The Next chapter for your enjoyment.

Chapter 49: The Result


Matt's PoV
The minute I dropped unceremoniously onto my couch my phone rang again.

"You've got Matt." I said.

"Hey it's me." Seth said.

"What's up with the social call?" I asked finding it weird that he'd call out of the blue like this.

"I wanted to update you on the stats at home before you get a really upset phone call."

"Missed that one by half an hour bro."

"Crud. Then you know Mom and Dad are splitsville and Mom wants custody."

"Why do you still call her that?"

"Because I don't remember our mother. I'm sure she was amazing but I don't remember her."

"Well fine. I'm sorry. So custody?"

"Alicia is asking and Dad is-"

"Better be dead set against it." I interrupted.

"He's shaky on it."

"Then you should warn him that she's not going to Florida without a fight."

"You don't think she'd…" Seth trailed off.

"Not her. I won't let her go that easily. Neither will Charlie or Fulton. You know Aunt Casey and Nat could be convinced to fight and Grandmum Jacobs never liked Alicia."

"Speaking of Aunt Casey…"

"The divorce, have you heard?" I asked.

"Final this morning. He gets what he came with and she gets alimony for the next three years."

"And Gordon?"

"He's happy for her but Dad said that Bombay isn't going to push for the relationship for a while." Seth sighed.

"Because of Lizzy?"

"Yeah, it's sad too. Aunt Casey finally found a guy who loves her and doesn't care she has a teenage son but nothing can come of it because her niece is too upset by him."

"That's not fair Seth. None of us really know why she's so dead set against him. I'm cheering for the guy too, he's a lot better than the jerk of a guy who is Charlie's real father, but if Lizzy has a serious problem with him I don't want him anywhere near any of them." I said.

"Isn't there something we can do to help her?"

"Maybe. If we talk to Bombay, get him to talk Dad into fighting his hardest for her then she'll know Bombay is looking out for her and then maybe she'll let up a little bit."

"That may work but there's got to be something else."

"Seth, she's like me and Dad. You can't push her." I said. "Just give her time. I think I pushed her too far when she called about needing a ride. Time, it's all we can do."

"That's all I can think of right now but I'll let you know if something comes up."

"Before you tell our sister."

"Of course."

I let out a frustrated sigh and hung up with my brother. Not even 30 seconds later my phone buzzed with a text message.

"Open the door" it read.

I drug myself up off the couch and pulled open the door to see my girlfriend standing there. I looked at her and grinned. "Get in here."

Star entered the apartment and wrapped me in a hug. "You're happy to see me I take it?" Star said.

"Get in here." I said.

"I am in."

"True." I sighed. "God, I've missed you so much."

"Missed you too," she answered.

"Don't you have classes this week?"

"Ah… I'm not missing anything important. As for work Nat's covering for me and I have the next two days off from my other job so I'm here for you."

"Oh. Well…"

"Now what can I do for you?"

"A massage would be nice but it's Valentine's Day. It's not just about me."

"A massage isn't just about you." She said then started an excellent massage.

Lizzy's PoV
After Matt hung up; Dean got us both something to eat then led us to my room.

"I know you're not hungry when you're upset but could you at least try to eat for me please?" Dean asked.

"Fine. What you got for me?"

Dean handed me food and then we ate. After dinner he gave me the most excellent massage. Then I realized I still had work to do. "Dean this is great and all but I still have to get those permission slips done and…"

"Say no more, I don't want you to but I know you have to."

"Now that's an understanding boyfriend. I love it."

He smiled and let me up then followed me to my computer. As I typed out the forms Dean continued to massage my shoulders. It felt so good I almost shut down my computer and relaxed. Almost being the keyword. "It's a nice form. How'd you learn to do that?"

"I used to do the forms for my art teacher back at my old school." I answered. "You really think it'll work?"

"If it worked for your old school then I'm certain it'll work here."

"Ok." I gave a short explanation for my dad along with the school fax number then sent the information to my dad. Then I turned back to Dean.

"Something along the same line will work for my mom. Remember she loves you so it won't be too hard to convince her to sign it. Something short and to the point."

I thought hard for a moment then grinned and started typing.

