Different

Chapter Fifteen: Get Your Girl Part II

Notes: Ha ha ha, did anyone see that coming? In other news, this chapter was brought back to life by Cute Is What We Aim For. Must I need more reasons to love Shaant?

Amanda snarled, "Don't think this is over, bitch! You'll be dead before you know it!"

They stalked upstairs and slammed the door behind them.

Gar let me go and I ran as far as I could.

"Raven!" Gar called after me.

"Uh, back to the music!" Jo stammered.

A long, long time ago, I can still remember

"Raven!" I heard Gar cry as soon as I dashed into the walk-in closet door.

I found myself face to face with a mouthful of minx fur. I cursed myself for being so stupid as to run into a closet, since Gar could follow me in here anyway.

"Raven!" Gar made an attempt to drag me out of the closet, but I planted my feet like a stubborn mule.

"No, Gar! I'm not coming out of here yet!" I nearly shouted, closing the door behind him.

"Raven, we're in a closet." Gar said slowly to me, as if I was stupid.

"I know that," I snapped, angry and upset all at once.

"Hey, Rae…"

"How many times…" I started to sigh, but then I just gave up and slumped against the door.

"Raven, listen to me, we'll take care of it." Gar murmured, sticking his hands in his pockets. "Vic and Rich and Kori and I will get this all straightened out."

"But I don't want it straightened out," I felt my eyes start to well up and I wished I had opted for waterproof mascara, "I want it to stop."

Gar raised his eyebrows at me, motioning me to elaborate.

"They make my life a living hell. Terra- she- accusations about you and calling me up… Amanda and the eggs and my house and the rat in my locker and Kitten and her threats…" I blabbered uselessly, peering up at Gar. I started to wish he would put me out of my misery.

I sniffed back tears. "Why today? Why make this day any worse?" I looked up at Gar with questioning eyes. "Why me? Am I that different or something?"

Gar's eyes softened. "You are different in a good way. And that's what I lo-" He cut himself off, embarrassed. "Anyway, Jo caught the entire conversation on tape. They've got all kinds of accusations against them, don't you know? The cops will be able to do something about this."

"But will they stop? This is hurting me and especially Kori and all of you guys out there. Sometimes I wish-" I stopped myself.

"What, Rae?" Gar asked gently.

"Sometimes I wish I had never been born." A few tears spilled down my cheeks, and I dropped my head, looking anywhere but Gar's face.

Gar lifted my chin and wiped my tears away. "Don't cry, Raven. But… why do you feel that way?"

I closed my eyes. "I don't know why." I could feel the sobs start to build in my chest and I took a shaky breath.

The next thing I knew Gar had wrapped me up in his arms. "We'll fix this," He murmured into my hair. "We'll fix all of it, not just this Terra-Amanda-Kitten thing. We'll get rid of Slade and your father… and… and…" Gar trailed off, embarrassed.

I hugged Gar back. "Thanks," I whispered.

Gar released me just enough so our faces were less than a foot away. Our gazes met and for the second time tonight, I was short of breath. Gar's arms tightened around my waist.

"You are…" Gar began, his breath tickling my face, "The most amazing person I've ever met."

I opened my mouth to say something, but we both saw the doorknob turn.

"We're still in the closet," I said.

I gave Gar another hug as the door opened.

"Friend Raven, are you alright?" Kori asked, looking at me with concern for once.

I nodded. "Gar took care of me."

Gar's arm found its way around my shoulders. "We're going to take care of this."

Vic nodded, his jaw still tightened. "No one should have to go through this. But since it's your birthday, I'm going to shut up about it."

My heart clanging in my chest, I said, "I have some things to tell you after this party, too…"

I could feel Gar's gaze burning holes in my head.

As soon as I stepped out of the closet everyone kept shooting me looks, but continued to dance to the end of American Pie. It took me about a half an hour, but I gave in and started to dance, a little self-consciously, to some old Green Day song.

Kori came up to me, her hand in Rich's. I glanced up at her.

"Raven, you are my best friend. We are going to do something about this." Kori's eyes were hardened over. "My sister has gone too far."

I lowered my gaze. "Thanks, Kori."

Kori suddenly hugged me. "But tonight, friend Raven, is your birthday. So happy birthday."

After a few more songs had passed, Jo decided that it would be time for Gar to get his guitar.

