All characters that are from the TWILIGHT saga by Stephanie Meyer belong to Stephanie Meyer. All others belong to me. I do not receive profit for these stories except for the joyous enjoyment of reviews.
This story follows right after When I'm Gone: Third Installment to GONE Saga, so if you haven't read that one or the two before, please do.
The timeline of the story will coincide with Gabriel Michael Laskaris' growing up years, starting at Seth and Rosa's wedding day, April 12th and will progress from there.
AN: Ses, I know you said shorter chapters but I can't help it! I can't stop until they tell me they're done. I love your reviews as they are, though! Never have I thought of them being a messy, babbling mess...I think they're wonderful just as you write them.
Gaby -I know you're sans computer at the moment but I also know you'll be catching up as soon as you are back on business and I'll be waiting with baited breath!
Gianna, lette, Chelsea, Lyn (where are you? I miss you in this story!) -thank you all for your lovely reviews. I look forward to reading more!
Oh, the lyrics at the end of this song were written by me, inspired by July Star. I hope to someday find someone that can put music to them...and yes, they've been copyrighted!
Chapter Six
Second Week of May
It was the last day of school and while everyone else was excited to start their summer vacation, Marc wasn't feeling as happy.
"When are you leaving," he asked as he took the offered cookie –it was shaped like a rhinoceros.
She shrugged, pushing her round glasses up a small nose as she picked out a monkey cookie –those were her favorite, "Daddy says this weekend but mommy wants to wait until Monday."
Marc nodded as he finished his cookie, watching the other kids as they ran around the playground –there were only ten minutes left of recess.
He hated that Betty had to leave but he knew there was nothing he could do about it.
She was his only friend in the second grade, not because he didn't get along with the other kids but because he could actually talk to her.
She was smart and understood some of the things he said –he believed it had to do with being an only child to parents that were older than most –they were also university teachers.
"I'll come back," Betty smiled at him, her brown eyes –they always made him think of sunflowers –bright as she leaned closer, her blond hair sliding over her small shoulders, "I promise."
He didn't believe her –after all she was just a kid and her daddy was getting a big promotion at his new job in Florida but he nodded anyway, "Okay."
They sat side by side on a bench; they were silently eating the animal cookies she always shared with him every recess since the beginning of second grade.
Kicking his feet, he watched as two boys teased a girl that was on the swings, three girls a few feet away from them jumping a rope as they chanted one of their silly rhymes –the one about kissing a frog so it could turn into a prince.
"Want to play tag," she asked quietly, curling her fingers around the edge of the bench seat as she leaned forward and crossed her ankles.
He looked at her for a few seconds before nodding, "Sure."
A big smile spreading across her pretty face as she tapped his arm, jumping off the bench they were sitting on, yelling over her shoulder as she ran off, "You're it!"
Marc tilted his head to the side, watching as she weaved around the other kids, her long blond hair streaming behind her like a banner.
Hopping off the bench, he brushed the cookie crumbs off his blue polo shirt and jeans, checking his shoelaces to make sure they were tied.
"Come on, Marc!" She stopped at the other side of the swings, wrapping an arm around one of the poles, "Bet you can't catch me!"
A small smile spread across his face –he supposed a challenge like that was a good enough reason to let himself be a child and play –at least for what was left of recess.
He took off after her, enjoying the sound of her laughter as she dodged the other kids, looking over her shoulder to see that he was getting closer.
He tagged her on the shoulder by the monkey bars, the cocky smile on his face losing a bit of its edge when she said, "Now I'm it. Run and I'll catch you."
Yeah…just what he needed to end the school year, being chased around the playground by a girl.
First Week of July
"Here comes the third round," Rachel walked into the living room with a tray full of strawberry daiquiris, weaving slightly as she handed them out.
"Mine's a virgin, right," Kimmy asked as she took the glass, shifting on the couch to try to get more comfortable but it wasn't easy when she was seven months pregnant and perpetually uncomfortable.
"I've been giving you virgin drinks all night, Kim," Rachel set the tray on the desk, swaying slightly –the second batch had been just a bit stronger than usual, "That's why your glass has a black straw in it –black for nuns –nuns are virgins. Get it?"
Kim nodded as she took a sip of her drink, her brown eyes twinkling when she asked, tongue in cheek, "So the red straw in your glasses means what? Sluts?"
