Part 10...sorry for the wait.....but it's here!!!!



I sigh and get up off Max's lap and try to keep myself from punching that person when I open the door, but instead gasp in surprise, "Michael?"

"Lizzie..."

It's Michael. My 19 yr. old, protective older brother that left last year. He stayed as long as he could, but my mother's drinking just took all of his energy so he left in the middle of the night and hasn't even called. But I don't blame him. He had to leave, I understand.

I launch myself into his arms and starts crying, "Michael! You're home...oh my god. I missed you so much." I know he hears me, but as he's hugging me tightly he sees the scars and cuts. He pulls back and looks at me with tears in his eyes. He strokes my cheek and his voice cracks with emotion, "Oh Lizzie. I'm so sorry....I'm so so sorry."

**Michael's POV**

I knock, hoping it's just Liz at home. I don't want to see my mother at this point in time. If it wasn't for Liz, I wouldn't be on this front step. I see the door swing open and a very annoyed Liz infront of me. But the annoyance turns to surprise, "Michael?"

"Lizzie...." She's gotten even more beautiful since the last time I saw her.

She stares at me a little longer, then launches herself into my arm. I smile and hold her close. Her hair still smells like the shampoo I bought her for her 15th birthday. That's when I notice the cuts on her arms and the scars. My stomach tightens and I pull back, close to crying. I stroke her cheek and I hear my voice crack with emotion, "Oh Lizzie, I'm so sorry....I'm so sorry."

**Liz's POV**

I see the tears run down his cheeks and I feel ashamed.

"Michael..I...." I don't need to say anymore, Michael pulls me into his arms and hugs me tightly, sobbing along with me.



hehe, so what do ya think?

~Eden