~A Once and Again Series~
The Way We Were
Wow, chapter 25 already... 25 chapters in one month aint bad. 90-some reviews for 25 chapters is amazing!! Thanks for all the encouragement!!! It's much appreciated!
Chapter 25//Getting to the Point
"Eli?" Cassidy asked, as she approached him in the hallway. "Have you been avoiding me?"
Eli looked over at her reluctantly, "Uh... no, not really. I've just been busy."
Cassidy pouted, "We had such fun at my party, and then you left with Grace."
Eli looked at his watch, hoping Cassidy would take the hint and leave, but she continued, "I don't know why you wanted to hang with your STEPSISTER, and not me..."
"Grace isn't my stepsister... she's... our parent's aren't married," Eli said hastily.
Cassidy inched forward. "But they will probably get married someday, and so why are you even bothering with her?"
Eli looked around the crowded hallway, he lowered his voice, "That is none of your business, okay? I like Grace, and no, we're NOT dating, but even if we were... it wouldn't be a big deal. Our parent's would be cool with it."
[[Eli - *shrugs* That sounds about right... it could happen.]]
Cassidy rolled her eyes, "Whatever, Eli. Now I see what Jen meant when she said you were a loser. God, if you'd rather date some geeky freshman-- who's going to be your sister someday, than go ahead!"
Cassidy said all that really loudly, and Eli sighed as he noticed many eyes on him. Cassidy gave him a sneer and walked away.
* * *
"So, you and Eli are DATING? How come you didn't tell us!?" Sarah cried as Grace came up to their table.
"We're not--" Grace started.
"Yeah, I had to find out from Lora," Julie interrupted. "I pretended like I knew, though, because I'm your best friend, and I'm supposed to know this stuff!"
"If we were dating, you'd know," Grace answered, opening her milk carton. "And we're not."
Ashley rolled her eyes, "Grace, the whole school is talking about it... after first period Eli told every one in the hallway that he was dating you, or something... that's what I heard."
Grace laughed, "Why would he say something like that, if it's not true?"
Her friends looked at each other, doubtfully.
"So, you're really not dating him?" Julie asked.
"Nope," Grace answered. She looked up, and saw Eli standing in the doorway to the cafeteria, motioning at her. Grace stood up. "I've got to go to the library. I'll see you guys later."
Her friends watched her hurry away, and exit into the hallway with Eli. Julie rolled her eyes, turning back around in her chair. "She's SO dating him."
"Oh, yeah," Ashley and Sarah agreed together.
* * *
Grace and Eli made their way down the empty hall, and went up the first set of stairs, stopping at the window seat between the levels. They sat down, looking at each other.
Grace broke into a smile, "So, apparently everyone thinks we're dating."
Eli smiled back, "Yeah, it looks that way."
They lapsed into comfortable silence, looking out the window.
"Grace?" Eli asked, drawing her eyes back to him.
"Yeah?"
"Would it be so weird if we were going to date?" Eli said, shifting in his seat.
Grace paused, not sure what to say.
"I mean... do you think you think our parents would have a problem with it?" Eli asked.
[[Grace - OF COURSE! You know my mother, right? She'd make a huge deal about it!]]
Grace smiled slightly, "No, not really." She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, "I mean, it's not like it's wrong, even if they were to get married. And, we should be allowed to make our own choices."
"Yes," Eli agreed. He reached out and tucked the resistant strand off hair back behind her ear again. He and Grace looked at each other. Eli didn't move his hand away, instead he ran his fingers from her smooth hair to her neck. He leaned forward.
[[Grace - ...*surprised, but delighted...makes a happy squeal*]]
"I'm going to kiss you now," Eli said when his face came within inches of hers.
"Okay," Grace mumbled, looking at his lips.
Eli surged forward, taking away the last remaining inches between them. Their lips met, sliding against each other, slowly and hesitantly at first, but then gently breaking into a hurried rhythm.
[[Grace - *jumps out of chair, excited*]]
Eli's hands grasped the sides of her face gently, and Grace felt her own hands sneaking up to touch his back lightly. Their kisses continued, as they both found delight in the other's lips.
