Painted on My Heart
*~*~*~*~*~
I thought you'd be out of my mind
And I'd finally found a way to
Learn to live without you
I thought it was just a matter of time
Till I had a hundred reasons
To not think about you
But it's just not so
And after all this time
I still can't let go
*~*~*~*~
Lindsey laid flat on her back in her bed, staring up at the ceiling fan. The room was painted a dark, almost black purple color with red streaks of paint everywhere. On the floor was a huge, shaggy black faux fur rug. The bed was antique looking with dark sheets. A ceiling fan made of dark wood spun slowly in the middle of the ceiling.
Hot tears streamed down her cheeks. She hated herself. She kept seeing the hurt and anger on Gohan's face. She couldn't take it. It was too much for her. She hadn't kissed Xander. He had kissed her. She hadn't wanted it to happen. She had been trying to tell Xander that she couldn't be with him like that anymore when the car started. She had gotten so wrapped up in the moment that she had forgot everything.
*I've done this to myself* she thought to herself. She rolled over and smashed her face into the pillow. "Why?!" she screamed. "I love you! I'm sorry!" She raised up and gasped for air. "I'm so sorry!" She continued to sob.
Someone opened the door. "Are you okay?"
Without looking at them, she grabbed a nearby vase and hurled it at them. It shattered against the slammed door.
She stared at the door for a second, wondering who it was, then flopped back onto the bed and fell to crying again.
*~*~*~*~
I've still got your face painted on my heart
Scrawled upon my soul
Etched upon my memory, baby
I've got your kiss still burning on my lips
The touch of your fingertips
This love so deep inside of me
*~*~*~*~*~
Xander was driving up and down Morley street, flying through yellow light after yellow light. He may have even run a couple of red ones. He didn't know. He didn't care. All he could think about was Lindsey.
*It's not fair* he told himself. *I love her, too, damn it! Why can't I have her?* But something in the back of his mind told him that she would be better off with Gohan.
A truck rolled through the intersection ahead of him and he slammed on the brakes. He leaned his elbow on the steering wheel and rubbed his temples with his fingers. "She'd be happier with him," he muttered to himself. *Man, that guy punches hard* he thought, moving his hand down to rub his jaw. He knew that, at least, the guy was strong enough to protect Lindsey.
He sighed deeply and rolled into the Save More parking lot. He stared at the shopping carts and wondered vaguely how much protection they offered against a concrete block . . . He'd have to try that one . . .
He put the GTO into park and leaned his head against the steering wheel. He knew that Lindsey would be better off with Gohan. If she had been meant to stay with him, wouldn't she have married Xander in the first place? And why would she have agreed to marry Gohan in the first place? Nothing just happened. Everything had a reason. She was meant to go to Japan. She was meant to fall in love with Gohan. She was meant to marry him . . .
*He's more level-headed than you ever thought about being* Xander's mind told him. *He loves her. He can be there for her. He'll give her a good life. She deserves that. She deserves someone like him. Not someone like you.*
Xander shook his head in realization. He breathed a heavy sigh. "Okay, Gohan. You win."
But, in his heart and the very back of his mind, he still wanted her . . .
*~*~*~*~*~
I was trying everything that I can
To get my heart to forget you
But it just can't seem to
I guess it's just no use
In every part of me
Is still a part of you
*~*~*~*~*~
By the time Gohan got home, everyone in the house was asleep. He walked slowly up the stairs into Lindsey's room. He turned on the desk lamp, casting a soft glow about the room. He realized that this was the first time he had ever been in her room.
On her dressers sat pictures of her old friends. She posed with her Viper in one picture. There was a picture of her and a black horse in another. There was a picture with the man he had seen earlier that night - the one with the longer dark hair. There was a picture of her and Patrick in jeans and cowboy hats. On her desk sat a picture of what appeared to be her and another man. After he looked at it though, he realized it wasn't her. It was a picture of her parents. She looked so much like her mother, it was uncanny.
