A/N: I am not having a good day. First, I did all the editing and thanking and what not and then I hit save changes, and it told me "you need to be logged in to have acess to this page" and it deleted everything I did. Stupid internet. This is the second time that this has happened to me in a week. But even before that, I got back my first ever AP English essay. And I got a B-, which is only an 82. That's a bad grade for an A to A+ student. And I even read the book! (well, most of it anyway. It was kinda boring, I may have zoned out for a paragrah here or there). That kinda sucked. But it was not as bad as the comments my darling teacher left me. Apparently, my sentances are "awkward" and not all there. So, I need some feedback from you guys! Do I have awkward sentances and wording? I'm feeling all self-concious right now. I'm seriously doubting if I can write at all! Anyway, thanks for the reviews and everything. And if you read Sometimes Wishes Come True I wrote a similar little rant in the new post. So go leave me happy reviews over there too. I'm gonna shut up now in case I start to sound "awkward". On to the thanks for the comments that I really care about.
Journeylover062- Sorry, but I didn't get your last review. I just checked again.But I trust that you sent it. The website messes things up a lot. So thank you for trying to review last chapter, and for reviewing this time around!
TwoBrokenToCry- You made some funny noises in the begining of that review, lol!
Jacqueline- I'm glad you like my story line! I try very hard to be creative.
tania- We are girls! We're allowed to be mean when guys are being pigheaded! It's our job to keep them in line. Lol. And sorry, the other reviews don't count. You are really into the story, aren't you? You always send me like, 3 emails or reviews each time. And I had no idea that you and californiababe were the same person! (That sounded a little weird. Maybe that's the awkward sentance)But AU means alternative or author's universe. (Some people say alternative, others say author)
Trinity- I'm glad you liked that line. I liked that one too. I'm sure my English teacher wouldn't. Sorry, I'm being bitter again.
brucasbrathangrl- I would just like to tell everyone not to mess with you or you will "knock their ass out". I am now scared of you! I promise to update quickly so that you don't hunt me down, lol : )
CCnJexie4ever- Better keep those fingers crossed...
emmalee05- Glad I could bring a little excitement into everyone's lives. I hope I keep you excited.
megan- Glad I'm keeping you hooked. It's good that you're still loving it.
Vicki316- Naha! You're the meanie! Sorry, that was the best comeback I could think of. That, and : p. J/k : D
Jen- Glad I surprised you. I love surprising people.
leprechaun-chick17- Maxie doesn't take anybody's crap. She's a fighter. And as for Sonny, there is no way in hell he would ever just be happy for anyone, glad you see it my way!
Christine- You and I have chatted, so you know the deal. But thanks for reviewing still! Some people would just skimp, but you didn't and that brightens up my day a little bit.
AnAngelofAStar- Oh, you have a theory do you? It may not be what you're thinking right now. I have some big clues coming up in a few chapters.
mcmiller- Aww, I'm sorry that I hurt your stomach, but I'm glad that it means your heart's into it.I love when I get that feeling about certain fanfics.
Tina- I'm glad that you're staying quiet. I don't want you giving people ideas! If you are right that is... things aren't always what they seem, hahah! (that was an evil laugh BTW)
kaceekittykat- Thanks for reviewing! I'm glad you're so into it. Keep reading to find out just how long this seperation lasts.
Elvira- Another person who's being super violent towards Jesse! Lol. It's ok, I give you permission to kick him in the balls.
MelindaM- I love long reviews. And I really appreciate your book comment, especially now. Now that my writing skills have been picked apart.
Lindze- I'm impressed. Finding another way to review like that shows true devotion! I really appreciate it. As for your idea, I'm just going to say...hmmm. And you're the second person with the AU question. Read what I wrote to Tania. Thanks again for reviewing, it really means a lot to me.
anon14- Can't answer that, sorry. Look for more clues in coming chapters. You may change your idea, or you may keep it the same. Which one? Who knows? Am I being secretive enough?
middiegurl08- I'm glad you have a guess, but keep it to yourself. I don't want you putting ideas in people's heads! Lol.
britchic- I love explanation points. Feel free to use them and abuse them. As for you're ideas, I've been telling everyone to keep quiet. I want other people to come up with their own conclusions. And if those "footballers" are still around, tell them hi from Leanna (wink wink, nudge nudge).
Sam- I can't tell you if you're right. But keep in mind, I do love me some plot twists and unexpected turns.
ButterflyzDreamz- Glad you like my Maxie and Jesse at least! Just a question, did I do that your/ you're thing someplace in my story, or were you just quoting Friends? I need to know, especially after that essay!
Chapter 9- Wallowing and Fighting
"Hi, I'm glad you're here" said Courtney as she opened the door to reveal Georgie.
"Maxie is my best friend. And it's obvious that she needs me" said Georgie as she adjusted her bag. "I figured you took care of most of the necessities, but I brought some stuff too"
"No, that's great, what'd you bring?" asked Courtney as she helped Georgie over to the couch with her big bag.
"Some DVDs that are guaranteed to make you cry, some that are guaranteed to make you laugh. Umm, Moulin Rouge"
"Good call"
"Thank you. Chocolate icing, Oreos, gummy bears, sourpatch watermelon, licorice, the usual stuff" said Georgie with a sigh.
