Disclaimer: I own ONLY AnneMarie, Fabiola, Madam Velosomikh, Madamé Císerosa, K.C. Anderson, Amelia Herrington, and baby Mariah.
Summary: This may be out of order in whatever way, but hey, its my story, I get to decide how it goes. ;-) Sorry if it takes a while for me to get it posted, but I've been writing it in whatever time I get between classes and stuff and I'm laptop less so its all scribbled down on paper and I've actually gotta find time to type it all up. But hopefully I'll find enough time somewhere. :- ) Also, I've decided to make it easier on people to let me know what they think, and give me more ideas of what to write. If you would like, I can be reached via email or Yahoo! messenger at or via AOL instant messenger as PrincessSpzMnky . Feel free to drop me a line if you'd like. :-) Happy Reading! :-)
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You know, this chapter hits very close to home for me, as AnneMarie's situation is my own. (Only I drove an hour home. Read on, and you'll understand.) Thinking back over the last few months and everything that has happened, as much as I have hated it, things really aren't all that bad. Being that it is Thanksgiving, I have been doing a lot of thinking about everything that I am grateful this year. First and foremost, I am very grateful for my health and safety throughout this past year. Fortunately for me, I haven't been sick very much this year. And as for safety, I could have been killed in a car accident yesterday, but somehow I managed to survive. (LONG STORY, Thank god my car is ok! ) OMG, it was such a long day!) I have been very lucky to only have been in a 3 car accidents this year, but nothing major at all. Apparently people like to back into me in parking lots though. ;-) I so don't get that! LOL Anyway! I am very thankful for my home and my family and for all of our safety. I am also extremely thankful for my friends. Man, I would not have survived this year without you guys. :-) LT, I don't know what in the world I would do without you, other than go completely crazy! I am so lucky to have you in my life. :-) TF, I am pretty sure you will never read this, but I just wanted to say thank you and tell you that no matter what has happened between us, or what might happen in the future, I really did love you. And as hard as it is to admit, I still do. Thanks for being there for me this year, I wouldn't have made it through the summer without you. I also want to tell you how terribly sorry I am, and I hope that someday, you can forgive me. I miss you. And if by some miracle you do happen to read this, please call me. We really need to talk. Anyway! I have been so incredibly lucky to have been blessed with so much this year, I can't even begin to thank everybody that I probably should. So to everybody else, I love you guys, thanks for everything. And a very special thank you to all of our troops serving here in the United States, as well as over seas, protecting the freedom that we all take so for granted. Thank you everybody, for everything! I love you all!
DreamsOfGold
P.S. I now have my own website, feel free to visit. :-) Email me for the link.
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do
3 Weeks Later . . . . .
"Hello?" Kimberly said, answering the ringing phone.
"Kim, it's AnneMarie." she said softly. "Is Tommy there?"
"He's out on a run with Jason, but I'll call him if you want."
"Will you ask him to come pick me up?" she asked with a sniffle.
"Sweetie, what's wrong? Where are you?"
"I just wanna come home . . ."
"Ok, I'll send Tommy right over." Kimberly agreed as the front door opened and Tommy walked in. "AnneMarie is on the phone, she's crying and wants to come home."
"Tell her I'm on my way." Tommy said, turning and dashing for the garage, grabbing his keys on the way.
"I'll come with." Jason said following his friend.
"AnneMarie!" Tommy said 10 minutes later, when he pulled up next to her car at the beach, and jumped out to see her in tears. "AnneMarie, what's wrong?" he asked, grabbing his sister, pulling her into a hug.
" . . . I . . . . . I . . . I wanna go home . . . . ." AnneMarie sobbed.
"Ok. Jase, wold you mind?" Tommy asked, as he helped AnneMarie up.
"No problem. I'll take her car back."
"Thanks Jase." AnneMarie said as she started to calm down a little and wipe her tears away.
"Hey, come here. Are you ok?" AnneMarie just shook her head as Jason hugged her. "I'm so sorry AnneMarie. Come on, let's get you home."
