Holding On and Holding Out

Chapter 2: Family and Friends

Disclaimer: I don't own anything, you don't sue me

Lizzie stared at her family from across the room. Their reaction was the same as Miranda's. Silence. She hated it. Why couldn't someone say something, say they were happy she was alive, at least. But they didn't say that. The room just stayed quiet, frozen in time. At last Matt, who home from college for the summer, spoke.

"So, what are you going to do?" He asked, just like Miranda had.

"I'll tell you what she's going to," said Sam, Lizzie's father, angry at whoever it was who had touched his little girl. "she's going to the doctor's tomorrow to get checked out." Lizzie nodded, happy to have some instructions, not to have to deal with this on her own.

"Would you like to stay here tonight?" her mother asked softly. Once again Lizzie nodded. She didn't think she would be able to go back to her apartment alone anyways.

"Fine, but your not staying in my room!" Matt declared. Matt and Lizzie had become closer after she left for college, but they still mocked each other. However, they no more hesitated to listen to each other and lend a helping hand.

"Like I ever would. I'll sleep in my old bedroom." Lizzie snapped at Matt. After Lizzie had moved out of the house, her mother had converted her room into a guest room.

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Lizzie got into a nightgown and lay down on the bed. She felt exhausted. The night's events had been horrific and she was terrified for herself and every girl who had to walk home from work in the dark night after night after night.
Her mother broke her chain of thought.

"Honey, have you called Gordo?" she asked, worried.

Lizzie shook her head. The last thing she needed was to have Gordo worried about her. He would only make the situation worse by fussing over her. It was a good thing he cared so much, but she didn't want it to be known to the public that some had raped her.
Suddenly, she sat up, causing her mother to worry.

"I can't go to the doctor's tomorrow." Lizzie exclaimed. "I'm going to Boston for a week to help throw Angela a surprise party and to see her wedding. My flight leaves at 7a.m tomorrow. But don't worry I'm already packed." She added seeing her mother look at her strangely.

"Angela who?"

"Merridew. Soon to be Mills." Lizzie intoned.

Lizzie thought her mother looked rather worried, but knew she would let her go.

"Well. Alright it can't hurt that much." She decided finally.