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: I know, it's taken me while but this past week as been insane. Good news though -I've already got the next three chapters completed. Just have to type them up and edit.

Gaby -love you girlie! Your reviews always give me confidence to continued
Inosolan -I think I missed a review from you.
Ppani -you rock! Thanks for your reviews. They're very insightful

Lette, Moani, LovingLeah, Chelsea -you are all so awesome! Keep leaving reviews.

Enjoy the chapter as you read (it might not be easy to do so, though) and remember to review!

Chapter Thirty-Five
Third Week of May
New York City

"What about a fall wedding?"

Lian tossed a nut up in the air, easily catching it before turning the page to one of Julie's wedding magazines, "Depends on where you want to have it."

They were at his apartment and although it was two in the afternoon, he was wearing sweats with a wife beater, his hair still damp from the shower he had taken with Julie.

They had plans to just lounge around, order take-out and watch a couple of movies…maybe make out a little, fool around some…

He might just get lucky again.

"A New York wedding would be nice," Julie walked into the living room, rubbing the ends of her wet hair with a towel.

"In the fall," Lian's voice was skeptical as he looked up, his dark brown eyes moving over her in appreciation –only his Julie could make an old pair of his pajama pants paired with a stretch top that left little to the imagination look sexy chic, "It gets muggy –not to mention the paparazzi will be all over it."

"Oh, right," Julie walked across the living room floor, her feet bare, toes painted a sparkly pink, "What about the reservation?"

"Makah," Lian cocked an eyebrow, grinning as she took one of his almonds, tossing it in the air and catching it as she sat down next to him, "Nice catch."

"Thanks," she tossed the towel over the back of the loveseat couch they sat on, turning sideways as she handed him the brush from the side table where she had placed it earlier, "Why not Makah?"

Lian tossed the magazine onto the coffee table, turning to sit cross legged behind her, "It really doesn't have any venues for a wedding. We'd have to use the center in La Push –that's where Rose and Seth got married. Calvary Chapel and St. Anne's in Forks have reception halls."

"Daisy and Brandon had their wedding at St. Anne's, I think," Julie let out a sigh, a delicious shiver skittering down her back as Lian brushed out the tangles in her hair, "I'd have to ask."

Lian worked the brush through the ends, the brown red tresses several inches past her waist, "What about your hometown?"

"I don't really have one," Julie lifted her knees to her chest, wrapping her arms around them as Lian began to braid her hair, "I lived in Trinity with mom and Lyn before moving to Port Angeles…my grandparents live in Los Angeles and the rest of our family is in Weihai."

"We could have the wedding in Ireland," Lian reached the end of the braid, giving it a gentle pull to tip her head back so he could look into her eyes, "I hear its beautiful in the fall."

Julie smiled, handing him the hair tie around her wrist, "That's kind of far for our family and friends, don't you think?"

Tying the end, he moved to prop his feet on the coffee table, picking up his can of nuts as Julie took one of the bridal magazines, "We could fly up immediate family –a small and intimate wedding with just parents and siblings."

"Don't forget spouses, nieces and nephew," Julie threw her legs over his, stretching to lean back against the arm of the two-person couch, "Lili asked if she could be a bridesmaid last time we called."

"Right," Lian laughed, taking the pay-per-view listings from the side table, "She wants to design all the dresses."

"I just might let her," Julie wrinkled her nose as she flipped a page, turning the magazine to show Lian, "What do you think?"

Looking up at the picture, he let out an amused snort, "You'll look like a cupcake."

"That's what I was thinking," Julie laughed as she continued looking at the wedding dresses, "Dianna suggested I cut my hair –get a new look."

"Dianna is going to be without a job if she keeps nagging," Lian's dislike for Julie's fashion consultant was obvious: the woman's insistence on mainstreaming Julie's look –suggesting punk hairstyles and minimal clothing –had her on Lian's list of people he couldn't stand…right up there with her money greedy manager Marley.

Julie shook her head with a laugh –she knew how he felt about Dianna and Marley but he never got into her business which she appreciated very much, "What about this one?"

