Author's Note: Hello my lovelies! I am SO sorry that it took me SO long to update. My goal was to have a new chapter up every week. Things have just gotten too crazy to promise a weekly update. I'm trying for every other week now. Thank you SO much for the reviews! This chapter is extra long to make up for the slow update. I did use a few characters from Instant Star in this chapter. Their parts were minor, and probably just for this chapter. Thanks SO much to: hazelbrie13 for editing this chapter, and letting me bounce ideas of you!
-Anneryn
I DO NOT OWN LIFE WITH DEREK OR THE CHARACTERS (I only play in their world & pretend it's mine.)
NOR DO I OWN INSTANT STAR OR THE CHARACTERS.
Music Credit: "One Step Closer" – Linkin Park, "Time of Dying" – Three Days Grace, "Shooting Star" – Lindsay Robins, "The Breakdown" – Alexz Johnson
Chapter 4:
I sat up and awoke with a start. I clutched my blankets to my chest. My heart is racing, and I can feel sweat running down the sides of my face. I can't shake the nightmare I just had. I can't for the life of me remember what it was. Because of this, I can't understand why I am terrified. I can't shake the bubbling fear, jumping around in the pit of my stomach. I heard a muffled laugh, and what sounded like someone falling off of a bed.
I listened intently, straining my ears. Mom wouldn't be up this late, and that isn't Casey's laughter. I sighed. Derek must have someone over. I got up, and made my way to my bedroom door. I feel like I'm going to be sick. I opened my door a crack, and peered out into the hallway. I heard the laugh, again. I know that laugh. It's the annoying laugh from the diner. He must have that blonde bimbo over.
What was her name? Darcy? Daphne? No, those aren't it. What was it? Dulcie? No… Destiny! That's what it was. I groaned silently. The coast is clear. Light is streaming onto the hallway floor. It's escaping from Derek's room. His door is closed. I shuddered. I'll never be able to sit on his bed, again. I walked to Casey's room, quietly. I opened the door gently, careful not to let it make any noise. I shut it behind me.
"Lizard? Why are you still awake?" Casey asked me. I jumped in surprise. I didn't expect to see her awake. She's writing in her diary.
"Nightmare," I told her. She nodded knowingly. She scooted over on her bed, and lifted the covers. I slid under, and lay next to her. She continued to write.
"Want to talk about it?" She asked. I shook my head. "I do, but I can't remember what it was, or what happened." I explained. She nodded, understandingly. "Try to get some sleep, Lizard. Just tune them out." Casey told me soothingly.
So she had realized that Derek had a girl over. It hurts, but exhaustion is overriding my need to care. I closed my eyes. Casey shut her diary, and put it in her hiding spot. She turned off her small reading lamp, and got settled, next to me. She put an arm around my waist and hugged me closer to her. I moved closer, and allowed myself to drift to sleep. It's easier, when I feel protected.
I'm back in Derek's room. I opened my eyes, and squinted at his clock. It's not even 2 in the morning. How did I get here? I was in Casey's room. What's going on? I heard giggling, and his bedroom door flew open. He came crashing in with a giggling Destiny in his arms. I fought the urge to gag. He smiled at me. He looks genuine, enough.
"Good, you're here Z." He said happily. I looked at him with a very confused face. "We wanted to put on a show for you. We knew that you'd like it." He said merrily. What is he on? Has he been sniffing something?... Smoking something?... I have no idea what's going on here. Destiny looked at me and laughed.
"She can't move, can she?" Destiny asked Derek. He shook his head, smirking. What? What does she mean, I can't move? I looked up, slowly. I'm chained to the bed. And I'm not talking: a chained wrist. I'm talking: both wrists, and both ankles. I started writhing, trying to get free.
Derek bent over me, slowly. He's still smirking. He gave me a soft kiss. Everything else melted away: everything except the feeling of his lips on mine. He pulled away, and smirked again. Destiny sat down next to him. She kissed me on the cheek. I turned my head, but couldn't deflect her completely. She giggled, annoyingly. She started kissing Derek. If being a hostess doesn't work out, she should consider being a professional escort. My God, she's like a Hoover vacuum, trying to detach his tongue from his mouth. She's giving a whole new meaning to 'sucking face.'
He's responding almost as eagerly. I can't stand this. I don't want to be watching this. I tried to turn my head, and look away. I can't move. I'm physically rooted to the spot. His hands slide under her shirt, and he pulls it off of her. His shirt follows suit, seconds later. He's pinning her to the bed. He turns to face me, as she kisses his neck, while she lies under him. I feel so exposed.
They switch places. She's straddling his legs. She looks a little too comfortable with her new position. Dare I say: practice? I think I do. She's grinding her hips against his, softly. His eyes are closed, and his breathing is jagged. She's giving him pleasure that I will never be able to. She guides his hands to her front: a hand cupping each of her breasts. Only then, did I realize what kind of bra she was wearing. I'm not sure that "padded" is the right word. If the bra was any more padded, it could be a set of boobs on its own. It's an extreme pushup bra, with God knows how much padding. Does she have anything there, without it?