[[Eli - it was like...]]
[[Grace - *still standing up*.... magic! It was...]]
[[Eli - ....perfect.]]
They broke finally, as they heard some kids talking in the hallway. They studied each other, almost shyly.
"So, I kissed you..." Eli said finally.
Grace smiled happily, "I kissed you back."
"You did," Eli stated.
"Oh, so you did notice?" Grace teased.
"Yeah, I noticed," Eli said, taking a deep breath. His eyes were intense as he looked at her.
Grace smiled to herself, and looked down at her hands. "So, what does this mean?" She asked, and then regretted it. Guys didn't like being asked questions like that. But Eli didn't seem to mind.
"I'm not sure," Eli said. "I guess, it means that... something's happening."
"Between us?" Grace asked quietly. She looked up into Eli's eyes.
"Yes." Eli reached out, and touched her hand lightly. Grace turned her hand over and their fingers interlocked.
Grace looked down at their connected hands with a smile.
* * *
"You didn't tell Karen?" Lily asked in surprise. She turned to Rick, her mouth ajar.
Rick busied himself helping Lily put away her groceries. "I didn't think I needed to."
Lily watched him go about the kitchen. She leaned against the counter, her arms crossed. Rick put away the last item and turned back to her. They looked at each other in silence.
Finally Lily broke the stillness, "How can you expect our relationship to advance if you can't even tell your ex-wife that you and your kids stayed over here for one night?"
Rick was thoughtful, "I'm sorry."
"I'm not asking for an apology," Lily said firmly. "I just need you to see what you're doing... instead of moving forward, you're taking baby steps back."
"I didn't mean to... not tell her. I just didn't get around to doing it," Rick argued.
Lily looked at him with a pointed look. Rick caved, "Alright, I was afraid to tell her. I thought she wouldn't like it."
"She's NOT going to like it... or most things concerning me, Rick. But, we have to put that aside, and concentrate on us." Lily said.
Rick nodded. "You're right."
Lily began cutting up lettuce for a dinner salad. She noticed Rick's eyes on her and looked up.
"Is that what you're doing?" Rick asked gently.
"What?" Lily asked, putting down the knife she was using.
"Are you trying to move forward with us?" Rick moved closer to her.
"Yes, of course. It was my idea to have them spend the night," Lily reminded him.
"I'm not talking about our kids... Lily, have you signed the divorce papers?" Rick asked.
Lily frowned, "That's not fair. You know I want to talk it over with my kids, before it becomes official."
"I know, I know," Rick said, seeming to back off the topic. But then he said, "So what's stopping you from talking to them about it?"
Lily looked thoughtful.
[[Lily - I haven't been putting it off. No... why would I do that? I knew it was over with Jake a long time ago, and the girls know that too... So, what would be stopping me from finishing this?]]
* * *
"Oh, dinner's ready?" Grace asked as she and Zoe came in after their dad dropped them off to find the table set. "I'm starving."
"Didn't you eat at the restaurant?" Lily asked, as she and Rick carried the food into the dining room.
"No, I wasn't hungry, then," Grace explained. "But I am now."
"Did your father have anything for you to tell me?" Lily asked, not looking at Rick.
"No," Grace said. "Was there something he was supposed to tell you?"
"No," Lily said quickly.
"But, he did say that you guys are going to be officially divorced soon," Grace said, as she filled her plate up with food.
"He did?" Lily asked.
Grace nodded, sitting down. She looked over at her mother, who was staring at her with concern. "Mom, I'm fine with it. I mean, we all knew this was going to happen."
Rick stirred in his seat, as the conversation went on around him. He concentrated on eating his food.
"Mom, how soon after getting divorced do you have to wait before you get married?" Zoe asked. Rick looked up.
"Oh, honey. I think you can get married as soon as you want," Lily looked over at Rick. "But, Zoe, that's not going to happen for a while." Rick looked down.
"Oh, I wasn't talking about you and Rick," Zoe informed them. "I meant for Daddy and Tiffany."
"OH," Lily said in surprise. She looked over at Grace, who looked away.