^They were married when they were sixteen^ Lindsey's voice echoed in his mind.
^So were my parents^ he had answered.
Next to the computer on the desk was a medium-sized book with a beautiful faerie on the cover. He picked it up and opened it.
'Today I met the most interesting person ever. His name is Xander Cage.' The page read. 'He's so interesting! He snowboards and races motorcycles and he's even gone skydiving before! That's unbelievable! He's tall with the deepest brown eyes I've ever seen. He doesn't have any hair. I'm not sure how old he is, I'm guessing about 19 or so . . . maybe older. I can't wait to get to know this guy! He's planning on moving into the warehouse Danica's uncle gave her. That means I'll get to see him all the time! This is too cool.'
Gohan sniffed and wiped his eyes, then sat down on Lindsey's bed. He flipped through a few pages.
'Xander brought in some new people to the warehouse today. The group continues to grow. It was someone named Yorgi. He's got shoulder-length dark hair. He's kind'a handsome, in a different way. He's going to take over. I can just tell. Xander told me not to mess with them. And trust me, I'm not going to. The sniper scares me. I don't even know his name yet. But the blond - he seems fun. I don't remember his name, either. I'll learn it. He's even cuter than Xander. But nothing'll ever come between me and X. He's the best ever.'
Gohan blinked and flipped a few more pages.
'I think I'm in love with Xander. I've never been so wrapped up in anyone before. Memphis tells me to stay away from him, that I should only be friends with him. I've ignored Memphis so far.'
He flipped a few more pages.
'I did it. Or, rather, I should say - I did HIM. Xander and I finally did it. I can't believe it. I love him more than anything now. Nothing will ever, ever come between us. I hope. I hurt, though. I'm really sore. Everyone was asking me what was wrong. I told them I got thrown by my horse again. Xander kept laughing. He kept saying "oh, she went for a ride all right." He thought he was so damned funny. It actually kind'a was if you want the truth. But I'll never tell him that.'
Gohan was becoming intrigued. He skipped some more pages.
'I hope the boost goes well tonight. Eleanor is on the list. Memphis is nervous. All he can talk about is that 1967 Shelby Mustang GT 500. That's it! I feel bad for him. Eleanor has almost gotten him killed several times. But he won't die. He can't. Not any time soon. He's smarter than that. I really love Memphis. Not like that. But I mean, he's like a father figure to me, in a way. Like Shayne. I don't know what it is about him - he's really smart and just a great person to be around. He's so protective, too. I really feel safe around him. He's not scared of Yorgi the way everyone else is. And I don't think I've ever seen him be mean to anyone in all the time that I've known him.'
More pages skipped.
'I'm so sorry it's been sooooo long, diary. I've been in the hospital. Memphis folded. He doesn't boost anymore and he left. I don't know where he's gone. He left the state. I'm lost without him. I'm losing my mind. Xander and I broke up. I don't know what to do. That's why I'm here. In MRMC. I hate them here. They're all stupid and the food tastes like shit. This is the longest I've ever been here, diary. I'm so lonesome. Xander and Memphis aren't parts of my life anymore. I want to get away. I want to die. I don't know why Shayne put me here. I'd be better off dead. At least I'd be with mom and dad again . . .'
Gohan swallowed as he read those words. She had had a breakdown when this Memphis guy had left? Who was he? She wanted to die? The thought of her dying terrified him.
'Jenny did it, diary. She talked me into coming to Japan. I'm here in class; we have some free time. Jenny's always so friendly towards everyone. She's already made friends with the people behind us. I don't know their names, but the boy is cute. But I don't want to get close to him or anything like that. I know I'll have to go home one day. And then what? Take him home with me? Not likely. I'm glad that Xander and I made up before I came here. But we're only friends. Jenny just found out that boy's name - it's Gohan.'
Gohan blinked at his own name. She wrote about me? He shook his head and read some more.