They all laughed, Leah shaking her head as Rose buried her flushed face in her hands.
Rachel waved a hand in the air as she held out her glass, "Okay, okay. We're all here for two things."
"Only two," Daisy arched an eyebrow as she looked up at Rachel from where she was sitting on the floor.
"That I know of but please, feel free to add anything else," Rachel placed a hand on her chest as she looked at Rose, "First off, happy early birthday to Rose. One more week before you turn twenty-two years old. Let's all sing hap –"
"No," the others exclaimed, Leah picking up her glass from the coffee table to take a big swallow of the frothy beverage before looking at Rachel, "We are not singing so just move on."
"Fine, fine," Rachel gestured her glass towards the armchair opposite of Leah, "Congratulations to Lyn, for getting into the University of Washington School of Medicine –I hear you were one of thirty two who made it in."
"Thank you," Lyn raised her glass before taking a sip, her brain already soaked in alcohol from the previous two, "Collin got accepted too. We're going apartment hunting next weekend."
"Oh, apartment hunting together," Rachel set her glass on the coffee table before dropping to the floor, leaning back on her hands as she grinned at Lyn, "Does that mean he finally put out?"
"Which campus are you going to," Daisy's question was asked simultaneously as Rachel's, all of them laughing at the frustrated sigh escaping Lyn.
"Tacoma," she answered Daisy's question first before looking over at Rachel, "And no, he hasn't. I'm about ready to do something drastic."
"Did you suck him," Rachel asked in a serious voice, a smile finally breaking across her face as Lyn's face flushed, "By the look on your face, I'm gonna say yes. He didn't cave?"
"No," Lyn shook her head, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear, "Either I did it wrong or he's got a stronger will than I thought."
"You can do it wrong," Rose asked without thinking, her face flushing when they all turned to look at her.
"Not wrong, per say," Daisy yawned as she laid back onto one of the sofa pillows, her long blond hair spilling onto the floor, "Just not good."
"How do you make it good?"
Leah grimaced as she shook her head, "Please, let's not –"
Rachel interrupted her, giving Rose a questioning look, "Have you not asked Seth?"
Rose sucked on her bottom lip as she shook her head, "I'm…I'm too embarrassed to ask him."
"Ah, darling, he's your husband," Emily capped the nail polish bottle, setting it on the coffee table where she sat before turning to sit next to Kimmy on the couch, having just finished painting her toenails a bright pink, "You should never be embarrassed to ask those kind of things."
"Never the less," Rachel pushed herself to her feet, reaching out to steady herself against the entertainment center, "Since we're on the subject, it's only fair we give you some instruction."
"Oh, God, no," a look of horror washed over Leah's face as Rachel walked into her kitchen, returning with a banana, "Please, let's not do this!"
Rose's face was bright red but her curiosity was much stronger than her embarrassment, "I'm allergic to bananas…and that's too small."
Leah screamed, the other girls laughing as Rachel went back into the kitchen, returning to the living room with a cucumber in one hand and a carrot in the other, "Which one's closer to size?"
"Oh, God, please don't say it," Leah buried her face into the pillow, her words muffled, "Just point to it, Rose. I don't want to know!"
Emily buried her face into her hands as Rose –her face resembling a ripe tomato at that point –pointed at the cucumber, biting her lip when Daisy and Lyn exclaimed in unison, "Yikes!"
Kim laughed as Rachel motioned for Rose to stand up, pointing at a spot on the wooden floor, "Get on your knees."
Rose stood up a little too fast, the alcohol in her system almost having her tip over but the coffee table offered her something stable to hold on to for a few minutes before she carefully straightened up.
Leah curled up in the arm chair, her face still buried in the cushion so Rose moved around the table to where Rachel was pointing, briefly wondering if Leah was even breathing.
"Okay," Rachel moved to stand before Rose once she was in position, "The key is to breathe through your nose…you need to relax your throat and your jaw."
"What about the teeth," Rose glanced at the cucumber, thinking there was no way she could get that inside her mouth without gagging on it.
"You wrap your lips over your teeth," Rachel held up the cucumber, Leah's muffled screams into the cushion making it possible for her not to audibly hear what was being said, "That'll come instinctively. For now, let's get you used to having this in your mouth –I'll tell you later how to suck and what to do with your tongue."
