I just realized that I forgot to thank my wonderful beta Tanya G. You
might ask why I've decided to thank her 4 chapters in. The truth is only
people who don't think that this story totally sucks would read this far
anyway. So it makes perfect sense. If you've held on this long you must
think that this story is worth reading, or you just like torturing yourself
be reading crap that you totally hate. Either way it goes you're the
people who I think should know about this wonderful person. So there you
go.
The ironic thing is that this version of chapter four has not been beta'd yet because I finished it and got too excited to wait. As promised a few fact are revealed in this chapter. I've answered as many of Extingman's questions as I could answer for this point in the story. (By the way they were great questions!) Thanks to everyone who have read and reviewed this story. Enjoy!
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Alex was sitting across from Isabel waiting for her to say something.
"Why were we the ones picked to wait for Liz?" Isabel finally asked.
"Maria thought that it would be better if someone who hasn't pissed Liz off invited her over. So basically that left only the two of us."
"Lucky us, we get to be the ones who lie to get her to Michael's." Isabel said rolling her eyes.
"Don't think of it that way. We're doing this to help out a friend." Alex looked away when he said this.
The entire situation with Liz was hurting everyone, to some degree, in the group. The person it seemed to affect most was Maria. Maria was so upset she would not talk to anyone, not even Michael. Michael felt helpless because he had no idea what he could do to help her. The only time she said anything was when it was in reference to the upcoming intervention. Maria was determined for everything to go right. She wanted her best friend back. So Alex and Isabel sat waiting in the Crashdown for Liz.
"What lie are we telling Liz exactly?"
"Isabel, we aren't really lying. We're going to tell her she needs to come to Michael's for a meeting."
"And when she asks what the meeting is about?"
"We tell her Max is concerned about something, and that he didn't tell us any details."
"Even hearing the plan again doesn't make me feel any better about it."
Alex and Isabel looked at each other for a second before Alex finally spoke. "Neither do I, but what else are we going to do?"
Liz appeared in front of them. "What are we going to do about what?"
"Hey Liz, we didn't see you there," Alex said collecting himself.
"I didn't interrupt anything did I?"
"No, of course not," Isabel answered. "We were actually waiting here for you. You're suppose to come with us to a meeting at Michael's place."
"Why?"
"Max thinks something is going to happen," Alex responded.
"What?"
"That's what my brother conveniently left out. Maybe he thought the suspense would make us all be there on time." Isabel said laughing uncomfortably at her own joke.
"I guess. So when are we suppose to be there?"
"ASAP is what Max told me before I went to pick up Isabel."
"We don't want to keep out "fearless leader" waiting," Liz said trying to make her words sound playful.
Isabel and Alex exchanged glances.
"Yeah let's go," Alex said standing up.
*
"They should be here by now. How long does it take to drive from the Crashdown here?"
"Neither Isabel or Alex have called so they're probably on their way. Maybe you should just calm down Maria."
"That's easy for you to say Max. You're not the one who might loss their best friend if this doesn't go right." Maria cursed herself after the words left her mouth. "I didn't mean that Max, sorry."
Max just nodded. He was probably the only other person who understood what Maria's fears were. Max had already lost Liz in his own life, and knew all too well how it felt. He did not want anyone to feel that kind of pain, least of all Maria. Even though the recent events have caused their friendship some serious strain, nothing could undo what their summer together had produced.
Everyone looked at the door when they heard a knock. No one got up right away to answer it, but finally Max stood up. Alex walked through the door with Isabel and Liz in tow.
"So Max what's on the agenda for tonight's meeting?" Liz asked while finding a seat.
It was decided that Maria should lead things off so that is who spoke.
"This meeting is about you, Liz. We are all very worried about you, and we all know that something's going on whether you want to admit it or not."
"I'm confused. You had Alex and Isabel lied to get me here to talk about something that I thought I resolved with you yesterday?"
"We didn't resolve anything. You lied to my face, Liz. You looked me in the eye and lied through your teeth. As long as I've known didn't you think that I would be able to tell whether you were lying or not?" Maria fought to keep her voice from trembling. She took a deep breath and began again. "We just want to help you. I want to help you. What you're doing is going to destroy your life."
"I have no idea what you're talking about. What am I doing that will destroy my life?"
"The pills you're taking?
"Are for my back spasms, I told you that. It's no big deal."
"If it's not a big deal why did you lie in the first place? You could have told me about your back spasms. What do you think I would've done?"