"Come on AnneMarie, let's get out of here." Tommy said as he handed Jason AnneMarie's keys, then helping AnneMarie into the car to go home. "Do you wanna talk about it?" Tommy asked as they drove. AnneMarie just sniffled and wiped away more tears. "Ok . . . Well I'm glad you called. I wouldn't want you driving while you're upset."
" . . . . . I . . . . . I don't think I could . . . . . I can hardly walk."
Let's talk this over
It's not like we're dead
Was it something I did?
Was it something You said?
Don't leave me hanging
In a city so dead
Held up so high
On such a breakable thread
You were all the things I thought I knew
And I thought we could be
"AnneMarie! I was so worried!" Kimberly said throwing her arms around AnneMarie as soon as she walked in the door with Tommy and Jason. "Come here, it's all going to be ok."
"I'm going to go. This is a family thing." Jason said, setting AnneMarie's keys on the table by the door.
"Thanks Jase. I'll call you later." Tommy told him.
"Let me know if you need help killing anyone."
"I will. See ya later." Tommy said as Jason left, then followed Kimberly and AnneMarie into the livingroom.
"AnneMarie, are you hungry? We've got a lot of food, and all kinds of chocolate." Kimberly said as she sat down on the couch next to AnneMarie.
"I can't eat." AnneMarie said softly.
"AnneMarie . . . . . I know you would probably rather not talk about it, but if you ever do feel like talking, you know that Kim and I are both here, and that we love you. And we can call David and Nana too if you'd like."
"We want to help you if we can." Kimberly added. AnneMarie closed her eyes and slowly shook her head.
"There's nothing anybody can do." she said softly.
"You wanna tell us what happened at the beach? You were so happy a couple hours ago when you called to tell me you were heading down there." Tommy told her.
"Why did you go to the beach?" Kimberly asked as AnneMarie sniffled again.
" . . . Everyone was there for a big bonfire, so . . . . . I went down after work . . . . ."
"Did you have a fight with your friends?" Tommy asked.
" . . . . . No . . . . ."
"Here's some Kleenex." Kimberly said, handing AnneMarie a couple tissues.
" . . . . . Sweetie, you want me to call Nana or David?" Tommy asked.
" . . . No . . ."
"Do you want to tell us what happened?"
" . . . Paul . . . . ." AnneMarie started as she began crying again. " . . . . . . . . he . . . . . . . . he doesn't love me anymore . . . . . . . . ." she sobbed.
"AnneMarie, I am so sorry!" Tommy said hugging her as tight as he could. Kimberly just sat there in silence, looking at her sister in-law. " . . . . . AnneMarie . . . . . You probably don't want to hear this, but you're better off without him."
"Tommy is right." Kimberly agreed. "You don't need some stupid guy wasting your time. You deserve so much better than that."
"I know how much it hurts to have your heat broken, but it does get better with time. I promise!"
"And we're all here for you." Kimberly added. "Whatever you need, we're right here."
" . . . . . I just . . . . . It hurts so much . . . . . Things were so perfect . . . . . This wasn't supposed to happen . . . . ."
"You know what AnneMarie, you aren't to blame for this. You didn't do anything wrong. You loved Paul unconditionally. He's just being a stupid boy."
" . . . . . . . . . This wasn't supposed to happen though . . . . . We were supposed to always be together . . . . . He promised we would never break up . . . . ." AnneMarie said crying harder.
You were everything, everything that I wanted
We were meant to be, supposed to be, but we lost it
And all the memories, so close to me, just fade away
All this time you were pretending
So much for my happy ending
"You know AnneMarie, Tommy and I promised to never break up too . . . . ." Kimberly told her. " . . . . . But things happen sometimes . . . . ."
"Nothing is ever perfect AnneMarie." Tommy agreed.
"You and Kim are . . . . ."
"No we aren't." Kimberly disagreed. "It only seems that way. Tommy and I are definitely not perfect. We have our differences and butt heads just as much as anybody else. But the difference is that we love each other, and what to be together, so we work it out. I'm a wreck without your annoying brother! He's the only one who keeps me sane."