Derek seems to notice the same thing. She reached behind her, and undoes her clasp. The bra falls to the bed, beside her. Everything goes black. Her chest is touching his now. She's moaning uncontrollably. I'm trying to block out the sounds. My eyes refuse to close. Nevertheless, my vision is blurred with tears that won't spill. She's screaming his name. He doesn't say anything. He's breathing hard, and gasping. He grunts, but no names spill from his mouth.
Her face melts, and begins to drip down her chin. It looks like flesh colored paint. It's leaving behind a featureless face: just another faceless whore, in his bed notch. The sex gets more heated, and frustrated. Everything goes quiet, and she disappears. I look around, and she sitting on the floor, next to his bed. Her feet are against his room wall. He's refusing to look at her. She's reaching for him.
"You don't mean anything." He mutters. She sobs, but nothing changes. Her face is blank, no difference is made. He lies next to me, and lays his head on my shoulder. I'm still unable to move. I try to move away. It doesn't work. "What's wrong, Z? Didn't like the show?" He asked.
I started shaking. It feels like someone is shaking me. I sat up, and tried to sit up further, but someone's arm prevented that from happening. I blinked. It's still dark. My side is warm. Casey's still beside me. It takes me a second to realize that Derek is holding me. I try to push him off, but he doesn't let go.
"Are you okay, Z?" He asked, clearly concerned. I looked at him puzzled. "I was on my way back to my room from the bathroom, when I heard you. You were talking in your sleep. I couldn't make out what you were saying. You were tossing and turning. You sounded upset, and panicked." He said. I didn't say anything. "You were having a nightmare." He whispered. Well, no shit Sherlock. He tilted my chin up, so I was forced to look at his face. His hair is wet, and he smells like his body-wash. He must have just gotten out of the shower.
"I-I… thanks." I struggled to say. He doesn't look like he's giving up. I am under no circumstance telling him about the nightmare that I just had. My breathing is still jagged from the nightmare.
"Z, if you want to talk about it…" He offered. I shook my head, slightly. "It's fine, Derek. Just… let it go. Okay?" I tried. He nodded slowly. His phone went off. We both jumped. I ended up with my face in his chest. His arms went around me, protectively. His hand dug in his pocket for his phone.
'I find the answers aren't so clear.
Wish I could find a way to disappear.
All these thoughts, they make no sense.
I find bliss in ignorance...'
Casey stirred, but didn't wake up. "Hello," he whispered. I can hear that annoying voice coming out of the phone. She talks so loudly.
"Derek, baby, I had a great time. Do you want to do it again?" She asked. He grimaced more to himself, than to me.
"Things are going to be pretty crazy for awhile. But, I might give you a call sometime." He said, hanging up the phone. The last thing I heard was her giggling. I rolled my eyes. Thankfully it's dark in Casey's room. He turned his phone on vibrate, and stuck it back into his pocket. "Talk to me." He said, to me this time. I shook my head.
"I don't want to remember the dream." I told him. He didn't do anything.
"It isn't a dream, if it's a nightmare." He whispered.
"I know." I whispered back.
"You should try to sleep. It's just after 1:30." He whispered. I nodded, my head still pressed against his chest. He let go of me, and laid my head back onto the pillow. "Remember what I said about those bedbugs." He said. I nodded.
"You'll kick their ass if they bite me." I said, remembering his words from earlier.
"Damn straight." He said. I gave a small laugh. "No more nightmares." He whispered. Like I can really control my dreams or nightmares for that matter. I closed my eyes, feeling exhaustion taking its toll of me, once more.
"I've got Case to protect me." I whispered, half asleep. He started to sing softly, trying to help me fall asleep.
'On the ground I lay, motionless, in pain.
I can see my life, flashing before my eyes.
Did I fall asleep?
Is this all a dream?
Wake me up.
I'm living a nightmare.
I will not die.
I will survive.'
He knows it's one of my favorite songs, from Three Days Grace. He remembers. Last year, on my birthday, he took me to a Three Days Grace concert. I fall even closer to sleep, remembering that night. For one night, everything was perfect.
'I will not die.
I'll wait here for you.
I feel alive, when you're beside me.
I will not die.
I'll wait here for you, in my time of dying.'
His voice grew softer, and softer. It sounds farther, and farther away. I felt him get up from the bed. I felt something brush my forehead, and I heard Casey's door open and close softly. I could have sworn I heard him say, "Sweet Dreams, Z. You deserve them. The monsters can't get you here."
It was probably my imagination.
I woke up to the sound of someone whispering, and snuggling closer to me. I can feel Casey's breath on my neck. Is she the one whispering? I opened my eyes slowly, and reluctantly. It's not bright in Casey's room. It must still be early in the morning. 5 maybe? It feels like I've slept for awhile. I didn't have any nightmares. Two in one night is certainly enough. I shifted a bit.