[[Grace - I don't think my dad and Tiffany are going to get married... like Tiffany's nice and everything, but... I just don't see my father marrying her.]]
"Anyone want some more salad?" Lily asked.
* * *
"Hi," Grace said as she stepped inside the apartment.
"My Dad's not here," Eli said as he noticed her looking around. "He's at work still."
"Oh," Grace said. She and Eli looked at each other.
"Did you want to hear my new song?" Eli asked.
Grace nodded, and she followed him up the stairs to his room. She had been in there before, but this time felt different... everything felt different between them since their kiss at school. But, it was a good different, and Grace liked the way her heart was beating loudly in anticipation as they reached his room.
Eli closed his bedroom door behind her and they looked at each other. They stood like that for a few moments, and then they stepped closer together, bringing their lips against each other. They kissed hungrily, and needingly.
* * *
Alone in her room, Lily took out a folder from her desk drawer. She opened it, and picked up a pen. She hesitated, and then signed her name on the indicated line.
[[Lily - It's done... it's over...]]
* * *
"Jake?" Tiffany asked, as she entered the bathroom. The shower was running, and Jake's head poked out of the curtain.
"Yes?"
Tiffany sat down on the toilet seat cover. She twisted her hands together. "I kind of have something I have to tell you."
Jake had retreated back into the shower, "What is it?" He called out as he lathered up his hair.
Tiffany dropped her hands from her lap and looked down at her feet. "Uh, it's something important."
Jake stepped under the water, rinsing the shampoo out of his hair.
Tiffany stood up, and went over to the sink, looking at her reflection in the mirror. "And I don't think you're going to like it... but I feel I have to tell you. I'm not asking that you be a part of it, I just..."
Jake turned off the shower and stepped out, drying himself with a towel. "Well, what is it?"
Tiffany looked at him. "Don't be mad... but I'm pregnant."
Jake's mouth dropped open. "You're what?" He asked in disbelief.
"I said 'don't be mad'," Tiffany reminded him.
"I'm not mad," Jake said. "I just... I thought we were careful."
"We were, but it happened." Tiffany took a deep breath, looking at him carefully, trying to judge his reaction. "You don't have to be a part of the baby's life. I'm not asking for that."
"Uh, okay," Jake said unsurely.
[[Jake - I don't... uh... I don't know if I can go through it all again... diapers, and crying and bottles... *rests face in hands*....this wasn't supposed to happen. None of this was. I... Tiffany was only supposed to be a one night stand, but then I just kept seeing her...... and now we're here.]]
Tiffany let out a breath of relief, "Woo... I'm glad I told you, because it was just like weighing heavily on me." She put a hand on her chest, "And I was so frightened you'd get mad at me, but you aren't... oh..." Tiffany moved in to kiss him.
Jake stepped away. "I've got to get dressed."
[[Jake - *sighs* What does she expect from me? Does she want me to ask her to marry me, because I don't think I can do that... I.. I just got out of a marriage, and now because she's pregnant, am I supposed to get in another one? *sigh*]]
Tiffany followed him. "Jake?"
Jake put on his clothes. "Tiff... I don't think I can marry you."
"I'm not asking for that! I'm not asking for anything!" Tiffany insisted.
"But you want something right?" Jake asked, angrily. "You want me to be the Dad, and support the child, and marry you... right?"
"Jake, that's not what I want!"
"What do you want?" Jake asked, his voice weary.
"I only want to you to do what you want... that's all," Tiffany said. "It's up to you whether you want to be there... but either way, I'm having this baby. With or without you around."
Jake sighed, slumping down to sit on his bed.
[[Jake - *thoughtful silence*]]
* * *
Grace and Eli broke from their kiss.
"So, do I get to hear the new song?" Grace asked.
"Yeah, of course," Eli picked up his guitar and started playing.
Grace watched him with a smile.
[[Grace - So... I never thought this would happen. That'd I be here with him. And that he'd like me back. *smiles* And now it has happened, and I still don't quite believe it.]]
[[Eli - I would have never thought, at the beginning of the year, that I'd be dating Grace Manning... *smiles* But it feels right...]]