Lian looked at the picture she held up, visibly cringing, "God, no. That's one hideous dress."

"Makes me wonder what the designer was smoking."

"Smoking," Lian scoffed, wrapping his free hand around her foot to squeeze her toes, "That one's tripping on meth. Action, comedy or romance?"

"Mhm," Julie looked up from her magazine, biting her lip for a few seconds, "Comedy."

Lian picked up the remote, turning the TV on, "I feel like Chinese. Sound good?"

"Siao Chao Wong," she asked as she reached behind her to pick up the cordless phone. At Lian's agreement, she dialed the number, giving the order soon after they answered. A few minutes later, she pushed the END button, leaning backwards over the arm of the couch to set the phone back on its base, "Forty five minutes."

Lian grabbed her around the waist, his thumb flicking her bellybutton ring as he lifted her up and onto him, stretching out on the small couch, Julie letting out a yelp of surprise.

Taking the magazine from her, he threw it onto the coffee table, "We'll look at that later. Movie's about to start."

Julie wiggled against him until she was wedged between him and the back of the couch, his broad chest serving as her pillow as she wrapped her leg around his, "Kind of a snug fit, don't you think?"

"I like it," Lian grinned down at her, reaching up to bury his fingers into her braided hair, "Let's pick a month at the least, before we get into the movie."

"Yeah, sure," Julie gave him a teasing smirk, "'Cause that's what you want to get into."

Lian burst out laughing, pressing a kiss against her forehead as he rubbed his thumb against the soft spot behind her ear, "Touché. So…how about October?"

"Of this year?"

At his nod, she looked up at him in surprise, "That gives us…five months to plan a wedding!"

"I'll hire a wedding planner to help us," he tweaked her nose, lifting his other arm to place it under his head.

"I don't know, Lian…"

"You want a fall wedding," Lian's tone of voice let her know there was no changing his mind, "And there's no way in hell I'm waiting 'til next year –I want to be able to call you Mrs. Young when the New Year comes."

Julie chuckled, biting her bottom lip as she watched the screen, the movie beginning as minutes tricked by before she spoke up, "Okay –October it is."

Lian smiled, kissing the top of her head as he pulled her closer, lifting his knee and causing her leg to slide down until it was hitched across his hips, her foot tucked under his ankle.

Sliding his hand down her arm, he slipped it under to rest against the delicate curve of her ribs under the soft swell of her breast.

They were both laughing halfway into the movie, the doorbell's ring causing Lian to look up at the time on the DVD player, "That was fast."

"Good 'cause I'm hungry," Julie sat up as Lian got off the couch, stretching her arms over her head as he moved to the desk drawer to take cash out of his wallet, "Do you want soda, beer or wine?"

Lian grinned over his shoulder at her as she stood up to move towards the kitchen, "Wine sounds good."

A brief silence followed the opening door before Lian's tight voice carried to the kitchen where Julie was getting a couple of wine glasses, the bottle already sitting on the counter as she started to search for the corkscrew, "What are you doing here?"

Leaving the corkscrew beside the bottle, she walked to the living room, purple eyes widening at the gorgeous blond standing outside the front door, a blue wrap-around dress hugging a killer body, "Come, Lian –considering I own half of your little love nest, it seems a bit rude to not invite me in, don't you think?"

Julie leaned against the back of the long couch, crossing her arms over her chest, hating how self-conscious she was feeling standing before this model wearing nothing better than old pajama bottoms and a cotton top without a bra.

"Ah, I see now," green eyes swept Julie from head to toe, a slight hint of derision present in her slightly accented English, "You have one of your…little friends over."

"Julie's my fiancée," his voice came out low and husky, Julie able to tell he was grinding his teeth, "Why are you here?"

"At least let me introduce myself to your…fiancée," she pushed her way into the apartment, Lian leaving the door opened as he walked across the foyer to stand beside Julie, his arm stretching across her back to pull her into his side as she held out a perfectly manicured hand, "I'm Camille Young."

"Cut the shit, Camille," Lian pushed her hand away before Julie could shake it, "We weren't married long enough for you to take my name."