"You awake, Lizard?" Casey asked. I nodded, groggily. I'm still not completely awake. I sat up, slowly.
"You want to grab an early breakfast, before everyone else gets up?" A male voice asked. Who is talking? Everything is still blurry, not even my eyes are fully awake yet. Derek? It took me a few moments to process what he had said. "Z? Do you want to get breakfast? If you and Space Case get dressed, I'll drive." He said. He laid a hand on my forearm. I stared at it.
He knows that sometimes it takes me a bit to process things. I nodded slowly. Casey let go of me, and I swung my legs off of the bed. I stood up, slowly, careful not to fall over. I feel rested, but I'm so out of it. I started walking to the bedroom door. Derek followed closely behind me. I opened the door, and headed to my own room. I tripped over one of Edwin's shoes. Derek's arms shot out from behind me. He caught me protectively, and prevented me from falling. I muttered a quick thank you, and went into my room. As I shut my door, he gave me a strange look, but continued to his room.
I pulled off my shirt, and dropped it in my hamper. I really should do laundry later. I opened one of my dresser drawers, and pulled out a clean bra. It's one of my nicer ones. Well, they are all nice, thanks to Casey. Even my sports bras are expensive. It's dark blue, lacy, and a push up. It's one of my favorites. I love the color blue. I put it on, and dropped my shorts. I picked them up, and dropped them into the hamper. I kicked off my panties, and replaced them with a pair that matches my bra. I pulled on some socks, and looked for something to wear.
Though, I feel rested, I cannot stop yawning. I grabbed the pair of shorts I wore the night before. Wait, these aren't the same. They're a lighter pair, but they look almost identical. How… Casey. I shrugged, and put them on. I stepped into a pair of flip-flops. They are dark blue, and have little glass beads sewn on. At least my toes are painted. Last week Casey dragged me to get a pedicure with her. They are a deep crimson color.
I walked over to my closest, and looked at my shirts. I'm not actually looking too hard. I've lost all determination. I just want to crawl back into bed. It should be illegal to be up at this ungodly hour. I sighed. I pulled out a dark gray, tee shirt. I pulled it on. It's tighter than I remember. I was looking for something loose, but at this point, I don't really care. I walked over to my vanity and rubbed leave-in conditioner through my hair. I'll have to shower when we get back. I used my brush a little, and added some more conditioner. It helps keep my hair wavy, not frizzy.
I put on some deodorant. For the first time, I realized what shirt I had grabbed. It has a stick figure on the front. It says: I do have superpowers. I just don't want to show you. I chuckled. I spritzed a bit of body spray. With sudden determination that came out of nowhere I grabbed my eyeliner, and put some on. I sighed, and headed to the bathroom. I need to brush my teeth, and I have got to pee.
Derek's POV
I hated to wake her up. She looked so peaceful when she was sleeping, especially after last night. I wasn't sure what I was hearing. I just got out of the shower. Inviting Destiny over, seemed like a good idea at the time. But, by the time she left, I was trying to wash the essence of her off of me. I guess I didn't notice the stench of whore on her before. That or I just didn't care. Either way, she got old fast. Once she was over, it made more sense for me to get something out of it. I used her, and she left.
But, honestly, I think that's what she wanted too. I was heading back to my room, when I heard noises coming out of Space Case's room. Casey's never been one for nightmares, or to call out in her sleep. The occasional almost snore, but nothing like what I was hearing. I decided to see what was going on. It turned out to be Lizzie. She looked terrified, of whatever she was seeing in her dream. I couldn't stand seeing her like that. I had to wake her up.
Whatever it was, she wouldn't tell me about it. I did the only thing I could think of to sooth her. I sang to her. I knew that she couldn't hate my voice. She's never missed a D-Rock performance. I've even given her guitar lessons. I waited until I thought she was asleep to leave her, sleeping. I kissed her forehead softly. I whispered something I would never say while she was awake. Last night, Z brought out a side of me that rarely surfaces.
Creaking on the stairs, redirected my attention to the staircase. Lizzie walked down the stairs, still looking half asleep. She put a hand over her mouth, and yawned tiredly. I don't think she's gotten enough sleep. I wonder why she's been having so much trouble sleeping. She sat down on the couch, and leaned her head back, and shut her eyes. Her breathing slowed. She's sleeping. I'll let her sleep while Casey finishes getting ready. She probably has a bit.
Casey came bouncing down the stairs quietly. She's always been such a morning person. Dad doesn't work today. Ed and Smarti will be fine. She started to say something, but noticed Liz asleep on the couch. She gave me an apologetic look. She knows that if she had been ready earlier, that Z would still be awake. I shrugged. I don't always get along with Casey. Okay, I almost never get along with her. But, with Z around, it's tolerable. I enjoy our banter. Truth be told, I think that she does too. It will be nice to have breakfast with just the two of them.