"We'll be back in a few minutes with live entertainment…" Jo said, rummaging around for something, "In the meantime, here's a familiar song for you guys…"

Soon the start of a Fall Out Boy song came through the speakers. A few people cheered and went right back to dancing.

Am I more than you bargained for yet?

Oh, I've been dying to tell you anything you want to hear

'Cuz that's just who I am this week

Gar motioned for me to follow him. I walked quickly to catch up with him, as he went into the back room.

I shut the door behind us, the sound of the chorus slightly muffled.

I looked at Gar. "Yeah?"

"This," Gar said, "Is the second-most important thing in my life. Well, it used to be first-most, but now it's second-most."

"What's first-most important now?" I asked, merely curious.

Gar only looked at me. "Um…" He said, now embarrassed, "Something… important… to me?" He ended on a question.

I shrugged. "Whatever."

"Yeah, Gar said nervously, "Whatever."

Gar balanced his guitar on his lap and pulled out a tuner, tuning each string.

I watched him with interest, thinking to myself how great it would be if I had a guitarist as a boyfriend- especially if he was Gar.

Gar caught me looking. "Penny for your thoughts."

I jerked up, my face flushing, "What?"

A smile spread across Gar's face as he strummed a few chords, "I said, a penny for your thoughts."

I smiled back at him. "Ah, it was… wow, I can't remember!" I giggled nervously, hoping he'd just take the hint and leave me alone.

Gar shrugged. "Alright,"

Gar held the door open for me. "After you."

I nodded, "Thanks."

Gar grinned, "Anytime."

The Fall Out Boy song was ending just as we walked up to Jo's DJ table.

"Hey, sis, I'm ready."

"Mmmhmmm." Jo said absentmindedly, gazing at some boy. "Yeah, okay."

She turned to us and motioned behind her. "Two microphones, a stool, just like you asked for."

"Thanks a million." Gar said.

"Do you want me to help you?"

Gar considered this for a moment. "Nah. I'll be fine by myself. Go see how Rich and Kori are doing."

I nodded. "See ya later."

"Not much later!" Gar called after me.

I went over to Rich and Kori, who were dancing with the stars in their eyes.

"So how are things?"

"Fantastic," Rich said, never looking away from Kori's face, "Utterly fantastic."

"Yes," she agreed, "Fantastic."

"Okay, then," I turned around and went to find Vic.

I finally found him hanging by the stairs.

"Hey." I said, The Who blaring out of the speakers.

Vic looked back at me. "Hey yourself."

"So, how are you?"

"You know, it's a dance. My feet are sore." Vic shrugged. "So how are you?"

"Fine, you know, that whole Amanda-Kitten-Terra thing aside." I shrugged. "But anyway, Gar's taking care of it."

Vic gave me a look I couldn't fathom. "He cares a lot about you, you know?" Vic put a certain emphasis some words.

"Really?" I asked.

"Oh," Vic's voice suddenly got very sarcastic. "He opens doors for you. He tries real hard to make you laugh. He does what you say. He dances with you. He plays his guitar for you. He lets you cry on his shoulder," Vic turned to face me, "Yeah, he cares about you a lot."

My gaze flickered from Vic's face to the back of Gar's head, across the basement.

"I know you're in love with him."

I choked. "What? I so am not! What gives you that idea?"

Vic just gave me a completely withering look. "A, your denial. B, the way you look at him. C, the way you let him get away with calling you Rae. Do you need any more reasons?"

"No," I said grudgingly. "Fine, you got me. But what good is that going to do? He doesn't feel the same way about me."

My voice caught on the last sentence.

Vic just looked at me again and sighed exasperatedly. "Listen Rae, why don't you take a chance?"

"No." I answered vehemently.

Vic looked irritated. "Why not?" He demanded.

I dropped my gaze to the floor. "Well, I value his friendship very much. And since he doesn't feel the same way about me, he's going to get all freaked out and stop talking to me, which I'm not going to be able to deal with since I'm in love with him, as you say, and it will kill me inside and I'll still be in love with him." I took a huge breath. "That's why."

Vic shook his head. "You are ridiculous, girl."

An offended snort came out of my mouth.

"But that's what we all love about you, Raven." Vic smiled. "Happy Birthday."

Jo stopped the music. "Hello?"