"And Kimberly frustrates the heck out of me sometimes. But you know what? I look at my life with her, then at my life without her, and I remember just how much I love her, and can't live without her. I'm better with Kimberly than I will ever be without her. And you know that, you've seen it . . . . ."
" . . . . I know . . . . . I just . . . . . I thought that for once, I had actually found someone who actually made me as happy as you guys make each other . . . . . I was so happy with him . . . . . . . . . . . I even got along with his family and all his friends . . . . . . . But now . . . . . Chris and I are only friends because of Paul . . . . . And now we probably won't be . . . . . . . . ."
You've got your dumb friends
I know what they say
They tell you I'm difficult
But so are they
But they don't know me
Do they even know you?
All the things you hide from me
All the stuff that you do
You were all the things I thought I knew
And I thought we could be
You were everything, everything that I wanted
We were meant to be, supposed to be, but we lost it
And all the memories, so close to me, just fade away
All this time you were pretending
So much for my happy ending
"What exactly did Paul say tonight?" Kimberly asked.
"Just . . . . He's been thinking and . . . . . He's not happy . . . . . . . . . We're 2 totally different people and things just aren't how they used to be . . . . . and . . . . . and he doesn't know how to fix it . . . . ."
"Is that is?" Tommy asked.
" . . . . . . . . . . . And . . . . . . . he doesn't . . . . . he . . . . . he doesn't know . . . . . if . . . . . if he even . . . loves me anymore . . . . . . . . . ."
"He's definitely not worth it then." Kimberly told her.
"You deserve so much better AnneMarie." Tommy told her.
" . . . . . I just . . . . . I just don't understand how you can wake up one morning and fall out of love with someone . . . . . . . . ."
" . . . . . Unfortunately, it happens . . . . ." Tommy told her. "Sometimes bad things just happen to good people."
It's nice to know you were there
Thanks for acting like you cared
And making me feel like I was the only one
It's nice to know we had it all
Thanks for watching as I fall
And letting me know we were done
You were everything, everything that I wanted
We were meant to be, supposed to be, but we lost it
And all the memories, so close to me, just fade away
All this time you were pretending
So much for my happy ending
"AnneMarie . . . . ." Kimberly started, gently rubbing her back as Tommy let her sob into his shoulder. " . . . . . I really don't know what we can say or do to make you feel any better . . . But you know that your bothers and I all love you very much, and that we're here if you need us . . . . ."
"We know how hard this must be for you, but we also know what a strong person you are, and that you will not only be able to get through it, but you will come out stronger in the end." Tommy added.
" . . . . . I don't want to get through this though . . . . . This isn't fair!" AnneMarie cried. "This wasn't supposed to happen to me! This was supposed to happen to somebody else!"
"We know." Tommy said softly.
"AnneMarie, is there anything we can do?" Kimberly asked as AnneMarie pulled away from Tommy.
" . . . . . No . . . . ."
"You look really tired, you should probably go tr to get some sleep." Tommy told her.
"You can sleep in one of the guestrooms upstairs if you'd like." Kimberly told her.
" . . . . . All of my stuff is in my room downstairs . . . . ." AnneMarie said wiping at her tears.
"That's ok. We can go get it for you, or you can borrow our's." Kimberly told her.
"Will you go get my stuffed dog and pillow?"
"Whatever you'd like."
"Thanks Kim." AnneMarie sniffled.
"You're welcome. Things will get better, I promise." Kimberly said as she started to get up. "Tommy, why don't you go get AnneMarie settled upstairs, and I'll be up in a couple minutes with her things."
"Ok . . . Come on AnneMarie, let's go pick which room you want." Tommy said getting up, then helping his sister up.
"Ok, here are your pajamas, toothbrush, stuffed dog and pillow." Kimberly said as she set the small pile on the edge of the guestroom bed. "And I stopped by the kitchen on my way up and grabbed you these."
"Kim, thank you. You are the best." AnneMarie said, seeing the box of Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies in Kimberly's hand.
"Wait a minute, I thought you said those were gone?" Tommy asked.
"Yours are. This box came from a private stash, and I figured AnneMarie could probably use them right about now."
"So where's this stash at?"
