Rewriting the Stars
Endgame: Liason
Author's Note: Hey, everyone, I just want to update you on a few things. The last year, as we all know, has been a tough one all around and I'm no exception. It didn't help that I was getting so much hate for not finishing other stories and I just had to take a step back. I'm not sure if or when I'll finish the others, having lost any inspiration to do so, but I'm going back to my roots and writing to make myself smile. If you continue on this journey with me, I appreciate you and I hope you enjoy where I start taking my writing. I might take down the incomplete ones, you can let me know how you feel about that, but I'm going to move forward for now with this story. Thank you for understanding and I understand if you stop reading. It's completely okay. I'll still send love and hugs your way. I just need to find the love for writing again. Thank you.
"Elizabeth Imogene Webber!" Carolyn, her mother, bellows from the bottom of the staircase, prompting her to set down her charcoal pencil and walk out of her bedroom to where she is visible at the top of the stairs.
"Yes, mother?" she replies, making sure her tone isn't too loud.
"Load your sister's luggage into the car," Carolyn instructs before turning away to walk back into the family room. "And be sure to secure them this time. I don't want a repeat of last year."
"Yes, mother," she replies plainly, waiting long enough for her mother to be out of sight before rolling her eyes. Her sainted sister just can't seem to do anything for herself these days.
Closing the door to her bedroom, being sure to lock it, Elizabeth makes her way downstairs to the front door where her sister's luggage is waiting to be loaded into the family car. Yesterday marked the first day of summer, which meant that their parents will be heading off on their "well deserved" vacation and shipping them off to their grandparents.
Dragging the luggage out to the car, she unhooks the straps from around her luggage to slide her sister's in, securing it once the luggage are in place. Wiping the sweat that began to trickle down her forehead, Elizabeth shuts the trunk before heading back inside. Personally, she can't wait to be on that flight to Port Charles, anything to be away from her parents and their constant degrading of her dreams.
Ever since Sarah told their parents that she's following in their paved footsteps, nothing she does will ever taint that halo they've placed above her sainted head. Hence Elizabeth having to load the princess's luggage rather that Sarah loading her own luggage. Heaven forbid her precious fingers be tainted by the weight of her own luggage.
Until Elizabeth gives up the nonsense of art as a career, they will not even entertain her aspirations. As if it was nothing but a hobby. The look on their faces when she told them what she aspires to be, if looks could kill, she'd be dead as a doornail. She'll show them, though, art will be her future and she will fulfill her dreams without any of their help.
"Did you remember to secure the luggage, Lizzie?" Sarah voices when she walks back into the house. "You know what happened last time."
"Why don't you go out and check for yourself?" Elizabeth throws back as she makes her way upstairs to her bedroom. "That way you'll be sure it was done right."
"You don't have to be so snappy, you know," Sarah counters, causing her to turn around and look at her. "I was just reminding you."
"You wouldn't need to remind me if you did it yourself," Elizabeth snaps back. "And for the last time, stop calling me Lizzie. I'm not a damn lizard."
Walking into her bedroom before she could say anything further, Elizabeth locks her door and returns to her sketchbook, letting out a deep sigh as she slides her headphones on. Drowning the world out with music, Elizabeth picks up the charcoal pencil and proceeds to lose herself in her art. Just a few more hours.
Feeling a subtle vibration a little while later, Elizabeth reaches for her cellphone, a soft smile touching her lips at the sight of a text from her brother, Steven. They aren't able to stay in touch as much as they like these days due to his job, but she appreciates when he's able to send her a simple text that lets her know he still thinks about her.
S: hey, shortstop.
E: hey, superhero, aren't you working?
S: I've got time. How you doing?
E: I'm okay, just killing time.
S: Ah, you're flying out today.
E: Yup. Can't wait. I miss you.
S: Miss you, too, kiddo. I gotta get back to work.
E: Okay. Be safe.
S: Always. Make sure you message me when you land. Let me know you're okay.
E: I will.
S: Love you, shortstop.
E: Love you, too, superhero.