I sat on the couch next to Lizzie. I shook her gently, and said her name quietly. She opened her eyes, and tried to sit up. It took her a second to realize that she had fallen asleep sitting up. She gave me a soft smile. I smiled at her. I got up, and offered her my hand to help her stand up. I pulled her up, easily. Casey grabbed my keys. I led Lizzie to the door, and we headed out.
Lizzie's POV
I didn't realize how tired I was until I fell asleep on the couch. We went to a local place, Sunlight. It isn't normally busy at this time. It picks up around 9 or so. There are always a few early birds. Scott, the owner of Sunlight, took our orders. Sunlight is one of my favorite places in town. His mom's family started the dinner. His mom passed away when he was young. His father died about 15 years ago. That's when he took over Sunlight. I never saw it, before he took over. But now, it's amazing.
It feels comfortable, like home. I wouldn't say that I have a lot of adult friends, or extended family. But I would say that Scott is one of those friends, and definitely extended family. Ed and I always stop off here, before heading to school. We get two coffees to go. Casey's complaining brought me back to the present.
I finished my second coffee. We waited for our food, and talked.
(*Skipping ahead to Friday.*)
Casey pulled me off of the couch, and practically dragged me upstairs. "You HAVE to get ready, Lizard." Casey commanded. I groaned as she led me upstairs. Derek chuckled from his room. Edwin gave me a sympathetic look. Marti moved in front of Casey, and blocked the entry way to her door.
"I'm her fairy Godmother! I have to help Liza become Cinderella!" Marti yelled excitedly. Casey beamed at her. I glared. Edwin laughed, and went into his room. Derek came out of his room, and followed us into Casey's room. Casey shot him a glare.
"What?" He asked innocently. "Someone needs to look out for Z's well-being." He explained. Casey gave him a hesitant, approving nod. He shut her bedroom door behind him. She sat me on her bed, and opened her closet. I swear, if the mall ever runs out of clothes, it won't matter as long as we have Casey's closet. Derek leaned against Casey's door, and Marti went to the closet and peered at the clothes with Casey. Casey started pulling arm loads of clothes from her closet, and placing them on her bed, beside me. I groaned. She glared at me.
"He said it was casual. I don't need to dress up, Case." I told her. She glared at me again. She finally shrugged.
"Fine, you can pick out your clothes, BUT I have to approve them. AND I get to put some makeup on you." She said. I sighed. I shook my head defiantly. I'm going to lose this argument.
"Alright, but only a little bit. Don't go overboard; I don't want to wear as much as you do." I told her, defeated. She squealed and clapped her hands together, excitedly. I got up, and started to walk toward her bedroom door, when I remembered something. "Did you give me more shorts?" I asked her. She gave me a look of feigned innocence.
"Me?" She asked. I nodded.
"Yep, you." I answered. She gave me a small smile. So, she did.
"Yes, but I knew that they would fit you. They were still on sale, so I went and got you some more." She admitted. She's sweet, and I know she means well.
"Thanks Case." I thanked her. She looked surprised. I don't think that she was expecting me to be grateful. She crouched down, and pulled out a big shopping bag out of her closet. "I got these for you, too. But, I didn't know how to give them to you. So… here." She said, handing me the bag. I looked inside. They are actually clothes that I would wear. There are more shorts, some miniskirts, shirts, and some… undergarments. I smiled. I set the bag on her bed. I hugged her. I walked to the door. I waited for Derek to move out of the way. He stood still for a second. I took the bag back to my room. I kicked off my slippers, and pulled a few of the items out of the bag. Derek followed me into the room. "What do you want, Derek?" I asked him, not bothering to look over. He shut the door. I can picture him shrugging, without having to turn around.
"Thought you could use a guy's opinion." He said. I smiled to myself, not letting him see it. I turned around.
"Thanks," I said suspiciously. Normally if he does something like this, he's plotting something. He smirked, as if hearing what I was thinking.
I turned back around, and grabbed the shorts out of the bag. I left the skirts in there. I have no idea what we are doing. I held up a couple pairs of the shorts for Derek to look at. He pointed to the pair in my right hand. They are light blue, and faded. They are ripped in some spots, and look vintage. I nodded and put them on my bed. I went to go look in the closet. Derek went over to my bed to see what else was in the bag.
I pulled some shirts off of their hangers, and went over to him. He looks red, like he's blushing. Derek never blushes. What would make him…? Oh. He's holding two of the bras that Casey got for me. A pair of panties are on my bed. I forgot that they were in the bag.
They aren't exactly… conservative, either. Casey has the same taste I do, with those sorts of things. Mine aren't meant for anyone to see. It's all lace, and pushups. Both of the bras he is holding are blue. One is a very dark blue, with flecks of black and white in it. The other is just navy blue. I cleared my throat, trying to avoid his eyes. He didn't let go of them.
"Why did Space Case get you…?" He asked.
"She, um, she buys them for me, if she goes bra shopping without me. We've, um, always done that." I said, hurriedly. He nodded, now scarlet. He's returning to his natural color.
