DISCLAIMER: I own nothing except this rambling story that is now a quarter of the way finished. I own Mereith, but all other PR characters and plots belong to someone else.

TALKING

Meredith sat on the swing in her backyard. She heard the crickets chirping and saw the fireflies darting around in the night sky. She let out a sigh. Tomorrow, she would be joining her boyfriend Rocky and moving to Stone Canyon. Meredith was scheduled to start attending USC in preparation for her career in medicine and Rocky was finishing up the final touches on his dojo. He had purchased it six months ago and had been working with contactors to get it all set up so he could open in the fall before school started.

It had been four months since Meredith had attempted suicide and her doctor was happy with her progress. Meredith hadn't had any other thoughts of killing herself and had handled the upheaval of the rest of their high school days including graduation, without any problems. She was excited to get out into the world and start college. And, though she wouldn't admit it, she was ready to get away from Tommy's overprotective nature.

Meredith had outlined her plan with her parents a few weeks ago. She and Rocky had approached both of their parents with their plans to move into the small loft apartment over Rocky's dojo. They would remodel the fourth and fifth floor of the building for a much larger living space, but the small loft like apartment would be perfect for their needs for the next few years. Rocky was planning to do the remodeling work a little at a time while Meredith worked on her undergrad degree. Rocky had decided to go into architecture as a career. He'd spent a lot of time working with the people building his dojo and setting up the loft space that he found he really enjoyed it. He was going to pursue the degree part time while running the dojo.

Rocky's parents had been pleased with the thought of Rocky going to college, but were a bit apprehensive about him living with Meredith. The couple assured his parents that they were only doing it because it seemed practical. Plus Meredith was pursuing a degree in medicine and it seemed financially better for the two to live together so they could save money to get 's parents gave their blessing, but did voice their concern over the living arrangement. However, Rocky's mom said the couple would do it if they agreed with them or not, so they were going to support them so they would be able to see them and have a relationship with the couple.

Meredith's parents were a bit more open minded about the situation. Meredith discovered that her parents had lived together while her father attended medical school and her mother was finishing nursing school. When her mother graduated, they had married, she supporting them while he finished up his studies. They understood the practicality of the arrangement, but made sure the couple understood that they didn't like the idea. Meredith and Rocky had the support of her parents, so they felt good about the whole idea.

Luckily for Meredith, Tommy had been spending his time getting ready for his racing days. He was going to spend a few months racing with their uncle before joining Kimberly at UCLA. Meredith knew that Tommy was hoping Meredith would share an apartment with him and Jason and Adam. Jason was attending USC with Meredith and Adam. Adam had initially been wait-listed at USC, but received word that he'd been accepted just before graduation. Kimberly was attending UCLA as well, but since she was offered a position on the gymnastics team, she was required to live in the athletes dorms. Kimberly's elbow had healed and she could do the gymnastics, just not at the competitive level like the Olympics. Tommy's dad gave her the OK to compete with the UCLA team, but told her she had to limit her practices to a set number of hours a week. Kimberly promised to obey the rules and was excited to compete for the school.

Meredith knew that Tommy was hoping she'd be willing to share the apartment because, as much as he hated to admit it, he couldn't stand the thought of her not being right next had finished her packing, but had yet to tell Tommy about her plans. Tommy, Jason and Adam were supposed to go looking at off-campus apartments with Kimberly the next morning. Meredith was planning on moving with Rocky that morning. Meredith had told Tommy she needed to talk to him about that and he was supposed to meet her outside when he came home from his date with Kimberly.

Meredith was lost in a daydream when she heard the French doors open. Her brother sat on the swing with her and matched the gliding motion with his feet.

"What's on your mind, Meri," Tommy asked."I wanted to talk to you about our future plans," she said."OK," Tommy said, not fully understanding what she was saying.

"I'm moving tomorrow," she said."Huh? You're moving? To where? The dorms," he asked."No, I'm moving into an apartment above Rocky's dojo. I'm going to live with him until I start med school. We'll probably get married just before that happens," she said.

Tommy had stopped swinging. He felt like he'd been hit in the stomach. He'd just assumed that Meredith would be right by his side all the time that he hadn't bothered to ask her what her plans included.

"You're moving in with Rocky," he asked, his voice taking on a monotone.