"A pity," Camille gave him a sweet smile, the knot in Julie's stomach turning into acid –this woman was a world class bitch, "It has such a nice ring to it. You're…July Star, right?"

A tick at the side of her jaw was the only outright sign of the growing anger inside her –she wanted to slap the smirk off her perfectly made up face, "Yes, I am. You're Julian's ex-wife, correct?"

"Julian," she let out a soft chuckle, reaching up to tuck a curl behind her ear, diamond earrings dangling from the lobes, "How sweet. So he told you about me?"

"Oh yes," Julie gave her a smile worth its gold in bitchiness, a taunting look in her purple eyes as she gave Camille the same head to toe dismissing sweep she had received, "He told me all about you."

Camille's mouth tightened, anger and something much darker flashing in her green eyes before she blinked it away, turning to give Lian a soft smile, "I meant to send you a congratulatory note on your engagement."

"Don't bother," Lian moved his arm to grip Julie's hip, able to feel the tension running through her slender body –hell, if his bitch of an ex-wife had come after they'd tucked into the bottle of wine, his fiancée would have probably hauled off and smacked her by now, "Why are you here?"

"Now, Lian, don't be like that," she gave him a pretty pout but when he just stared at her, she shifted her Channel purse from her forearm up to her shoulder, "Gilbert told me you're selling the house in White Plains."

"Yes, I am," Lian crossed his ankles, Julie feeling the tension radiating from him, his body so tight against hers she could feel his muscles trembling slightly, "I'm sure he also told you the check for your half will be in your bank account, just like always, so why are you here?"

"You didn't bother to call and tell me," Camille's voice carried a hint of hurt, Julie and Lian both narrowing their eyes as she looked at him with wide green eyes oozing of sincerity, "What if I don't want to sell? It has sentimental value…it was supposed to be our first home."

"It has no value for me," Lian's voice was flat, his words harsh, "You only get half of my money, not my properties. As we both know, the house is in my name which means I own it and I alone make the decision to sell –then you get your half."

Camille's eyes dropped to her expensive shoes, a few seconds ticking by before she gave him a pleading look, "I'd like to take some of the things –"

"Take whatever the fuck you want," Lian let go of Julie, pushing away from the couch to move towards the opened front door, "Take everything for all I care."

"Gilbert advised me you be there," Camille didn't move from where she was, ignoring Julie as she kept her eyes on Lian, hating the obvious fact she no longer had any hold on him, "So you won't accuse me of cheating you."

Lian's chuckle was dark, mocking in its' nature as he held the door, "Camille –it's too late for that. Now leave."

Julie was studying her profile, she the way her jaw tightened briefly before she fully turned to face Lian, "I'm afraid I have to insist –you can have John meet you there although Gilbert has already called him –they're both in agreement that your presence is necessary."

Even from where she stood, Julie could see the tick on the side of Lian's squared jaw, her gut twisting in rage –this woman was hell bent on making him miserable.

Shutting the door with a little more force than necessary, he moved across the foyer, grabbing Julie's hand and pulling her with him down the hall to the master bedroom, the door closing behind them to give them needed privacy.

He dropped her hand, moving to sit at the foot of the bed as he let out a heavy sigh, "I have a bad feeling about this, Julie."

Going to him, she framed his face and tipped it back to look into his dark eyes, "Call John –verify what she's saying and ask him what would be best."

Closing his eyes, he wrapped his arms around her hips, pulling her between his legs before burying his face into her stomach, his words muffled, "If the press sees us…it'll get really nasty."

"I'll know the truth, Julian," she wrapped her arms around his head, curving her body over his, wishing it were that simple to protect him from the outside world, "It'll be nothing but rumors."

Julian let out a deep sigh, his fingers digging slightly into her waist before relaxing, "Call John while I get dressed –tell him what's going on."

Kissing the top of his head, she moved around the bed to pick up his cell phone, scrolling through the numbers, taking a few seconds before she found the number to Lian's lawyer.