I put the shirts I had been holding on my bed. One was a halter. It's white, with faded, black, tattoo-like designs all over it. The other is similar, but has thin spaghetti straps, instead of being a halter. It's red with purple markings all over it. I like the halter top the best. One of the bras that Casey got for me awhile back has straps that you can turn into a halter. I smiled, remembering this. It's even a white bra. What are the odds? I put the red shirt away, and put the white shirt on my bed. Derek nodded, approvingly. I stared at him for second. He didn't get the hint.
"Can I change now? I mean, if you approve of the outfit?" I asked. He nodded, and looked slightly embarrassed. He left my room. I waited until he shut my door, and stripped off my clothes. I put on my halter bra, and one of the new pairs of dark blue panties that Casey got for me. They are the girl version of boxer briefs. They've always been my favorite.
I put my shirt on, and then my shorts. I put on some new deodorant. I don't want B.O. on our date. I spritzed a bit of body spray, and put on a bit of lotion. I grabbed some ankle socks, and put them on. I grabbed my navy blue, low-tops, and slipped them on. I opened the door, and found a waiting Derek.
"Derek, do you make it a habit to steal Lizzie's bras?" Edwin taunted him. He looked down at his hand. He is still holding my bras. He pushed past me, gently, and went into my room. He set them on my bed, and came back into the hallway. Ed was laughing. Derek smirked. He shrugged.
"I figured she'd get mad if I took her clothes, like Space Case. I guess not." He said, trying to play it off. Ed continued to laugh, but accepted his explanation nonetheless.
Only Derek could pull that off. I held back my own laughter. I went back to Casey's room. She squealed, excitedly. I hope she doesn't do that anymore. I'm not sure how much my ears can take. She sat me down at her vanity. I'm facing away from the mirror, and towards her. She ordered me to close my eyes. I did what I was told. She started messing with my hair. I trust Casey. I don't think that she'll make me look bad. But, I am afraid that she'll get overexcited and overdo it.
After awhile, she left my hair alone, hopefully satisfied. I was tempted to doze off. I still haven't been allowed to open my eyes. I felt her brush something on my face. She has officially started my makeup. A little while later, she told me to open my eyes. I had to blink a few times. Everything's a bit blurry. She told me to sit still, and she put some eyeliner on me. She added some mascara, and stepped back to enjoy her handiwork. Please don't let me look like a clown. Please don't let me look like a clown!
"You look good, Z." Derek said. I looked over to where his voice was coming from. I didn't expect him to stay. I'm glad he did. Marti jumped up and down.
"Liza looks like a princess!" Marti exclaimed. I laughed, but Casey's smile only widened.
"He's not going to know what hit him." Casey said a bit smugly. I gave her a questioning look. "See for yourself." She said, gesturing for me to turn around, and peer into the mirror.
I look like a more made up version of myself. I smiled. She didn't overdo it. It's definitely more than I would have used. But, I never use more than eyeliner and mascara. (I have only used mascara a few times.) Derek cleared his throat. I got up, and looked over at him. He looks like he's thinking about something that he wants to say.
"Maybe you shouldn't go, Z." He said, suddenly. I looked at him, shocked.
"What, why?!" Casey demanded. "She's looks amazing!" Casey practically screamed. She can't believe what Derek said, and she's beside herself.
"That's my point. She can't leave, looking like that." He said, gesturing to me.
"That doesn't make sense." I said quietly. He walked closer to me, and whispered in my ear.
"I don't want something to happen to you." He pleaded. I looked at him confused. Does he think I look like a slut? I don't look remotely slutty.
"What are you trying to say, Derek?" I asked him in a whisper, trying to keep the hurt out of my voice. I wish I could say that his opinion doesn't mean anything to me, but I can't. It means too much. He hugged me, and leaned his mouth close to my ear, so he wouldn't be overheard. I put my hands against his chest, and tried to push him away. He didn't let me.
"I didn't mean it like that, Z. I just don't want anything to happen to you. It's hard enough letting you go out…. Looking like…. You're just…." He said. I don't understand what he's trying to say. He shook his head, against my neck. "You don't even know." He whispered. He sighed, and pulled away. I let my arms drop. I looked at him with a very confused face. There's something in his eyes; I can't tell what it is. He gave me a forced smirk. "You look great Z. Have a good time. If he hurts you, I'll kick his ass." He promised. I nodded. The door bell rang. I tried to leave Casey's room to go answer the door, but she pulled me back.
"You aren't ready yet." She said. I gave Derek an exasperated look. He laughed. "Go answer the door, Derek. I'll finish getting Lizard ready." Casey said. He did what he was told, still laughing.
"What else do you have to do?" I asked Casey.
"Earrings," she responded. I rolled my eyes. I went back to my room. I have my cartilage pierced on my ear. I put a small diamond stud in, and opted not to wear anymore earrings. I grabbed a hoodie, and put my phone in my pocket. I headed back to Casey.
"Can I go now?" I asked her.
