Chapter 29 – Confession
Gabi's POV
Liam had been extra quiet the past week, he hadn't mentioned Rayne's name again since he told me she was back. Troy didn't even know yet because I believe he would have said something to me about it.
Taylor hadn't called me either saying something about Alexa being heartbroken, it was just…quiet, Emma was spending a lot of time with Cooper or Alexa. She was having fun and she was now going twice a week to surf to make sure that she is prepared for the summer even though it was just November.
She was really excited to be going to California for her birthday and to be surfing in the actual ocean. I tapped my fingers against the counter. I had completed two full weeks of radiation and I had started my third this morning. I was excited that we only had three more after that. Troy was at the gym with Jack talking basketball so the house was quiet and I wasn't sure how much I liked it.
The oddness of all of the kids being in school made me sad, I was the mom who always wanted everything at my house. I wanted all of the kids running around and playing because it made my house feel full. This house felt…empty.
Pushing off the counter, I observed my growing back hair, the slow patches that were popping up in my hair. I smiled, my hand running over the back of it. I text Sharpay and Taylor asking if they wanted to do anything but both were busy. Sharpay was busy at Zeke's and Taylor was doing some stuff at the school. Sitting on the couch, I rolled on to my back and my eyes looked at the ceiling.
My eyes looked around for a project that needed to be done but one didn't come to my mind. Nothing came to my mind. I groaned and sat up, I reached for my phone and I called Troy. "Hey, are you okay?"
"No!" I said, "I'm bored out of my damn mind!"
Troy laughed, "I'm sorry, how can I help?"
"Make me unbored," I whined, "I can't do that,"
"Why? I married you for a reason,"
"Aren't you tired?"
"No, I am not tired."
Troy sighed, "I don't know Brie,"
"You are so helpless,"
"Taylor and Pay busy?"
"Always,"
Troy sighed, "I'm sorry, dare these words come out of my mouth but shopping?" I sighed and relaxed against the couch, "That sounds exhausting,"
"Oh and the activities you wanted to do with me weren't?"
"Well no…" I responded, a smile playing on my lips, "I just wanted to play monopoly," Troy didn't say anything from the other end of the phone, "I need to go," I busted out laughing and Troy laughed, "You are not funny,"
"Oh but I am,"
Troy sighed, "I like how normal our lives are becoming," he said softly, "Don't jinx that statement Mr. Bolton," Troy laughed, "I just knocked on the wood bleachers to make sure we don't."
"Good,"
"Go do something,"
"I will,"
"Bye Brie,"
He hung up and I looked around wondering what I needed to do, what I could do, what I want to do. Being a stay-at-home mom sucked sometimes.
Emma's POV
My mind raced through all of the places Cooper might be. I haven't seen him since our date on Saturday and God, I missed him, we had texted several other times but I missed him. I wanted to kiss him because well…it's possibly the best kiss I have ever had. My foot tapped against the ground repeatedly until someone gave me a pointed look.
I scowled and when I knew I wasn't able to pay any more attention, I raised my hand and asked to go to the restroom. Math just wasn't the same without Cooper in it. Six weeks of knowing each other, three of being together, I didn't want anything else in my life. I wanted him.
Maybe it was a freshman way of thinking because one boy can change everything but I liked Cooper. Cooper was fun to be around, he made me laugh, he was exciting, and he wanted to make me happy. I was having fun.
Getting granted to the bathroom, I walked out of the door and pulled my phone out of my pocket and sent a text message to him.
Wandering the building, I passed the gym and it was eerie quiet. I opened the door quietly and looked around, I then felt my breath stop because my dad and Grandpa were sitting on the benches talking.
My dad laughed out loud and I cringed trying to walk backwards to not be noticed but it went unsuccessful, "Emma Grace," I cringed, "Hi," I said with a warm smile, my dad narrowed his eyes slightly and my grandpa got an amused look on his face. "Such a familiar sight," my grandpa said, I laughed nervously, "Emma, what are you doing out of class?" I sighed and I walked across the gym, "Would I need a daddy hug work?" I questioned scrunching up my nose.
My dad smiled and laughed, "No, not really, it wouldn't work." I sighed and I sat down on the floor in front of them. "Escaping math class to go to the bathroom and I was doing an extra lap. The gym was really quiet so I was coming to see what was happening,"
My dad nodded his head, "You should go back to math class,"
"Mmm…"
Grandpa Jack laughed again, "So your child,"
"What?" I asked looking at my dad, he lowered his head and laughed, "Thanks Dad,"
"Tell me!" I said, my grandpa laughed and my dad's cheeks turned red, "Ever class your dad didn't want to attend where do you think he was?" my grandpa said, I eyed me dad and he shrugged, "I hated Math and Darbus and I didn't get along,"
Grandpa Jack laughed loudly, "I miss that old women,"
My phone buzzed in my hand and I looked down at it, "Am I going to have to take that away?" I looked at Grandpa and my dad laughed, "Whose laughing now?" he asked, "Are you a child?" I threw back, "Yes,"
I shook my head, "I'm going back to class,"
"Smart choice!" my dad said, I reached up and I gave him a hug, "I still want one of these," he laughed into my ear and hugged me tightly, "Go learn math!"
"I will, I will,"
I turned to leave and I pulled up my phone to see the text from Cooper, which I had been waiting for.
