LeavingBeforeDeparture

Disclaimer: I don't own anything 'In A Heartbeat' related whatsoever. I only own the story, and the characters that I made up. Also, I don't own any of the products used in this chapter.

A/N: I didn't get many reviews last time on chapter 10, so I hope you guys will review this time. I can't really make a threat to discontinue or stop writing until I get at least a certain amount of reviews, because I want finish this story so bad and start writing NOEbY #5. Anyway, if you read this and didn't review, thanks for reading it. I hope you like it, and to those who did review, I'm glad to know that you liked the story so far. Well, enough of that. Let's get to the rest of the story…

Parent Trap

Leaving before departure

Hank stood up and started pacing around the room. In this frantic situation, Hank's anxiety got the best of him and his legs just wouldn't stop moving. Jake followed his movement like an owl, eyes wide open and fully alert. He was waiting until Hank settled down and actually acted like he was ready to talk, but apparently, Hank was nowhere near stopping. Losing his patience, Jake finally spoke up.

"Hank, do you mind? I'm trying to talk to you here."

"Sorry," Hank said as he settled on the opposite side of the couch. "So, what did you want to talk about again?"

"I think you know why I'm here, Hank."

"Actually, I don't."

"Don't be stupid. You know this is about Marianne."

"What about her?" Hank asked nervously. "Is she all right? How is she? Does she hate me? Do you hate me?"

"Slow down, Hank. I'm not here to hurt you."

"Really?"

"Far from, although my dad probably wouldn't mind that."

"What?!?"

"Kidding," Jake laughed. "Why are you so edgy today?"

"I don't know. You tell me. You're the one who's here to talk."

"How are things with you and my dad?"

"Like day and night."

"And Marianne?"

"I didn't do anything."

"I know that, but how are things between you two."

"Oh, well, things are fine, I guess. We never got to talk as much recently since your dad keeps me busy most of the time."

"Do you like my sister?"

"I like Marianne like a football," Hank replied as Jake gave him a confused look. "You know what I mean. I like her a lot, although more than I like a football."

"Hank, you should quit talking while you're ahead."

"Okay, so what's the point of this?"

"Does my dad intimidate you?"

"Not at all," he said, but Jake looked unconvinced. "Actually, maybe a tad bit, but a little bigger."

"How much bigger?"

"He scares the heck out of me."

"Why?"

"Why?!? Why are you asking me? You live with him."

"So?"

"So?!? You were at the dinner table when he constantly brought me down and made a fool of me in front of everyone. He hates me."

"Do you love Marianne?"

"Why are we doing this again?"

"Answer the question, Hank."

"Why?"

"Because if you hurt her, I'm going to haunt you down."

"Why would I hurt her? I care about Marianne. If I hurt her, I'd haunt myself down."

A moment of silence filled the room. Hank waited for Jake to respond, but he got none.

"Why are you here, Jake?"

"I just wanted to talk to you."

"Did anyone send you here?"

"I came here on my own will. No one was involved."

"What is this all about?"

"Hank, I like you."

"What do you mean?" he asked as he moved away from the couch.

"Not in that way, but as a person," he smiled. "You seem like a great guy. Marianne has told me a lot about you. I love my sister a lot, and I don't want her to get hurt."

"Why do you think she'd get hurt?"

"Because she's been hurt before."

"What do you want me to do?"

"Words of advice," Jake started to say as he stood up. "Don't let my dad intimidate you. Just be yourself. You know what you want. And finally, we never had this conversation."

"What conversation?"

"Exactly," Jake said before he left Hank alone in the room.

Hank waited until he heard Jake's car leave the parking lot before he gathered his things. As this was going on, he pondered on the things that Jake had discussed with him. Once again, the word love came in the picture. It had been on his mind for quite some time. 'How did I get myself into this?'

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Tyler woke up with a start from his bed. His head was still spinning, though not from a hangover. Nonetheless, he was still tired. The night before was probably the only night that they spent together. They went to clubs, to the Eiffel Tower, and even shopped. It was fun to say the least. Tyler's dad even gave him a boatload of money.

He squinted his eyes as the light became brighter, now fully aware that he was facing the window. Slowly, he turned to the other side to wake up his dad, but he only found a couple of pillows and a blanket on the other bed. Shaking his head and rubbing his eyes, he got up and walked around the room to see if anybody was there.

After a full-scale search around the room, he found no one. 'Maybe he's just downstairs.' With that, Tyler grabbed his towel and took a shower. A few minutes later, he was out and dressed up.

"Dad! Are you here?"

Tyler was now starting to worry. He was certain that his dad went home with him last night, and he said that he didn't have any meetings or business agendas. The thought of business meetings stuck on his mind, but he continued to go over his stuff. Then, from the corner of his eyes, he saw a note with a few francs.

"Tyler, I'm on a meeting right now. I left some money. Buy and do whatever you want. I'll see you later. Dad."

Out of anger, Tyler crumpled the paper and threw it on the floor. 'He promised, but I guess he can't keep them…like always.' He looked at the calendar once again and then to the pile of money his dad left. Without any thought or consideration, he picked up the phone.