"Well, good luck to you. She's just been so upset. I just wish I could get her to leave the penthouse"
"She will, in her own time. Jessie used her and tossed her aside. He played with her emotions. She's allowed some time to heal" said Georgie.
"Agreed" said Courtney. "And the worst part is, I think she actually loved him"
"I wanna kick that guy's ass" growled Georgie.
"You and me both hunny. Anyway, why don't you go up to her? She can really use you" said Courtney.
"I just hope I can help" said Georgie with a sigh.
"Pass the gummy bears" said Maxie with a sigh as The Sweetest Thing rolled on in the background.
"Here you go" said Georgie passing her the bag. "You feel like talking?"
"Not really" said Maxie as she tried to go back to watching the movie.
"You sure? Cause sometimes it just makes you feel better"
"Georgie, would you cut it out! I said I don't want to talk!" Maxie snapped. "Look, I'm sorry" she said once she saw Georgie's dejected face. "I know I'm not the only girl to go through a breakup. And it's not even my first breakup. I just never felt like this before. I never felt so alone and used before. And that includes the time that Kyle tried to videotape us having sex and put it on the internet"
"God, I remember that. Can you imagine if he had done it?"
"Yeah, he wouldn't be here anymore. My brothers would have had him 'taken care of'" said Maxie with a half smile. "Just like Sonny wanted to do with Jesse. I almost wish I had let him. At least I wouldn't have been betrayed like that then. How could he pick his job over me? And so bluntly? I don't even think he ever cared for me"
"I'm sure he cared for you Maxie. He just, I don't even know. He's a guy. This is what guy's do"
"I know. But why does it suck so much?" asked Maxie as her eyes welled up with tears.
"Come here" Georgie commanded as she grabbed her friend in a fierce hug.
"Is she asleep?" whispered Courtney to Georgie as she came down the stairs hours later.
"Out like a light" whispered back Georgie with a smile. "I see Jason is too" she said as she motioned to the couch.
"It's been a trying week for everyone. My heart's just breaking for my sister. She deserves happiness, and she is being deprived of it"
"It'll all work out. It just has to" said Georgie.
"Hi Daddy" said Maxie softly as she took a counter seat at Kelly's.
"Maxie?" exclaimed Mike as he looked up. "It's been forever since you left the house. Does this mean you're feeling better?"
"About having my heart ripped out and stomped on? Not even close. But I couldn't stand Courtney hovering over me anymore" sighed Maxie.
"Aww, I'm so sorry sweetie. This is why you shouldn't date" he teased.
"Daddy, I am in no mood for jokes" she said seriously.
"You in the mood for coffee?" he asked her, trying to get her to smile.
"Coffee I can go for" she said as she finally cracked a smile for her father.
"Is that the new guard?" asked Mike as he poured Maxie some coffee and motioned towards the window to a man in a dark suit.
"That's Jeff. He's 46 and gay. He's not my type" said Maxie with a shake of her head.
"Looks like your brother's wising up"
"Looks like it" said Maxie with a sigh.
"Honey, I know its hard now, but it will get easier"
"Everyone keeps saying that. And I would just like someone to pinpoint an exact day of when it'll 'get easier' so I can crawl in bed and hide until then" said Maxie as she looked down into her coffee cup.
Mike just gave his daughter a sympathetic smile, unsure of what else he could say.
Jason wearily opened the door of the penthouse, effectively cutting off the intense knocking and pounding on it.
"Georgie, Brook Lynn, what are you doing here?" he asked them.
"We are here as part of a make Maxie feel better plan" said Brook informatively.
"Wallowing time is finished. We are cutting her off and taking her out. So, excuse us" she said as the girls pushed past him and went up the stairs to get Maxie.
"Hello" said Maxie as she peaked at them from under the covers of her bed.
Her room was completely dark and she had sad music playing softly on the background. Georgie flipped on the lights and Brook took care of the stereo, changing it to play something a little more upbeat.
"What are you doing?" she asked as she attempted to pull the blankets over her head, only to have them jerked off by Brook.
"We are getting you out of this house. We are going to go out, and have a good time. Got it?" asked Georgie as she crossed her arms over her chest and gave Maxie a glaring look.
"I don't think I'm ready…" started Maxie, but the girls would hear nothing of it.
They pulled her out of the bed and pushed her towards the shower, where she was instructed to wash her hair, probably for the first time in a week in Georgie's opinion. Once she was done, Georgie and Brook were waiting for her, makeup, hairdryer, and clothes in hand. Maxie slipped into the mini skirt that they pulled out for her and put on the halter top. The girls got to styling her hair, and then doing her makeup. Once they were done, they admired their work. Maxie looked great, with her smoky eyes and full lips.
"Perfect" said Georgie with a smile as she and Brook high-fived.
"Got your fake ID?" asked Brook.
"Yes, Beatrice Thompson is all ready to party" said Maxie as she glanced at the fake name on the ID.