I'm in class. Where are you?
I laughed thinking we had both completely missed each other; I rushed back to class and slipped into my seat right next to Cooper who was moving his pencil from side to side, his eyes looking at me. "Where did you go?" he whispered, "Looking for you," I said with an airy laugh.
He shook his head and reached down to squeeze my knee, I looked at the board confused as hell. I slipped out a piece of paper and I wrote down my note to him.
Uhh…what are we doing?
Cooper read it and shook his head with an amused smile. He took his pencil to the paper and he began to write, the teacher said something causing him to glance up. He looked at her and answered a question and then he continued to write. He shoved the paper in my direction and I looked at it.
I couldn't explain it in a note if I tried. Come over to my house after school?
I pressed my lips together and nodded, I took my pencil back and I wrote another sentence down on the piece of paper.
That depends…are we going to actually do math?
He busted out into laughter causing the teacher to look our way, my fingers slid over the note pulling it closer to me and he shook his head. "Sorry, Emma made a strange noise," I shot him a look and he laughed, the students were all looking at me from across the room.
My cheeks turned and even darker red and I scooted my way down into the seat. Cooper smiled and reached for my hand, locking our fingers together with a tight squeeze.
I picked up my pencil and paper and I wrote him another note.
Dead. You are dead.
He smirked and rubbed my leg, I shook my head looking at him and he took notes again but I was so far lost I just played with his free hand. I drew a pattern into it and he kept giving me strange looks.
"What?" I mouthed, he shook his head and when the bell finally rang to end the class period, the chairs screeched across the floor, he stood there and looked at me, "What?" I asked again, "Nothing, I just," he smiled, "My mom is coming into town for Thanksgiving next week,"
"Oh?" I said, "Yea, and you are going to meet her,"
"Really?"
"Mhm, because you are so beautiful,"
And just like that…Cooper was gone.
Liam's POV
Sitting through class my eyes looked at the back of Rayne's head. She was taking notes in our history class that we shared. She looked up at the board and she leaned a little closer, I ran my hand over my face because only Rayne and I knew what had happened that day. I hadn't told anybody and I was so guilty every time I leaned in closer to kiss Alexa.
I didn't want to kiss Alexa anymore. I wanted to kiss Rayne. That's whom I wanted to kiss but I had Alexa and I had to be okay with that. I chewed on my lip when she turned around, catching me looking at her. My cheeks turned a different color and I turned away from her stare. She had warned me in the hallways saying that we couldn't do anything.
Why?
A knock at the door came and the teacher opened it, she took the note and then turned around to look straight at me. "You are needed Mr. Bolton," I nodded and left behind the work on my desk. Walking to the front, I saw Alexa but the teacher went back to teaching. I stepped out into the hallway and I looked at her, a smile producing on her lips. "It worked,"
I couldn't help but smile, "What worked?"
"I got you out of class by forging a signature," I turned my head and I looked at her with a disapproving look, "Lex,"
"What?" she asked innocently, "You can't be doing these things, teachers will come up and over look things. Plus I keep seeing my dad in this building a lot more." She sighed, "Come on Liam, let's just have fun,"
"Let's just go back to class,"
"Liam," I closed my eyes and I turned away from her, I counted to three and during those three seconds Rayne popped into my head. "Jesus," I said, I turned around and stalked off back to my classroom. Alexa didn't even say my name, when I walked back in, I slid into my chair and Rayne turned around to give me a questioning look. I waved my hand and I started to take notes again.
Once the bell rang, I stayed put in my seat because I didn't want to go in the hallway and face Alexa. Rayne turned noticing I had yet to move from my desk and she walked closer. "Are you okay?" I shrugged, "No,"
"Why?"
"Why won't we work again?" I asked, her cheeks turned pink and she shrugged, "You have,"
"A girlfriend, I get that but I can't do anything with her and not think about you," I confessed, she sighed, "Liam, I'm not having this talk," I groaned and she walked out, I watched her and I sighed. I followed her out and Emma was the one right in front of me. "What?" I asked, "Why is Alexa upset?"
"I don't know, she pulled me out of class for no reason,"
"Oh, well, she isn't happy with you."
"I see,"
"Liam,"
"Hm?"
"Are you two fighting?"
"No…" I answered looking at her, "I was mad at myself okay?"
"Whatever,"
I sighed and I watched her catch up with Cooper and Alexa. She turned to look at me and I gave her a soft smile, she shrugged and kept going. I ran my hand through my hair and I looked around for Rayne but the only person I saw was Chandler.
He walked past me and I looked at him go, "Thanks basketball teammate,"
Gabi's POV
My eyes looked at Liam who walked through the door, he sat down, and buried his head into his hand. "Everything okay?" I asked, I took a sip of my coffee and he shook his head, "I messed up mom,"
I rose an eyebrow, "You messed up?" he looked up at me, his eyes were dark, "I can't tell you because you'll tell Taylor and Taylor will tell Lex and then it's all hell from there,"
I nodded slowly getting the understanding of the situation, "Does this have something to do with Rayne?"
His head snapped up to look at me, "You know about Rayne being back?"