"L'information?" Tyler said in the best French accent that he could possibly do.

"Oui, Monsieur."

"Combien du billet d'avion au Concorde?" he asked as he read the French-English dictionary he borrowed from Hank.

"À quelle ville, Monsieur?"

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Jamie quietly opened the front door of his house, but his attempt only made a loud and long creaking noise. In an instant, he heard footsteps coming towards him.

"Jamie? Is that you?"

"No, I'm his evil twin," Jamie retorted as he headed towards his room.

"But you don't live here."

"Dad!" Jamie whined. "You know it's me so cut it out."

"Hey, congratulations on your win today."

"How did you know? You didn't come. Did it surprise you that I won? Or did you think that I would fail again?"

"Jamie, you know I'm proud of you."

"Really? Or is this another one of your reverse psychology crap?"

"Jamie, you really don't need to use that tone with me."

"Okay, Dad, fine. Just let me go to my room, and I'll leave you alone."

Mr. Waite didn't say a thing, so Jamie continued his climb to his room. He knew that he was going a bit overboard about his actions towards his dad, but his mind got the best of him. He closed his door slowly and sat on his bed.

"I probably hurt the old man's feelings," Jamie whispered to himself. "I'm such an idiot."

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Tyler gathered all his belongings and put them in his luggage. He saw a pad of paper and proceeded to write a note, but his dad came though the door at the very same second.

"What are you doing, Ty? We're leaving in three days."

"Well, count me out," he stated as he headed towards the door.

"What are you talking about?"

"If that wasn't clear enough for you, I'm leaving."

"Why? What brought this up?"

"You. You told me that we're going on this trip to spend some time together, but you know what, that didn't happen."

"What about last night?"

"Last night, we just went outside and had fun, but that wasn't enough."

"What else do you want? I can give you anything. Your wish is my command."

"I want to go home. Thanks for the money."

"What is your problem? What is this sudden resentment towards me?"

"You said that we'd be able to talk today. Then I woke up, and you were gone."

"I left a note, didn't I?"

"A lousy note doesn't cut it. You said you had no business agenda for today. You said you were positive."

"I said I was positive, but I didn't say that I was sure. Come on, Tyler. Things change."

"If you were here for business, why did you take me here in the first place?"

"To spend some time with you."

"That's funny, because we never did much of that. Why did you take me here? There must be a catch. What do you want from me?"

"Okay, fine. I want you to move to California and live with me."

"What?"

"I want you to live with me in L.A."

"Why didn't you say so in the first place? You could've asked me back in Kingsport."

"But you seemed so content there."

"I this what this trip is all about? A bribe to get me to live with you?"

"Tyler, I can give you anything you want. You'll be happy with me in L.A. Your mom can't give you what I can. Imagine a life with no worries. We'll be going on vacation anytime. Anywhere. And you'll have all the money you want. Now tell me what you want, and I guarantee that I can give it to you."

"Unfortunately, what I want from you is something you can't afford."

"And what would that be?"

"Time."

"I have time. You want time? I'll give it to you. Come on. Sit down. We'll talk."

Tyler looked at him skeptically. He was about to give him a chance and sit down beside him when his cell phone rang.

"Is that business again?"

"Tyler, I have to answer this. It's important."

"If you answer that phone, I'm leaving."

Mr. Connell just laughed and answered the call. Tyler shook his head and carried his luggage.

"Goodbye Dad. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a birthday to catch."

"Tyler!" he called out as he turned off his phone. "I'll put the phone down."

The phone rang again, and Tyler paused to see what he was going to do.

"This is Matthew Connell," he answered the phone

"See you back in Kingsport, Dad. Enjoy your stay."

After saying his last words, Tyler closed the door behind him.

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Jamie, Hank, Val, and Brooke were still at the station. Alex left early for the day, so the station was a bit chaotic than the usual.

"This is a nice day to spend my birthday," Val said.

"Well, at least we're done now," Hank said. "I got to run though. I have a date with Marianne. Bye Val."

"Bye Hank."

"I have to go as well," said Jamie. "I need to go to the store and get something for my mom."

"Oh, okay, I'll see you guys tomorrow."

And then there were two. Brooke and Val cleaned up before they headed for home.

"Happy Birthday Val!"

"Thanks Brooke," she said as she went in the car. "At least someone remembered."

"I'm really sorry that Tyler couldn't be here."

"Me too," she said as she turned on the engine.

In less than ten minutes, they arrived at their house as Val parked her car on the driveway.

"I am so tired. I just want to go to my room and sleep."

"Whatever," Brooke said. "Now could you please open the door. I need to go to the bathroom."

Val opened the door, unsuspicious of anything ahead of her.

"SURPRISE!!!"

Val took a step back as she saw everyone in front her. Her parents were there, including Hank, Marianne, Jamie, Caitie, and even Alex.

"You guys!" she cried as Caitie gave her a hug. "You didn't have to do this."

"But you're glad we did, don't you?" Jamie said as he came over and gave her a hug as well.

"I don't know what to say."