"Somebody kill me now," Leah screamed, Emily laughing as she kept her face in her hands, doing her best to concentrate on her cousin's screams instead of Rachel's words.
"Okay. Tilt your head back and open your mouth."
As Rose did what she was told, her dark hair rippled down her back as the front door opened, Seth walking in with Paul, Collin and Brandon a couple of feet behind them.
Rachel froze, slowly turning her head to look at Seth as he narrowed his eyes, looking from her to Rose then back, "What's…going on?"
Paul's mouth was hanging wide open before it slowly spread into a wide grin as he looked at his wife, "That is so hot."
Collin and Brandon didn't say anything, simply nodded, their mouths still open in surprise as Rose bit her lip, looking everywhere else but at Seth.
"I was…uhm," Rachel took a step away from where Rose was kneeling, looking down at the vegetables she was holding before looking up at Seth, "I was giving Rose a cucumber and carrot salad recipe."
"Does she have to be on her knees to do this recipe," Seth asked as he walked across the living room, taking Rose's arm to help her up unto her feet.
"No," Rachel took a deep breath as she tried to think, "It's just…that's where she was when I…when she asked for the recipe."
"Right," Seth looked down at his wife's flushed face, catching the slightly glassy look to her beautiful eyes, "How many drinks have you had?"
Rose's blush deepened as she softly answered, "I lost count after two."
"Yeah, we're going home," Seth easily lifted her up off the floor, a small squeak escaping her as she wrapped her arms around his neck, her eyes shut tight to keep from getting nauseous at the way the room spun, "Leah, get your face out of the pillow. And you," he glared at Rachel before heading towards the door, "Stay away from my wife!"
Seth walked out of the house, laughter erupting behind him but he didn't stop –he needed to get his drunken wife home before she got into any more trouble.
Apparently, leaving her alone with the other girls was not a good idea –how dare they corrupt her innocence!
Rose sighed, kissing the side of his neck as she ran her fingers through his hair, her lips moving up his jaw in little nibbling kisses, "I love the way you smell," she whispered into his ear, her breath causing a shiver to run down his back as he turned the corner, still a couple of streets away from their house, "Especially when you've been in the woods."
"Baby, I'm all sweaty," Seth chuckled as she slid her hand down his chest, her fingernails scraping against the skin and causing his body to leap into attention.
"Sweaty…good," Rose gently bit the tendon that connected his neck to the shoulder, before stretching her neck to tug at his earlobe with her teeth, "It's all animal testosterone…so sexy."
"We've still got a ways to go before getting home, Rose," Seth's voice was slightly choked as she moved her hand down the back of his neck.
"So," Rose touched his earlobe with the tip of her tongue, letting out a surprised squeal as he dropped her legs, burying his hand into her hair to claim her lips, his tongue delving into her honeyed mouth, tongues stroking and tasting, their breath coming fast.
Rose let out a soft hum as he broke off the kiss, his easy smile belying the inferno that was raging through him, "That should hold you over until we get home. Now behave –I don't want to give the neighbors a free show."
Rose giggled as he easily swept her up into his arms again, laying her head on his chest as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
Reaching their house, he bounded up the steps, opening the front door –which was hardly ever locked –the hallway lights on as Rose whispered into his ear, "The twins are staying over at your mom's."
Seth smiled, closing the door behind them before heading down the hall towards their bedroom, "Are they now?"
"Mh-hm," Rose nodded, her hair rippling over his arm, feeling like soft silk against his hot skin. Laying her width-wise in the middle of the bed, he stretched out next to her.
She snuggled into him, placing her head on his shoulder as she reached up to run a finger over his jaw line, "We can have some fun."
Seth chuckled, running his fingers through her long hair as he kissed her nose, "Baby, unlike Paul, I don't like my wife drunk during sex."
Rose pouted, looking up at his face through her eyelashes, "I'm not drunk."
Seth laughed at that, "You were on your knees with Rachel about to shove a cucumber down your throat!"
Rose's face flushed as she buried it into his chest, his arms wrapping around her to hold her close as he buried his nose into her hair, the heady scent of cherry blossoms pushing his desire higher as he felt her whisper against his hot skin, "Seth."