"Taylor told me and you mentioned it to me briefly" I reminded with a shrug, "But if there is something you need to tell me, I won't tell Taylor," he shook his head, "You are going to be so disappointed in me mom," he said shaking his head, I set my coffee down and went over to sit next to him, "Liam,"
"I went on a run the other day because Rayne is back, I need to clear my head because she has this effect on me that I don't understand. I saw her and I just…" he didn't finish his sentence and I looked at him probably knowing where this was going. "So on my run I ran by the house she is staying in, I didn't know that's where she was staying, it just happened and then," he rubbed his temples with his fingers, "then we were talking and then we were kissing and," he stopped, his eyes filled mine.
My eyes saw everything in his eyes, hope for a chance with Rayne, and dread having to face Alexa, sadness for having to give up a fun relationship he was in, excitement from somebody he really likes. All of this was wrapped into those blue eyes his dad gave to him almost seventeen years ago.
"Don't kill me," Liam muttered, I smiled softly and wrapped him into a hug, "I'm not going to kill you but I do expect you to make this right."
"How? I will have to hurt Alexa in the process,"
"And Alexa will be okay." I said rubbing his shoulders, "It's not fair to keep her in a relationship you don't want to be in. She is a freshman, you are a junior, it was never going to work out and that's okay. You have experience and Alexa can go back to coming over and just hanging out with Emma."
"But Chad is going to kill me,"
"Chad will not."
"Why?"
"Because, he is your second dad and he will never hurt you," Liam smiled and he turned his head away, "What am I supposed to do?"
"You are supposed to talk to Alexa, talk to Rayne, and go from there."
"Do you like Rayne?"
"I love Rayne." I said with a smile, my hands drifted through his hair and he smiled, "I love you mom, I have no idea what this house would have done if you would have left us,"
I smiled, "You better figure it out. I'll be in California all summer with the girls,"
"I should let you know," Liam said sitting up, "Cooper and Emma are like totally into each other. I never really see them apart."
"She is really into him huh?" he nodded, "I'm happy for her after the year she has had,"
"I'm so glad you guys are better, I don't like my household all tension fed," Liam laughed and he stood up, "Do I have to talk to Alexa tonight or can I save it for tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow will do," I told him, "Just make sure it gets done and give her space. She is going to need space from you."
Liam nodded and then disappeared down into his room, I slid back into the couch and thought of how much Liam was like Troy. I chewed on my lip and I looked at the stairs, Troy descended down from them and he looked at me lying on the couch.
He smiled and he looked around, seeing no children, he took the opportunity to come and plant himself in my lap.
"You are so heavy," he laughed and bent forward, his lips pressing against my neck. "I only have so many chances to kiss you without hearing Ew in the background." I laughed aid I wrapped my arms around his neck. He kissed my check, my hand rested on the nape of his neck. "Are you still bored?" he asked into my ear, I giggled and nodded my head into the crook of his neck.
"Will you make out with me please?" he whispered, "Really Troy?" I asked, he nodded his head and he rolled onto the couch. He pulled me into his lap and I laughed. He pulled me in for a kiss and I grabbed his shirt.
His mouth meshed with mine, my hand slipped up to his little hairs on the back of his neck causing him to jump which made me giggle into his kiss. "Who is home again?" he whispered, "Me," I jumped apart from Troy and Liam laughed.
"Jesus Christ, Liam," Troy pressed his hands into his face, Liam laughed, "You two," he said shaking his head, he went into the kitchen and I laughed looking at Troy. "At least he didn't saw Ew,"
Troy laughed and his fingers trailed down my skin, "Date night?" he asked, I laughed, "What will this date night consist of?" I asked him, my fingers found his hand and wrapped them through mine. "I don't know, maybe some good making out, we might end up without clothes and only have to make it a complete evening," he said with a smile, his lips hovering closer to mine.
My eyes got lost into his for about five seconds
"Ew! Mommy! Daddy!" Troy busted out into laughter and I pressed my face into his neck, his arms wrapped around me when Allison and Lauren joined us on the couch. "What's up girls?" Troy asked, "You and Mommy are doing gross things,"
"We are not," Troy said, he reached to tickle each of them and they giggled without him even touching them. He then attacked my stomach and I laughed, he had us all on the floor and tickling all of us. Somehow he was tickling three people. His laugh mixed in and then I knew how he was because Liam was helping him. I tried to squirm away but Troy pulled me back by my ankles.
"Oh no," Troy said with a laugh, his fingers tickled my stomach again. I grabbed his hands and I tried to breath, Liam, Allison, and Lo were all laughing sitting up, Troy looked at me with his evil eyes and I shook my head, "No, I can't breathe," he laughed and he went in for a kiss, "DADDY!" Allison yelled, Troy cringed and laughed, "Oh Alli, I can't wait for reversed roles,"
"You should videotape it,"
"I have and it's kept on my iCloud just for her in the feature. I will play it for her the first time I catch her making out with a boy."
"Genius," Liam said, "Don't worry, you did it too." Troy said, "Chad taught you, God, it took us forever for you to stop doing that. Then we had four more kids and Chad corrupts them all."
Liam and I laughed; I lay back trying to catch my breath still. Troy found my fingers and he smiled, I smiled back and rested my head on his chest.
Gabi's POV
I finished stirred the potatoes, I added butter, and then placed them onto the counter. "Dinner!" I yelled the stomping of feet came through every direction of the house. Troy came in from the backyard, Allison and Lo came from the playroom, and Wes and Liam were downstairs, while Emma was in the living room doing her homework.