"Yes, but let me go down first." She said. I sighed. I watched her go downstairs and make excited small talk. I waited a minute and followed suit.
My breath caught. Clay looks amazing. He's wearing a black, Hedley band tee, and dark jeans. The shirt fits him snugly, and he is rocking those jeans. He's watching me come down the stairs. I hope I don't trip. He came over to hug me, as I reached the landing. Derek's eye twitched.
Derek's POV
I can feel my fingers digging into my palms. If I clench my fists any tighter, my hands might break. I don't understand why I am so angry. I just know that Z can't go out with him. He doesn't deserve her. He never will. He isn't good enough for her. She can do better than him. She should be with…
Casey squealed, and brought my attention back to reality. I sighed, but tried to pass it off as boredom. Earlier, I didn't realize that what I said to Z could hurt her. I never wanted to hurt her. I just can't stand the thought of her going out with him, looking as… beautiful as she does. If he or anyone else didn't notice before, they definitely will now. The kicker is that she doesn't even realize that she's beautiful.
I don't know what I feel for Lizzie. I just know that I can't stand the thought of her with any other guy. Hell, having her date another chick would be better than this. That I might like to see… I can feel hatred rolling off my skin, just by thinking about Clay.
I don't think that he would hurt her, or let someone else hurt her. He has that going for him. But, I don't want him trying to make moves on her, either. She's too…
Casey pushed my arm, lightly.
"What?" I asked her.
"What time do you think that they should be back by? Mom and George left, they won't be back for a few hours. We have to give her a time." Casey said. I nodded slowly.
"What time is it, now?" I asked her.
"7," she told me. I nodded.
"Midnight, I guess." I told them, shrugging.
Lizzie's POV
Derek is still acting strangely. I'm not sure what his deal is. I wish I knew. Then I wonder… if it's better that I don't know. I sighed. Clay slid his fingers in between mine. I wonder what he has planned for us. I'm not worried. I can't see anything that he has planned, being something bad.
"I need to take a picture of you guys!" Casey exclaimed. She went bouncing off to find her camera before I could protest. I looked up at Clay.
"I'm sorry." I gave him a quick apology. He chuckled.
"It's fine, Elle. Who wouldn't want to be in a picture with you?" He said. I tried not to blush. He's really going to have to stop this, if he doesn't want a tomato as a date, all night.
"Okay, move closer together. You need to put your arm around her. Mom is going to flip that she missed this." Casey said. Clay chuckled, and let go of my hand. Derek looked relieved for a second. Clay wrapped an arm around my waist, and hugged me to him. I put an arm around him waist. "Smile!" Casey instructed, happily. We smiled and she snapped away.
Thirty-two pictures later, Derek finally convinced her that she had enough, and that she could stop. She agreed to stop, reluctantly. Casey hugged me. Marti jumped on me and told me that I should take her with me. Derek told me to be careful, and hugged me goodbye. Ed came down and threatened Clay. From the looks of Derek, I'm sure that Derek has too. He gave me a quick hug, and we left.
He surprised me by taking me laser-tagging. I was SO thrilled. How awesome is that for a first date? The laser tag place has four levels. We must have played for what seemed like hours. Even if we didn't date, I can definitely see us staying friends. He'd be an awesome guy friend to have. Since I've always had more guy friends, than girl friends, I don't see it as being too much of a problem.
We turned in our laser guns, and our vests. The hostess, who was explaining the rules to some new people about to start laser tagging, flirted ridiculously with Clay. He didn't seem to notice. The guy who took our vests and guns from us, somehow managed to piss off Clay. I'm really not sure why. He was nice enough. He asked us how we liked the laser tag, and smiled a lot. I thought he was friendly. Clay kept staring him down. When the guy went to return our things, I pushed Clay's arm, gently.
"What's your deal?" I asked him, quietly.
"He's been checking you out." He answered, equally quietly. I burst out laughing. He looked at me curiously.
"That's why you're in a bad mood?" I asked him.
"I'm not in a bad mood. I just don't enjoy watching other guys hit on you." He argued. I looked at him seriously.
"He's not flirting with me." I argued back. He gave me a doubtful look. I rolled my eyes, playfully. He grabbed my sides, and started tickling me. I let out a stream of laughter. "Jerk… not… fair…. I do-don't…. tickle…. Y-you." I struggled to say, through my laughter. He only smiled. He finally stopped tickling me, when the guy returned. Clay paid for the laser tag after much argument. I tried to pay for myself, but he wouldn't have that.
We left laser tag, and went to get some dinner. It's only 9:15; we have time. We went to a local place: Wall to Wall. It's a family place, but it's pretty vacant of children after 7 or so. The dance floor opens around 8, so the families try to have their kids elsewhere. It isn't a bad environment for kids to be in, but the atmosphere tends to change. It becomes more chill, and bit less kid-friendly. It's a little nicer than Sal's or Sunlight, but not fancy.