"Uhm," he kissed her temple, his fingers slowly massaging her scalp, unaware of the goosebumps that were popping up all over Rose's body.
"Will you…will you teach me? How to please you?"
Seth's lips spread into a wide smile. He knew where she was going with this but he didn't say anything –teasing his wife was one of his joys, after all, "You already please me, Rose."
"No," Rose's voice had a bit of a whine to it as she traced her name on his bicep with the tip of her finger, "I mean with…with my mouth."
Seth's smile turned into a grin as he brushed her hair off her cheek, "What do you want to do with your mouth, Rosie?"
"I want to…to…you know."
"I'm not sure I know," Seth's chuckles turned into a groan as she pinched his nipple, her eyes wide when she looked up at him to whisper, "I want to suck you."
"Fuck, baby," Seth tipped her head back, his lips moving over hers, their tongues seeking the warm wetness of each other's mouths, his hand moving down to the small of her back, swallowing her moan as he pulled her into him, his erection pressed hard against her stomach.
Breaking the kiss, he took a deep breath, Rose's face flushed as she worked at catching her own breath.
Nipping her bottom lip with his teeth, he whispered with a smile as he rested his forehead against hers, "That's something I'll teach you when you're sober and less likely to hurt your favorite part of my anatomy."
"I'm sober now," Rose exclaimed, her eyes showing excitement, making him groan under his breath.
Letting out a laugh he rolled onto his back, "Alright then. Get out of bed without falling over."
"Fine."
Rose sat up, staying still for a few seconds before scooting out of bed, the floor moving on her as soon as she stood up.
Seth laughed as she crumbled to the floor, sitting up to look down at her, "You okay?"
"No, I'm not okay," Rose frowned up at him, "You tricked me –and I think I hit my head."
Getting up, he kneeled next to her, carefully feeling her head for bumps before picking her up.
"Where are we going," Rose asked as she placed her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes in hope of making the dizziness go away.
"A hot bath might help you feel better," Seth set her on the floor, holding her arms as she sank down to her knees, "I'll just set you here in case you need to throw up, okay?"
"Okay."
He shook his head, chuckling under his breath as he turned on the faucets to fill up the tub, pouring some of the bath oil she liked to use into the hot water.
"Seth."
"Yeah, baby."
A bit of silence before she asked, "Why am I staring into the toilet?"
Seth laughed as he turned off the faucets, the deep tub half-full.
Turning around, he looked down at her, smiling at the confused look on her face, "Guess you don't need to throw up, uh?"
"No," Rose shook her head, her hair rippling down her back before she looked up at him, "Leah doesn't let me have more than two drinks –she says I'm a lightweight."
"You are a lightweight," Seth helped her up to her feet, laughing as she leaned in with a conspiratorial grin, "Collin says drunk girls always put out."
Laughing, he undid the buttons of her shirt as he dipped his head to whisper against her lips, "You know who else puts out?"
Rose's eyes opened wide in honest curiosity as she asked in a breathy voice, "Who?"
"Wives," Seth chuckled at the surprised smile blooming across her face as he removed her blouse, tossing it aside before reaching for the button of her tight jeans.
Rose reached up to undo the front of her demi-bra, the tip of her tongue poking out in concentration as she struggled with the snap, finally getting it to pop open.
Shrugging the straps off her shoulders, she looked up at Seth as a question popped into her head, "Do husbands put out?"
"Oh, yeah," Seth tugged her jeans over her hips and round bottom, crouching down to slide them down her long legs, "All the time –you don't even have to get us drunk."
Rose giggled as she tried to step out of her jeans, almost falling over, Seth catching her before she hit the wall, "The floor won't stop moving."
"Now you know how it feels when I have you naked in my arms," Seth's voice was husky as he held her while she kicked out of her pants, his eyebrows lowering at the sight of her bare feet, "Rose –where are your shoes?"
She stared up at him, teeth tugging at her bottom lip as she tried to remember, her face brightening as she let out a giggle, "Tucked under the couch!"
Seth shook his head with a chuckle –he never would have guessed a drunken Rose to turn out to be funny as hell, "Rachel's couch, I assume?"
"Where else," Rose shrugged, her hair sliding over her shoulders, covering her breasts, his cock growing painfully hard as he watched her puckered nipples play hide-n-seek between the dark tresses.