"Yeah. He's planning to open his dojo when school starts and he had a small loft apartment put in on the third floor. He wants to use the fourth and fifth as a living space, eventually. He's going to work in the dojo and go to school part time. I'm really excited about moving in with him. I will be able to go to school and not worry about roommate drama," she stared at his sister. He didn't like what this would mean. His sister was going to move in with her boyfriend. He didn't like it one bit."I don't like it," he said."Why not? You think Rocky is a great guy. He's one of your best friends," she said."I don't like the idea of it," he said, staring straight ahead."How is living with Rocky any different than living with Jason and Adam," Meredith asked."Because I would be there. Besides each of them has their own girlfriends so I wouldn't have to worry about what you were doing," he said.

"That's ridiculous. You and Kimberly are going to be together all the time. You don't need me hanging around and you certainly don't want to be around Rocky and I all the time. And I don't think Katherine would like Jason's ex-girlfriend sleeping in the same apartment with him. Tanya would probably be cool with it, but poor Adam would be so embarrassed for a while. I couldn't do that to him. Besides, I have to learn how to get along without you being in the next room," she said."Why," he asked."Because we've always been together. That's the problem with twins. You're rarely separated. I won't be that far. I'm going to be living right in Stone Canyon and that's only a fifteen minute drive from the college," she said."Why are you telling me this? It's obvious you've already decided what you're going to do," he asked."I wanted to tell you because I wanted your blessing. I wanted you to know what I was doing and to support me," she said."Look, Meri, I'm always going to support your dreams, but I think this might be a bad idea. I can't believe you actually think that living with Rocky is going to help you," he said."I love Rocky. He's stood by me when I was dealing with the aftermath of my suicide attempt. I know I blamed him, but I never stopped loving him. I have to step out of my comfort zone. You know he's not going to let anything happen. The first sign that it's not working, I'll be right on your doorstep. OK," she said.

Tommy looked at his sister. If he knew one thing it was that Meredith would have considered all the arguments for and against and probably had an answer to everything he was about to say. "What did our parents say," Tommy asked. He was almost certain she didn't have the blessing of their parents and he was hoping he could use that to his advantage.

"Mom and dad gave their blessing. They lived together while mom finished nursing school and then got married and mom supported them while he finished his studies. They let us know they didn't like it, but they understood why we were doing it," she said.

Tommy was dumbstruck. He couldn't believe that Meredith's plan had the approval of their parents."What about Rocky's folks? They cool with it," he asked."Well, they said if they came out totally against it, we would do it anyway and they'd never see us. They said they'd feel better if we got married, but they also understand the prudence of the situation. Tommy, you're the only one that has said they didn't like it. Will you please support me? I want to know you'll come and visit me," she said.

Tommy was torn. He loved Meredith and wanted nothing more than to tell her that he was fine with it, but the protective nature of his relationship with his sister was causing him to resist.

"Meri, I'll support you, but I don't like you living with Rocky. I can't promise what I'll do when you move. I can't," he said before getting up off the swing and going inside.

Meredith sighed. She knew Tommy would probably go against everyone and try to talk her out of it, but the realization still hurt her.

She had accepted it and the only thing that was left was for her to go upstairs and get ready for the next step in her adult life.

She went inside and climbed the steps to her room, not surprised that Tommy had shut the door to his room.

Meredith awoke the next morning feeling like she hadn't slept at all. She knew the disagreement she'd had with Tommy was probably the reason and she hoped he'd change his mind before she left for good.

Rocky called at 9 to see if Meredith was ready for him to come and help her load her Jeep.

"Yeah. Ready as I'll ever be," she detected the sadness in her voice.

"Talk with Tommy not go well," he asked."Yeah, but he'll come around. If not today he will soon. He can't stay mad at me for very long," she said."That's very, very true. I said bye to my parents and siblings and I have the last of the stuff in the truck. I'll be over to meet you in fifteen minutes," he said."Works for me. See you then. Love you," she said."Love you, too, babe," he said before hanging up the carried the overnight bag that held the stuff she needed for the morning and went downstairs."Rocky call," her mom asked."Yes. He's on his way so I can follow him to the apartment," she said, grabbing an apple from the basket on the 's mom turned to look at her daughter. Jane Oliver had always thanked the Lord for bringing her not one, but two wonderful children to love. When she and her husband had found out they were unable to have children, she had been devastated. The opportunity to adopt a child arrived at the perfect time and they leapt at it. When the mother delivered twins and died shortly after childbirth, Jane had insisted that she be allowed to adopt both babies. Since the Oliver's were willing to take both babies, who would need supportive care in the NICU for several weeks, the adoption had gone through quickly. Jane was often amazed at how alike, yet different the twins were and how they were each other's best friend. She had hoped they would be close not just because they were twins, but because they were siblings. Meredith had never disappointed them. Meredith brought joy to her parents, despite the fact that Jane and her husband thought they had done something wrong when Meredith attempted suicide. Understanding and listening had helped heal, not only their daughter, but their family unit. Jane had never seen her son so scared as he was when Meredith was in the hospital. Jane also had a strong affection for Meredith's boyfriend, Rocky. Even though they had broken up over a misunderstanding, or something Jane wasn't sure, they had reunited after Meredith's hospital stay and seemed to be going strong. She wasn't entirely happy with Meredith's proposed living arrangement, but she went along with it because Meredith thought it was the best thing for her and Rocky did bring a smile to her face that Jane hadn't seen with anyone else. Not even Jason. Jane was concerned, however, with how Tommy was going to react to Meredith's leaving. He held his relationship with his sister in the highest regard and had never been separated from her for any length of time.