There were a few groans and a few requests to put the music back on. Jo scowled.

"Shut up and listen up. We've got Gar here, with his guitar, and he's gonna sing a few songs."

Gar just waved from the bar stool.

Jo dragged the mic stand over to Gar. Gar leaned into it. "This one is pretty self-explanatory…"

"Happy Birthday…"

I groaned. But everyone else joined in.

"Happy Birthday to Raaaaaaaaaven, happy birthday to you."

I covered my face. "Did you really have to?"

Gar grinned. "Yes, I had to… now, for one of my favorite songs…"

Gar launched into a progression of chords that sounded a little southern. Gar sang a Johnny Cash song, called Ring of Fire. While he lacked the southern twang, he actually sang quite nice…

That, and his eyes never left mine.

Cheers broke out as he finished the song. Gar grinned and leaned into the microphone again. "Do you want one more song?"

"Yes!" I shouted, and my reply was echoed among the other people.

Gar grinned. "Awesome."

And then he started to play.

Jo's eyes grew wide. "I know this song!" She whispered and turned to me, "He started working on it the first day you came to our house!"

I turned red and decided to look at Gar as he opened his mouth to sing.

"The first time I heard it

I thought I was dreaming

An unvoiced call for help

Hiding from the April rain

I found the girl who needed saving

And as those eyes held me captive

I knew my life was going to change…"

Gar's eyes found mine and he grinned. I felt suddenly breathless and waved back.

"You are my fallen little bird

My beautiful dark angel

And you sing your broken song

The haunting raven call

I see your pain-filled eyes

Why do you refuse to see I care?"

A murmur went thorough the crowd and I found myself unable to turn away from this melody.

"Walking through the hallways

And taking the wrong routes

Only to find

That you are standing there

Looking so sad

Who are you mourning?

Why won't you open up to me?

And pour out your regret…"

Gar returned to the chorus.

"You are my fallen little bird

My beautiful dark angel

And you sing your broken song

The haunting raven call

I see your pain-filled eyes

Why do you refuse to see I care?

Because I'd do so much for you..."

I became aware that Vic was staring at me. I tried to ignore him as Gar went into the last verse.

"Let someone else be strong for once

I'll let you know I care

In the shadow of your eyes

I shall sing this anthem

The anthem of my raven's call…"

"You are my fallen little bird

My beautiful dark angel

And you sing your broken song

The haunting raven call

I see you pain-filled eyes

Why do you refuse to see I care?"

Gar looked up at me and smiled, finishing,

"Just thought I'd let you know I love you..."

The crowd broke into cheers and whoops. Gar grinned sheepishly as he handed the microphone back to Jo.

"Yes that's Gar, with his song. He won't admit it but he's looking for a band… anyone interested?"

There were more cheers and a couple of 'hell yeses'. Jo grinned, "Alright, back to the music now."

I've been driving for an hour, just talking to the rain

I ran up to Gar. "You're great."

"Really?" Gar sheepishly rubbed the back of his head, "Thanks."

I smiled back at him. "You're welcome."

"Well," Gar shifted from foot to foot, "I'm gonna go put this away. See ya in a few."

"Yeah, see ya." I then turned around to face Vic. "What?" I demanded.

"You. Are. So. Busted." He enunciated slowly, "And you two make me sick. Get over yourselves, please. I'm going into a diabetic coma between you two and our recent lovebirds over here."

"Agreed, Vic," Kori added in, "You must tell Gar. Tonight."

"But…" I squeaked, "He doesn't… feel… the same… way?" I finished lamely, knowing that no one would buy the excuse.

"You are so dense," Vic said, disgusted. "That song was about you."

You say I've been keeping you crazy, and it's keeping you away

So just give me one good reason, tell me why I should stay

"Huh?" Was my intelligent response, "What do you mean?"

Rich rolled his eyes at me. "The raven's call," he quoted. "Do we have to be more obvious than that?"

I laughed nervously as Gar came strolling back to us.

"I'm, um, gonna get a drink…" I trailed off, spinning out of Gar's reach.

Once safely away I breathed a sigh of relief, my heart still pounding.

So, okay, the song was about me. A thrill went through me. Cool, I'd always wanted a song written about me…

I shook my head as if I wanted to clear my head of these thoughts. Without looking, I grabbed a cup off the table and threw it back like a shot.