"Take your panties off, Rosie."
Rose gasped, her entire body tingling the way it always did when he got that bossy tone to his voice, "What about your panties?"
He laughed at the wide-eyed look she was giving him, pupils swallowing up the color of her irises, "I don't have any panties on."
"Oh," Rose looked down at the royal blue panties she wore, studying the three little black bows that made their way down her left hip, thinking how pretty they were –she liked pretty underwear…come to think of it, so did Seth.
Trying to stifle her giggles, she hooked her thumbs into the waistband of her underwear, bending over to slide them down her long legs until they puddle at her ankles.
Straightening up, she threw her arms up in the air, exclaiming with a proud smile, "Neither do I!"
Seth laughed, reaching out to grasp her waist, keeping her from tipping back, her hands gripping his biceps, fingertips tracing the muscles as he smiled at her, "Time to get into the tub."
Keeping a hand around her waist to steady her, he held one of her hands, helping her step into the tub, his breath stopping as he watched her slowly sink into the bubbles, her hazel eyes luminous as she looked up at him with a smile full of seductive secrets, "Will you join me?"
"Of course," he kept his eyes on hers as he undid the fly of his cut-off jeans, a groan welling up in his chest as he watched her watch him, the tip of her pink tongue poking out to touch her bottom lip as he dropped his shorts, boxers following soon after.
Rose moved to the middle of the tub as he stepped in, climbing into his lap as soon as he sat down, her hands sliding over his shoulders as she dropped little kisses on his face, her words silky against his hot skin, "Does the room move when I touch you?"
Seth slid his hands up her bottom and over her slick back as she moved her thighs over his until she was straddling him, "The entire universe tilts."
Rose kissed her way down his throat, her giggles turning into a moan as he covered her breasts with his big hands, rubbing her hard nipples with the pads of his thumbs, "The universe is already at a tilt, Seth."
"You turn it upside down, then," a groan punctuated the end of his statement as she flicked her tongue over his nipple, his thumbs and forefingers tugging at hers, alternating between gentle and hard.
Rose arched her back, dragging her fingernails down his arms as she grinded down onto him, the underside of his hard cock rubbing against her clit with every tilt of her pelvis.
"You're so fucking sexy, Rose," he whispered hoarsely, watching her rub herself against him, feeling like he was going to explode at any minute.
"I want you…" Rose groaned as she looked down at him with heavy lidded eyes, the burning desire in them reflecting his, "So bad."
"Then ride me, baby," Seth slid his hands down the sides of her body, fingers spanning her small waist as he dipped his thumbs into her bellybutton, "Ride me hard and fast, just like I taught you."
Rose lifted herself up, reaching into the water to grasp his cock in her small hand, her tight fingers around the base making him groan as she slowly sank down onto him, her hot pussy –so wet and tight –pulling him in until he was buried to the hilt.
Gripping the edges of the tub, she lifted herself up then sank back down, setting a fast paced rhythm that had them both breathing fast as he explored her body with his hands, eyes never leaving her face, watching her chase her release.
Rose let out a moan, her body tens as she moved faster, her words coming out in a groan, "Seth…hay…oh! Hay vengo!"
She slammed down into him as he thrust up, exploding deep inside her as her inner muscles clamped around him, somehow prolonging his orgasm as he dug his fingers into her hips.
Throwing his head back, he let out a guttural groan, everything turning upside down then right side up before he started breathing again.
Collapsing into his arms, she let out a soft breath as he wrapped his arms around her, their bodies and souls connected in that intimate way it takes to mold two people into one.
Rose started giggling after a few seconds of silence, turning her head to rest her forehead against the side of his neck.
"What's so funny," Seth whispered as he stroked her back, his other hand cupping the back of her head.
"Everything's upside down for me too."
Second Week of July
Lian had never been shy about physically expressing his anger, so saying he was surprised at the stunt his manager had pulled on him was mild, considering Jerry knew he wouldn't hesitate to punch him in the face for this.
Shifting in his seat as she sat down in the armchair next to his, Leno grinned at them both as soon as the applause died down –smirky bastard.
"You two haven't officially met, have you," Leno tapped the papers he was holding on his desk before setting them aside, "Astounding considering the press involving you both."