"My health problems are none of your business, Maria. I don't have to tell you everything that goes on in my life."
Liz's last remarks stunned Maria. She felt a hand on her back and Maria was grateful for Michael's support.
"No you don't have to tell me everything that goes on in you're life, but before all of this, you always wanted to."
"Things change, sweetheart. If you weren't so wrapped up in yourself maybe I would've told you. But you don't seem to have the time for anyone else but yourself."
"That's not fair. You were the one doing your best to hide what you were doing from us. You have a problem Liz, and I'm not the only one who thinks so."
That was Maria's tag-in line. She needed reinforcements and she needed them now. It was a good thing that Alex got the hint because he spoke next.
"Maria's right. Liz you're my best friend, and I love you like a sister. How do you think Maria felt when you were lying on the floor unconscious? How do you think all of us felt when we saw you in the hospital? Seeing you with all those tubes and wires was a scary thing. Do you think that's something we're looking forward to seeing again? You have a problem and you need to get help."
"Okay, Alex, I need to get help, but it would be nice if one of you would tell me what I needed help for. But there is one thing I know I need and that's a new group of friends. Friends who won't gang up on me and lie to me."
"No ones ganging up on you. As for lying to you, we knew it was the only way to get you here. Liz, you know exactly what you need help with. You need to stop taking those pills."
"When I don't need them anymore, I'll stop taking them. As far as I know no one in this room is a doctor, regardless of one of you having the power to heal."
"Since that last comment was directed at me I guess I should speak next," Max replied.
"I'm just surprised you didn't speak first. You were so eager to tell anyone who'd listen, including my doctor, about what happened at school. But me passing out in the library wasn't juice enough so you added a supporting cast of drug dealers to the storyline, right?"
"What would I have gained from telling any kind of lies about you?"
"What would you gain? How about a little sweet revenge because I slept with Kyle instead of you."
Everyone exchanged looks in the group, and then looked at Kyle. This caused him to blush deeply.
"Wasn't it enough that you jumped into bed with Tess after prom, even though you were my date. Oh, don't look so shocked Max I saw you two kissing. Then later that night I wanted to talk to you, and to tell you that I was okay with you being with Tess. Only I was too late you were already with her in your room. But the cherry on top of that sundae was that you knocked the girl up."
Everyone shifted uncomfortably in his or her seats, except the two involved in the conversation, even Tess blushed slightly. Max stood his ground and spoke calmly to Liz.
"Are you done? I'm sure that everyone here enjoyed your little show, but changing the subject won't change the reason why we're here. I'm going to tell you this only once. Whatever happened between you and Kyle is your own business; the same goes for what happened between Tess and I, my business. You're drug problem on the other hand is all of our business. You know something that people would, and have, killed to know. If you slip up, because you're head's messed, your putting everyone at risk, not just yourself."
"Now we get to the real reason for this. You're worried about your precious secret. Max I can assure you that no one will ever know you secret. I'm leaving now."
"Liz, it's not about the secret, it's about you. Please say that's you'll get help," Maria pleaded.
"For the last time, Maria, I don't need any help."
"If you don't get any help, I'll have to tell your parents."
Liz's head snapped around so fast it looked like her neck was going to break. She narrowed her eyes and looked Maria up and down.
"You're going to tell my parents? What would that accomplish, besides causing them unnecessary pain?"
"If we can't convince you to get help maybe they can."
"I swear to God Maria if you tell them, I'll never talk to you again, ever."
"I won't tell them if you promise me that you'll get some help."
"I'm not making a promise to you about a problem I know I don't have."
"If that's how you see it, then you leave me with no choice."
"Fine, Maria."
Liz stood and walked to the door. "By the way thanks for the lovely evening guys. I'm going home, but you all can go to hell."
Everyone watched Liz leave. It took a few minutes for anyone to speak.
"That went well," Kyle said.
"So what now?" Alex asked.
"I get the pleasure of telling Liz's parents that their only daughter has a drug problem"
*
A few minutes after Liz left Maria drove to the Crashdown. Liz's father was at the front counter when she arrived. Maria told him that she needed to talk to both him and his wife about Liz. Mr. Parker immediately invited her upstairs. Maria sat in the living that she had been in so many times before, but this was the first time that she ever felt this uncomfortable.
"Maria what is it that you wanted to tell us about Liz?" Liz's mom asked.
"This is really hard for me to say, but I think you should know. Liz just got out of the hospital, and I'm not sure what she told you, but whatever it was I don't think it was the truth. She'll probably tell you that I'm lying about everything now. I think that Liz has a problem. A problem that she's been lying to everyone about."
