Chapter 23- It Will Be Alright

"I'm home!" Ellie called, as she closed the front door behind her.

There was no response. She walked upstairs to her room, and threw down the shopping bags. Paige had taken her out last minute shopping for a dress for the Spring Fling. She insisted that even if she was not going with Jimmy, she was going to come and have a good time anyone. Ellie was extremely reluctant, but agreed anyways. After doing that, she headed for her parents' bedroom.

"Mom? Dad?" she said, pushing the door open slightly. She caught sight of her mother lying on the bed, asleep. She looked around quickly, and much to her surprise, she didn't see one alcohol bottle in the room.

"Mom, are you awake?" she asked gently, tiptoeing over to the bed.

"Eleanor, is that you?" her mother groggily responded, rolling over and rubbing her eyes.

"Yes, mom. Are you alright?" Ellie asked, concerned.

"Come here, baby, we need to talk." She patted the space next to her.

Ellie was taken aback. Her mother hadn't acted this way toward her in a long time. Ellie hesitantly crawled onto the bed, and listened as she spoke.

"I have something to talk to you about," she began.

"What is it?" Ellie asked.

"Things are going to be a lot different now. I'm going…" she took a deep breath. "I'm going to get help, Ellie."

"What?" Ellie gasped.

"I'm going into rehab. I can't afford to lose your father…or you."

Ellie's entire face lit up. "Are you serious? That's…wow…that's wonderful!"

"I've been so selfish these past few months and it's not fair—"

"It's okay, mom," Ellie said, putting an arm around her mom. "It's okay."

"No it's not," she said, shaking her head."

"It doesn't matter. Things are getting better now, that's all that matters."

She leaned down and kissed her daughter on the forehead. "You're right…you're right."

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This was it. It was finally the big day. The day he had waited for, for what seemed like months. And it had all been a huge bust.

JT slumped down in his chair in homeroom, avoiding eye contact with anyone and anything but the desk that sat in front of him. He knew that today was going to be torture; people talking about their dates, how much fun they were going to have.

He knew he wasn't going to have any fun. Because he wasn't going. Not anymore.

He stared at the doorway after noting that she wasn't in class. As if on cue, Manny came into focus. She was standing in the hallway, holding hands with Craig. JT's face turned into a scowl, yet he didn't look away from the two.

"Could you be anymore obvious?" he heard moments later. A slender figure leaned over the table, resting next to him.

"What are you talking about, Emma?" he demanded, playing dumb.

"You need to get over her," she said all-knowingly. "She and Craig are together now." He voice wasn't rude or harsh, but gentle and calm.

He sighed loudly. "It's just not fair, Emma."

She patted his arm. "I know. But you can't be selfish. Just let her go."

The bell rang just then, and Emma made her way to her seat. Liberty, who was conversing with Ms. Hatzilakos, came over and sat down in her seat next to him.

"Don't look so sad," she greeted.

"Not in the mood, Van Zandt," he mumbled.

"Sorry," she said, shutting up. "I was just-"

"It's okay, Liberty," he said, feeling a tad bit guilty for snapping at her. "Just having a bad life, no big deal."

"Don't let Manny control you, JT. She's just a girl," Liberty advised.

Yeah, a girl who I liked a lot, who used me, who made me feel like shit. "You wouldn't understand."

She sighed. "You have no idea, JT. No idea."

He looked at her. "What is that supposed to mean?"

He hated the way she confused him.

"Nothing," she said quickly. "Nothing. You'll live, JT. Manny isn't worth it, really."

He said nothing.

"Are you still going to Spring Fling?" she asked.

"What would be the point?"

"Just to have fun. I mean, you do have other friends. You don't need a date.'

"I'm guessing you're going," he stated.

She shrugged. "I might. Just come. You might actually have fun. You could get your mind off of Manny. It might be worth it."

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"Okay, I think all the teachers are making it, like, a point to give us as much homework as possible this weekend to destroy our Spring Fling fun," Paige whined as she, Ellie, and Spinner headed for history. "I mean, really, Kwan has us reading an ENTIRE act from that stupid play…ugh, she is going to be the death of me!"

"Paige, take a breather!" Ellie said.

They pushed pass crowds of people lingering in the hallway. The next person they all caught sight of was Jimmy. Ellie was ready to turn and take the long way to class, but Paige stopped her.

"You can't avoid him, hon. It will just make things worse," she said.

"I'll take my chances," she replied, as she turned to leave. But this time Spinner stopped her.

"Did you do what I asked you too, Ellie?" he said.

"Talk to him? No, sorry, must have slipped my mind," she said hurriedly.

Spinner gave her a disappointed look. "Then, go! Now."

She hesitated. "Nope, going to be late for class. Sorry."

Paige and Spinner exchanged looks, as Ellie made her escape. They didn't see her again until lunch.

"That was so fifth grade, hon," Paige commented, as they walked down the hallway together.

Ellie adjusted the black bag that rested on her shoulder. "Whatever."

As they headed for the cafeteria, they passed by Ms. Suave's office. Ellie peered into the room, seeing Ms. Suave at her desk, going over some papers. Ellie tried to ignore the feeling that was settling in her stomach. It was pointless.

"Ellie? Are you alright?" Paige asked. She must have been spacing out.

"You go to lunch, Paige, I've got something to do." Paige gave her a strange look, but Ellie ignored it and knocked on Ms. Suave's door.

"Ellie," Ms. Suave said, surprised. "What are you doing here?"

"Can I talk to you for a minute?"

A/N: dun dun dun! Chapter 23 completed. Woo hoo. I'm not sure how many more chapters there are going to be, you'll just have to wait and see! Reviews are always, always welcome!