* * *
The Way We Were
Wow, chapter 25 already... 25 chapters in one month aint bad. 90-some reviews for 25 chapters is amazing!! Thanks for all the encouragement!!! It's much appreciated!
Chapter 25//Getting to the Point
"Eli?" Cassidy asked, as she approached him in the hallway. "Have you been avoiding me?"
Eli looked over at her reluctantly, "Uh... no, not really. I've just been busy."
Cassidy pouted, "We had such fun at my party, and then you left with Grace."
Eli looked at his watch, hoping Cassidy would take the hint and leave, but she continued, "I don't know why you wanted to hang with your STEPSISTER, and not me..."
"Grace isn't my stepsister... she's... our parent's aren't married," Eli said hastily.
Cassidy inched forward. "But they will probably get married someday, and so why are you even bothering with her?"
Eli looked around the crowded hallway, he lowered his voice, "That is none of your business, okay? I like Grace, and no, we're NOT dating, but even if we were... it wouldn't be a big deal. Our parent's would be cool with it."
[[Eli - *shrugs* That sounds about right... it could happen.]]
Cassidy rolled her eyes, "Whatever, Eli. Now I see what Jen meant when she said you were a loser. God, if you'd rather date some geeky freshman-- who's going to be your sister someday, than go ahead!"
Cassidy said all that really loudly, and Eli sighed as he noticed many eyes on him. Cassidy gave him a sneer and walked away.
* * *
"So, you and Eli are DATING? How come you didn't tell us!?" Sarah cried as Grace came up to their table.
"We're not--" Grace started.
"Yeah, I had to find out from Lora," Julie interrupted. "I pretended like I knew, though, because I'm your best friend, and I'm supposed to know this stuff!"
"If we were dating, you'd know," Grace answered, opening her milk carton. "And we're not."
Ashley rolled her eyes, "Grace, the whole school is talking about it... after first period Eli told every one in the hallway that he was dating you, or something... that's what I heard."
Grace laughed, "Why would he say something like that, if it's not true?"
Her friends looked at each other, doubtfully.
"So, you're really not dating him?" Julie asked.
"Nope," Grace answered. She looked up, and saw Eli standing in the doorway to the cafeteria, motioning at her. Grace stood up. "I've got to go to the library. I'll see you guys later."
Her friends watched her hurry away, and exit into the hallway with Eli. Julie rolled her eyes, turning back around in her chair. "She's SO dating him."
"Oh, yeah," Ashley and Sarah agreed together.
* * *
Grace and Eli made their way down the empty hall, and went up the first set of stairs, stopping at the window seat between the levels. They sat down, looking at each other.
Grace broke into a smile, "So, apparently everyone thinks we're dating."
Eli smiled back, "Yeah, it looks that way."
They lapsed into comfortable silence, looking out the window.
"Grace?" Eli asked, drawing her eyes back to him.
"Yeah?"
"Would it be so weird if we were going to date?" Eli said, shifting in his seat.
Grace paused, not sure what to say.
"I mean... do you think you think our parents would have a problem with it?" Eli asked.
[[Grace - OF COURSE! You know my mother, right? She'd make a huge deal about it!]]
Grace smiled slightly, "No, not really." She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, "I mean, it's not like it's wrong, even if they were to get married. And, we should be allowed to make our own choices."
"Yes," Eli agreed. He reached out and tucked the resistant strand off hair back behind her ear again. He and Grace looked at each other. Eli didn't move his hand away, instead he ran his fingers from her smooth hair to her neck. He leaned forward.
[[Grace - ...*surprised, but delighted...makes a happy squeal*]]
"I'm going to kiss you now," Eli said when his face came within inches of hers.
"Okay," Grace mumbled, looking at his lips.
Eli surged forward, taking away the last remaining inches between them. Their lips met, sliding against each other, slowly and hesitantly at first, but then gently breaking into a hurried rhythm.
[[Grace - *jumps out of chair, excited*]]
Eli's hands grasped the sides of her face gently, and Grace felt her own hands sneaking up to touch his back lightly. Their kisses continued, as they both found delight in the other's lips.