The bar was filled with people by the time they got to it. It was right near the PCU campus, so nearly everyone there was in college or going into college like Maxie. There must have been three legit IDs in the whole place. The girls found Diego and Dillon waiting for them at a small table, and they joined them. Diego barely glanced at Brook and Georgie when he saw Maxie.
"Wow, Maxie, you look incredible" said Diego with a broad smile.
"Thanks. Look, I don't know what Georgie and Brook told you, but you and Dillon don't have to give me pity compliments"
"No, that wasn't out of pity" Diego explained. "You really do look amazing"
"Oh, well thank you" said Maxie as she sat down and tried to ignore the piercing look Brook Lynn was giving her.
On the other side of the bar, Jesse sat nursing some whiskey. He had been going to Jake's every night since he had broke both his and Maxie's hearts, but last night he had run into Jason at the bar. Unwilling to have a repeat incident of the night before, he had come to this one. Once he drank enough, he hardly noticed all the guys making out with their girlfriends. Jesse just wanted to be alone, and away from anyone that he knew, and just numb his pain. He missed Maxie like crazy. Maxie was the only one who could really get his heart to beat; she was the only one who knew how to make him smile. But he needed to keep his job. He had a commitment, and that needed to be honored. In the business he was involved in, you finished the job, or you never saw living daylight again. His boss would have his head if he didn't see this thing through. Jesse turned his head around and surveyed his surroundings, cursing under his breath when he saw Dillon. Watching the boy, Jesse saw him grab a pitcher of beer from the bar and bring it over to a table.
'Great' Jesse thought when he saw Brook, Georgie, Diego, and some gorgeous blonde.
Suddenly, it hit Jesse. That wasn't just any gorgeous blonde; that was his gorgeous blonde. His heart caught in his throat and it felt like someone had knocked the air out of him when he saw her. She looked amazing. Jesse wanted nothing more than to go over there, pull her towards him, and just kiss her over and over again. But it seemed like he wasn't the only one with that idea.
"Maxie, can I talk to you for a moment?" asked Diego.
"Ah…sure" said Maxie with a fake smile as she and Diego got up.
She followed him to the other side of the bar, not even noticing Jesse there, or the fact that his eyes were glued on her.
"Maxie, Jesse is an idiot. You are the most incredible woman that I have ever met. And for Jesse to just throw you away just shows how dumb that guy is"
"Thanks Diego" said Maxie as she started to walk away.
"Maxie, wait" called Diego as he lightly grabbed her arm and pulled her close to him.
He bent down to kiss her, despite her cringing away when he felt himself being pulled away from her.
"What the hell?" was all he managed to get out before Jesse's fist made contact with his face, pushing him so hard that he fell into a nearby table.
He raised his fist, ready to punch Diego again, when Maxie grabbed him from behind.
"What the hell are you doing?" she bellowed at him.
"He had his hands all over you Maxie!" yelled Jesse.
"What do you care, you're not my boyfriend. You made that crystal clear the other night!"
"Can we talk about this somewhere else?" asked Jesse as he took her hand and led her outside, away from the people who were staring, and Maxie's concerned friends.
"You can't just go around punching people Jesse!" she yelled as the two walked outside.
"Maxie, it was obvious that you didn't want him to kiss you!"
"You're not my guard anymore, let me handle myself!"
"Where is your guard anyway?" asked Jesse, before he shook his head and tried to focus himself. "That's not important right now. What's important is that even though I'm not your guard, I will always be your protector. I'm your knight in shining armor, remember?" asked Jesse with a bittersweet smile.
"No, all I remember is you begging for your job, and telling me to take a hike"
"Maxie, please…" begged Jesse.
"No! What's with you Jesse. One minute you're hot, the next you're cold. You need to make up your mind, what's more important to you, you're job, or me?" she asked.
Jesse just looked down at the floor, unable to look her in the eye anymore.
"I can already see where you stand" said Maxie softly as she walked away from him, leaving him to stare longingly at her retreating form.
"Tired Beaudry?" asked Sonny as he walked around the warehouse, inspecting everything.
"A little" said Jesse.
He hadn't gotten any sleep the night before. All he could think about was Maxie, and what she said to him. How she had relieved him of his knight in shining armor duties. That had killed him. He always wanted to be there, to protect her.
"Why's that? Out all night, punching Lorenzo Alcazar's son?" asked Sonny with a menacing glare at Jesse.
Jesse cringed as he realized what Sonny said was true. Alcazar was Sonny's biggest enemy, and for him to punch his son, for whatever reason, could very well start a full out mob war.
"I lost it Sir. I was in a bar where he and your little sister were. And he was all over her, against her will, so I…"
"I don't want to hear it" said Sonny as he held up his hands to stop Jesse from continuing. "Get my little sister out of your head. Forget that you ever met her. Forget that you ever saw her. She's not your job anymore. And if you don't think that you can do that, then you will leave the organization. And you know that there is only one way to leave the organization" growled Sonny before walking away, leaving Jesse to contemplate his words, knowing that what he said was true. Jesse was playing with a double-edged sword, and no matter what he did, he was going to get cut.
A/N: And that's chapter 9. Send me reviews, they make me happy. Let's go for a goal of at least 20 again. That's a good number.