Maria paused and waited for a response. When she didn't get one Maria continued.
"Liz passed out in the library a few days before she went into the hospital. She's still taking the pills that put her in there. I saw her take some dry yesterday, but besides all that she's changed. I blame myself for not noticing it earlier, but Liz has changed. I love her, she's my best friend, and I just want her to get help."
Maria was close to tears. When she looked at Liz's parents they too looked like they were ready to cry.
"Are you sure about this? I mean this could all be a mistake."
"I wish is was a mistake Mrs. Parker, but I don't think so."
"Maria what are you doing here?"
Maria turned to see Liz standing at the stairs.
"I told you that I would come."
"Mom, Dad, whatever Maria told you, all of it's a lie. She doesn't know what she's talking about."
"What lie is Maria telling us?"
"I don't know dad," Liz said quietly.
"You must know since your insisting that it's not true. I want you to tell me again how you ended up overdosing on your medication?"
"I was in a lot of pain and I took too many."
"But how many was too many Elizabeth? The way you looked in the hospital, that was more than just a few pills."
"Daddy, I can't believe that you'd think I do anything to hurt you or mom."
"Liz, I want you to tell me the truth and I want it right now."
"I took too many pills dad, that's what happened, it's not something that will happen again."
"You're right it won't. Let me have the rest of the pills."
"There aren't anymore."
"If I go through your room right now I won't find anything."
"You won't find anything."
"We'll see about that. First thing tomorrow your mother and I are taking you to get drug tested. The result of the test will determine what happens next. Now I want you to go to you room because tomorrow we have a long day ahead of us."
Maria stood up and walked towards the stairs.
"I'll never forgive you for this, Maria." Liz turned and went into her room.
"Maria, she's just upset, you know she doesn't mean it. I'll see you later."
"Bye Mr. and Mrs. Parker. Tell Liz I said bye."
Liz looked around one last time. She started packing the minute she got into her room. Liz packed lightly only carrying a small suitcase, her backpack and her purse. She made sure she had all the pills that she had left, including what she got at school. Walking outside there was a taxi waiting for her. She drove to the airport making the driver stop before she arrived so she could clear out her savings account at the ATM. At the airport she got on the only flight available for that time of night. When the airplane took off Liz looked out the window. She was leaving the only home she'd ever known, starting over. Closing her eyes Liz whispered, "New York, here I come."
The ironic thing is that this version of chapter four has not been beta'd yet because I finished it and got too excited to wait. As promised a few fact are revealed in this chapter. I've answered as many of Extingman's questions as I could answer for this point in the story. (By the way they were great questions!) Thanks to everyone who have read and reviewed this story. Enjoy!
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Alex was sitting across from Isabel waiting for her to say something.
"Why were we the ones picked to wait for Liz?" Isabel finally asked.
"Maria thought that it would be better if someone who hasn't pissed Liz off invited her over. So basically that left only the two of us."
"Lucky us, we get to be the ones who lie to get her to Michael's." Isabel said rolling her eyes.
"Don't think of it that way. We're doing this to help out a friend." Alex looked away when he said this.
The entire situation with Liz was hurting everyone, to some degree, in the group. The person it seemed to affect most was Maria. Maria was so upset she would not talk to anyone, not even Michael. Michael felt helpless because he had no idea what he could do to help her. The only time she said anything was when it was in reference to the upcoming intervention. Maria was determined for everything to go right. She wanted her best friend back. So Alex and Isabel sat waiting in the Crashdown for Liz.
"What lie are we telling Liz exactly?"
"Isabel, we aren't really lying. We're going to tell her she needs to come to Michael's for a meeting."
"And when she asks what the meeting is about?"
"We tell her Max is concerned about something, and that he didn't tell us any details."
"Even hearing the plan again doesn't make me feel any better about it."
Alex and Isabel looked at each other for a second before Alex finally spoke. "Neither do I, but what else are we going to do?"
Liz appeared in front of them. "What are we going to do about what?"
"Hey Liz, we didn't see you there," Alex said collecting himself.
"I didn't interrupt anything did I?"
"No, of course not," Isabel answered. "We were actually waiting here for you. You're suppose to come with us to a meeting at Michael's place."
"Why?"
"Max thinks something is going to happen," Alex responded.
"What?"
"That's what my brother conveniently left out. Maybe he thought the suspense would make us all be there on time." Isabel said laughing uncomfortably at her own joke.