Setting her phone back down, Elizabeth returns her focus back to her sketch, thankful to be left alone until it was time for them to head to the airport. Through the drive, since she had no escape, her parents used the time to talk to her about her life choices. Not that she listened to the whole thing, having gotten really good at tuning them out, but she was getting dangerously close to punching her sister when she started to join in on the lecture. As if deciding to go to college made her an expert on life. Please.
"Grandpa!" Elizabeth calls out when she sees him waiting for them, a bright smile touching her lips as she runs into his waiting arms. "I've missed you so much!"
"I've missed you, too, sweetie," Steve says softly, turning to Sarah when she approaches. "Both of you."
"I've missed you, too, Gramps," Sarah says simply, glancing around before meeting his gaze again. "Where's Gram?"
"She's getting ready for a function at the Quartermaine's," Steve explains as the start heading to the car. "You are both welcome to attend if you're feeling up to it."
"I..." Elizabeth starts to say but is cut off by Sarah's clear excitement at the idea.
"A party at the Quartermaine estate?" Sarah says as if it was absurd to question it. "Of course I'd love to go."
"What about you, kiddo?" Steve questions Elizabeth as they load the luggage into the car, Sarah already sitting inside waiting like the princess she is.
"Will you be going?" Elizabeth asks, only willing to go if he does.
"Unfortunately, I'm obligated to do so," Steve chuckles, shutting the trunk. "You know how your grandmother is about appearances."
"Right," Elizabeth laughs softly. "I'll go, too, then."
"That's my girl," Steve smiles softly, pulling her in for one more hug. "It's so good to have you home."
"It's good to be home, Grandpa."
Getting to the house, Elizabeth smiles to herself when Audrey, her grandmother, instructs Sarah to help unload the luggage from the car. It was unexpected to say the least. The look of utter shock on Sarah's face was beyond priceless and Elizabeth was living for it. Once the luggage was unloaded, they pulled out their best outfits and got ready for the event at the Quartermaine estate.
Like all Quartermaine events, you could feel the energy in town far before you actually making it to the event, more so now that the event is being hosted at the home. Everyone who's anyone can be found making their way to the estate, no one daring to be absent from such an event. In a town like this, you can miss so much by missing an event of this size and hardly anyone is willing to do that in this town.
As they are being announced into the event, Elizabeth was surprised by the look of utter pride on her grandmother's face, not at all used to her grandmother showing pride where she's concerned. Letting that settle in for now, Elizabeth follows them into the event, standing before the matriarch, Lila Quartermaine, as greetings are exchanged.
"Oh, what a beautiful surprise," Lila voices at the sight of Elizabeth and Sarah. "It must be so lovely to have your girls back home, Audrey."
"Quite so," Audrey replies, glancing at both girls before turning to Lila. "Sarah here is going to be heading off to college soon. She's looking to become a doctor."
"Continuing the family legacy, how nice," Lila smiles softly. "And Elizabeth?"
"She still has one more year of school, but she's aspiring to be an artist," Audrey explains with a shake of her head. "If you're still looking for someone to paint that garden of yours..."
"What a wonderful idea," Lila smiles brightly. "What do you say, dear? Would you allow me to commission a piece from you?"
"I..." Elizabeth was at a loss for words. Did her grandmother really just get her a commission? "I'd love to, Mrs. Quartermaine."
"Wonderful," Lila says happily. "How does tomorrow afternoon sound? We can have tea and go over the details."
"Sounds perfect," Elizabeth replies when her grandmother simply stands by, allowing her to finish the conversation, something else that she wasn't used to. From the look on her sister's face, clearly she's just as surprised by the exchange as she is. "I'll be here."
"You won't be disappointed," Audrey assures Lila with a soft smile. "She's quite able with a paint brush."
"I don't doubt that," Lila agrees. "I'm quite looking forward to it."
"Why don't you kids go off and enjoy yourselves," Audrey says as she pulls up a chair to sit by Lila. "We'll be heading out at ten."
Meeting her grandfather's eyes for a moment, Elizabeth was granted a simple smile and nod, making her believe that he knows something she doesn't. Accepting that a change has been made somewhere down the line, she accepts her grandmother's instruction and heads off to see if any of her friends are attending the party as well. Thankfully for both their sakes, she and Sarah run in different circles, making it easy for them to stay apart for the rest of the night. She was walking out the back door when a pair of hands go over her eyes from behind, taking her by complete surprise.
