Series Title: The Kids Aren't Alright

One-shot Title: Life Support

Rated: T, over all; light T this time.

Summary for this one-shot: Liberty Van Zandt has a great life.

Disclaimer: I own no characters from the show, but I own any titles or ideas used.

Author's Note: This series is basically a bunch of one shots about the graduating class of '06 and the class of '07 three-eleven years after 2006.

April 20, 2017

Liberty Van Zandt carefully placed the folding chairs in a large circle. It was important that everyone felt comfortable enough to discuss their issues. Giving one last glance to the snack table – there was plenty of coffee and coffee cake – Liberty smiled to herself. She liked things to be perfect, especially when it came to the meetings.

"That movie was brilliant." Liberty looked over to the door of the room, Stacy White and Michael Foote were causally walking in, apparently in a deep discussion about a new movie. Stacy noticed Liberty and offered her a small wave, which Liberty returned. "Liberty, would you please tell Michael that Bloodsucking Fiends in a great popcorn flick."

Michael gave his friend a look. "You just said it was 'brilliant'."

"Same thing! Liberty, tell him."

"Haven't seen it." Liberty said with a shrug.

Stacy rolled her baby blues upward. "No taste, either of you."

Liberty and Michael exchanged an amused look before taking their seats. Stacy and her blockbusters. Soon after Liberty, Michael, and Stacy took their seats, the rest of their group began filing in. There was Cal, a poet, who read his stuff in smoky cafes and on street corners. Annie, a single mom who worked at a bank. Steve, a third grade teacher at a local prep school. And Bella, a pretty student, who was studying everything she could.

Once everyone was settled, Liberty cleared her throat to start. "I'd like to welcome everybody." She looked over at Stacy. "And I'd like to congratulate Stacy on her recent engagement." The other group members clapped, while all saying something kind to the woman. "Ben's a great guy, Stacy. He's lucky to have won you over."

Stacy let out a laugh. "I never made it easy for him."

Liberty smiled, before looking over to Cal. "And, even though this isn't that type of support group, I want to congratulate Cal on six months of being clean and sober." This was met with more claps, and a kiss on the check from Bella. Cal beamed from ear to ear. "We're all proud, Cal."

"Thanks, guys." Cal blushed lightly. "I'm...I just got tired o' all the bruises an' needles." He laughed nervously. "Plus, I kind o' want to see thirty-four."

"You will." Steve told him. "Come on," he let out a small laugh. "it's, what, a week away? We'll get you there."

"Oh, speaking of birthday's," Annie brightly started. "Lizzie had her fourth birthday party last weekend. I brought pictures." The young woman began digging through her bag. "It was such a...such a blessing to be there." As she began passing out the photo's from her daughter's birthday, Annie locked eyes with Liberty. "Seriously, thanks for coming."

"You needed the support and that's what friends do. We support one another." Liberty said with a smile. "Alright guys, I guess I'll start this week." She took a deep breath. "I've been feeling pretty down lately."

Michael gave her a hard look. "Any reason or just feeling like crap?"

Liberty couldn't help but laugh. "There's a reason. There's this high school reunion coming up; it's next month, actually. I'm determined not to go."

"Oh, but you should totally go!" Bella spoke up, cheerful as usual. "You're really lovely, Liberty. You're...I bet your old friends would love to see you."

"Bella, so young and naive. Lib's not worried about being liked." Stacy teased playfully.

"I haven't even seen anyone in years." Liberty went on. "And, I am so different. Besides, half of my high school friends wouldn't be there."

Liberty thought back to Emma, Toby, J.T., and Manny. God, it seemed like forever ago. Ten years after graduating one of them was dead, one was famous, and two were...Liberty really wasn't sure what had happened to the other two. Then, there were the others that had graduated with them, all living or not living their lives. And here she was, living a full life and not giving up. In same ways, it was poetic.

"Well, maybe I'll go. If my cell count is a little higher next month. I'm not getting sick just to go back to Degrassi."

"If you do go, take pictures." Annie told Liberty in a motherly voice.

"I want to see the famous Degrassi." Stacy added.

"And, make sure to tell them that your a fabulous psychologist." Steve added sternly. At the same time, Michael added: "Tell them you've got a hot boyfriend. And a huge house."

Liberty shook her head with a laugh. "Should I be writing all this down?"

It was then that Cal cleared his throat and spoke for the first time in minutes. "Tell your former classmates that you're livin'. Actually an' truly livin'." He reached over and took Bella's hand into his. "An' that you're teachin' others to do the same. We're all HIV positive, but we ain't cryin' in a gutter over it."

"Yes." Stacy nodded. "Cal's right, Liberty. It's because of you that I even started dating Ben." She blushed slightly. "Now, I'm getting married."

"I just...I just wanted to talk to people that knew what it was like." Liberty told them truthfully. "I'm really glad I did started this two years ago. Because, no matter how bad things seem, I know I have all of you at the end of every week."

"Aw, sweet." Bella sniffed, placing her free hand over her heart.

"Don't get sappy." Liberty warned, not kindly. "I'm just proud that, unlike a lot of people with far less dramatic issues, I'm actually living a full life."

Micheal clapped. "Here, here. All right, all right...you guys will never guess what Jerry wants for our twenty year anniversary."

"For you to get a hair piece?" Cal guessed with a smirk.

As her support group went into its usual mode of banter, laugher, and a few deep moments, Liberty couldn't stop herself from smiling. Okay, so she had had two sexual partners in her life, which had lead to a baby and HIV. That hadn't stopped her from having a life. A really good one, at that.

She had a job, a great group of friends, and a very nice relationship with a local social worker. All in all, Liberty Van Zandt had to admit that she was doing great. For the first time in her life, she was living a happy and good life.

"Oh no, Steve...please tell me you did not do that!" Liberty was shaken from her thoughts by Bella, who was now giggling.

Liberty shared a glance with Steve, who gave her a helpless shrug. "I'd say he did." Liberty stated in a matter-of-fact tone.

Liberty knew her life wouldn't last as long as she wanted, but while she had it...it would be a great life.