"Only I know that one, and I can't tell you because if I did, we wouldn't have anything left for emergencies like tonight."
"Yeah really Tommy. You ate 3 boxes of these in one day last time you knew where we kept them."
"Wait a second. We? I thought only Kim knew . . ."
"She's not the only one with a chocolate stash."
"It's a girl thing Honey." Kimberly told him.
"Oh really?"
"Just trust me on this one. You like us having a stash. It keeps us happy." AnneMarie told him.
"So what's that stash in the pantry for?"
"That's the stash for every day use. There's a difference. Sometimes it's just not enough, and you've gotta call in reinforcement."
"Ok, I give up!" Tommy said, holding his hands up in defeat as AnneMarie opened the box and pulled out a cookie.
"Hey Tommy, say awww." AnneMarie said as she stuffed a cookie into her mouth.
"Awww . . . Thank you." he said as AnneMarie stuffed a cookie into his mouth, then handed one to Kimberly.
"Thank you." Kimberly said as she ate the cookie.
"You're welcome." she said closing the box, and setting it on the night stand. "I'll be sure to hide that before I go to bed, so I'll have them later."
"Good thinking." Kimberly told her. "Tommy doesn't need to get addicted to those again anyway."
"Haha! I was never addicted to those in the first place."
"Right . . ." AnneMarie said sarcastically.
"AnneMarie, is there anything else we can get for you?" Kimberly asked.
"No, I think I'm ok. But thanks for being here tonight. You guys are the best."
"Just try to get some sleep, ok?" Tommy told her. "You know where to find us if you need anything."
"I will. I love you guys."
"I love you too." Kimberly said giving her a hug and kiss.
"Me too." Tommy said when Kimberly was done. "Sweet Dreams."
"I'll try."
"Wake us up if you can't sleep." Kimberly told her. "Or at least me anyway. We'll have a slumber party."
"I will. Thanks again. For everything."
"You're welcome." Tommy told her.
"Good night AnneMarie." Kimberly said as he headed out of the room.
"It's going to be ok, I promise!" Tommy said kissing AnneMarie's forehead, before moving from his spot on the bed. "Try to get some sleep, ok?"
"You too."
"I love you AnneMarie."
"I love you too." AnneMarie said as Tommy headed for the door.
"Good night."
"Good night Tommy." With that, Tommy closed her door and headed back downstairs with Kimberly.
"You know, I really wish I could go kill that punk right about now." Tommy said as he followed Kimberly into the kitchen.
"I know what you mean." Kimberly agreed.
"I wish there was something that we could do to help, but I know there's not."
AnneMarie will be ok. She's very resilient. If anybody can handle this, it's her."
"She shouldn't have to go through this though. AnneMarie has been through so much already." Tommy said plopping down at the table.
"I know, but Tommy, unfortunately, life isn't fair."
"Kim, come on . . ."
"Honey, you need to relax. I know you love AnneMarie, and you only want what is best for her. But Sweetie, we all have to experience heartbreak sometime. AnneMarie is really lucky to be so young. It could be a lot worse."
"It's still not fair though."
"I know Sweetie. But AnneMarie is going to get through it. We all are. You just need to relax. You've had a really long day."
"At least tomorrow is Saturday."
"Why don't we do something fun tomorrow. Spend some time together as a family. We haven't done that in a long time."
"Do you think AnneMarie will be up to it?"
"I don't know, maybe."
"You know what would be fun? Maybe we could go to Disneyland for the weekend. I'll call Jason and have him take my classes at the Dojo, then I'll book us a room at one of the Disney hotels. How does that sound?"
"Actually, it sounds perfect! Should we invite David?"
"I'll call and see if he wants to come. I'll check with my parents too. Why don't you go tell AnneMarie before she falls asleep, and I'll meet you upstairs."
"Ok." Kimberly agreed with a warm smile, as she headed out of the kitchen.
"Hey Honey?" Tommy said catching her hand as she stepped past him.
"Yeah." Kimberly answered turning around.
"I love you."
"I love you too Tommy." she said, giving him a gentle kiss. "Hurry and finish your calls."