'I truly love Gohan. I know it now. I thought I had loved Xander, but I didn't. That was only lust. I know that now. But with Gohan, it's different. He's so sweet and kind and smart, gosh, he's so smart . . . and he's strong. He's everything I've ever wanted. I can really see myself marrying him. If you look back, you'll see I never meant to marry X. But I could DEFINITLY marry Gohan.'
The next few pages were covered with beautiful, detailed drawings of wedding dresses. Gohan blinked again. He never knew she could draw so well. Then something caught his eye. It was today's date.
'Once again, I have failed you, diary. I haven't written in awhile. Gohan asked me to marry him about a month ago. I told him yes. Shit happened, and now I'm back home. X kissed me the other night and I thought I was falling for him again. I didn't know what to do. But he kissed me again yesterday. And you know what I felt? Nothing! I'm so excited! Now I know that I truly love Gohan and I can stay with him. I love him more than anything. I can't wait to tell Xander that it's not going to work because he will more than likely accept it. He'll be a bit mad, but he'll get over it. I know he will. He's always wanted the best for me. I love him for that. But Gohan is who I love and he's who I want to love. Well, I promised X that I'd be there in a few minutes, so I gotta go. We're working on his car. I'll tell him then. Later!'
Gohan's chest tightened up and he felt like he couldn't breathe. She had meant to tell Xander that she couldn't be with him! She must have just not gotten to it when he had walked in.
Gohan dropped his head to his hands and covered his face. He couldn't believe how stupid he'd been.
*~*~*~*~*~
I've still got you face
Painted on my heart
Scrawled upon my soul
Etched upon my memory, baby
I've got your kiss
Still burning on my lips
This love so deep inside of me
*~*~*~*~
Suddenly, as if from nowhere, an incredibly strong, cold hand clamped over Gohan's mouth and drug him backwards off the bed. He was still so out of it that he didn't resist. The next thing he knew, he was being drug downstairs and out the front door. He was shoved into the passenger's side of a car and his kidnapper got into the driver's seat and took off down the long driveway.
Gohan sat there in a daze until his attacker spoke.
The voice was deep and smooth. "You know, I still can't believe she would've left me."
Gohan cast a sideways glance at Xander. "I can't either."
"You want to know what's going on?" Xander asked. "Fine. I'll tell you." He paused and looked side to side before turning left on the highway. "Yorgi has a boost set up for us. A big one. You know what a boost is?"
Gohan shook his head.
"We're car thieves, man," Xander said. He ran a hand over his face. He couldn't believe he was telling this guy all of this. "We have to steal sixty cars in one night. Sixty. We can't do that without your girls. That's what Lindsey's gotten them into. We've been doing this for years. And we're gonna keep doin' it. I don't know about Lindsey. This could be her last boost. It may even be mine. I don't know. This ain't so much my kind of rush. We'll all end up with at least two hundred grand apiece if we pull this off. But we need them. That's what they've been doing. We've been prepping for this. This isn't something you just go out and do."
"Why are they doing this?" Gohan asked.
"We need the money. Most of 'em do it for kicks," Xander answered. He chuckled. "Kolya thinks it makes him look good with the ladies or somethin'."
Gohan shook his head and managed a small smile.
"The boost is Friday night," Xander continued. "After that, she'll be all yours again."
Gohan stared at the book in his hands. "What? Don't you want to kick my ass some more and make her yours?"
Xander shook his head. "She doesn't love me, man. I could tell that a couple of days ago."
"How?"
"You can always tell, man. That fire that they have in their eyes when they look at you - that's how you know they love you. Lindsey's fire for me was gone. We'll never be anything more than friends again."
"I'm sorry," Gohan managed.
Xander shook his head. "Don't be, bro. She's awesome. And I know you must be, too, if she loves you this much."
Gohan blushed.
Xander pulled to a stop in front of the warehouse. "You just promise me that you'll take care of her."
