Sorry this one took so long. Usual disclaimer.
Chapter 48: Bad News
After we had finished most of the pizza my phone rang. "Hello?" I answered.
"Lizzy, it's Seth." He said.
"Hey bro, what's up?" I asked motioning for Dean to turn down the volume.
"I've got good news and bad news, what do you want first?"
"How bad is the bad news?" I asked.
Dean looked concerned.
"Pretty bad. Worse than Matt lying to you."
"Ok, good news first."
"Alright then I'm gonna go kinda fast but you'll appreciate it more. Good news: Happy Valentines Day and Squish is still living. Mixed news: Dad and Alicia had a huge fight and she's asking for a divorce. Bad news..." Seth trailed off.
"Seth, like a bandage, just rip it off." I said.
"Are you alone?" He asked.
"No, Dean's here. It is Valentines Day."
"Hand him the phone please, just for a moment." I shrugged and handed Dean the phone.
"Hey Seth, what's going on?" I heard Dean ask.
I watched him as he listened and his face fell. He swallowed hard then nodded.
"Alright. Thanks, you can tell her now." Dean pulled the phone from his ear and pulled me into his lap. I knew then that this news was going to be hard to take and quiet possibly devastating.
"So what's the bad news?" I asked taking the phone back.
"Bad news...they've decided to put Squish down and Alicia wants custody of you as part of the divorce. She's also decided to move closer to home in Florida." He said quickly. The phone slid out of my hand. I didn't care at the moment where it landed I just wanted to curl up and sob for the rest of the night. So I curled around Dean and did just that. I bawled my eyes out. As I cried I barely heard Dean hang up with Seth and a while later Ant started crying. Then I heard the door open and the baby stopped crying. A few moments later there was another hand on my back.
"Lizzy, what's wrong?" Charlie asked. I dried my tears and tried to pull away to look at him but Dean was still stroking my head so I just turned my head.
"Seth just called. Alicia and Mr. Jacobs just got into a huge fight and are now getting a divorce. Alicia wants custody and if she gets it Lizzy will be moved to an all girls' boarding school in Florida." Dean said.
Seth hadn't said that. That sent me into a new wave of tears. "They're putting Squish down too." I said.
"Oh not Squish too. Lizzy-gator, I don't know what do say to make you feel any better but I'm here for you." Charlie said. I turned my head back to Dean's shoulder and continued to cry. Some time later I heard more footsteps.
"Charlie? Port, what's going on?" I pulled away from Dean and looked at Fulton. "Gator, what's wrong?" Charlie stood up and walked over to him. Then he spoke in a low voice. I couldn't hear what he said but I knew he was probably explaining.
"Why are you all dressed up?" I asked. He was wearing a pair of slacks, button down shirt and a suit coat.
"I just got back from taking Aly out." He said, "But that's not important. Maybe we can talk to Bombay. As much as you hate him he's a damn good lawyer and he might know how to prevent this from happening."
"My dad's a child lawyer; he might be able to help." I looked from Fulton to Adam who was also standing there.
"But why does she want custody of me? She can't stand me and she never liked me to begin with." I said.
"Because with child custody comes child support and quite possibly alimony." Adam said.
"So it's still not really about me." I said.
"No. Listen Guy came in and got Ant, why don't you try to get some sleep. We'll figure all this out in the morning." Charlie said.
"I-I..." I sighed. He had a point. "Alright."
That night I went to bed in Dean's jersey and arms and did my best not to cry. Finally I fell asleep but in what seemed like no time at all I was up and had to go to breakfast. The Ducks did their best to cheer me up.
Right before lunch I saw something that made my day even worse. Linda and Tony, our relief pitcher, were flirting heavily outside a classroom. I couldn't believe she would do that to my own cousin. I walked passed them and then headed to class.
At lunch Dean all but forced me to eat and Charlie looked depressed until Linda came in and sat down in a chair next to him.
"Hey babe, where you been?" Charlie asked.
"Talking with a friend of mine." Linda answered. I had no doubt she had been flirting with Tony again. Especially since her eyes strayed to the baseball team for a moment.
"Hey guys we want to congratulate all of you on the season so far. What do you say you meet us down at Mark Anthony's on Fifth?" Andy said. "You all know where Fifth Street is right?"
"When?" I asked.
"How about Friday after the game?" Kyle said.
"Dean and I are flying to Chicago that night, but I'm sure the rest won't mind." I said.
"Er no. We want all of you to be there." Andy said. "What about tomorrow night? Unless you have another reason not to."
"Tomorrow sounds good to me." I said. The rest of the team agreed.
"This ain't gonna be like last year will it?" Charlie asked.
"Of course not. We'd never pull the same prank twice in a row. That's just uncool." Andy said. "Tomorrow night at seven then?"
"Sure, sounds good to me. Everyone up for it?" I asked. Everyone agreed again.
"If anyone needs a ride just let us know and we're more than pleased to take you." The varsity team walked away and I looked up at Scooter.
"Honestly guys, no prank. We thought we'd just put the past behind us and act like a true team." Scooter said. "Julie you believe me don't you?"
