Author's Note: I don't own Pride and Prejudice, although I like to pretend I do. Enjoy the chapter!

Chapter 10

Thank God that William didn't have to live with us. My father said that even though they were married, Lisa still had to live under his roof until she went to college. It was going to be some time before Lisa had another baby.

My mother took complete charge of making sure Lisa had the right nutrients in her body for the baby. Lisa said she didn't want to know what the baby was until it came.

"I just love surprises!" she said giddily as all of us sisters watched T.V.

"I can tell," I said dryly and said in a high, girly voice, "Guys, you'll never guess what…I'm pregnant! Surprise!"

Lisa rolled her eyes and made a noise that sounded like she had a respiratory problem. She stormed out of the room followed by Kath just as the phone rang.

"I got it!" I shouted and picked up the phone, "Belitorini residence."

"Jess?" It was a male voice.

"No, this is her sister Emily," I said, looking at Jess questioningly as she gave me a confused frown, "May I ask who's calling?"

"Oh hi Em," the man said nervously, "It's…Brian."

"Brian?" I repeated and saw Jess shake her head rapidly and slice her hand across her throat, "What a surprise to hear from you. How's everything?"

"Fine," he said uncomfortably, "Listen, is Jess there? I was thinking that I hadn't spoken to her in a while and…wanted to talk."

"Actually, she just went out," I lied and my sister let out a sigh of relief, "But I'll let her know you called."

"I'd really appreciate that."

"I'm sorry you had to call long distance and not get her. But yeah, I'll, um…I'll definitely let her know you called."

"Thanks Em but," he paused and continued, "It's not a long distance call I'm making."

"Not long distance?" I repeated and Jess' head jerked up, "Oh…where should Jess call you then?"

"My parents gave me a cell phone to keep in touch with them," Brian replied, "You see, I'm here with David and Ginny and their aunt is with us too. We're back at our house we lived in at the beginning of the year. I'll give you my number."

"Let me get something to write with," I said, scrambling for a pad and pen, "Okay…yeah…mmhm…all right then, I'll be sure to-"

"JESS!" Lisa shouted from the stairs, "When's lunch? I'm starving!"

"Jess isn't here Lisa," Mags called up as I tried desperately to cover the phone and move away from the noise.

"What are you talking about?" Lisa said loudly as she stormed down the stairs and into the living room, "She's mhph!"

Mags had decked Lisa and slammed into the couch, managing to slap her hand over her younger sister's mouth.

"Um…is everything all right over there?" Brian asked cautiously.

"Oh yeah, you know, the usual drama you'd have when you have four teenage girls together under one roof. It was nice talking to you."

"Yeah, same here."

I hung up the phone and, after having a lovely chat with Lisa about taking a hint, I ushered a very distressed Jess to our room.

"What should I do?" she asked me shakily, "I can't talk to him…but I can't ignore him, he lives right down the street! But no, I can't talk to him, I can't face him…not now…not ever."

"Listen to you!" I said, "What's wrong with you Jess? He's only a guy and a stupid one at that! He's not worth you getting all upset over."

"He's not just a guy Ems," Jess said exasperatedly, "I don't know, there was something about him that made him special, made him different." She looked down at her hands and chuckled, "We used to talk about anything and everything and it never got dull, and he could make me laugh so hard that my sides would hurt for days!" She paused for a moment and continued in a softer voice, "And every time I saw him, even now when he pops up in conversation, my hear beats so heard and loud that I feel like it's going to pop out."

"Oh my God," I said after a long pause, "Jessica, you're in love."

"Well he obviously doesn't feel the same way about me and I'm not making more of an idiot of myself than I already have," she said and continued when she saw my frown of confusion, "The entire time he was here, I put myself out father than I have ever done for anyone, except you obviously. I flirted like some stupid girl and I actually believed he was flirting back. Now I see it was my wishful thinking and it was nothing. I feel like a moron!"

"You're not a moron," I said, "Look if you want my opinion, I say call him now."