"Smells good sexy lady," Troy said as he walked by, his hand grabbed my ass and I laughed. He shook his head reaching for a plate to start grabbing food. I made Laurens and met her at her high chair. I picked her up and she slid her legs through.
"There you go sweet girl,"
"Mommy! Your hair is growing back!" she exclaimed with a grin, I smiled, "It is indeed," I looked up to see Troy looking at me; he turned his head once he saw me. Troy reached across the bar and handed me Allison's plate of food, I thanked him and settled her down.
"Thank you momma!"
"You are more than welcome," I kissed the top of her head and Troy shoved another plate of food across. I raised an eyebrow and he smiled, "Go eat,"
"Why thank you," Troy shook his with and laughter echoed out, "I want Dad to make my plate still," Emma said leaning against the counter, waiting for her turn. "Don't we all," Wes replied, Wes and Emma shoved each other for a minute in a mock fight. One by one each of the kids took turns sitting down in their normal spots. Troy slid in next to me and his hand quickly found my knee.
I jerked away and he gave me a surprised look, I laughed and he narrowed his eyes in response. "I want to hear about everybody's dad," I announced, the group mumbled.
"Come on you guys, I want to know. We haven't been able to spend much time with each other the past couple of weeks and I miss having dinner with all of my kids so lets go,"
"I'll start!" Lauren said, Troy looked over at her, "What happened in Pre-K today Lo?"
She giggled, "I got to pet a bunny and a turtle,"
"Oh yea?" Troy said, "Yea! And after that, we got to do all sorts of arts and crafts."
"That' sounds like a better day then what I had," Emma said with a laugh, "What did you do today Em?"
Emma laughed and Troy smirked, "I caught her out of class," Troy said, I looked between the two of them and Emma laughed. "I had permission to be out of class. I just kind of did a lap around the school."
Troy laughed, "She was actually looking for Cooper," Emma's cheeks burnt red and I laughed, "Wow,"
"Then my dad ratted me out saying I skipped my classes frequently," I snorted, "Because you did,"
"I admitted it,"
"Because you don't have anybody to back you up," I said with a long laugh, Emma laughed and so did Liam, "Mr. always be to class on time never went to class?" Troy shook his head, "No, I went to class. I just chose the classes I went too."
Wes laughed, "Can I do that?"
He pointed a spoon at him and shook his head, "Absolutely not,"
"I am going to try,"
"And where are you going to go?" Troy said, "Grandpa let you get away with it!"
"You have to remember that I have other spots in that school you do not know about,"
"I do," Liam, said with a smirk, "I have no freaking clue how you found it,"
"I'm just good," Liam, said, I turned to Troy, "Wait," Troy nodded his head slowly, "Yup, the little rat,"
Liam laughed and I shook my head, "Do you think he would be grossed out by the things we have done up there?"
"WHOA!" Emma and Liam yelled together, Troy and I laughed and gave each other a big high five. He reached over to kiss the top of my head and Liam shook his head, "Never again,"
Emma had buried food into her mouth and I laughed, "Wes what did you do today?" Emma and Liam laughed and shook his head. "It was okay, we got to play kickball in PE so that was fun."
"Anything else?" I asked him, "No, I mean, my classes were easy but besides that it was okay." I smiled and nodded, "Allison?" Allison shrugged and her shoulders slumped. "I didn't have a good day,"
"Why not Al?" Troy looked over at her concern filling his facial features wondering why his daughter didn't have a good day. "Because, I didn't get to pet bunnies, or turtles, I also didn't get to skip class because I'm stuck in the same class all day," she crossed her arms around her chest and I tried not to laugh. Troy tried not to laugh too but Emma, Liam, and Wes were all dying.
"Guys," I said, a laugh bubbling on my lips, "Come on Mom! You are dying to laugh!" I let a smile work on my lips and I struggled, Troy finally sputtered a laugh, he went over to Allison and kissed the top of her head while laughing.
"We can go pet turtle and rabbits tomorrow at the pet store," Troy told her with a laugh, "What did you do at school today though?"
"I did work and I got to read a book," she gasped and then ran out of her chair and into the living area. Allison came running back with stuff in her hands, "We get to go on a field trip and we have this book we are supposed to read to you, and I drew you a picture," the words flew out of Allison's mouth faster than I could comprehend. When she went quiet I looked at her and the entire table tried not to laugh again. "We can go through all of it after dinner," Troy buried his face into his hands and he laughed. Troy turned to look at me and I gave him a smile. "Your mom was bored out of her mind today,"
"I was!" I complained, "You guys shouldn't leave me,"
"Mom you should just homeschool me," Emma said, "And leave Cooper?"
Emma scrunched her nose, "Never mind," Troy groaned, "Man, I thought we had her on that one," I laughed and Troy smiled, "Liam, how was your day?" Liam narrowed his eyes at his dad, "Why did you try to kill us today at practice?" Troy snorted, "That was easy compared to what you will go through later this season." Liam shook his head, "We are just high school athletes,"
"Do you want to be more than a high school athlete?" Troy asked him, "I want to play in college,"
"Do you want to play in a good college?" Troy asked, "Without the help of my name?"