Sitting on the bed, she leaned against the headboard, watching as he changed into worn jeans and a gray t-shirt that fit him like a second skin.

God, she still couldn't get over how gorgeous he was –tall with long, lean muscles, copper hued skin and not a single ounce of fat anywhere in sight –just the simple task of him dressing had her heart beating fast.

As soon as the receptionist answered, she gave her name, agreeing to be placed on hold.

A couple of minutes passed as she watched Lian putting on socks –it might sound silly, but the man had really sexy feet.

"Julie! It's good to hear from you."

John's voice snapped her back to the situation at hand, "I wish it were under better circumstances."

"What's going on? Lian okay?"

Julie smiled –he wasn't just Lian's lawyer but one of his closest friends and she was glad he stood on her man's corner. Explaining the situation, she scooted across the bed as soon as Lian sat down at the end, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his thighs as he buried his fingers in his hair.

She wrapped her free arm around his chest, pressing her front to his back as she set her chin on his shoulder.

"She's a piece of work, uh," John's dislike for the woman was obvious in his voice, Lian able to hear every word, "I wish I could tell you she's lying but her lawyer did call this morning to let me know she was in the States –although it's not absolutely necessary for Lian to be there, it would be preferable."

Julie pressed a kiss against the back of his neck as he took the phone from her, "I'm going to be heading out in a few minutes –will you meet us there?"

"Are you bringing Julie?"

"No," Lian lifted her hand from his chest, his thumb rubbing the silver band on her ring finger before he pressed a kiss against her knuckles, "Knowing Camille, it's bound to get nasty."

"Tell Julie I'll look after you."

"He better," Julie whispered, pressing a row of small wet kisses along the exposed skin of his neck, John laughing as Lian repeated what she'd said.

"Alright…see you there in an hour."

Ending the call, he tossed the phone on the bed as he turned, hauling Julie into his arms, her mouth blooming open under his demanding lips, her fingers fisted in his hair as he slid his hands into her pajama pants, squeezing her ass as he pulled her into him until she straddled his thigh.

Pushing her back onto the bed, he slid his hands up under her shirt, cupping her bare breasts as he nipped at her bottom lip, her hips rising and falling as she rubbed herself against his hard thigh.

Several minutes passed, Julie swallowing back a moan as he sucked her neck, his breathing harsh as he kissed her swollen lips, the whisper cool against her heated flesh, "We'll finish this when I get back."

Julie looked up into his nearly black eyes, her entire body humming as she caressed the side of his face before giving him a smile, "I'm holding you to that."


The silence was heavy, the 1966 Thunderbird Ford eating up the miles as he drove I-87 North, Camille in the passenger seat –she had insisted on riding with him, telling him how ridiculous it was for her to get a cab when they were going to the same place.

"She seems like a sweet girl…"

Lian gave her a quick glance, not saying anything –it's not like she didn't know he required complete silence when driving.

He was able to multi-task in most areas but when it came to driving, he needed total concentration which meant no music or conversations when he was behind the wheel.

"She knows about the marriage clause, right?"

His jaw tightened, eyes checking the rearview mirror before looking straight ahead, not needing to explain his relationship with Julie to her.

Camille looked over at him, the sunglasses she wore hiding the look of contempt she gave him.

Looking out the window, she let several minutes of silence pass before leaning forward to turn on the radio.

Lian jerked the wheel slightly at the sudden blaring music coming from the speakers, "What the hell are you doing?"

He turned the knob, the music cutting off, his hand shaking slightly as he placed it back on the wheel.

"Still can't drive and listen to music, uh," Camille taunted him, her fingernails drumming against the side door.

His eyes flickered to her hand before looking ahead, his voice coming out in a growl, "Stop that."

"I'm sorry," Camille tilted her head to the side, the afternoon sun streaming through the window to slant across her face, "Does that bother you?"

"You know it does," he forced the words past his teeth, changing lanes to pass through the pre-paid toll lane.

"Mhm," Camille looked out the window, several quiet minutes passing before she turned to look at him, "Can she handle the silence?"