"I will." he agreed, then watched Kimberly as she left the room, and headed for the stairs, turning off lights and locking doors on her way. "Hey David, it's Tommy." he said as David answered his phone.
"Hey Tom, what's up?"
"Kim and I decided to spend the weekend at Disneyland with the girls. You wanna come?"
Same time, upstairs . . . . .
"AnneMarie?" Kimberly said in a soft voice as she gently knocked on the guestroom door.
"Yeah."
"Hey . . . Tommy and I were just talking," Kimberly started, as she entered the room. "and thought it would be fun to go spend the weekend at Disneyland. You feel up to going?"
"I guess. It sounds like it would be fun."
"Ok, are you sure? We don't have to go if you don't feel up to it."
"No, it'll be good to get away."
"Ok. We're going to get a hotel for tomorrow night. Tommy is calling David and his parents to see if they want to come."
"What time are we leaving tomorrow?"
"I'm not sure. I'll wake you up in plenty of time though."
"Ok. Thanks Kim."
"You're welcome. Get some sleep, it's going to be a really fun weekend."
"I'll try."
"I love you AnneMarie."
"I know. I love you too." she said as Kimberly closed the door and headed to bed herself.
5 minutes later, Tommy walked into his room and collapsed on the bed as Kimberly walked out of the bathroom in her pajamas.
"So, what's the verdict?" Kimberly asked.
"David is coming, but my parents aren't."
"So we're talking your car then."
"Yeah. I don't think David and AnneMarie want to be squished next to a carseat in the 4-Runner."
"The Escalade is bigger." Kimberly agreed.
"And we can watch movies on the way."
"Well, everyone else can."
"True. It's going to be a fun weekend."
"Yes it is. Which is why I'm going to bed. I've got four people to pack up in the morning."
"I'm going to go change, I'll join you in a few minutes." Tommy said as he got up and headed for the bathroom.
"Hey Honey . . ." Kimberly started as Tommy walked back into the room, toward their bed. "I need your opinion."
"Oh what?"
"What do you think of this sketch?"
"It's nice." Tommy said as Kimberly handed him her sketch pad.
"Just nice?"
"Kim, you know I don't understand this girl stuff."
"Tommy, look at this skirt. It's short, and rises lower on the waist, so it gives the illusion of having a longer torso. Then it's short ans is cut in kind of a wave at the bottom, so it's both trendy and flirty at the same time. The wave at the bottom also allows you to wear the skirt as part of a dressy outfit, or as a more casual one, depending on the occasion."
"It's a skirt Honey."
"I know, but tell me what you think."
"I think . . ." Tommy started as he sat the sketch pad on the night stand, "that you are a very talented artist and designer. But I know absolutely nothing about fashion, so I am really the wrong person to be asking. So . . ." he continued as he picked up the box of colored pencils off the bed, and took the pencils out of Kimberly's hands, "you really should show Aisha and AnneMarie your ideas, so you can get the unbiased opinion that you deserve. But for right now, we should both relax and get some sleep, so we have energy for our fun filled Disney weekend."
"Tommy . . . . ."
"Honey . . . . . You know I love you. And your sketch looks and sounds great. But I'm a guy, so I really don't' know anything about fashion. You really should consult someone who does."
"Tommy, your opinion means a lot more to me than theirs do."
"But it shouldn't, because I'm clueless about fashion. Really Honey. Can we shelf the design opinions until Aisha is here, and get some much needed sleep?"
"Sure."
"Thank you!" Tommy said as she set the colored pencils with the sketch pad.
"What time are we getting up in the morning?"
"Well . . . . . It's 11:30 now . . . . . 7:00?"
"Works for me. Do you need to call David?"
"No, he said he would be over at 8:00."
"Ok . . ." Kimberly agreed as she moved under the covers, watching Tommy climb into bed next to her.
"I love you Kimberly." Tommy said softly as Kimberly laid her head on his chest, and draped her arm across his stomach.
"I love you too Tommy." Kimberly said as Tommy set their alarm clock, turned out the light, then kissed her goodnight."
To Be Continued . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
"My Happy Ending"
© Avril Lavigne
Under My Skin, 2004