"Well yea,"
"Then put in your work and don't complain about it. I didn't have a dad who had this big name in the basketball world so you better put your work in." Liam rolled his eyes, "My legs are nothing,"
"Too bad,"
"I don't like you as my coach sometimes,"
"That's why I don't deal with you,"
Liam nodded his head and the conversation ended, "Anything uh…good today?"
"Nope, not really." I mean, he did come home and complain about Rayne and how he kissed her. So no…probably not a good day, I nodded and we kept up a steady conversation through dinner.
Once we were all done eating, we were still talking. Lauren had crawled into my lap, Allison into Troy's while the three other kids all laughed. We were talking about weekend plans and what we might do this weekend. "Thanksgiving is next week," I reminded them, "That means we are one holiday closer to Christmas!" Allison said with a grin, Troy laughed kissing the top of her head.
"Yea, indeed."
"That means not that much more cancer for me," I said, Liam and Troy both sent me smiles, Emma got up and she came over to hug me around the neck. "You deserve a fantastic Christmas mom," she whispered into my ear, I smiled, "I have you guys, it will be fantastic no matter what." She smiled and kissed my cheek. "Who wants to go get ice cream?" Troy said, all eyes went to his and he laughed, "We are having a great night, let's keep it going,"
Everyone began to move, they grabbed shoes and jackets. "Liam, can you help your sisters?"
"Yes,"
Troy grabbed my hand, "Have I ever told you how much I love you?" he whispered against my ear, I smiled and he kissed the top of my head.
We ended up at the park, Troy, Liam, Wes, and Emma were all playing basketball while I kept my eyes on the girls who were swinging on the swing set. "Dad are you getting old?" Liam asked, "No," Troy fought back, "I am certainly not,"
"Lies,"
"Mmm…no." Troy took the basketball and went up for a lay-up, which fell through the basket. Emma laughed and she went over for the ball, "When is your first game Em?"
"Tuesday," she said, "Then we have the next three days off,"
"Gabs, do you have all of this?" Troy asked looking at me, I nodded with a laugh "I do," my eyes scanned back over to the girls; they were having fun while I rested in the grass. "I'm calling break," Troy said, his breathing hard, "Old man can't keep up,"
"Lies," Troy hissed, "I just think my wife is really hot right now,"
I rolled my eyes and Troy collapsed down next to me, "You are getting old,"
"Shh," he pressed his fingers to his lips; he wrapped his arms around my waist pulling me closer to him. I laughed, "Daddy!" Troy sighed, "Yes, Allison?"
"Come push me on the swing!"
"Have your brother do it," Troy said not moving, I elbowed him and he grunted, "Isn't that what a brother is for?" I laughed, "She asked for you,"
"Gabi?" he said, I looked at him, "Yes?"
"Can you come here so I can wrap you in my arms?" I laughed, "No, no, you don't get to ask for me." He pouted, "Why not?"
"Because your daughter wants you,"
"I want you,"
"Blah, blah,"
Troy laughed and pulled me on to him anyways, his arms wrapped me into his body and I couldn't deny that's where I wanted to be. He smiled kissing my cheek and suddenly we were dog piled with kids, we all laughed because Liam had Lauren call to the top of all of us, "I can't breath," Troy wheezed from underneath of me, I gasped for air trying not to laugh.
"Really cant breathe," Troy said, a smile working on his lips, Liam laughed, "Lo, get down," he instructed, "Lo is the least of my problems," I laughed and I tried to shift but it caused the whole pile to move. "Watch out Lo," Emma said, she laughed and suddenly all of the kids were tumbling off. I gasped for a breath with my lungs and Troy shoved my off gently.
He was breathing hard and I laughed, the kids were all laughing and Lauren wrapped her arms around Troy's neck. "Daddy you breathe hard,"
"I know baby girl, you guys crushed me."
"Did we break a rib?" Emma teased, "Pretty damn close,"
We all laughed and I looked at my family, red faces, beautiful smiles, and lots of laughter. I really couldn't ask for a better way to end my night.
Troy's POV
Pushing off the door I went down the yard to see Liam running around in the backyard, my eyes watched him as he went up for a shot but missed horribly. I winced watching that shot.
"You look like shit," I commented, he turned around, "Thanks," he said in a monotone voice, "For the boost of confidence," I laughed and I took the ball, the ball went straight in and he retrieved it. "Y'know," I said, he shot the ball again…and missed.
"When I was missing that bad in high school hell even in college and pro, I was fighting with your mom." Liam looked up at me and he shrugged, "You didn't have that many bad games in the pros,"
"I had my fair share and I can guarantee you each time I sucked because your mom and I were either fighting or I was too concerned about her to be on the court. So spill it,"
He sighed and sat down on the court, I followed him and he rolled the basketball in front of him. "You know Rayne back right?" I nodded my head and he continued, "Well she is all I can think about,"
"Oh yea?" he nodded his head, "I mean, she just has this pull over me that nobody else has and I don't know what to do about it because I have Alexa and I can't hurt her,"
"But if you no longer want to be apart of this relationship then you need to talk to her about it," I hesitated about saying the next part but I did anyways, "Your mom told me what happened the other day when you went on your run,"
Liam cringed, "Not my finest moment,"
"No, it wasn't but I think we all know where you would rather be," he looked up at me, and I shrugged my shoulders, "I'll admit that I was dating a girl when I met your mom,"
"Oh?"