"Dear Mrs. Portman,
Due to some unforeseen insurance problems Dean is not allowed to leave the game without this form signed and faxed this Thursday before three p.m. If it's not signed then you know that he will miss the plane and subsequently miss the wedding or the rehearsal at least. The numbers listed below are my Dad's home number, Matt's cell number, Coach Orion's number, and the school fax number. We would both be grateful if you or Mr. Portman will sign it without hassle. Once again grateful
Lizzy" Dean read as I typed. "My mom will love it. Now put the numbers, explain who Matt is, and come back to bed with me."

So I did just that and then crawled back into my bed.

Dean followed me after sending the email and wrapped an arm around me. We spent the rest of the evening talking and listening to the radio.

Then my phone rang. "Lizzy here," I answered.

"Ms. Lizzy? This is Nora Portman. Dean's mom."

"Of course. What can I do for you ma'am? Dean, turn the stereo down."

"I just got your email about the permission slip."

"Yes ma'am. What about it?" I asked as Dean turned it down.

"Why does he have to have it?"

"Because we're leaving straight from the game. Something to do with insurance release issues."

"And this Matt Jacobs? You said he is your brother."

"Yes ma'am my oldest brother."

Dean took my phone and spoke with his mom. "Look Mom just sign the form…Yes Mother but he's only been in a few accidents…No I don't think any were really his fault. And aside from that he was the only one in the car during all but one of the accidents…Lizzy and that's because a dog ran into the road…Yes Mom I understand that but does Jeff want me at the rehearsal or not?" Dean paused then rolled his eyes at me. I only smiled. "Mom really, it'll be fine. Just call him and talk to him. We never would have asked him to drive if we didn't trust him. Please, just sign the form."

"Dean, don't talk to your mom like that." I told him.

"I love you, Mom please just sign the form…Yes ma'am…I love you too…ok here." He handed me the phone back and let me speak with his mom.

"I apologize for what your son said to you. Coulda swore he knew better."

"He does. Sometimes he just gets so passionate about what he's talking about he just forgets his manners."

"Oh."

"Don't worry about it, sweetheart. How many wrecks has your brother been in?"

"Six. Four because of the rain, one because of a dog, and the last one they won't tell me what happened but I think his breaks went out."

"Ok thanks. We'll see you and Dean on Friday night."

"Yes ma'am." We hung up and I looked at Dean. "If I ever hear you speak to your mom like that again I will smack you. Whether she understands or not."

"I'm sorry. I get my demanding nature and stubbornness from her."

"It's disrespectful and rude."

"I know. And I apologize; she knows I didn't mean it. I will apologize to her if that will make you feel better."

"If you're certain she's not upset about it then I guess I can't be either."

"Thanks for understanding Liz."

"Did I ever tell you how sweet your mom is?"

"Yes."

"Dean, if I told you a secret, would you keep it?" I asked.

"I'd try my hardest."

"I think Linda is cheating on Charlie."

"You're not going to just up and tell him like that are you?" Dean asked. "You need proof."

"I know that. And I'd never approach him without proof. I hope he'd do the same for me."

"Well as long as it's just a theory I won't say anything but I will keep my eyes open."

"Thanks Dean."

"Sure."

The next morning I rushed from the shower to Julie and Connie's room. "You girls have to help me."

"Help hide you?" Julie asked.

"No, turn me into a sweet girl."

"We can make you look like a sweet girl but that doesn't change you into one."

"What does that mean?"

"That we can't change your personality only your look."

"But…but…." I stammered.

"Why do you want us to dress you up?" Connie asked.

"Fulton said I wasn't sweet 'cause I was raised as a tomboy with six brothers so I thought maybe…"

"Oh, look Fulton's not right. You can be sweet you just don't need to be." Julie said. "If it's really what you want we can give you that look."

They pulled me back into my room and dug through my clothes hoping to find something. Soon they tossed me a t-shirt, long sleeve shirt and pair of jeans. After putting it on I looked down to survey my outfit. Tight black jeans that flared at the bottom, and a tight, black, long-sleeve shirt under a white t-shirt that read Angel in Disguise that Ben had bought for me. They handed me my black cowboy boots and stepped back for a moment. After surveying me they went to work on my hair and makeup. They finished around seven and let me look at myself. I was shocked at what I saw.

"It's like I'm not even wearing makeup and my hair is…simply wonderful. You guys rock." I told them.

"You're welcome; now let's go show you off." Connie said.

"The guys are going to die when they see you." Julie said. I reached for Dean's jacket and Connie stopped me. "You're not going to wear that are you?" Connie asked.

