Part IX

9:03PM

She leaned on the doorframe for support. Her knees seemed to have lost their strength because she could barely stand up. Her lips would not move, unable to utter anything.

She wasn't really the type to cry publicly.

But Alex Kelly felt her tears falling.

Her eyes kept staring on her drunken best friend.

She felt her heart constrict. Alex didn't know Kaitlin was in constant pain. She didn't know she was the reason for such pain. High school was about to end in a few days, but Alex Kelly found herself wanting to turn back time.

A hand was placed on her shoulder making her turn.

"Sorry Alex, Anna wanted to…" Marissa's voice died when she noticed tears on the blonde's cheeks.

Looking over Alex's shoulder, her green eyes darted towards her little sister. She saw her fragile little sister sitting on the floor, crying. The younger Cooper was also drunk. Her cheeks were so red Marissa could not be convinced otherwise.

"What happened here? Where's Atwood?" She walked over to her little sister bending to cup the crying girl's cheek.

She let out a small smile before glaring at her sister's boyfriend.

"You! What did you do to her?" She shouted with obvious fury.

Most of the people who were an earshot were so scared of this type of Marissa Cooper. They gradually dispersed out of the room.

Johnny remained mute.

He heard everything. And apparently Marissa was a little late to hear Kaitlin's confession. He watched as Marissa Cooper stood up. He felt her strength as she pushed him against the wall.

Johnny didn't say anything. He didn't know what to say.

Seth, Summer and Jodie didn't speak out either. It was too complicated.

Unsatisfied, Marissa walked out of the house in search for answers. She looked for the blonde boy who threw the party. The blonde boy named Ryan who allowed her little sister to get seriously drunk.

As she left, Alex finally found her strength. She walked over to her crying best friend, took her hand and forced her to stand up. Alex led Kaitlin to the kitchen. Everyone else in the room just watched them go in silence.

Though still in tears, Kaitlin allowed herself to be lifted by Alex onto the counter. The other blonde took a handkerchief from her pocket and gently wiped her tears. Kaitlin watched, feeling ashamed. This wasn't how things were supposed to be.

The silence was unbearable.

Alex's attention was making her uneasy. Kaitlin began to cry once more.

"Hey… Hey…" Alex placed a kiss on Kaitlin's forehead.

The younger blonde whimpered and then settled her head on Alex's shoulder as she was pulled into a hug.

"You didn't have to be brave Kaitlin. You're too young for this kind of pain… You don't have to do this alone…"

Facing the love of her life, Kaitlin just let out a small smile.

"You sent me the letter…"

A small nod was all it took.

"Then we have a lot to talk about…" Alex smiled back.

"How was your date?" Kaitlin asked out of the blue.

"I'll answer your question when we sort things out. Not now. You already have enough in your plate." Alex kissed her forehead again.

They both just smiled in silence.

10:00PM

Summer checked her watch then let out a heavy sigh. Though she felt a little relieved, she knew there were still things to discuss, especially with her best friend.

"Cohen, get Marissa. We're all going home."

Jodie, Taylor, and Seth understood. This was going to be a long day.

10:05PM

"Atwood! You ass! Why did you let my sister get drunk? This was supposed to be a house party not a frat party!" Marissa was no pinning the boy against the tree.

Onlookers just gave her space. No one wants to be in the path of hurricane Marissa.

"Look, I just wanted to ask her a few questions. That's all. I Gave her a can and the rest I don't know. You can't blame me for that. She drank all by herself."

"She's a minor you good for nothing… Ugh!" She pushed him one last time then turned around.

"I just wanted to get you back Marissa. I didn't want to believe that you were out on a date with Kelly. I mean you're not a…"

That was all it took. Marissa Cooper came charging slapping him across his face.

"Know what? You don't have to put labels Atwood. I was on a date with Alex Kelly. Yes Ryan, a date. It was a date that I actually enjoyed. Now, the people here can hear me. And whatever they seem to say about it, I don't really care. They're not the ones doing the relationship, Ryan. I am. You don't see me butting in with their love life have you? So why don't you grow up Ryan. It's just people have stared so much into blacks and whites they forgot the world is in full color. People love who they want to love, so deal with it Atwood! Deal with it…!"

She turned looking at the rest of the students who were with their heads hanging down.

"Anyone who has their say on my taste of dates or my sister being abused by this tool can say 'aye' so I can just throw you down the ground."

10:15PM

"Where's Marissa, Cohen?" Summer asked as she helped Alex carry Kaitlin to the blonde's jeep.

"Jodie went out to get her. I'm sure they'll be here any minute."

"Alex…" Kaitlin asked as the older blonde fixed her seatbelt.

"Kaitlin, rest for now. We have a lot to talk about, you, me and your sister. But for now, let us take you home. We'll talk when you're sober. I'm not going anywhere. Understand?"

Kaitlin nodded and rested back on the jeep.

Marissa was now walking towards her friends leaving a breathless Jodie behind her.

"I'm killing him tomorrow!" Marissa exclaimed as she got up the back of Alex's jeep.

"That's not going to do you any good, Coop" Summer shrugged her shoulders taking a seat beside her.

"Try not to dwell on them Marissa. Your sister is safe. Everyone is safe. For now, it's all that matters." Alex let out as she started the jeep.

It was true. They were all safe. But they are not fine. Marissa wasn't aware of the repercussions of Kaitlin's drunken confession. But for now, Alex knew everyone was safe. For now, it's all that matters.