I laughed, "God, I haven't thought about her in years but I made out with your mom when I was dating a girl and well…you saw who won that battle." He laughed and I smiled, "You shouldn't be in a relationship you don't want to be in Liam, don't hurt a girl and be mad at a girl because you are not sure how to do something without making her upset,"
"I'm just really close with Alexa,"
"And you will still be in the future. You two will be fine, it may be awkward at first but after that it will be fine. Alexa will go back to being friends with Emma and she will find a boy her own age."
"Will Chad kill me?"
I laughed, "No, probably not."
"Will you save me from him?"
I snorted, "No, I'm going to let you kick his ass,"
Liam laughed and he picked up the basketball, he went up for a shot and I followed in after him. I grabbed the ball and he laughed, "This is so unfair, my 39 year old dad is kicking my ass in basketball right now."
"Dude…pro for how many years?"
Liam laughed, "True but still, aren't those knees done for?"
I snorted, "I think it's time for a knee replacement,"
"Awh hell you are getting old,"
"Easy tiger on the curse words,"
"It's a place dad,"
"Whatever,"
He laughed and I shot the ball again, circled the rim and fell through. "I still have it," I announced, "You still got it."
Liam's POV
I didn't understand why Rayne filled every moment that needed to be filled. She was constantly all I thought about and it was freaking pissing me off. I did have a girlfriend and she deserved that attention that Rayne was getting and she wasn't even here. I had been snappy and I just wanted to kiss her.
I shouldn't want to do that though, I shouldn't want to kiss another girl that isn't my girlfriend, is this the thought all cheating men have? I didn't want to consider myself a complete cheater because it was one kiss.
But Holy Hell was it a kiss.
"Liam?" I turned to face Alexa, her smooth skin and her brown eyes were watching me.
Alexa still had a grasp on my hand but I knew she knew something was wrong, "Where did you get this bracelet?" my fingers went straight to the red and white bracelet. The thread smooth between my fingers, "I bought it," I said with a wave of my hand, "A long time ago,"
"Why did you recently start wearing it?" she asked, I twisted in the chair that was sitting in the backyard and I looked at her. "I don't know, I just found it and started wearing it."
Alexa sighed, "Of course, another bullshit answer from you," I pressed my lips together thinking of my Mom's words. How she told me I needed to make this right. This past week had caused me a migraine in the end. Rayne was in three of my classes and she was so damn perfect.
"Lex,"
"I'm going to go see if Emma is home,"
"Alexa," I said again, I stood up to follow her, "Emma is out with Cooper,"
"Of course she is," she crossed her arms over her chest and let out a long sigh. "What's up Liam? You have been acting weird this whole week," I dropped my head and rubbed my temple. "I'm sorry,"
"What are you sorry for?"
"Lex, we need to have a talk," her face paled from color and I cringed because I used all of the wrong words. I knew nobody wanted to hear those words and I just used them on her. Fantastic.
"Liam, what do you mean we need to talk?"
"I mean we need to talk,"
She turned away from me and I stiffened because really, she had been a great girlfriend over the past several months and we had fun but it wasn't a relationship. We kissed every now and then but it was more brother sister.
"Lex, you can't deny that there isn't feelings here,"
"I have feelings for you Liam!" I sighed, "Lex, we have such a weird relationship."
"Did my dad put you up to this?" I shook my head, "No, of course not. I wish that it was all candy and butterflies when we are with each other but it's not."
"Was it ever?"
"Maybe, I don't know Lex, it's been a rough couple of months. Hell, this whole past year has been pretty suckish. Sometimes you were the lights of my days and now here…here things are moving forward again. I'll be a damn senior next year and colleges, you deserve to wait to grow up."
"You don't get to decide what's best for me!"
"I'm not deciding!" I argued, "It's my opinion on how it should be,"
"I think you opinion is stupid,"
She paced in the room for a couple of minutes, her hand rubbed her eyes and I knew she was fighting off tears. "This has nothing to do with Rayne Thompson does it?" I pressed my lips together and I looked into her eyes. Her eyes broke when they connected with mine. "You are leaving me, to go to a girl, who didn't even talk to you when your mom was fighting for her life." I swallowed on the lump growing in my throat.
"We have this connection Alexa,"
"Bullshit," she cried, "Connections aren't real,"
I reached forward but she moved away from me, her hands were shaking, "So tomorrow you are going to be walking the halls with Rayne Thompson, you are going to be kissing her, you are going to be doing everything I wanted you to do with me."
"Alexa, you knew we couldn't do much. Your dad,"
"Is just that, my dad,"
"Who is my second dad," I argued, "I was his kid for two damn years and then it was the two of us. We shared that spotlight with each other and now he has three of you and some how he still comes over and hangs out with me. I can't disrespect my basic sister."
"This isn't fair,"
"Alexa, you will find someone who can give you everything you want. Somebody who can kiss you in the hallway, someone who will hold your hand, get caught by your dad, and then I will be there to protect you from those assholes because that is my job and it always has been."
She wiped tears away from her eyes, "How does this girl over rank me?"
"Because you are my sister Alexa and we can't be awkward about these past couple of months because I had fun and I enjoyed my time with you. It's time to move apart though. It's been off for longer than Rayne's been around so please; do not take it out on her. She has been put through enough this past year."