[[Eli - it was like...]]
[[Grace - *still standing up*.... magic! It was...]]
[[Eli - ....perfect.]]
They broke finally, as they heard some kids talking in the hallway. They studied each other, almost shyly.
"So, I kissed you..." Eli said finally.
Grace smiled happily, "I kissed you back."
"You did," Eli stated.
"Oh, so you did notice?" Grace teased.
"Yeah, I noticed," Eli said, taking a deep breath. His eyes were intense as he looked at her.
Grace smiled to herself, and looked down at her hands. "So, what does this mean?" She asked, and then regretted it. Guys didn't like being asked questions like that. But Eli didn't seem to mind.
"I'm not sure," Eli said. "I guess, it means that... something's happening."
"Between us?" Grace asked quietly. She looked up into Eli's eyes.
"Yes." Eli reached out, and touched her hand lightly. Grace turned her hand over and their fingers interlocked.
Grace looked down at their connected hands with a smile.
* * *
"You didn't tell Karen?" Lily asked in surprise. She turned to Rick, her mouth ajar.
Rick busied himself helping Lily put away her groceries. "I didn't think I needed to."
Lily watched him go about the kitchen. She leaned against the counter, her arms crossed. Rick put away the last item and turned back to her. They looked at each other in silence.
Finally Lily broke the stillness, "How can you expect our relationship to advance if you can't even tell your ex-wife that you and your kids stayed over here for one night?"
Rick was thoughtful, "I'm sorry."
"I'm not asking for an apology," Lily said firmly. "I just need you to see what you're doing... instead of moving forward, you're taking baby steps back."
"I didn't mean to... not tell her. I just didn't get around to doing it," Rick argued.
Lily looked at him with a pointed look. Rick caved, "Alright, I was afraid to tell her. I thought she wouldn't like it."
"She's NOT going to like it... or most things concerning me, Rick. But, we have to put that aside, and concentrate on us." Lily said.
Rick nodded. "You're right."
Lily began cutting up lettuce for a dinner salad. She noticed Rick's eyes on her and looked up.
"Is that what you're doing?" Rick asked gently.
"What?" Lily asked, putting down the knife she was using.
"Are you trying to move forward with us?" Rick moved closer to her.
"Yes, of course. It was my idea to have them spend the night," Lily reminded him.
"I'm not talking about our kids... Lily, have you signed the divorce papers?" Rick asked.
Lily frowned, "That's not fair. You know I want to talk it over with my kids, before it becomes official."
"I know, I know," Rick said, seeming to back off the topic. But then he said, "So what's stopping you from talking to them about it?"
Lily looked thoughtful.
[[Lily - I haven't been putting it off. No... why would I do that? I knew it was over with Jake a long time ago, and the girls know that too... So, what would be stopping me from finishing this?]]
* * *
"Oh, dinner's ready?" Grace asked as she and Zoe came in after their dad dropped them off to find the table set. "I'm starving."
"Didn't you eat at the restaurant?" Lily asked, as she and Rick carried the food into the dining room.
"No, I wasn't hungry, then," Grace explained. "But I am now."
"Did your father have anything for you to tell me?" Lily asked, not looking at Rick.
"No," Grace said. "Was there something he was supposed to tell you?"
"No," Lily said quickly.
"But, he did say that you guys are going to be officially divorced soon," Grace said, as she filled her plate up with food.
"He did?" Lily asked.
Grace nodded, sitting down. She looked over at her mother, who was staring at her with concern. "Mom, I'm fine with it. I mean, we all knew this was going to happen."
Rick stirred in his seat, as the conversation went on around him. He concentrated on eating his food.
"Mom, how soon after getting divorced do you have to wait before you get married?" Zoe asked. Rick looked up.
"Oh, honey. I think you can get married as soon as you want," Lily looked over at Rick. "But, Zoe, that's not going to happen for a while." Rick looked down.
"Oh, I wasn't talking about you and Rick," Zoe informed them. "I meant for Daddy and Tiffany."
"OH," Lily said in surprise. She looked over at Grace, who looked away.