"Did you talk to Tommy," Jane asked her daughter."He's not happy, but I figure he'll get over it," she said."You and Tommy are extremely close. I can see how he might not want you to go, but you can't live your life trying to make Tommy happy. He's stubborn," she said, smiling."I know, mom, but he is my best friend and I hate if he's not happy with me," she said.

"Once he finds his own place with Jason, he'll realize how nice it is and how much he'll enjoy seeing you when you guys do get together. Besides, I think you'll have a couch at your place that Tommy will take over several days a week," Jane said."Especially if none of those guys has learned to cook. Thank goodness Rocky's mom made sure that he learned how. At least we'll both take turns cooking," Meredith said."You know Tommy's going to be over at your place for the free food," she said."I'll inherit Jason and Adam for my trouble, too," Meredith said, just as Rocky came through the back door."Hi, Mama Oliver," Rocky said, giving Meredith's mom a hug. He'd taken to calling her Mama Oliver because it was easier for everyone involved. Jane really enjoyed hearing another person calling her Mama.

"How's my unofficial son," she asked."Ready to start unpacking," he said."I'm going to say goodbye to Tommy," Meredith said, placing a hand on Rocky's arm as she walked past.

He nodded and talked with Jane about Meredith's parents paying a visit the following weekend.

Meredith knocked on Tommy's door. She heard him say 'come in,' so she went inside.

"Hey, bro. Rocky and I are heading to the apartment. Do you want to come and see it," Meredith asked."Later. I'm meeting Jason and Adam at Jason's house so we can find an apartment," Tommy said, searching through his drawers to find his socks."I put clean ones in the dresser by your bed," Meredith said, opening the drawer to reveal several pairs of clean socks. Tommy retrieved a pair from the drawer while grunting a thanks to his sister."Well, you're welcome to come by anytime. Mom has the number by the phone so you can call whenever. I'll call you tonight and find out how it went with the apartment hunting," she said, turning to leave the room."Meri," Tommy said, causing her to stop in the walked to his sister and wrapped her in a hug. "I love you, little bit," he said."I love you too, Forgetful," she walked down the stairs and met Rocky in the kitchen. Tommy walked down the stairs and carried Meredith's bag out to her Jeep. He stopped Rocky while they were alone. Meredith was saying goodbye to their mom."Rocko. I don't think this is a good idea, but I love Meri so I'm going to act like it doesn't bother me. Don't hurt her. I don't think I could handle that because I'd have to kill you and you are one of my closest friends. Just take care of my sister because I won't be able to watch out for her like I have been," Tommy said."I know. I love your sister, Tommy. I love her more than my own life. I would never hurt her for any reason. You have to know that I'm going to protect her and do what I can to make her happy. I'll protect your sister. I plan on having her around for the rest of our lives," Rocky held his hand out and Rocky shook came out of the house and gave one last hug to her brother before kissing Rocky and getting in her honked the horn as they pulled out of the driveway and Meredith headed toward her future. Tommy stood in the driveway feeling a small sense of loss. Meredith was gone from his everyday life, but she was still apart of his life. He knew it would take some adjusting but he was going to try to do it. For her.

***Tommy isn't happy with Meri's decision, but he's supporting her. Isn't that great! Next installment: Sorrow. Tommy was lost. He knew that he still felt some sorrow over the loss of his child with Kimberly all those months ago, but he didn't know that Kimberly was still mourning like it was yesterday. Then to have her come into his room in the apartment he recently moved into with Jason and Adam and say she couldn't be with him after what happened, had left him stunned. What had he done and how could he fix it? He couldn't bring their child back, but could he do something to prove to Kimberly that he was there to help her move past it? Tommy stared at the phone.(Don't you hate teases like that?)***-mereditholiver