The water helped me think a little clearer. I looked over to where I had abandoned my friends and saw they were grilling Gar, who was turning one shade of red after another.

Even in the dark I could see Vic rolling his eyes. Kori was gesturing with her free hand, her other entwined with Rich's. Rich was shaking his head.

Something dawned on me. I loved my friends.

They were always there for me. They had befriended my hard, sarcastic, shy, lonely self, and now they had turned me into a confident, functioning, sane, but still sarcastic, teenager.

And we had done so much for each other. We took the awkwardness out of Kori and turned in into something endearing. We took Vic's loving abuse and gave it as good as we got. We befriended Rich's lonely rich boy exterior and discovered an amazing person underneath.

Another shudder passed through me. I had been so ready to end it all, to just end my life. Escape everything, forget this life. But now I was so glad I hadn't. I had my friends, friends I was sure I'd keep for life. We would stick by each other through thick and thin.

That thought in my mind, I marched back to them.

I walked over and gave everyone a hug. "I love you guys," I said without thinking.

"Aww, how sweet. We love you too, you emo-gothic-purple-haired-sarcastic-but-entirely-loveable girl," Vic finished with a flourish. "But, what brought this on?"

I shrugged. "It just came to me as I was getting a drink. You guys are the best friends I've ever had."

Gar threw an arm around my shoulder. "We feel the same way, Raven." He kissed my cheek quickly.

I broke out immediately in a blush. Vic smirked.

"Okay, mister, you've reach your smirk quota for the night." Kori admonished, "Come on, Rich, let's go dance."

I turned to Gar. "Yeah, thanks. I really liked the song."

He smiled back. "Glad you did."

We continued to smile at each other until Vic cried, "I can't take it! You two make me sick!"

He stalked off.

"What's his problem?" I asked.

"Who knows?" Gar answered. "Come on now, it's present time."

I blushed for the thousandth time tonight. "Aww, come on, you didn't have to…"

"Yeah, well we wanted to." Gar answered nonchalantly. He pulled out a chair in front of me. "Sit," He commanded.

I obeyed.

Five presents appeared before me.

Jo got everyone's attention with microphone feedback. "Present time!" she called out. She picked up a different CD and popped it in.

The Offspring floated through the speakers.

Give it to me baby…

I picked up the longest one first.

To Raven, love all of your friends (and Jo). It said.

"Thanks," I called out, and unwrapped it carefully. An Evanescence poster came out of the wrapping.

"Thanks again," I called out, pleased. I had wanted this one for months.

"You're welcome," Jo smiled.

I picked up Vic's next. Vic had gotten me a book, The She, and a B&N giftcard.

"You definitely know me," I answered as I flipped the book over to read the back cover.

I set that aside and picked up Rich's, who had given me earrings from Hot Topic and a giftcard to boot.

"Thanks."

"Kori helped," Rich laughed sheepishly.

Kori got me a Paramore CD and a t-shirt. "Have I mentioned lately I love you guys?" I called out.

"Yeah, about ten minutes ago," Vic answered back.

I opened Gar's last.

Inside it was a box with a receipt. I looked at him questioningly.

"Read it." He urged.

I nodded… "Payment payable to… blah blah blah… August 3, Family Values Tour featuring Korn and EVANESCENCE!" I finished, shouting.

"You didn't!" I cried, turning to face him.

"I did," Gar just smiled.

I flung myself out of the chair and threw myself on him. "I… love… you. Seriously. You are the most perfect friend!"

Gar laughed, "Don't let Kori hear you say that. She'll get jealous."

I laughed back.

I'll keep you my dirty little secret

Don't tell anyone or you'll be just another regret

Just another regret, my dirty little secret

Who has to know...

I danced around to the last song. My birthday, while it had started out horribly, was ending on a high note.

Gar twirled me around. "Be sure to tell Jo thanks," I said.

"Of course," He nodded, and pulled me into himself.

The breath whooshed out of me as I found myself staring into his impossibly green eyes.

"Raven," he started, his breath short too, "I want to tell you but I can't-"

Someone bumped into me from the side and I was torn from Gar's grip.

Gar rolled his eyes, frustrated, and with a little bit of violence that surprised me, he pulled me right back into himself. Then he sighed exasperatedly…

… and kissed me.

�

Cliff hanger! -dives out of the way of rabid fans-