Gohan nodded. "I will."
Xander smiled and shook Gohan's hand. "All right, then. Good luck, bro. You'll need it with her."
Gohan laughed. "I know that!"
Xander grinned, then turned his attention to the radio. "You ever heard this song before?"
Gohan shook his head.
Xander turned it up.
"I've still got your face
Painted on my heart
Painted on my heart
Painted on my heart
Something in your eyes keeps haunting me
I'm trying to escape you
And I know there ain't no way to
To chase you from my mind"
Xander's deep chocolate eyes met Gohan's ebony black ones. "You can't tell nobody about the boost, man. We'll all die if you do. Literally."
Gohan nodded. "I won't."
"Ight." Xander smiled. "You wanna go inside?"
"Sure," Gohan answered.
Xander pressed the button on his garage-door-opener and slowly rolled inside. He parked and turned the car off. He turned to Gohan. "You wanna help?"
"With what?" Gohan asked, taken by surprise.
"The boost," Xander answered. "I'll teach ya."
Gohan shook his head. "I'd better not. But I promise I won't tell."
Xander nodded. "Ight."
*~*~*~*~
Wiping the hot, salty tears from her face, Lindsey reached for her diary. It wasn't on its usual place beside the table. She huffed and laid back again. She realized she must have left it at home. She grabbed her remote control and turned on the radio.
She began to sing softly with the lyrics. "I've still got your face painted on my heart, scrawled upon my soul, etched upon my memory, baby. I've got your kiss still burning on my lips. The touch of your fingertips. This love so deep inside of me . . ."
She sniffled again and closed her eyes as she wondered what she could possibly do to make Gohan love her again.
*~*~*~*~
I've still got your face Painted on my heart
Scrawled upon my soul
Etched upon my memory baby
I've got your kiss
Still burning on my lips
The touch of your fingertips
This love so deep inside of me
I've still got your face
I've still got your face
Painted on my heart
Painted on my heart
Painted on my heart
*~*~*~*~*~
I thought you'd be out of my mind
And I'd finally found a way to
Learn to live without you
I thought it was just a matter of time
Till I had a hundred reasons
To not think about you
But it's just not so
And after all this time
I still can't let go
*~*~*~*~
Lindsey laid flat on her back in her bed, staring up at the ceiling fan. The room was painted a dark, almost black purple color with red streaks of paint everywhere. On the floor was a huge, shaggy black faux fur rug. The bed was antique looking with dark sheets. A ceiling fan made of dark wood spun slowly in the middle of the ceiling.
Hot tears streamed down her cheeks. She hated herself. She kept seeing the hurt and anger on Gohan's face. She couldn't take it. It was too much for her. She hadn't kissed Xander. He had kissed her. She hadn't wanted it to happen. She had been trying to tell Xander that she couldn't be with him like that anymore when the car started. She had gotten so wrapped up in the moment that she had forgot everything.
*I've done this to myself* she thought to herself. She rolled over and smashed her face into the pillow. "Why?!" she screamed. "I love you! I'm sorry!" She raised up and gasped for air. "I'm so sorry!" She continued to sob.
Someone opened the door. "Are you okay?"
Without looking at them, she grabbed a nearby vase and hurled it at them. It shattered against the slammed door.
She stared at the door for a second, wondering who it was, then flopped back onto the bed and fell to crying again.
*~*~*~*~
I've still got your face painted on my heart
Scrawled upon my soul
Etched upon my memory, baby
I've got your kiss still burning on my lips
The touch of your fingertips
This love so deep inside of me
*~*~*~*~*~
Xander was driving up and down Morley street, flying through yellow light after yellow light. He may have even run a couple of red ones. He didn't know. He didn't care. All he could think about was Lindsey.
*It's not fair* he told himself. *I love her, too, damn it! Why can't I have her?* But something in the back of his mind told him that she would be better off with Gohan.