There is almost always live music at night, around 9 or later. Around 8, the lights dim, and the lights over the dance floor are turned off. The dance floor is open and leads into the eating area. There are pool tables on the other side of the restaurant. There are strobe and neon lights that flash around the dance floor. Tonight, Jude Harrison is performing with her band, and so is Patsy Sewer.
We found a table towards the dance floor, and we ordered our food. Jude and Patsy haven't set up yet. I forgot that they would be performing tonight. I'm pretty ecstatic. Our waitress brought us our drinks.
"So, how's tonight been so far?" Clay asked me. I smiled.
"It's been pretty fantastic, actually." I told him.
"Oh, really?" He asked, feigning surprise. I rolled my eyes. He chuckled. Some hair fell into my face. He brushed it away, gently. I gave him a small smile, and tried not to blush. He put his hand into mine. Something crashed on stage. We turned our attention to the dance floor. It looks like they are finally setting up. "You want to go out there, when they come out?" He asked. I looked at him and nodded.
"Yeah," I told him. He nodded. A guy came up to our table with a green Mohawk.
"Hey guys, sorry to interrupt you. I just wanted to let you know that tonight Jude Harrison and Patsy Sewer are performing." He finished. His ears are gauged, and his lip is pierced. I've seen him around here before, just never talked to him. I nodded.
"Thanks," I told him. He smiled and walked off.
"Do you like Jude and Patsy?" Clay asked uncertainly. I nodded.
"I really like their music." I told him, honestly. He smiled.
"Good." He said smiling. He reached across the table and laced his fingers with mine. He peered into my eyes. I looked back at him.
"Do you like to dance?" I asked him. He smirked.
"I wouldn't say that I like to dance, but I will with a beautiful woman." He said. I blushed. Our waitress came back with our food. She placed it in the middle of the table. We got burgers and fries. She slipped Clay a small piece of paper.
"Call me, if you ever get bored with her." She said, pointedly. I can feel my face getting red. I tried to pull my hand away from his gently. He held on too tightly. He isn't letting go. He handed the paper back to her.
"You can keep this, I won't need it." He told her. She is fuming.
"No one rejects me." She said, stunned.
"I did." He said simply. She looked at me, and glared.
"You're such a bitch." She said. I looked at her, but didn't say anything. She walked away fuming. Clay laughed as she walked away. I shook my head.
"Wow," is all I could say. That never happens to me. I guess I can't say that anymore.
"Why did you try to pull away?" He asked, seriously. I shrugged.
"I don't like confrontation." I told him. "It's not my style to get in someone's face. It would take more than someone calling me a bitch, to get me angry." I told him. Honestly, that's the truth.
We ate, and it wasn't in any way awkward. It was nice. People started getting up to crowd around the stage, on the dance floor. I looked over. Patsy is getting ready to start singing.
"Let's go." Clay said. He got up, and offered me his hand, and helped me up. We walked over to the stage, and managed to get a place standing in the front. The music is starting. I closed my eyes, and let the music flow through me. She started singing, and I opened my eyes.
'Lying on the ground, staring at the sky, I can't see nothin', tryin' to be blind.
I just see fire.
I see the flame.
I see the future and it won't change a single thing I do - I do.
Watch me burn like a shooting star.
You never thought I'd get this far.
Turn to dust in the atmosphere...
Don't you blink.
I might disappear.
Like a shooting star...
Like a shooting star...'
We danced, as best we could. There are a lot of people. It's amazing. My arms are around his neck and his hands are holding my sides. They are holding me closer to him, as we move to the music. She stopped singing, as the song ended. We let go of each other, and brought our attention back to Patsy. She is breathing heavily. Her dark brown hair, is sticking to parts of her face. She doesn't hold back when she performs.
"I'll be back on later, if any of you fuckers care." Patsy announced. Laughter filled her audience. She left the stage. I leaned against Clay. He put his arms around my waist, pulling my back to his chest. I took a deep breath, and enjoyed it. Someone else came on stage. Jude picked up the microphone.
"How are you guys tonight?!" She yelled. We cheered. "That's what I want to here! I'm glad you guys came out tonight!" She exclaimed, getting us pumped. "Now, to prove that you all don't suck ass, give it up for my boys!" She yelled. We screamed. Her band members walked on stage. Spiederman lifted up his shirt. The girls in the audience went wild. I laughed. "Now that Speed is finished flashing you all…" Jude said. She stopped talking. Music filled the air, once more. She started singing.
'What just happened?
Did you kiss me?
'Cause that's a place we've never been, until now...
And I don't know how it's gonna be after this...
Do we pretend these feelings don't exist at all, or do we fall?'
We started dancing again. She smiled at us. I smiled back. We moved slower.
'My confusion shows, whenever you get too close.
I stutter.
I stumble - forget what to say.
I'm nervous.
I wonder why I'm acting this why.
It's temporary insanity
What's going on with you or me?
Is it real or is it fantasy?
Forever or just temporary?
Insanity...'
