily replied. "You know Melanie's having a party?"
"I did actually. She and Jim have been hooking up over the summer, and he mentioned the party last night," Scott answered.
"Well, pick me up at 8 then?" Lily suggested.
"You bet," Scott said.
Saturday night the doorbell rang and Lily flew downstairs, her purse in hand. She stuck her head into the lounge room and said, "See you tomorrow," to Veronica and Logan.
"Have fun!" Logan called.
"Be safe," Veronica added.
Lily opened the door, stepped outside before Scott could step in, kissed him and said, "Let's go!"
Scott stood on the spot, staring at Lily.
"What?" Lily asked in amusement.
"Wow," Scott managed. "You look incredible."
Lily was wearing a little silver dress, it had cap sleeves with a plunging neckline, and was very short, exposing her long legs. Her shoes were purple and her hair was straight.
"I had a feeling," Lily replied. "Now, let's go. I'm ready to party!"
That rebel moon is shinin', those stars burn like diamonds
Lily was dancing outside with her friends at Melanie's party. The music was loud, the alcohol flowed freely, and the moon was shining in the night sky. The place was filled with the wealthy teenagers of the 90909 zipcode, dressed in the most expensive clothes money could buy, and partying as only rich kids can. Lily had her arms in the air and was moving her body to the rhythm and singing along with Keira. Scott was watching her from a little distance away where he was talking to some of his friends. Lily caught his eye and smiled at him, then turned back to Keira and continued to dance. Scott set his beer down and made his way through the crowd of dancing people and moved up behind Lily and slipped his arms around her waist. She turned around on the spot and slid her arms around his neck, dancing against him.
Lily tilted her head up and Scott obligingly kissed her thoroughly, earning a few whoops from various friends. Lily paid them no attention and continued to dance. Having people focus on her every move was part of her life and it was a part she tried not to dwell on.
Later in the night Lily was sitting around with her friends, or subjects, whichever term you prefer. They were drinking and talking animatedly, discussing their plans for the new school year, their final year. Cheerleading was a key topic, with all the girls being on the squad the previous year.
"Are you going for captain again this year Keira?" Sophie asked. Sophie Turner, her 09ers status gained through her father's position of CEO in a multinational company.
"I don't think so," Keira replied. "I'll still go out for the team, but I don't really want to be captain this year."
"I think Lily should do it," Mia offered. Mia Faulkner was tall, with long brown hair, and had inherited the looks of her mother who had been a model.
"I don't know," Lily said uncertainly.
"You'd be great," Melanie agreed. "It's your senior year, just go for it!"
Lily knew that if she wanted the spot it would be hers easily, and she also knew that it could be hard to tell whether her friends really thought she'd be great or whether they just wanted to flatter her.
"I'll think about it," Lily replied, deciding that if she did do it, it would be on her own terms and for her own reasons.
"You know who's looking hot?" Sophie began.
"What is this, Mean Girls?" Melanie interjected laughing.
"Oh shut up," Sophie retorted good-naturedly. "Liam Armistead."
"He always looks hot," Mia commented.
"Yeah, but he's looking super hot at the moment," Sophie pressed.
"It's a pity he's so full of himself," Lily said uninterestedly.
"Yeah, well we all know you have your perfect man," Melanie replied. "Doesn't mean the rest of us don't want new boyfriends for this year."
"I don't," Keira said. "I quite like my boyfriend."
The girls all laughed.
"What's not to like about him?" Lily questioned rhetorically with a giggle.
Keira was dating Ethan Masters and he was rather easy on the eyes. Brown wavy hair, tanned skin, all the 09ers some kind of tan, warm hazel eyes and a divine jaw line.
A little while later Lily found Scott and cuddled into his side and said, "I'm ready to go when you are."
"I see we've reached the 'I've-had-too-much-to-drink stage' and you're tired and cuddly," Scott said with a chuckle.
"Are you alright to drive?" Lily asked.
"I'm fine, I only had two beers, and the last one was hours ago," Scott reassured her.
"Good, cause it's after 2 and my dad is coming home some time today, and it'd probably be good if I was awake to see him," Lily remarked.
"It'd be even better if you weren't hungover!" Scott retorted.
"Shut up and take me home," Lily replied, sticking her tongue out immaturely.
"Your wish is my command," Scott said with a bow. He then took her hand and they began their exit, saying goodbye to various friends along the way.
When Lily awoke some hours later, to Veronica calling her name, her eyes were heavy and her head ached slightly. Still, it had been a good party, and a glass of orange juice and some painkillers would fix her up.
"Did you hear me Lily?" Veronica was saying.
"Sorry, what?" Lily replied.
"Your dad just rang, he and Eva will be home in an hour," Veronica stated.
Lily flew into action and forty-five minutes later she was sitting in her own home, waiting for her dad and stepmom. Technically Evelyn was her stepmother, but to Lily she would just continue to be Eva. Lily liked Eva, she made her dad happy, she was nice to Lily, and that was all Lily could really ask for. Lily dressed and gone straight home, taking her overnight bag with her. She'd already moved the rest of her belongings home in preparation for Duncan's return. Now that Lily had had time to wake up, her eyes were bright, her face radiant, and she was dressed simply in a pair of denim shorts and a bale blue t-shirt. Her hair was pulled up into a casual pony tail and she was wearing the L pendant necklace she always wore, the one that had been her Aunt Lilly's, and that her father had given to her.
The minute Lily heard the car pulled in the drive she jumped out of her seat and rushed out the front and leapt into her father's arms.
"Daddy!" Lily squealed.
Duncan held her tightly and said, "Oh I've missed you my Lily."
Lily released Duncan and hugged Eva as well.
Once they had settled inside Lily asked about their trip, was given a large pile of presents, and they all settled down to lunch.
The three of them spent the last afternoon of Lily's summer on the beach, Eva lying in the sun, and Duncan and Lily playing in the waves.
Later that night Eva was cleaning up in the kitchen, leaving Duncan and Lily to have some father-daughter time out on the balcony.
"Did you have fun while I was gone?" Duncan asked.
"Yeah, it was a good few weeks," Lily replied. "I spent a lot of it with Scott, and I spent a lot of time on the beach. There were a few parties and Aunt Veronica and I did some shopping."
"You don't do, 'some shopping', you do a lot of shopping," Duncan said with a chuckle.
"It's all true," Lily agreed grinning.
"Are you looking forward to tomorrow?" Duncan asked.
"Yeah," Lily answered. "I think it will be a fun year, and it will certainly be the last one like it."
"That's very true," Duncan agreed.
"The girls want me to be the captain of the cheerleading team this year," Lily told Duncan. "I'm not sure if I want to."
"Well I know you can do anything you set your mind to," Duncan replied. "You're just like Aunt Lilly in that way, that's for certain," Duncan said chuckling.
"I think I will probably do it," Lily owned. "I love cheering, and it would be something good to add to my senior year. People always say that their senior year was the best, so I'm hoping mine will be."
"My senior year was my best year," Duncan remarked.
"Why Daddy? You never finished it, you fled the country, Mom died, you left all your friends," Lily said puzzled.
"You're forgetting something import, Lily-love," Duncan said softly. "I got you, you were the best thing that ever happened to me."
Lily stood up and went to sit on her father's lap. She kissed his cheek and said, "Thank you Daddy, I love you."
They stayed like that for a little while, Duncan enjoying holding his baby girl, Lily savouring her father's presence, and both looking up in contentment at the sparking stars in the sky.
AN: Thanks for reading! Please let me know what you think :)