A truck rolled through the intersection ahead of him and he slammed on the brakes. He leaned his elbow on the steering wheel and rubbed his temples with his fingers. "She'd be happier with him," he muttered to himself. *Man, that guy punches hard* he thought, moving his hand down to rub his jaw. He knew that, at least, the guy was strong enough to protect Lindsey.
He sighed deeply and rolled into the Save More parking lot. He stared at the shopping carts and wondered vaguely how much protection they offered against a concrete block . . . He'd have to try that one . . .
He put the GTO into park and leaned his head against the steering wheel. He knew that Lindsey would be better off with Gohan. If she had been meant to stay with him, wouldn't she have married Xander in the first place? And why would she have agreed to marry Gohan in the first place? Nothing just happened. Everything had a reason. She was meant to go to Japan. She was meant to fall in love with Gohan. She was meant to marry him . . .
*He's more level-headed than you ever thought about being* Xander's mind told him. *He loves her. He can be there for her. He'll give her a good life. She deserves that. She deserves someone like him. Not someone like you.*
Xander shook his head in realization. He breathed a heavy sigh. "Okay, Gohan. You win."
But, in his heart and the very back of his mind, he still wanted her . . .
*~*~*~*~*~
I was trying everything that I can
To get my heart to forget you
But it just can't seem to
I guess it's just no use
In every part of me
Is still a part of you
*~*~*~*~*~
By the time Gohan got home, everyone in the house was asleep. He walked slowly up the stairs into Lindsey's room. He turned on the desk lamp, casting a soft glow about the room. He realized that this was the first time he had ever been in her room.
On her dressers sat pictures of her old friends. She posed with her Viper in one picture. There was a picture of her and a black horse in another. There was a picture with the man he had seen earlier that night - the one with the longer dark hair. There was a picture of her and Patrick in jeans and cowboy hats. On her desk sat a picture of what appeared to be her and another man. After he looked at it though, he realized it wasn't her. It was a picture of her parents. She looked so much like her mother, it was uncanny.
^They were married when they were sixteen^ Lindsey's voice echoed in his mind.
^So were my parents^ he had answered.
Next to the computer on the desk was a medium-sized book with a beautiful faerie on the cover. He picked it up and opened it.
'Today I met the most interesting person ever. His name is Xander Cage.' The page read. 'He's so interesting! He snowboards and races motorcycles and he's even gone skydiving before! That's unbelievable! He's tall with the deepest brown eyes I've ever seen. He doesn't have any hair. I'm not sure how old he is, I'm guessing about 19 or so . . . maybe older. I can't wait to get to know this guy! He's planning on moving into the warehouse Danica's uncle gave her. That means I'll get to see him all the time! This is too cool.'
Gohan sniffed and wiped his eyes, then sat down on Lindsey's bed. He flipped through a few pages.
'Xander brought in some new people to the warehouse today. The group continues to grow. It was someone named Yorgi. He's got shoulder-length dark hair. He's kind'a handsome, in a different way. He's going to take over. I can just tell. Xander told me not to mess with them. And trust me, I'm not going to. The sniper scares me. I don't even know his name yet. But the blond - he seems fun. I don't remember his name, either. I'll learn it. He's even cuter than Xander. But nothing'll ever come between me and X. He's the best ever.'
Gohan blinked and flipped a few more pages.
'I think I'm in love with Xander. I've never been so wrapped up in anyone before. Memphis tells me to stay away from him, that I should only be friends with him. I've ignored Memphis so far.'
He flipped a few more pages.
'I did it. Or, rather, I should say - I did HIM. Xander and I finally did it. I can't believe it. I love him more than anything now. Nothing will ever, ever come between us. I hope. I hurt, though. I'm really sore. Everyone was asking me what was wrong. I told them I got thrown by my horse again. Xander kept laughing. He kept saying "oh, she went for a ride all right." He thought he was so damned funny. It actually kind'a was if you want the truth. But I'll never tell him that.'