"This isn't fair to me,"
"It will never be fair Lex, no matter what we do, it will never be fair and I'm sorry. I wish I could make it fair."
"And we can't be mean to each other because I see you too much outside of school," I laughed and nodded, "You are normally here every few days,"
"So I can still come to you for things I need," I nodded, she smiled, "so can you get me into Prom?" I busted out into laughter and I hugged her, "I'll see what I can work,"
"I'm not mad at you Liam," she said after a couple of seconds, "I could never be mad at you because we did have fun and I understand what you are saying."
"Good,"
"I just don't like that there is already another girl,"
I sighed, "She has always been in the back of my mind,"
Gabi's POV
Ruth unhooked me from the radiation machine and I thanked her, it was a Thursday morning, one week left until Thanksgiving and I sighed. Troy was waiting for me outside the door.
We only had three weeks left, 12 appointments left. He smiled at me and he grabbed my hand, "How are you feeling?"
"Okay," he smiled and kissed the top of my head, "I guess we should go see Dr. Roads,"
"My favorite," I said with a smile, Troy squeezed my hand and we went up a couple of floors. We checked in and they told us it would be a couple of minutes so we sat down. Troy pulled me into his lap and he kissed me neck. "Troy,"
"Hmm?"
"Not here," I said with a laugh, "Then where because my kids all say Ew and I swear to god one of them is always home. We could do it in a car but that is rather uncomfortable. So I mean…right here?" I laughed and I brushed his hair out of his face.
"Sorry babe, if you weren't coaching basketball you could come and we could make out for days," Troy laughed and he kissed me softly, his fingers gazed my port-a-cath. "Does this hurt?" he asked me, I shrugged, "Not really, I think they are cleaning it out today,"
"I wonder if he is going to take it out of you,"
"I still have to give a lot of blood," I answered, "Well you aren't receiving fluids or chemo anymore,"
"I don't want to jinx anything,"
"But its risk for infection,"
I laughed; my fingers touched his cheek, "Would you relax? They know what's going on," I whispered, I kissed his lips and he shook his head, "you really know how to shut me up."
I giggled and kissed him again, "Alright lovebirds, let's go,"
Troy laughed and I slid off of his lap, he grabbed my hand and we went across the room. Dr. Roads nurse, Gwen, led us back to a room and she smiled, "How is radiation going?"
"A hell of a lot easier than chemo,"
"Good, looks like your hair is coming back,"
"Praise Jesus!" Gwen laughed, "Dr. Roads will be in here in a couple of moments," I nodded and she disappeared, "What about here?" Troy asked, I laughed and shook my head, he came over and he kissed the top of my head. "Is it itchy?" he asked, "It feels itchy,"
"A little bit," I told him, "It feels like your bread you tried to grow a couple of years ago,"
"I did grow that beard,"
"Huh…" Troy shot me a look and I laughed, "Allison hated it,"
"Allison doesn't approve of my actions most of the time," I laughed, "You two are going to be so comical in the coming years."
"Whatever,"
"It's true, you two are going to fight and fight some more and oh my god, I am so staying out of it," Troy pressed his lips together and shook his head "You aren't even funny,"
"Did I mean to be funny?" I asked, Troy laughed and shook his head, he sat back down and Dr. Roads came in, "How are you?" he asked, I smiled, "Fantastic,"
"I actually believe her this time Troy," Troy chuckled, "You should, she has been doing a lot better," Troy measured, his eyes soaking me in, I smiled and he reached over to squeeze my hand.
"You are looking great Gabi, you have put on the weight you lost and everything looks great. Your blood counts are great…" he paused, "Three more weeks of radiation, one last set of scans, and we will go from there."
"Are we going to leave the port in?" Troy asked, Dr. Roads looked at Troy and then his eyes came back to mine, "I honestly think we can but I don't want to jinx our luck, take it out, and have to put another one in but I think we can set up an appointment in a couple of weeks to take it out, right after your scans."
"So from now one we still have to come in once a week to get it flushed,"
"Yes, ma'am,"
I sighed, "It's not like it's out of my way, I'm hearing every freaking morning," Dr. Roads laughed, "You are indeed, any side effects from radiation?"
"None!" I proclaimed, "Lies," Troy coughed, I shot him a look, "They are so minor I don't even notice them and they aren't even worth mentioning," I said with a shrug, "What are they?" Dr. Roads said, "Breast tenderness and they get a little red and peel like a sunburn. It is so much better than vomiting and be tired all the time so I am going to take it."
Troy and Roads laughed together, "Fair enough, I think you are good, port cleaned?"
"Yes,"
"Good, get out of here. I'll see you in two weeks,"
I waved and Troy pulled me out, he smiled and he kissed my cheek. "My trooper,"
"So…empty house?"
Troy grinned, "You are the love of my life for so many damn reasons," he grabbed my hand and pulled me to the car. I liked this life.
Liam's POV
After talking with Alexa, I gave myself twenty-four fucking hours but that was it. I didn't even go home. Emma was with Cooper and Wes was staying after for whatever reason, I didn't have anybody in my damn car.
Pulling into the driveway of Amber's house, I shut my car off, Rayne appeared at the door and I jumped out of my car. I hadn't talked to Rayne and I'm pretty sure she though Alexa and I were still dating.