[[Grace - I don't think my dad and Tiffany are going to get married... like Tiffany's nice and everything, but... I just don't see my father marrying her.]]
"Anyone want some more salad?" Lily asked.
* * *
"Hi," Grace said as she stepped inside the apartment.
"My Dad's not here," Eli said as he noticed her looking around. "He's at work still."
"Oh," Grace said. She and Eli looked at each other.
"Did you want to hear my new song?" Eli asked.
Grace nodded, and she followed him up the stairs to his room. She had been in there before, but this time felt different... everything felt different between them since their kiss at school. But, it was a good different, and Grace liked the way her heart was beating loudly in anticipation as they reached his room.
Eli closed his bedroom door behind her and they looked at each other. They stood like that for a few moments, and then they stepped closer together, bringing their lips against each other. They kissed hungrily, and needingly.
* * *
Alone in her room, Lily took out a folder from her desk drawer. She opened it, and picked up a pen. She hesitated, and then signed her name on the indicated line.
[[Lily - It's done... it's over...]]
* * *
"Jake?" Tiffany asked, as she entered the bathroom. The shower was running, and Jake's head poked out of the curtain.
"Yes?"
Tiffany sat down on the toilet seat cover. She twisted her hands together. "I kind of have something I have to tell you."
Jake had retreated back into the shower, "What is it?" He called out as he lathered up his hair.
Tiffany dropped her hands from her lap and looked down at her feet. "Uh, it's something important."
Jake stepped under the water, rinsing the shampoo out of his hair.
Tiffany stood up, and went over to the sink, looking at her reflection in the mirror. "And I don't think you're going to like it... but I feel I have to tell you. I'm not asking that you be a part of it, I just..."
Jake turned off the shower and stepped out, drying himself with a towel. "Well, what is it?"
Tiffany looked at him. "Don't be mad... but I'm pregnant."
Jake's mouth dropped open. "You're what?" He asked in disbelief.
"I said 'don't be mad'," Tiffany reminded him.
"I'm not mad," Jake said. "I just... I thought we were careful."
"We were, but it happened." Tiffany took a deep breath, looking at him carefully, trying to judge his reaction. "You don't have to be a part of the baby's life. I'm not asking for that."
"Uh, okay," Jake said unsurely.
[[Jake - I don't... uh... I don't know if I can go through it all again... diapers, and crying and bottles... *rests face in hands*....this wasn't supposed to happen. None of this was. I... Tiffany was only supposed to be a one night stand, but then I just kept seeing her...... and now we're here.]]
Tiffany let out a breath of relief, "Woo... I'm glad I told you, because it was just like weighing heavily on me." She put a hand on her chest, "And I was so frightened you'd get mad at me, but you aren't... oh..." Tiffany moved in to kiss him.
Jake stepped away. "I've got to get dressed."
[[Jake - *sighs* What does she expect from me? Does she want me to ask her to marry me, because I don't think I can do that... I.. I just got out of a marriage, and now because she's pregnant, am I supposed to get in another one? *sigh*]]
Tiffany followed him. "Jake?"
Jake put on his clothes. "Tiff... I don't think I can marry you."
"I'm not asking for that! I'm not asking for anything!" Tiffany insisted.
"But you want something right?" Jake asked, angrily. "You want me to be the Dad, and support the child, and marry you... right?"
"Jake, that's not what I want!"
"What do you want?" Jake asked, his voice weary.
"I only want to you to do what you want... that's all," Tiffany said. "It's up to you whether you want to be there... but either way, I'm having this baby. With or without you around."
Jake sighed, slumping down to sit on his bed.
[[Jake - *thoughtful silence*]]
* * *
Grace and Eli broke from their kiss.
"So, do I get to hear the new song?" Grace asked.
"Yeah, of course," Eli picked up his guitar and started playing.
Grace watched him with a smile.
[[Grace - So... I never thought this would happen. That'd I be here with him. And that he'd like me back. *smiles* And now it has happened, and I still don't quite believe it.]]
[[Eli - I would have never thought, at the beginning of the year, that I'd be dating Grace Manning... *smiles* But it feels right...]]
* * *