Gohan was becoming intrigued. He skipped some more pages.
'I hope the boost goes well tonight. Eleanor is on the list. Memphis is nervous. All he can talk about is that 1967 Shelby Mustang GT 500. That's it! I feel bad for him. Eleanor has almost gotten him killed several times. But he won't die. He can't. Not any time soon. He's smarter than that. I really love Memphis. Not like that. But I mean, he's like a father figure to me, in a way. Like Shayne. I don't know what it is about him - he's really smart and just a great person to be around. He's so protective, too. I really feel safe around him. He's not scared of Yorgi the way everyone else is. And I don't think I've ever seen him be mean to anyone in all the time that I've known him.'
More pages skipped.
'I'm so sorry it's been sooooo long, diary. I've been in the hospital. Memphis folded. He doesn't boost anymore and he left. I don't know where he's gone. He left the state. I'm lost without him. I'm losing my mind. Xander and I broke up. I don't know what to do. That's why I'm here. In MRMC. I hate them here. They're all stupid and the food tastes like shit. This is the longest I've ever been here, diary. I'm so lonesome. Xander and Memphis aren't parts of my life anymore. I want to get away. I want to die. I don't know why Shayne put me here. I'd be better off dead. At least I'd be with mom and dad again . . .'
Gohan swallowed as he read those words. She had had a breakdown when this Memphis guy had left? Who was he? She wanted to die? The thought of her dying terrified him.
'Jenny did it, diary. She talked me into coming to Japan. I'm here in class; we have some free time. Jenny's always so friendly towards everyone. She's already made friends with the people behind us. I don't know their names, but the boy is cute. But I don't want to get close to him or anything like that. I know I'll have to go home one day. And then what? Take him home with me? Not likely. I'm glad that Xander and I made up before I came here. But we're only friends. Jenny just found out that boy's name - it's Gohan.'
Gohan blinked at his own name. She wrote about me? He shook his head and read some more.
'I truly love Gohan. I know it now. I thought I had loved Xander, but I didn't. That was only lust. I know that now. But with Gohan, it's different. He's so sweet and kind and smart, gosh, he's so smart . . . and he's strong. He's everything I've ever wanted. I can really see myself marrying him. If you look back, you'll see I never meant to marry X. But I could DEFINITLY marry Gohan.'
The next few pages were covered with beautiful, detailed drawings of wedding dresses. Gohan blinked again. He never knew she could draw so well. Then something caught his eye. It was today's date.
'Once again, I have failed you, diary. I haven't written in awhile. Gohan asked me to marry him about a month ago. I told him yes. Shit happened, and now I'm back home. X kissed me the other night and I thought I was falling for him again. I didn't know what to do. But he kissed me again yesterday. And you know what I felt? Nothing! I'm so excited! Now I know that I truly love Gohan and I can stay with him. I love him more than anything. I can't wait to tell Xander that it's not going to work because he will more than likely accept it. He'll be a bit mad, but he'll get over it. I know he will. He's always wanted the best for me. I love him for that. But Gohan is who I love and he's who I want to love. Well, I promised X that I'd be there in a few minutes, so I gotta go. We're working on his car. I'll tell him then. Later!'
Gohan's chest tightened up and he felt like he couldn't breathe. She had meant to tell Xander that she couldn't be with him! She must have just not gotten to it when he had walked in.
Gohan dropped his head to his hands and covered his face. He couldn't believe how stupid he'd been.
*~*~*~*~*~
I've still got you face
Painted on my heart
Scrawled upon my soul
Etched upon my memory, baby
I've got your kiss
Still burning on my lips
This love so deep inside of me
*~*~*~*~
Suddenly, as if from nowhere, an incredibly strong, cold hand clamped over Gohan's mouth and drug him backwards off the bed. He was still so out of it that he didn't resist. The next thing he knew, he was being drug downstairs and out the front door. He was shoved into the passenger's side of a car and his kidnapper got into the driver's seat and took off down the long driveway.