"I guess. So when are we suppose to be there?"
"ASAP is what Max told me before I went to pick up Isabel."
"We don't want to keep out "fearless leader" waiting," Liz said trying to make her words sound playful.
Isabel and Alex exchanged glances.
"Yeah let's go," Alex said standing up.
*
"They should be here by now. How long does it take to drive from the Crashdown here?"
"Neither Isabel or Alex have called so they're probably on their way. Maybe you should just calm down Maria."
"That's easy for you to say Max. You're not the one who might loss their best friend if this doesn't go right." Maria cursed herself after the words left her mouth. "I didn't mean that Max, sorry."
Max just nodded. He was probably the only other person who understood what Maria's fears were. Max had already lost Liz in his own life, and knew all too well how it felt. He did not want anyone to feel that kind of pain, least of all Maria. Even though the recent events have caused their friendship some serious strain, nothing could undo what their summer together had produced.
Everyone looked at the door when they heard a knock. No one got up right away to answer it, but finally Max stood up. Alex walked through the door with Isabel and Liz in tow.
"So Max what's on the agenda for tonight's meeting?" Liz asked while finding a seat.
It was decided that Maria should lead things off so that is who spoke.
"This meeting is about you, Liz. We are all very worried about you, and we all know that something's going on whether you want to admit it or not."
"I'm confused. You had Alex and Isabel lied to get me here to talk about something that I thought I resolved with you yesterday?"
"We didn't resolve anything. You lied to my face, Liz. You looked me in the eye and lied through your teeth. As long as I've known didn't you think that I would be able to tell whether you were lying or not?" Maria fought to keep her voice from trembling. She took a deep breath and began again. "We just want to help you. I want to help you. What you're doing is going to destroy your life."
"I have no idea what you're talking about. What am I doing that will destroy my life?"
"The pills you're taking?
"Are for my back spasms, I told you that. It's no big deal."
"If it's not a big deal why did you lie in the first place? You could have told me about your back spasms. What do you think I would've done?"
"My health problems are none of your business, Maria. I don't have to tell you everything that goes on in my life."
Liz's last remarks stunned Maria. She felt a hand on her back and Maria was grateful for Michael's support.
"No you don't have to tell me everything that goes on in you're life, but before all of this, you always wanted to."
"Things change, sweetheart. If you weren't so wrapped up in yourself maybe I would've told you. But you don't seem to have the time for anyone else but yourself."
"That's not fair. You were the one doing your best to hide what you were doing from us. You have a problem Liz, and I'm not the only one who thinks so."
That was Maria's tag-in line. She needed reinforcements and she needed them now. It was a good thing that Alex got the hint because he spoke next.
"Maria's right. Liz you're my best friend, and I love you like a sister. How do you think Maria felt when you were lying on the floor unconscious? How do you think all of us felt when we saw you in the hospital? Seeing you with all those tubes and wires was a scary thing. Do you think that's something we're looking forward to seeing again? You have a problem and you need to get help."
"Okay, Alex, I need to get help, but it would be nice if one of you would tell me what I needed help for. But there is one thing I know I need and that's a new group of friends. Friends who won't gang up on me and lie to me."
"No ones ganging up on you. As for lying to you, we knew it was the only way to get you here. Liz, you know exactly what you need help with. You need to stop taking those pills."
"When I don't need them anymore, I'll stop taking them. As far as I know no one in this room is a doctor, regardless of one of you having the power to heal."
"Since that last comment was directed at me I guess I should speak next," Max replied.
"I'm just surprised you didn't speak first. You were so eager to tell anyone who'd listen, including my doctor, about what happened at school. But me passing out in the library wasn't juice enough so you added a supporting cast of drug dealers to the storyline, right?"
"What would I have gained from telling any kind of lies about you?"
"What would you gain? How about a little sweet revenge because I slept with Kyle instead of you."
Everyone exchanged looks in the group, and then looked at Kyle. This caused him to blush deeply.
"Wasn't it enough that you jumped into bed with Tess after prom, even though you were my date. Oh, don't look so shocked Max I saw you two kissing. Then later that night I wanted to talk to you, and to tell you that I was okay with you being with Tess. Only I was too late you were already with her in your room. But the cherry on top of that sundae was that you knocked the girl up."
Everyone shifted uncomfortably in his or her seats, except the two involved in the conversation, even Tess blushed slightly. Max stood his ground and spoke calmly to Liz.