"Now? Why now? Why at all?"

"Because you two need to talk, he said he wanted to talk. And if you call him now, you can use lunch as an excuse to get off if you need to."

"All right, I'll do it," Jess said with her face set.

I smiled and handed her the phone and the paper. She dialed the number with shaking hands and put it to her ear. I got up to leave so she'd have some privacy but Jess quickly grabbed my arm.

"Wait with me please!" she whispered, "Just until-Oh, um, Brian? It's Jess…I'm good thanks, and yourself?...That's good…" There was an awkward pause on both ends.

"Say something," I hissed.

"I…um…England is pretty," Jess blurted and I nodded for her to continue her thought, "I…uh…I was able to visit there over Christmas break, you remember that trip they have here?...Yeah I got it…Thanks, I had a great time…Well I saw so much, I might not remember it all."

I patted my sister's arm and left the room. She didn't object that time. I made lunch for everyone, ate mine slowly, and went upstairs to give Jess hers. She was sitting cross-legged on her bed, on the phone still, and looked up as I entered holding her sandwich and drink.

"Yeah…mmhm…That's really cool. Listen I have to eat my lunch now…Oh no, you weren't holding me up at all, Em just came in with the food…Cool, I'll see you then. Bye!" She hung up the phone, looked at me, and squealed, "He's coming over in an hour! Oh no, I have to get ready! How do I look?"

"Eat first, then worry," I said but my stomach was fluttering, "So he's coming over, why?"

"He wants to explain some things to me in person," said Jess as she ate, "Unfortunately for you he's bringing David along. He said it can't be helped, something about needing a ride…"

"David's coming here?" I asked, jumping slightly.

"I know, I'm really sorry," Jess said, mistaking my shock for anger, "You can go for a walk if you want."

"Oh…okay, if that's all right with you," I said and went into the bathroom.

In truth, I was just as anxious about David coming as Jess was about Brian. What was wrong with me? I never got this way over a guy. Sure I had liked them but I never let that get in my way or never let them get me all worked up.

In the bathroom, I splashed some water on my face to snap me back to reality. As I stared at my wet face, I began to wonder if I should put some make-up on.

Oh for Christ's sake! I thought exasperatedly, I don't need make-up, it's just those two morons!

But you don't think David's a moron, do you? another voice asked, the one that, in a mental battle, always won out.

I shook my head to clear my thoughts and came to middle ground. I only put on cover up and blush and barely enough to be counted as make-up.

The doorbell rang and I heard Jess dash to the door while Mags did her best to shove the twins in their room.

"I swear to God if you two don't get that room, I'll take every embarrassing video of you two and post it on YouTube!"

"Why are we being sent in here?" Kath asked.

"Because you two manage to ruin everyone else's lives in the pursuit of benefiting your own!"

Mags slammed the door shut and locked it from the outside. Our dad had "forgotten" to remove all the safety precautions he had set up.

"Nice going Mags," I said as I left the bathroom.

"No prob, you know how some people have radar that tells them when family is around?" I nodded and Mags continued, "The twins have one for boys. They knew guys were in the vicinity as soon as the car turned down our street. Honestly, I can't believe we're related!"

"You and me both," I said as I heard the door open and voices below, "Gotta go!"

"Em!" I turned and saw Mags looking at me closely, "Is that my blush?"

"Psh, no!" I said. Mags raised her eyebrows and I sighed, "Yes, but you know it's that time of the month for me and instead of having blood in my face, it decided to-"

"Enough, I get it!" said Mags with a shudder, "You know I can't stand the thought of blood!"

I laughed as I went down the stairs. I found my sister, Brian, and David standing around the kitchen. Both guys stood up and bowed when they saw me.

"It's nice to see you guys again," I said.

"Em, you better get going if you want to get home in time," Jess said and I frowned as she turned to Brian, "Emily loves walking around the trails."

"Oh right, thanks Jess," I said as I went to the fridge to get a bottle of water and had time to remove the disappointment from my face.