Gohan sat there in a daze until his attacker spoke.
The voice was deep and smooth. "You know, I still can't believe she would've left me."
Gohan cast a sideways glance at Xander. "I can't either."
"You want to know what's going on?" Xander asked. "Fine. I'll tell you." He paused and looked side to side before turning left on the highway. "Yorgi has a boost set up for us. A big one. You know what a boost is?"
Gohan shook his head.
"We're car thieves, man," Xander said. He ran a hand over his face. He couldn't believe he was telling this guy all of this. "We have to steal sixty cars in one night. Sixty. We can't do that without your girls. That's what Lindsey's gotten them into. We've been doing this for years. And we're gonna keep doin' it. I don't know about Lindsey. This could be her last boost. It may even be mine. I don't know. This ain't so much my kind of rush. We'll all end up with at least two hundred grand apiece if we pull this off. But we need them. That's what they've been doing. We've been prepping for this. This isn't something you just go out and do."
"Why are they doing this?" Gohan asked.
"We need the money. Most of 'em do it for kicks," Xander answered. He chuckled. "Kolya thinks it makes him look good with the ladies or somethin'."
Gohan shook his head and managed a small smile.
"The boost is Friday night," Xander continued. "After that, she'll be all yours again."
Gohan stared at the book in his hands. "What? Don't you want to kick my ass some more and make her yours?"
Xander shook his head. "She doesn't love me, man. I could tell that a couple of days ago."
"How?"
"You can always tell, man. That fire that they have in their eyes when they look at you - that's how you know they love you. Lindsey's fire for me was gone. We'll never be anything more than friends again."
"I'm sorry," Gohan managed.
Xander shook his head. "Don't be, bro. She's awesome. And I know you must be, too, if she loves you this much."
Gohan blushed.
Xander pulled to a stop in front of the warehouse. "You just promise me that you'll take care of her."
Gohan nodded. "I will."
Xander smiled and shook Gohan's hand. "All right, then. Good luck, bro. You'll need it with her."
Gohan laughed. "I know that!"
Xander grinned, then turned his attention to the radio. "You ever heard this song before?"
Gohan shook his head.
Xander turned it up.
"I've still got your face
Painted on my heart
Painted on my heart
Painted on my heart
Something in your eyes keeps haunting me
I'm trying to escape you
And I know there ain't no way to
To chase you from my mind"
Xander's deep chocolate eyes met Gohan's ebony black ones. "You can't tell nobody about the boost, man. We'll all die if you do. Literally."
Gohan nodded. "I won't."
"Ight." Xander smiled. "You wanna go inside?"
"Sure," Gohan answered.
Xander pressed the button on his garage-door-opener and slowly rolled inside. He parked and turned the car off. He turned to Gohan. "You wanna help?"
"With what?" Gohan asked, taken by surprise.
"The boost," Xander answered. "I'll teach ya."
Gohan shook his head. "I'd better not. But I promise I won't tell."
Xander nodded. "Ight."
*~*~*~*~
Wiping the hot, salty tears from her face, Lindsey reached for her diary. It wasn't on its usual place beside the table. She huffed and laid back again. She realized she must have left it at home. She grabbed her remote control and turned on the radio.
She began to sing softly with the lyrics. "I've still got your face painted on my heart, scrawled upon my soul, etched upon my memory, baby. I've got your kiss still burning on my lips. The touch of your fingertips. This love so deep inside of me . . ."
She sniffled again and closed her eyes as she wondered what she could possibly do to make Gohan love her again.
*~*~*~*~
I've still got your face Painted on my heart
Scrawled upon my soul
Etched upon my memory baby
I've got your kiss
Still burning on my lips
The touch of your fingertips
This love so deep inside of me
I've still got your face
I've still got your face
Painted on my heart
Painted on my heart
Painted on my heart