She looked at me for a moment then looked at him contemplating it. "Of course I do Scooter. You wouldn't want to lie to me. The liquid nitrogen was my idea last year." Julie said.
"No lie I promise. Lizzy, hang tough. Bombay is doing what he can." Scooter said touching my shoulder.
"How did you know about that?" I asked.
"Rick called; he was on the phone with Seth when it happened. He said to tell you his phone has voicemail and he'll get back to you as soon as he can."
"Thanks Scooter." I said. He nodded and then he walked away. That's when I remembered the chocolate from the day before. "Guys, I got this yesterday but I don't like it so y'all can have it." I said pulling out the two bags. "Chocolate covered caramel and white chocolate." Slowly the bags got passed down the table.
"Who gave these to you?" Dwayne asked.
"One of the baseball trainers." I said.
"Lizzy," Fulton said suddenly looking up. "Did you talk to Orion about Friday night yet?"
"Dean, what time was on the tickets?" I asked.
He looked at me blankly. "She said after the game, I don't really remember there being a time." He said hesitantly.
"You don't remember." I said.
"I'm sorry Lizzy." He said with big puppy dog eyes.
"It's nine o'clock." Fulton said.
"Plane leaves at nine, so that gives us roughly half an hour to get from that game to the airport." I said.
"You'd never make it in time." Fulton said. "Not unless you broke every speed limit between the two."
"My mustang could make it."
"You still need to talk to Coach as it's a school sanctioned event." Charlie said.
I rolled my eyes but did as he said. Between my last class and play practice I stopped into Coach's office. "Hey Coach, can we talk?" I asked.
"Sure, have a seat." He said motioning to the chair across from his desk.
"Coach, I'm not sure you've heard or not but Dean's brother is getting married this weekend."
"I've heard vaguely, why are you asking?" Coach asks.
"Well, he's getting married in Chicago and Dean's sorta required to be there. I've been asked to go and he's already got the tickets. They're for Friday right after the game."
"Right after the game?"
"Yeah I figured Fulton could drive us out to the airport and then come back here."
"Unfortunately if you're leaving straight from the game I can't let any of you do that."
"Why not?"
"Because the game is a school sponsored event and you must ride the bus there and back. It's insurance problem."
"What about if it's another one of my friends?"
"The only way you can leave the game and go to the airport is if you and Portman have permission from your parents and the person who takes you is over 21."
"Ok...well it's just this once please can't you just over look it please."
"If I could I would, but it ain't my rule. It school rules and insurance stuff. I told ya the only way you can leave is if the person who takes you is 21 and you have permission from your parents. If you can get the driver's information and your parents' permission to me Thursday before practice then I can let you go."
"So what do you mean?"
"Get your parents to say that it is ok for you to leave the game with whoever will be driving you to the airport. This driver must be at least 21, have their own car, and submit a copy of their driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance. Also this person must be approved by both your and Port's parents. If you don't get permission from both sets I can't let both of you go."
"Thursday before practice?" I asked.
"Exactly." Coach answered.
"Thanks Coach." I said. I stood up and left the office. At play practice Dean let me stew in peace. Finally I turned to him. "Coach isn't allowed to let me or another student to drive to the game or the airport. School rules. So the question remains who do I know that's over 21 that'll be able to drive us to the airport and break a few speed limits along the way?" I asked.
"Well you could ask your brother." Dean suggested.
I looked at him for a moment. "Hmmm, Seth always comes with Dad, and Chris and Ben fly...You think Matt would?" I asked.
"You're his kid sister and if he doesn't have a game then certainly he would. And you know he's been known to drive fast." Dean said.
"You're amazing." I kissed him hard before digging out my cell phone to call Matt. After six tries each going to voicemail, I got frustrated.
"Once more then leave a message." Dean said.
Matt's PoV
After practice I took a long, hot shower sorely missing my girlfriend Star. Although I knew I should have probably told my sister about Star by now something was holding me back. It wasn't although I didn't trust my sister to be able to handle it, the girls had already met and according to Nat they got along great, I just didn't feel ready to tell her just yet. After wrapping a towel around my waist, I walked back to the main part of the locker room and found a curious sight. "Uh care to tell me what's going on?" I asked our second string goalie.
"Somebody decided to leave his phone on high and then let it continually ring. So Cap here is trying to find someone to answer it." He said.
The phone landed in his hands and I grabbed it. "This is my phone." I said taking it from him.
"Then answer it or I'll ban all phones." My captain called.
"Yes sir. Hello?" I asked.
"Do you ever answer your phone on the first ring?" Lizzy snapped at me.
"And hello to you too, sister." I answered.
"Well hello now answer my question."
"I was in the shower. Give me a minute." I lowered the phone and turned to Brad. "Now tell me why you couldn't answer my phone."
"Uh well you see…" He trailed off.
"See what? You have absolutely no problem embarrassing me. And you are my best friend."
"Yes but…. Embarrassing you is one thing, dealing with an angry one-nighter or upset girlfriend is completely different." Brad said.
"Dude my girlfriend's name is Star, even programmed it into my phone, so no angry one-nighters. And second the caller Id said…"
"Uh Lizzy."