"Are you done? I'm sure that everyone here enjoyed your little show, but changing the subject won't change the reason why we're here. I'm going to tell you this only once. Whatever happened between you and Kyle is your own business; the same goes for what happened between Tess and I, my business. You're drug problem on the other hand is all of our business. You know something that people would, and have, killed to know. If you slip up, because you're head's messed, your putting everyone at risk, not just yourself."
"Now we get to the real reason for this. You're worried about your precious secret. Max I can assure you that no one will ever know you secret. I'm leaving now."
"Liz, it's not about the secret, it's about you. Please say that's you'll get help," Maria pleaded.
"For the last time, Maria, I don't need any help."
"If you don't get any help, I'll have to tell your parents."
Liz's head snapped around so fast it looked like her neck was going to break. She narrowed her eyes and looked Maria up and down.
"You're going to tell my parents? What would that accomplish, besides causing them unnecessary pain?"
"If we can't convince you to get help maybe they can."
"I swear to God Maria if you tell them, I'll never talk to you again, ever."
"I won't tell them if you promise me that you'll get some help."
"I'm not making a promise to you about a problem I know I don't have."
"If that's how you see it, then you leave me with no choice."
"Fine, Maria."
Liz stood and walked to the door. "By the way thanks for the lovely evening guys. I'm going home, but you all can go to hell."
Everyone watched Liz leave. It took a few minutes for anyone to speak.
"That went well," Kyle said.
"So what now?" Alex asked.
"I get the pleasure of telling Liz's parents that their only daughter has a drug problem"
*
A few minutes after Liz left Maria drove to the Crashdown. Liz's father was at the front counter when she arrived. Maria told him that she needed to talk to both him and his wife about Liz. Mr. Parker immediately invited her upstairs. Maria sat in the living that she had been in so many times before, but this was the first time that she ever felt this uncomfortable.
"Maria what is it that you wanted to tell us about Liz?" Liz's mom asked.
"This is really hard for me to say, but I think you should know. Liz just got out of the hospital, and I'm not sure what she told you, but whatever it was I don't think it was the truth. She'll probably tell you that I'm lying about everything now. I think that Liz has a problem. A problem that she's been lying to everyone about."
Maria paused and waited for a response. When she didn't get one Maria continued.
"Liz passed out in the library a few days before she went into the hospital. She's still taking the pills that put her in there. I saw her take some dry yesterday, but besides all that she's changed. I blame myself for not noticing it earlier, but Liz has changed. I love her, she's my best friend, and I just want her to get help."
Maria was close to tears. When she looked at Liz's parents they too looked like they were ready to cry.
"Are you sure about this? I mean this could all be a mistake."
"I wish is was a mistake Mrs. Parker, but I don't think so."
"Maria what are you doing here?"
Maria turned to see Liz standing at the stairs.
"I told you that I would come."
"Mom, Dad, whatever Maria told you, all of it's a lie. She doesn't know what she's talking about."
"What lie is Maria telling us?"
"I don't know dad," Liz said quietly.
"You must know since your insisting that it's not true. I want you to tell me again how you ended up overdosing on your medication?"
"I was in a lot of pain and I took too many."
"But how many was too many Elizabeth? The way you looked in the hospital, that was more than just a few pills."
"Daddy, I can't believe that you'd think I do anything to hurt you or mom."
"Liz, I want you to tell me the truth and I want it right now."
"I took too many pills dad, that's what happened, it's not something that will happen again."
"You're right it won't. Let me have the rest of the pills."
"There aren't anymore."
"If I go through your room right now I won't find anything."
"You won't find anything."
"We'll see about that. First thing tomorrow your mother and I are taking you to get drug tested. The result of the test will determine what happens next. Now I want you to go to you room because tomorrow we have a long day ahead of us."
Maria stood up and walked towards the stairs.
"I'll never forgive you for this, Maria." Liz turned and went into her room.
"Maria, she's just upset, you know she doesn't mean it. I'll see you later."
"Bye Mr. and Mrs. Parker. Tell Liz I said bye."
Liz looked around one last time. She started packing the minute she got into her room. Liz packed lightly only carrying a small suitcase, her backpack and her purse. She made sure she had all the pills that she had left, including what she got at school. Walking outside there was a taxi waiting for her. She drove to the airport making the driver stop before she arrived so she could clear out her savings account at the ATM. At the airport she got on the only flight available for that time of night. When the airplane took off Liz looked out the window. She was leaving the only home she'd ever known, starting over. Closing her eyes Liz whispered, "New York, here I come."