"We've never met before," July smiled at Leno as she crossed those long legs of hers, tugging the cotton fabric of her red sundress –who the hell wore a sundress to a televised interview –around her thighs.
That little move of hers had him glancing sideways at her toned legs, shifting in his seat before looking over at Leno, his lips lifting into a smirk, "There was never an official introduction, although I know more than plenty about her."
"I'm right here," she turned to look at him, leaning back to rest her elbow against the arm of her chair, her red-brown curls tumbling over her arm as she angled her body to face him, "What is your problem? I can't think of anything I've done that could possibly give you a reason to be such an ass."
"It's not what you've done," Lian turned his smirk her way, looking into those sad purple eyes that seemed to be everywhere he went, "It's who you've done."
Her full lips –lush thanks to whatever lip gloss she was wearing –fell open in surprise, which didn't really help his current situation, "Excuse me?'
There was a tens edge to Leno's laugh as he jumped into the conversation, "July –I'm told you've postponed the release of your newest CD."
Lian kept his eyes on hers, seconds ticking by before she looked away to smile at Leno, "Yes, I have."
"Why?"
"I recently wrote a song –about a month or so ago –and the producer fell in love with it. She suggested halting the release of this CD so we can add it –we'll be changing the title of the CD as well."
"You'll be singing the song for us tonight, right," Leno asked as he glanced down at the papers on his desk before looking back at her.
"Of course."
All three smiled as the applause swelled, Leno glancing at his list of questions as soon as the cheers died down, "I heard you're both represented by the same label. How did that happen?"
"Miss Star seems to know the right kind of people," Lian answered, a hint of derision in his voice, "always a good thing when trying to make it big in this business –of course, tight jeans never hurt."
She turned to look at him, anger flashing in her eyes –he much preferred seeing that instead of the ever present sadness –but before she could say anything, Leno cut in.
"You write all your songs, right July?"
She took a deep breath, looking away from him to smile at Leno –it made him angry, not because she decided to ignore him but because of that maddening hint of pain in the corners of her smile, "Yes, I do. It's something I've been doing for a long time. I enjoy it immensely."
"It's something you and Lian have in common," Leno turned to look at Lian, "Although it's been a while since you've released a song of your own, hasn't it?"
Lian shifted in his seat, lifting his booted foot to rest his ankle against his jean clad thigh, "Yes, it has, but no worries. I'm working on a few songs right now –one of them I wrote for my cousin and his wife for their wedding day. We'll be releasing the CD later this year."
"In time for the Grammys, uh?"
He nodded his head, linking his fingers over his hard stomach, "That's what we're hoping…wouldn't want to make it too easy for Miss Star."
She gave him a tight smile, "I always enjoy the competition."
"Wonder what else you enjoy," he muttered under his breath, the microphone on his shirt collar not picking it up but he knew she heard him, her jaw tightening in response to the innuendo behind his words.
"July, you got your first Grammy –Best New Artist –after you released your first CD. Do you think you've got a shot for another one –maybe Record of the Year?"
"I can only hope," she uncrossed her legs, the fabric of her dress shifting with the movement –could that damn skirt be any shorter? It actually had him wondering what color her panties were –Leno nodded as he turned to look at Lian, "If I remember correctly, Lian, you got a Grammy after releasing your first CD as well, right?"
"Two of them," Lian said nonchalantly, doing his best to ignore her as she moved again but it was almost impossible, "Song of the Year along with Best New Artist."
"Right," Leno turned to smile at her, "Tell me, did you know who Lian was before you became the up and coming music star of the day?"
"I always enjoyed his music," she kept her eyes on Leno as she continued, "The band he plays with is very talented…can't deny the fact that he's a talented musician and songwriter but it never occurred to me he could also be a talented jackass."
The audience laughed, Leno letting out a nervous chuckle as Lian looked at her, arching an eyebrow as he drawled, "Takes practice, darling –being accommodating doesn't come as easy to me as it does to you."
Her face flushed as she stared at him, "What?"
"Don't play coy," Lian turned to face her, knowing he should stop but he couldn't –his anger at her may be irrational, yes, but it was still there and he had yet to figure out how to deal with it so he lashed out at her, his razor sharp words meant to cut deep, "Obviously, opening yourself up to heartbreak comes easy to you, not to mention spreading your –"
The microphone picked up the slap as her hand connected with his face, the audience gasping simultaneously as it echoed throughout the study, the shock on Leno's face revealing he had not been expecting it to go that far.