"And you know my sister's name, as she is the one that told you she still calls me Mattie-poo, is Lizzy."
"So your sister is on the phone." Brad said.
"My sister is what?"
"Your sister is on the phone."
"My sister. Crap." I muttered. "Hi beautiful, baby sister."
"You're still in trouble." She said.
"Dang. Look I was in the shower and I'm sorry I didn't answer you but surely you can understand that."
"I guess."
"Good girl. Now what do you need from me?"
"I need you to send a copy of your driver's license, registration, and Proof of insurance to Coach Orion."
"And when do you need that by?" I asked walking to my locker and taking a seat.
"Thursday before three."
I could tell she was really stressed which meant that my evening plans just went out the window. "Alright my little Teddy Bear what's going on?" I asked. She spewed the problem so fast that all I caught was Portman, airport and Chicago. "Liz, hon calm down and repeat that. All I caught was Portman, airport, and Chi-town." Behind me I heard my teammates laughing.
"Look, you know my boyfriend Dean Portman right? Well we need a ride to the airport on Friday because we're flying to Chicago for his brother's wedding. So because of some stupid insurance thing the person who takes us from the game has to be over 21 and our parents have to say yes. Please Mattie, if we miss this plane his brother is going to be really upset and-"
Since she was nearly in tears I had to agree. "Alright, calm down. I'll take you. I can't get another," I paused and pulled my shirt over my head, "Speeding ticket though. If I do coach says he'll bench me."
"Then don't get caught. Mattie we really need to make this flight. Would you really want us to miss the game?"
"Kid."
She really knew how to get to me. "You're my favorite brother Mattie-poo."
"Aw, trump cards." I muttered. "Fine, fine I'll do it."
"Thanks Mattie. I love ya, bye."
I could tell, however, that the trip wasn't all that was bothering her. Somehow I was going to have to convince her to tell me. "Wait." I snapped before the bye was even fully out of her mouth. "Wait, just one minute."
"Yes?" She asked sweetly.
"What are you doing right now?" I asked leaving the arena.
"Walking to dinner. Why?"
"Alone?"
"No with Dean." She answered. "What's up Matt?"
"What's really bothering you?" I asked. "Or better yet what else is bothering you?"
"Nothing. Why would you say something like that?" Lizzy asked.
"Because I like to think I know you and you tend to get really sweet when you're lying or up to something. Tell me what else is wrong Teddy Bear."
"I…" She started.
I knew then that I had her and she'd tell me. I tossed my bag in the passenger seat.
"Mattie, I'm scared." She sounded like a scared five year old.
"What's wrong Becca?" I asked dropping into the driver's seat of my car.
"They're putting Squish down next Friday."
"Aw baby."
"Mom and Dad had a huge fight last night too. Seth says they're gonna spilt and mom wants to move me to an all-girls boarding school in Florida. What if I don't like Florida? What if I want to stay here?"
I knew there may have been something else bothering her but I needed to deal with one thing at a time. "Becca, sweetie listen to me, Squish has to be in a lot of pain if the vet has decided to put him down. He wouldn't do it any other way. You know this is what's best for him. Now, about Florida." Then I heard something that sounded like a locker slamming shut. "What was that?" I asked.
"Dean pulling me to a stop against a locker. What were you saying about Florida?" She asked.
"Look, I highly doubt Dad is just going to give upon you. I mean you saw the fuss he made when I suggested fighting him."
"I don't know."
"He made up reasons why I wouldn't get custody. He knows I love you. So why would he just give up when he knows she doesn't like you? Look, if you're still scared then you should talk to Mike Shark or Phillip Banks. They're two of the best custody lawyer in Minneapolis."
"And you're thinking Mr. Banks will give you a steep discount because I'm gonna make you pay for it and he's Adam's dad."
Though I found the thought interesting I knew I had to try to calm her down. "That's not the reason I recommended him. He's good. One of the best and that's why I would want him to look at this case. It's just a bonus his Adam's dad."
"Oh."
"Yes oh. Now hand the phone to Dean please." I said unable to figure out how to calm her down. "Please."
"Hello?" Dean asked.
"I don't care how you have to do it, I don't care if is just you, you and Fulton, or whoever but you have to get my sister to calm down. It's a vicious cycle: my sister gets upset, she'll stop eating which upsets Fulton, and that upsets Charlie, which will upset Lizzy even more so you have to stop it before it starts. I fear I've only made it worse. I apologize for that. Especially since she's probably upset over the divorce."
"I'll get her to calm down I promise. It's probably the pressure she's under. Don't worry I'll fix it."
"Also see if you can get Adam to talk to his dad about the divorce and custody deal. I'll have Bombay call him as well but Adam's a start."
"Sure. It won't make Lizzy feel any better to know Bombay is involved but it will calm her down knowing it's being taken care of." Dean said.
"I'll keep that in mind." I answered.
We said our goodbyes and after declining drinks at a nearby bar called Chuck's with the team, I drove myself home.
So there's the next chapter I hope you enjoyed it. Also check out my profile page for a link to character pictures. It's been updated with old Ducks and Lizzy's brothers. Let me know what you think of them.