"Liam," she said, I ran up the stairs and without letting her say another goddamn word I kissed her. My mouth fused with hers and I was never letting go.
My arms wrapped around her waist, God, she was short. I easily picked her up and set her against the railing again. She pulled away from the kiss, "Liam, you can't,"
I laughed, "I can, I so can," I whispered, she looked at me, her eyes looked into mine and I smiled. "Rayne, I haven't been able to stop thinking about you. Not once since you arrived last week and I can't be with Alexa. I just couldn't."
"Please tell me you weren't harsh,"
"Not at all, she understood and I think it was better for us anyways. She kind of knows I had a thing for you and I think she knew once she saw you we weren't going to work very well."
Rayne sighed, "I don't,"
"You weren't," I told her, she looked into my eyes, "It was off before you got here, I promise."
Rayne smiled and she leaned forward, "So I can kiss you?" she whispered, I laughed, "Yes, yes you can," it was so natural to kiss her; her lips were so soft, so easy, so perfect. Her hand ran along the back of my neck and I knew we needed to slow down just a bit.
"Are you going to turn me away this time?" I teased, she laughed and shook her head, her head buried into my neck and I hugged her tightly. Her smile was big and I laughed, "Do you know how hard it's been to not do that in the past couple of weeks?"
"Pretty hard because you just kissed the hell out of me,"
"Oh?" I said, I pulled her in for another kiss and she laughed, I grinned and kissed her cheek. "Uh…sorry to break this up but my mom will be home soon and I don't believe she will enjoy this."
I smirked, "So you're saying I can't take her shirt off?" Amber's cheeks glowed red and Rayne smiled, "Amber, I'll be in a minute," she said, Amber turned and left, Rayne then smacked my shoulder, "Liam!"
"What? It was a valid question,"
"Amber doesn't do PDA,"
"So you'll be at my house?" I suggested she shook her head, "Easy their tiger, you did just break up with a girl, what does this look like?"
"That she was my rebound and you were my girl,"
Rayne blushed and she wrapped me in her arms in a tight hug, "I'll come over tomorrow after school,"
"Good, I'll see you then."
"Bye Liam,"
"Bye," I hesitated and I pulled her back and I kissed her forehead softly, "I'll see you tomorrow and you better be sitting next to me in every damn class," she laughed, "Will you be able to actually get work done?"
I scrunched up my nose, "Probably not."
"Good bye Liam,"
I laughed, "Bye Rayne,"
Gabi's POV
I curled into Troy, his arm wrapping around my instinctively, I kissed his shoulder and he sighed, "Don't start anything you aren't going to finish," he whispered, his voice laced with sleep he was currently in. "I was just kissing your shoulder," I replied, "Mhm, sure you were,"
I laughed and I rolled closer to him, my lips pressed against his chin. I had no idea what the hell time it was, probably some time around three. It was the normal time I woke up. "Brie," he warned, I smiled and I moved to rest on top of him. He raised an eyebrow as he battled away sleep but he was induced in it.
I kissed his lips and then his jaw, my lips went to his ear and I pressed my lips down the side of his neck. His arms fastened me to his chest, basically saying you aren't moving if you like it or not.
My fingers traced his collarbone and he let out moan, I kissed him there and sucked on it for a good minute.
"Jesus Brie, you do know I work with teenage boys and once they see that," I went up onto his neck and he wanted to pull me away so badly but he wanted this just as badly.
"Liam will give me so much shit," he whispered, he was trying to talk himself into pulling away but it wasn't working. It didn't work until we heard the crack of thunder.
Troy cursed and he quickly rolled out of the bed, I laughed and he escaped into the bathroom. I shook my head and I pulled a pillow over my eyes because none of our kids liked thunderstorms besides Wes. Wes enjoyed them. Troy will forever blame me for the dislike for thunderstorms that ran for our family.
Allison and Lauren ran into the room and crawled into our bed. "Come here girls," I smiled and they curled up into me. I kissed each of their foreheads with a smile.
The lightening flashed and the thunder rolled again, the girls cried and held on to me. "It's okay, it's just rain," I said softly, they both held on to my shirt. The bathroom door opened and Troy tossed his head backwards.
"I had thunderstorms,"
I laughed and Troy crawled back into the bed, Allison was quick to go to him and he wrapped his arms around her. "It's just a thunderstorm,"
"It's loud and scary," she complained, he sighed, he tossed his head to look at me and I smiled, "You would smile,"
I giggled and he shook his head, "let's get some sleep Allison,"
"Okay Daddy,"
Emma's POV
The crack of the thunder woke me up and I sat up, I already heard the girls run by my room and to my parent's bedroom.
I tossed back my covers and I went down the stairs, the lightening spooked me and I jumped. Going down to the boy's room, I opened Liam's door and he looked up, "I heard you jump,"
I laughed, "It scared me," he pushed back his blankets and I joined him underneath of them. "So I heard you and Rayne are back together,"
"How the hell did you hear that?"
"Alexa told me,"
"Oh…"
"She isn't mad at you."
"Good, I didn't want her to be mad at me,"
The thunder made me jump and Liam held me tighter, "Get some rest Emma,"
"Mmm…okay."
Sigh. What do you guys think?
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