Slowing down as he took a curve, he returned to the right lane, not bothering to answer –Julie, in fact, could handle the silence. It was one of the many things he loved about her –she could live with her own thoughts unlike Camille.

Camille cocked an eyebrow, turning her face away from him for a few seconds before turning back, watching him as he drove, following the next bend of the highway before she leaned forward, her fingers turning the know of the radio, "I think now's a good time to break you of this habit."

"What the fuck is your problem," Lian pushed her hand away turning the knob, his anger rising as she turned it back on, "Stop fucking around, Camille."

He didn't realize it until it was too late –the speed had crept up fifteen miles over the limit as he fought with Camille, the next bend of the highway coming fast as the vintage car drifted onto the opposite lane.

Looking up, he jerked the wheel to get back on his lane, slamming on the brakes, the smell of burnt rubber heavy in the air as he hit the railing, the screech of metal high pitched as it gave away, the car rolling down hill several times before slamming to a stop against a thick trunked tree.

The last thought flitting through his mind before everything when black was of his Julie waiting for him to return.


Four Days Later

The strong smell of antiseptic woke him up, his body one huge aching pain.

Staying still, he listened to the steady beeping of a machine, trying to figure out where he was…

He turned his head slightly, a weight on his left arm having him close his fingers, jerking slightly as he realized someone's hand was holding his.

He turned his head again, the swimming pain making him nauseous as he wondered why they were keeping the room pitch black.

His mouth was so dry no words came out as he tried to speak. Running his tongue over his chapped lips, he tried again, "W-water."

He felt his left arm jerk, a soft hand touching his face, the pain making him flinch, "Julian –Oh, thank God, you're awake."

"W-water," he licked his dry lips again, his hand dropping to the bed as she let go of it, the sound of water pouring making him even thirstier.

"Here," she slid her arm under his shoulders, his head resting on her shoulder as she placed the cup against his lips, "Take it slow, baby."

He took a couple of swallows, exhaustion swamping him as he turned away from the cup, whispering right before he slipped back into unconsciousness, "Turn the light on."

Julie set him down on the pillows, placing the cup on the side table before sitting on the edge of her chair, her bottom lip firmly tucked between her teeth as she looked around the brightly lit room.

Her heart lurched painfully as she fought back tears, reaching up to gently touch his bruised face before taking his hand in hers.

His eyes had been wide open...

...his eyes were open, he knew they were but just to make sure, he reached up to touch his fingertips to them, feeling his eyelashes as he blinked.

Moving his hand away, he waved it before his face but couldn't see it –why were they keeping the room so dark?

Turning his head to the side, he closed his eyes, feeling so tired as the murmur of voices outside his door grew in volume.

Where was Julie?

He needed to know what was going on, why the room had to be kept dark.

He wiggled his toes, reached up to touch his head, letting out a groan at the sudden pain bursting in his head.

The door opened, light footsteps followed by what sounded like drums before he felt a soft hand slip into his, "Are you okay?"

He nodded, turning his head towards her voice –that low smooth timbre was the only constant thing for him at this moment, "I think I pulled my IV."

"I'll have the nurse fix it."

The heart monitor beeped as his heart sped up, turning his head towards the strange voice, "Who is that?"

"This is Dr. Rich," Julie touched his forehead, her breath brushing his face as she whispered; "He's looking after you."

Lian nodded, hoping he could finally get some answers, "Why is the room so dark?"

Silence was all he heard before the doctor's heavy New York accent made his heart jump, "What do you remember, Mr. Young?"

Lian turned his head, Julie's fingers stroking his cheek as he struggled to recall, "I was…driving, I think…there was someone with me?"

"Do you know Camille Sloan?"

Lian lowered his eyebrows, grimacing in pain –it felt like his face was one huge bruise, "She's…she's my ex-wife…she was with me…why?"

Julie couldn't take it anymore even though she knew the doctor wanted Lian to answer, her hand squeezing his as he moved his thumb over the cool metal of her engagement ring, "You were going to White Plains –to the house you were selling."