"Does it really help clear your head or does David use that as an excuse to stay away from his aunt?" Brian asked with a laugh.

"Both," David said seriously.

"Well then, you should join her," said Brian happily, "Heaven knows you have a lot to think about."

"Only if Emily allows me to come," David said and looked at me. Lord it was as though he punched me in the gut, I could barely breathe!

"Sure," I said, going back to the fridge and tossing a bottle at him, "Have fun you guys."

"You too!" Brian said while Jess gave me a look that read, "Please don't pummel him!" and I waved at her and winked.

We walked for a long time in silence. It actually wasn't until I suggested we turn back that a conversation began.

"So is the walking helping clear your head?" I asked as the sky turned yellow and pink.

"In some ways yes, but in others my thoughts are as clouded as ever," he replied.

"Can I help in anyway?" I asked.

"Maybe I could ask for your opinion on a matter that is bothering me?"

"I'll do my best."

"That's all anyone could ask for," David said, "I know someone who has a very overbearing relative and this relative is getting on in years. They want my friend to take over the family business but the friend doesn't want to and suggested that the relative give the business to the next in line for it. So the relative humored my friend and said they'd pass it on, hoping my friend would come to their senses. But my friend still believes the next in line is the better choice and the relative is angry. They are threatening to disown my friend and their siblings, for the friend in question has no parents. What should my friend do?"

"That is rather complicated," I said thoughtfully, "And why doesn't you friend want the family business?"

"They'd rather do more with their life than sit behind a desk and boss others around," David replied.

"And do they have any money from their parents?"
"Yes, but they can't access it until they're eighteen. My friend has one more year but what are they to do in the in between time?"

"Can this friend of yours stay with another friend for a year and pay them back once they have received their money?"

"Yes, you're right," David said thoughtfully and muttered, "I could do that and take her with me away from that old bat."

"What did you say?" I asked politely but I knew what he said. I knew it was him he was referring to in his story.

"Nothing," he said quickly, "Thank you for your suggestion. My friend will appreciate it."

"It was no trouble," I said with a kind smile, "Tell your friend I hope everything works out for the best."

"I will," he said. He looked like he was going to add something but paused and then said, "I can see your house up ahead."

"There it is in all its glory," I said jokingly and added in a more serious tone, "You know, the only other person who's walked on these trails with me is Jess."

"Then I am honored you allowed me to join you," he said.

"I enjoyed it," I said, "You don't talk my ear off and actually let me think my own thoughts. People think that to have a good time, they have to constantly be in conversation."

He smiled and my heart skipped a beat. I suddenly had the strongest urge to slip my arm around his arm but I pushed that urge down. David's smile faded as he stared at a car in the driveway.

"That's my aunt's van," he said quietly, "What is she doing here? We told her we'd be later than normal."

He raced towards the front door and burst in, I at his heels. A wrinkled old woman in a wheelchair was sitting in the living room with Ginny, a woman in scrubs, Mags, Jess, and Brian.

"There you are David, where were you?" the old woman demanded and saw me and gave me a death glare. I was shocked at the anger and rage that glare held.

"Aunt Caroline, this is Emily Belitorini," David said coolly, "Emily, I believe you met my great-aunt at the New Year's party?"

"Yes, it's nice to see you," I said politely. I hated to admit it but she scared the pants off of me.

"We went for a walk," David said, standing in front of me a little, "Is that all right?"

"No, it isn't. Emily, come with me right now."

"What are you doing?" David demanded as his aunt grabbed my wrist as the scrub woman pushed her down the hallway. David grabbed my other arm and tried to hold me back. "Em, don't go with her."

"She has no choice David," the aunt said, jerking my arm.

"I won't let you use her for your own devices." He pulled my arm and I stumbled. No one noticed. "Like how you use me."

They kept bickering and I felt like my shoulders were going to pop. Finally, I twisted my arms out of their grips and backed away.