"He's still my boyfriend isn't he?" I asked.

"I guess," Connie said.

"It's alright, Cons. She still looks sweet. And if she stays sweet and innocent all day the jacket won't matter." Julie said.

The three of us walked to breakfast and once in the cafeteria I noticed I was getting a lot of looks. They weren't all evil or jealous looks but they did make me a bit self-conscious. Then I heard Luis as we walked to the Ducks.

"Who is that hot bombshell with Connie and Julie?" Luis asked.

"Say that again and I will knock you clear across this cafeteria." Connie said.

We stopped as Julie flicked Luis's ear.

"I'm sorry, she is." Luis said.

I looked around the table and noticed Adam was grinning and trying not to laugh. Dean smiled indulgently and those two seemed to be the only two who could tell.

"Yo, slobs stop staring at my girl." Dean said.

"No way man, you can't call dibs. I saw her first," Luis said.

"Actually Dwayne saw her first." Adam said.

"I did not." Dwayne said.

I rolled my eyes then Julie, Connie, and I went and got breakfast. When I brought my tray to the table, Dean pulled me into his lap.

"Morning Lizzy," Adam said.

Fulton looked around then panicked. "Dude, your girlfriend isn't going to like this."

"Really Fult?" Dean asked.

"You know how Lizzy can get." Fulton said.

"And how is that?" Dean asked.

"Jealous. And do you really want to get into it with her?"

"I think she'd be cool with this." Dean said.

"I am and I'm really glad my best friend does actually care about my relationship. Morning Adam," I said.

"Liz, I…" Fulton started.

"Don't worry about it." I said.

"How did you tell?" Fulton asked looking at Dean and Adam.

"She's my best friend no matter how she dresses or acts, I'll always know Lizzy." Adam said.

"She's my girlfriend and that's my jacket. I just know her." Dean said.

"Why are you so…dressed up?" Fulton said.

"Because of what you said the other day."

"What I said the other day? What did I say?" Fulton asked.

"If you don't remember, I'm not going to tell you." I answered.

"You're so mean to me." Fulton pouted.

"You still love me though." I answered.

"Did I tell you that you look positively beautiful today?" Dean asked then kissed my cheek.

"No, you didn't, but thank you." I said.

"Wow Liz, you clean up well." Alex said as I dug into my breakfast.

"Thanks Alex. Have you met my boyfriend, Dean Portman?" I asked a little on edge by the way he said it.

"No I hadn't, but it's nice to meet you." Alex said.

Dean turned slightly in his seat to face Alex and held out a hand. Alex shook it then turned back to me.

I looked at Dean and saw the look in his eyes so I whispered "play nice and there might be something in it for you."

The look vanished from Dean's eyes and he grinned. "It's a pleasure to meet you." Dean said. Alex nodded and after giving me a once over he walked away.

"He was so flirting with you." Connie said.

"Yeah I know, hence why I said meet my boyfriend. He seriously creeps me out." I said.

"He's not going to touch you, not while I'm around." Dean said.

"Thanks Dean," I said.

"Hey Lizzy," Bash said kissing the top of my head.

"Bash," I warned.

"Aw, it's not me you have to worry about. I'd worry about Alex if I were you." Bash said. "You're like a cousin or sister to me. Someone I have to protect not flirt with. You have a boyfriend I respect that."

"That's good to know." I said. "Why would I have to worry about Alex? Besides the fact that he creeps me out."

"I don't have any concrete proof so I shouldn't be telling you this but I want you to know." Bash said. "Boyfriends don't mean anything to him. He'll flirt with you in front of your boyfriend so it'll seem harmless but he does his best to drive him away. That way he can swoop in and take over. He's also controlling, so you better be careful of him. I like Portman a lot better than I like Alex, and I don't want to see what you two have end over an over-eager trainer. You understand me?"

"Yeah, I got it. Relax," I said. He walked away and I tried not to roll my eyes.

"So about there being something in this for me," Dean said.

I turned slightly to look at him and contemplated my options. Finally I kissed him deeply to which he responded hungrily.

"People are trying to eat here." Averman said loudly.

I pulled away from Dean and finished off my breakfast.

"Thank you," Averman said.

Then the bell rang and we went to our classes.


There is that chapter. Happy belated holidays and here's hoping for a wonderful year.