Lian closed his eyes, feeling so tired as he slowly nodded, "Right…she kept turning on the radio…I didn't notice…I was going fast…I lost control of the car…then everything went black."

"You drove off a bend, the guard railings gave way," the doctor shared the information the cops had given him, "Your car rolled down hill several times before hitting a tree. Your forehead hit the steering wheel right before the airbags disengaged."

Lian let out a heavy breath, "That's why my face hurts."

"You're a bit bruised," he could hear a smile on Julie's voice, felt her lips brush his temple as she stroked her fingers down his jaw, "It'll go away."

"Why is the room so dark?"

The silence following what he thought to be a simple question increased his anxiety, the heart monitor beeping like crazy before the doctor answered, "You suffered a head injury, Mr. Young. Due to the impact with your steering wheel, not to mention the airbag, your brain swelled. You've been in a coma for the past four days –the swelling's gone down but…"

He heard Julie sniff, felt a tear land on his cheek, his fingers tightening around hers as he asked, "But what?"

"It seems your vision's been affected –whether it's temporary or not, we're not yet sure."

"Affected? What does that mean?"

"Mr. Young," he paused, compassion in his voice as he gently explained, "The reason the room is dark is because you can't see…you're blind, Mr. Young."


Two Days Later

Lian sat still, his chair facing the window –the only reason he knew was because Julie had told him before leaving to get him something to eat.

Well, that and the fact he could feel the sun warm against his face.

He wasn't yet sure…how to react.

The past two days had been a fog; his pain medication combined with the exhaustion had kept him from thinking too much about his situation.

But now…if it weren't for Julie, he'd be well on his way into depression…instead, he was dragging her down with him despite her fighting hard to keep his spirits up.

What was he supposed to do without his sight? He couldn't write music, read music…he couldn't look into Julie's beautiful eyes and see her love for him.

Dragging his hand through his hair, he let out a sigh, closing his eyes even though it didn't matter –the damn CAT scan showed bruising to the occipital lobe of his brain but no one, not his primary doctor or the neurologist, could tell him for certain whether this was temporary.

"I'm back," Julie's voice snapped him out of his dark thoughts, a slight twinge in his neck making him grimace in discomfort as he listened to her moving around the room, setting things down, "I brought you a hamburger, onion rings and a milkshake."

His mouth tilted into a small smile, "Strawberry?"

"Of course," her voice moved closer, the feel of her lips touching his cheek startling him a bit, "They were serving mystery meat in the cafeteria today."

"I wonder what the mystery is," he reached up, his fingers bumping her chin before she leaned her face into his hand, his thumb moving over her cheekbone as she whispered conspiratorially, "Probably that it's not meat."

Lian's chuckle was brief and lacked its usual mirth, the silence stretching as she moved the side table towards his chair, his voice low, "This isn't fair to you, Julie."

"What's not fair?"

"We don't know how long this is going to last –you deserve a man who can –"

Her fingers against his lips stopped his words, his arms wrapping around her automatically when she sat on his lap, "What I deserve…is a man that loves me the way you do. I told you I would never let you go –and I won't, even if you think it would be best for me."

He closed his eyes, sharp relief flooding him as he lowered his head onto her shoulder, "Don't…don't let me go –no matter how stupid I get."

Kissing the top of his head, she rubbed the back of his neck as she whispered into his ear, "Never, Julian. You're stuck with me."

They sat there in silence, holding each other as time passed by, the sound of the hospital outside their door background music to the rhythm of their beating hearts.

"Julie…"

"Yes baby."

He lifted his head, looking at her face even though he couldn't see it…but he remembered every single detail down to the faint freckle near the corner of her mouth, "I want to go home."

"Doctor Rich said he'll be able to discharge you tomorrow. I've pretty much packed up my apartment and moved into yours –"

"No," he shook his head, letting out a tired sigh, his head dropping back onto her shoulder as he softly whispered, "I want to go home –to Washington."

The silence lasted a couple of seconds, "Okay."

"Come with me."

He felt her lips against his forehead, her fingers moving through his hair, "Where you go I go –remember?"