A tick at the side of Lian's jaw was the only outward sign of anger he showed as he softly asked, eyes never leaving hers, "Feel better?"
Face pale, lips tight, she took a deep breath, her throat too tight to be able to say anything so she nodded once.
Standing up, he stood before her, placing his hands on the arms of her chair as he slowly leaned forward until he was merely inches away from her face, "Good. Next time you hit me…I'll make it worth the effort."
Without waiting for her response, he moved away, walking off the set to turn the corner to the back of the stage, not looking at the audience once.
Finding an isolated corner near a viewing monitor, he leaned against the wall, closing his eyes as he rubbed his jaw, the faint metallic taste of blood making him realize she had hit him hard enough to cut the inside of his lip against his teeth.
He had been out of line –had deserve the slap to the face, no doubt.
The sound of the show coming from the monitor became background noise as he thought back to the first time he had heard her sing –goddammit, but her voice had floored him!
Listening to the CD Seth had sent, he had to constantly remind himself she was off limits –not only was she his cousin's girl but he had never liked playing second fiddle to Seth.
The rule had always been: first come, first serve –no leftovers.
Established from the moment they had discovered girls –and found out they both liked the same kind of girls.
The first time he had laid eyes on July Star –he had gone to her first concert to see if the image fit the voice. From that moment on, he had hated Seth in a way he'd never had before.
From his front row view, he could see his cousin all over her –the sadness in her eyes, the tears in her smile and the heartbreak in her songs…
And it royally pissed him off.
The loud applause from the viewing monitor broke into his dark thoughts.
Opening his eyes, he focused on the screen, watching her move towards the stage where the band was set up, people cheering and applauding when she took the microphone from its' stand, the guitarist strumming a series of chords as background to her low, smooth voice, "I wrote this song a few months ago. It's titled 'The Truth Is' and it was inspired by…"
Her voice drifted off as she lowered her eyes, staring at a spot on the floor for a few seconds.
In that moment, he could see it –he could see she was hurting and it had nothing to do with him and what had happened out there a few minutes ago.
Sometimes he wondered what it would take to wipe Seth out of her memory –rip him out of her heart.
"It was inspired," she stated without giving further explanation as the rest of the band members joined the guitarist.
The moment he heard the first few words, he knew exactly when she wrote the song and why.
A friend told me/Just the other day
You got on one knee/Popped the question/She said yes
That's why I'm calling/So happy for you
Wish you the best/Hope she's everything you're looking for
Couldn't be happier/With the way things are
You with your girl/And me on my own
And if you see the lie in my smile
Don't let it get you down
The truth is/I die a little inside
Every time I think of you
The truth is/I haven't forgotten/The way it ended
Much less the way it began
The truth is/Pushing you away/Was a big mistake
Now I wish/I had asked you to stay
Finding out this way/Your dreams coming true
It wasn't easy/I won't lie
But I smiled anyway
Prayed it would all be good for you
Started looking for that wedding gift
All the while thinking/Hoping
It would soon be me
And if you see the lie in my smile
Don't let it get you down
The truth is/I die a little inside
Every time I think of you
The truth is/I haven't forgotten/The way it ended
Much less the way it began
The truth is/Pushing you away/Was a big mistake
Now I wish/I had asked you to stay
So happy for you/Really I am
Now give me a hug/Go to your bride
Let her know/How lucky you are
Live your dreams/Love like crazy
And if you ever think of me
Send a prayer my way
And if you see the lie in my smile
Don't let it get you down
The truth is/I die a little inside
Every time I think of you
The truth is/I haven't forgotten/The way it ended
Much less the way it began
The truth is/Pushing you away/Was a big mistake
Now I wish/I had asked you to stay
Turning away from the monitor, he headed towards the dressing room that was temporarily his, his gut twisting in hot rage.
He knew he shouldn't hold it against her –a person couldn't help who the heart chose to love.
But he sure as hell could blame her for resurrecting old feelings he had long given up on.
And if you see the lie in my smile
Don't let it get you down
Don't let it get you down