"I'm not a tug-of-war rope!" I snapped, "Led the way then." I looked back at David and saw he was worried. "It's okay," I whispered, "I can take her."

I followed the woman into a guest room.

"Leave Denise," the old woman said sharply. The lady in scrubs nodded and left, used to the harshness. "Now listen to me girl, be honest with me for I am not to be trifled with. What is your relationship with David?"

"Relationship? Nothing beyond being friends if that's what you're asking."

"Nothing more? Did he ever ask to do anything together? Like walk?"

"That's the first time we've done that and it wasn't our idea. We were thrown together and made the best of it."

"Good, very good," the aunt said with a smile that make my skin crawl, "Now I want you to promise me that if my nephew ever gets the idea to ask you out or anything that steps over the boundary of friends, you will reject it."

"I can't promise you that," I said quietly, "No, I'm sorry but I won't do that to David…not again."

"You mean he has-?"

"The point is," I interrupted, "I care about David and if he ever decided to try to ask me out again, I'd give him a chance."

"He would never crawl back to someone of your stature," the woman said scathingly, "Your family is a disgrace!"

"Yes, my family may not be perfect or well-bred like you all," I said angrily, "But at least we can stand each other on occasion, at lease my parents don't force us to do anything we don't want to do without a very good reason. And you're right, the likelihood of David asking me out again is very slim but you of all people are giving me hope."

"Me?"

"Yes, you. Why else would we being having this conversation if you weren't worried? I don't want to be your enemy ma'am, I assure you, but if being your friend means causing David heartache then I'm sorry. Now, I'm afraid I have to ask you to leave. After all, you insulted the people who live in this house."

"Why you…How dare you…" she stuttered.

"I'm not usually this rude, I assure you," I said coolly, "I'm just very loyal to those I care about. I guess you could say I'm a lot like your nephew. Good night and drive home safely."

I opened the door, called Denise, and watched as the five people pulled into the car and drove away.

"So," I asked Jessica excitedly, "What happened? You two seemed pretty eager to get us out of your hair."

"We talked for a while and he apologized for everything," Jess said, "He had no idea I was in London and that's why he didn't make contact." She paused and said giddily, "He asked about prom, I told him I didn't have a date, and he offered to take me."

"Are you serious?" I cried, "Jess that's fantastic! Oh I wish I could go and see you two!"

"You still have time, I know this guy from Robotics who-"

"I have an option," I said in a whisper.

"Who?" my sister gasped, "Ems I didn't know you liked anyone!"

"David."

Jess was silent and I waited for her reaction.

"David?" she finally asked, "But I thought you hated him and he you?"

"Jess, I was so wrong about him," I said shakily, "He's not arrogant at all, he's kind and loyal. You know what he did for us? He was the one who found Lisa and William and he told Lisa to call Grandpa. He paid for their tickets, the marriage, and then some because he knew William would leave Lisa if he didn't have a lot of money out of it. He saved his sister from that fate, but he couldn't do the same thing for our sister. But I know if he could, he would."

"Why? Why us?" Jess asked breathlessly.

"Because," I smiled like an idiot, "Because he loves me and the crazy part of it is, I think I love him back. He told me he loved me but that was before I realized who his true self was. I rejected him, mocked him, and hurt him. He'd be an idiot to tell me how he felt a second time or even to still feel anything towards me." I looked at Jess with tears in my eyes. "I found the storybook love but missed the train on."

Jess came up to me and put a comforting hand on my shoulder.

"I'm sorry Ems," she said softly.

"Yeah," I sighed as I wiped my eyes, "I am too."

The back door opened and our parents came. They had driven our grandparents back to Delaware and spent the day down there.

"Hi girls!" my mom said brightly, "Did you have a fun day?"

"You have no idea," I said heavily and went up to my shared room with Jess.

Author's Note: Only one more chapter left to go and I'll post that tomorrow before I leave. I really want to know what you guys think so please don't hesitate to hit that review button. I can take whatever criticisms you throw at me and love hearing what you like about it. :)