Spiederman went over to Jude and started singing with her. They started dancing. The song ended. We broke apart. "Who's ready for another song?!" She asked.
We cheered. She reached down and starting touching hands from people in the audience. She grabbed my hand, and squeezed. She smiled at me. I smiled back. She started another song.
'It's out to get me and it's all in my head.
It wants to take me.
Time to put me to bed
Can someone wake me, against my will and get me out of here?
I'm sick of walking on pills.
I've got a weakness, so tell me where is the bliss?
Can someone shake me and get me out of this fix?
All the white walls are closing up tight.
I need to know, if I can get through the night.'
We danced and listened to most of her songs. We left around 11:30. I was buzzing. Not on alcohol or anything, it has just been an amazing night. He walked me to the door. I unlocked the door, and let myself in. We stood staring at each other, awkwardly.
"You don't have to stand there. You can come in, Clay." I told him. He gave me a small smile, and came in.
"I enjoyed tonight, Elle." He told me. I smiled.
"I did too." I told him. He hugged me. He pulled away, only barely. His fingers lifted my chin. I looked up at him.
"You look so beautiful, tonight." He whispered, his breath dancing across my face. He pressed his lips to mine, softly. The kiss became more urgent. His tongue ran along my bottom lip. He captured my lip between his, and tugged gently. I gasped, against his mouth. He released my lip, and slipped his tongue into my mouth. His hand went to the back of my hand, and intertwined with my hair. I put my hand to the side of his face.
His tongue moved against mine. I wasn't really sure what do to do. Whatever I'm doing doesn't seem like I'm doing it wrong. I moved mine against his. His other arm went around my waist, keeping me against him. I pulled back, before the kiss went any farther. He touched his forehead to mine, before touching it with his lips. He brought his lips to mine. We kissed, but it stayed tame this time. We broke apart at the sound of someone clearing their throat. I looked over. It's Derek. He's in the kitchen. How long as he been there?
"I should go. Bye Elle." Clay said. I nodded. He kissed me goodbye, and left. I started for the stairs; Derek doesn't look too happy.
"Z, wait." He ordered. I froze in my tracks. "We need to talk." He said. I turned around. He shook his head. "Not here, come on." He said. I nodded. He grabbed my hand and led me up the stairs. I expected him to take me to his room, but instead, he led me to mine. He opened my door. I went inside, and he followed me. He turned on my light, and shut the door. He walked over to my iPod dock-station, and turned it on. He locked my door, so we wouldn't be interrupted. "What the hell do you think you are doing Z?" He asked.
"What are you talking about Derek?" I asked him.
"You're shoving your tongue down some guy's throat in the middle of the living room!" He practically screamed.
"We were out on a date, Derek!" I yelled back. The music covered the screaming.
"So you shove your tongue down his throat?! You let him put his hands all over you!" He yelled. This is starting to piss me off.
"You don't have any room to talk Derek! Who are you to tell me, what I can, and cannot do on a date?! What do you do with your dates?! How far do you go?! What were you doing with Destiny?!" I screamed back, just as angry. He looks even more pissed off, now. "You don't know what you're talking about Lizzie! What I do is different! If I fuck some girl, it doesn't matter!" He yelled, exasperated. "You can screw some random chick, but I can't kiss a guy! Is that it?!" I asked. He didn't say anything.
"Z, don't. Just don't." He said. His voice is steady, but his eyes are pleading. Pleading for what? "Don't what, Derek? What is this all about?" I asked him. He shook his head.
"Don't turn this around on me. Don't make this about me. It's about you. It's not about me." He said in an even voice.
"Isn't it, though? This is all about you. I don't understand what's going on with you. I didn't do anything wrong. You have a problem, and you won't tell me why." I said, softly. He didn't say anything.
"I can't Liz. I just… can't. I'm sorry, Z. I shouldn't have… you don't… you don't know what… it, what it does… to m…" He said, stopping before he could say what he wanted to say.
"You aren't making any sense. You don't care about… It's all double standards… If it isn't some bimbo or… You don't… You don't care." I said softly. He actually looks hurt, by my words.
"I do care, Elizabeth." He whispered. He never calls me "Elizabeth." I looked at him, still confused.
"Then why, Derek?" I asked him, hoping to get an answer. He pulled me to him. This is starting to become a habit of his. He touched his forehead to mine, and put his hand on the side of my face.
"I care about you. More than you know, Z. More than you know." He whispered.
He leaned forward, and kissed my forehead, and the side of my face. He came closer, and stopped in front of my lips. My breathing came out harder. My heart is pounding. He pulled me closer to him, and hugged me. He didn't kiss me. My heart sank a little bit. The entire night has been amazing. Though, I kept wishing that instead of being with Clay, I was with Derek. He pulled away, and looked at me. I gazed at him, not wanting to move. He kissed the corner of my mouth. He broke away. He turned to leave. He looked back at me, and left my room.
Author's Note: Hope you enjoyed this chapter! Please review and let me know what your thoughts are.
-Anneryn