"How about a thank you?" said her parents as they gave her a kiss. "Happy Birthday, Val."

"Thanks Mom…Dad."

Val turned around and saw Brooke with a smile on her face.

"Going to the bathroom, huh?"

"It worked, didn't it?"

"Whose idea was this?"

"Caitie and Hank came up with the idea."

Val looked around the place was fully decorated. There were streamers and balloons and everyone was wearing a party hat, even Jamie. She had to admit that it clashed with his black pants and leather jacket. The party food was on the table, as well as the cake. The presents were in the living room.

"Hey Val!"

"Marianne!" she cried as she thanked her. "I didn't know you were coming."

"Of course you didn't," she laughed. "That's why it's a surprise."

"Of course. How are things with Hank?"

"We're okay. Why?"

"Just asking," she replied without mentioning Jake's little visit.

"Well, happy birthday. Enjoy your party."

"Thanks."

"Come on, people!" Hank called out. "Let's eat!"

Everyone came to the table and helped themselves with some food. Val, Caitie, and Marianne were having their own conversation when someone came over to Val.

"Happy Birthday!" he greeted as Val turned around.

"Thanks Alex. It means so much to me that you came. I thought you forgot."

"Well, you thought wrong. Hank told me about this a few days ago."

"Well, thanks for coming."

"It's my pleasure. I have to leave now however."

"Why so soon?"

"I have an early appointment tomorrow with the Mayor."

"Oh…okay. Thanks for the present."

"I just hope you'll like it."

Alex left, but the party went on. The music was blaring from the stereo, but the ring of the phone was still quite audible.

"I'll get it," Brooke said. "Hello. This is the Lanier's residence. This is Brooke… Okay… I get the point… Sounds good… Be on time… Great! …I'll see you then. Bye!"

"Who was that?" asked Mrs. Lanier.

"That was Nick. He's coming over later."

"Does his mom know about this?"

"I think she knows by now."

"Okay."

Brooke followed her into the living and went over to where Val and the rest of the girls are. Jamie and Hank were still eating, while Mr. and Mrs. Lanier were already starting to clean up. Time passed and the opening of the gifts began.

"Who's this from?"

"I think it's from me," Hank said.

Val opened it and got a T-shirt similar to Tyler's and Hank's. It stated: Cheerleading is life. The rest are just details.

"Thanks Hank. How about this one?"

"That one's from me and Brooke," said Marianne. "We collaborated on that."

"Open it already!" cried Brooke.

Val opened the box to reveal a brand-new Palm Pilot.

"Thanks you two. This probably cost you a lot."

"Well, we figured you could use it," said Marianne.

"At least you'll be more organized and not stressed out again," stated Brooke.

"I'll definitely use this."

Val opened the present from Alex and found herself a frame from her first day at work and a one-week worth of inventory pass, which she could use to skip the work. She grabbed another present that was from Jamie. It was not a big box or anything, although it resembled a book.

"Bring It On! On DVD?"

"I thought you might like it," Jamie said. "Who knows? You could probably learn something from it. Besides, it's about the life of cheerleaders."

"Thanks Jamie," she laughed. "I'll treasure it forever."

"Here's mine," Caitie said as she handed her a box.

Val opened it carefully to reveal a book that resembled a journal of some sort. It seemed ordinary, but when she turned to the front cover, she saw a hand-painted picture of her and her best friend.

"I bought a plain journal, and then I decorated and painted the covers."

"Caitie, this is the best. Thank you so much."

"Don't thank me yet. If you look inside, I wrote some of mine and your favorite quotes. I also wrote some of the things we did in the past, as well as little pictures and stuff."

"Caitie, you're the best," she said as she hugged her. "Thanks for everything."

"Anytime, Lanier," she smiled and hugged her back.

The doorbell rang, and Brooke immediately stood up. Val's parents were in the process of giving Val her present. Brooke came to the door and opened it as the person she waited for finally arrived.

"Hello Brooke!" he greeted.

"Nick," she smiled. "You're just in time. Come in. Everyone is at the living room."

He smiled back and entered the house as Brooke closed the door.

"Well, I guess that's everything," he could hear Val say.

"Wait," Hank said. "Tyler's present is still on the table."

"Oh, right," Val said as she started opening the small box and revealed something that could only be described as one word. "Wow…"

She held up the sterling silver chain necklace with a silver heart-shaped pendant that had small sapphire stones on its corners. On the back of the pendant was an engraved object that resembled a key and the words "You hold the key to my heart." Val remained speechless as the rest of the people in the living room looked on.

"Now that looks really expensive," said Jamie.

"All I know was that he had it especially made for you," added Hank.

"It's so beautiful, honey," said Joanna Lanier.

"I know," said Caitie and Marianne in unison.

"I can't believe he gave this to me," Val whispered silently. "If only he was here. I miss him so much."

"Do you want me to put it on you?"

"Sure," Val said as she handed the necklace to the person behind her.

"It looks great on you."

"Thanks Tyler," she muttered unconsciously.

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Well, that's a cliffhanger for you. I hope you liked it. Don't forget to review! I'll be back! ~ Scarlet182