"Guess who," a gruff voice says playfully as they hold her in place.
"Someone that's going to need an icepack if they don't let me go," Elizabeth counters, laughing when they release their hold almost immediately. "Yeah, that's what I figured."
"Still a feisty little fireball," Zander, her bestfriend voices when she turns around. "You could have told me you were flying in today."
"Um, I fly in the same day every year," Elizabeth counters. "Do you really need a reminder?"
"Have we met?" Zander throws back. "I'm Zander the forgetful for a reason."
"He'd forget his head if it wasn't permanently attached to his shoulders," Juan, the third member of their little triangle, voices before stuffing an appetizer into his mouth. "I bet you didn't tell her who you're dating yet."
"It didn't come up yet," Zander throws back as they head out into the backyard. "While we're on the topic, why don't you tell her who you're dating?"
"Boys, chill, we just got back together," Elizabeth points out as they take a seat on the grass. "Pace yourselves."
"You heard the boss lady," Juan says with a shrug, leaning back slightly. "So, what you been up to since we last spoke, Liz?"
"Nothing much," Elizabeth admits. "You know nothing really interesting happens when we're apart."
"Same on our end," Zander agrees. "Things still bad with your family?"
"A little worse now that Sarah's following in our parent's footsteps," Elizabeth says plainly. "I can't wait to turn eighteen. The faster I'm out of that house the better."
"Oh," Zander shakes his head before glancing over at Juan.
"Did you really think things would change that much?" Juan says plainly. "Get real, man."
"Okay, spill, what's up?" Elizabeth says, curious about the little back and forth the two are having. "Zander?"
"This is a little awkward..." Zander says carefully. "I...uh..."
"He's dating Emily Quartermaine," Juan throws in, seeing his friend struggling to get the words out.
"Emily Quartermaine, are you serious?" Elizabeth looks at him in disbelief. "My sister's best friend and avid supporter, the girl that hangs on her every word like it's gospel, that Emily Quartermaine?"
"One in the same," Juan shakes his head. "Don't worry, I had the same reaction when he told me, but he insists that she's good people."
"Please don't be mad," Zander says when she simply stares at him in disbelief. "I really care about her, Liz. She's been good to me and..."
"Okay," Elizabeth cuts him off, rising to her feet. "I'll be right back."
"Oh, crap," Zander shoots up from his spot to run in front of her, cutting her off from going back inside.
"Move," Elizabeth's voice is calm, to the point that even Juan rises to his feet to stand in front of her. "Really?"
"One chance," Juan says simply, appealing to her better nature. "That's all I ask."
"Emily Quartermaine," Elizabeth states firmly. "You both realize what you're asking me to do, right?"
"Yes," Juan assures. "I know."
"Liz, please," Zander says gently. "She's not Sarah."
Staring past them, through the window of the door, Elizabeth's jaw clenches at the sight of her sister and the girl that has somehow found a way into her inner circle. This was never supposed to happen. Their worlds were never supposed to clash. Sure, Emily hasn't done anything outright to cause her pain the way Sarah has, but that didn't mean she was innocent by any means. Swallowing her bias, seeing the need for acceptance shine through Zander's eyes, Elizabeth accepts that this is how things are for now.
"She hurts you..." Elizabeth states through gritted teeth, meeting Zander's eyes. "All bets are off."
"I love you, too," Zander says, pulling her in for a hug. "Thank you."
"Now that our little tense moment has passed," Juan clears his throat. "Why don't we head over to the lake? The people there are supposed to be more our speed."
"Yeah, okay," Elizabeth says simply, allowing the guys to guide her away from the formal party. "So, Juan...who are you dating?"
Author's Note: If you made it to the end of this first chapter and have decided to continue our journey together, I appreciate it and I appreciate you. I look forward to where I take this and my writing in general. Thank you and I'll see you in the next update. Take care of yourselves and remember that your mental health is truly important, especially in this day and age. Many hugs to you all.