90210
Episode 606
"The Struggle"
Cast: Annie Wilson, Dixon Wilson, Naomi Clark, Erin Silver, Navid Shirazi, Adrianna Tate-Duncan, Liam Court
Disclaimer: I don't own 90210.
Author's Note: Please keep the reviews coming! I love reading your thoughts! I'm trying to bring back the aspirations and goals that these characters use to have in the earlier seasons. I want to make it feel like there's a direction for each one!
Full Summary: Season 6 finds Annie and Dixon Wilson, along with the rest of the Beverly Hills' gang, lost, loved, and strengthened through each other. It's a new and different time for them, as the stakes are much higher and there is a lot more to lose. Old flames are ignited and broken families are reunited. Coming from a world of glamour and privilege, with endless possibilities in front of them, anything can happen. All in all, it's just another day in the world's most famous zip code.
"The Struggle" Drama/Romance. Shenae Grimes, Tristan Wilds, AnnaLynne McCord. Series Dixon struggles to tell his parents he's no longer a student at CU, while Annie auditions for the lead role in the school play directed by the famous director, Rob Marshall. Adrianna confides in Liam, and Silver begins to lose her hair. Teddy experiences anti-gay activists on campus, while Navid competes to be Editor and Chief of the school newspaper, The Condor. Naomi receives a surprise visitor in New York.
000
Wilson Residence:
He was swiftly limping around the house on crutches for the past two and half months. Dixon was almost in full recovery after weeks of long surgery and intense physical therapy.
He tucked his cell phone tightly between his ear and shoulder as he hovered over his laptop on the kitchen counter.
"Wait! Don't hang up on me!" pleaded Dixon desperately. "Just listen to one of her songs! Wait -" Dixon slammed his phone on the kitchen counter. "Dammit! Another one gone..."
Losing Unfaithful Records had hit Dixon harder than his accident. His dream was taken away from him in an instant. Although Adrianna sang well at the Spencer Blane tribute concert, the bombing incident overshadowed her performance. That killed Dixon's chances of saving his record label.
Not only was Dixon frustrated, but he also felt very guilty. His sister, Annie, had paid for everything. He felt that he did not only fail himself, but also Annie.
"Is everything okay, Dixon?" asked Debbie, making her way into the kitchen. Startled, Dixon rapidly closed his laptop and painted a big smile on his face.
"Mom," said Dixon nervously. "Yeah, I'm fine. Everything's good. I just hit...my...arm against my crutches."
"Well be careful," responded Debbie. Dixon nodded his head.
"Yes ma'm," answered Dixon. The back door swung open as Harry dragged in the groceries from the car. "Hey dad. Do you need help?"
"Dixon, we need to talk," muttered Harry sternly. Dixon's heart sank deep in his stomach.
"What's going on, Harry?" asked Debbie.
"...I uh...I stopped by CU's administration office this morning to make sure that you and Annie are taken care for the next school year." Dixon gulped nervously. "There seems to be no record of you last year. You care to explain that?"
"Well," began Dixon nervously. "You see...what happened..."
"Dixon, did you drop out of school?" asked Debbie. Dixon stayed quiet. "Dixon? Answer me."
"...College is just not for me, mom," explained Dixon, looking at his father and mother. Debbie took a deep breath. "Before you guys freak out, just hear me out! Please, just listen to me! The summer after senior year, I toured with an awesome DJ and then I got the chance to tour with Haley Reinhart and it was the best experience of my life!"
"Dixon I understand that music is your passion," interjected Debbie. "I understand. I do. But you need to graduate! You are going to graduate." Dixon quickly took offense.
"Mom," spat Dixon. "You don't even have a college degree!"
"What your mother is trying to say," added Harry. "...is that education is important."
"This is my passion! I'm good," defended Dixon. "I have...had...my own record label! I'm chasing after my dream!" Debbie crossed her arms, while Harry placed his hands on his hips. "School's just holding me back right now! I have the world set in front of me! Why can't you guys just support me?"
"We do support you, Dixon," explained Debbie.
"Obviously not!" defended Dixon angrily.
"Dixon," began Harry. "You don't have to rush anything. Go to school. Take some classes. Get an intern job in the music industry. You're in LA for God's sakes. Get experience. It will benefit you in the end. Believe us. We know what's best for you, son."
"Dad, you don't understand!" defended Dixon aggressively. "This is my life! People go to school so they can get a good job. I already have a good job."
"You're going back to school," spat Debbie. "End of discussion."
90210
California University - Student Center:
The bright college campus was swarmed with eager students ready for another semester of school. The colors of red and black filled the wide campus as Annie and Silver strolled into the Student Center.
"How the heck did you pass that line so fast?" asked Silver.
"Well apparently if you're the best-selling author of Undressed," began Annie, taking a seat across from her best friend. "...you don't have to wait in line." Annie scoffed. "...I don't know why everyone is acting differently around me, I'm still the same person as I was."
"Tell me about it," murmured Silver under her breath, leaning back against her seat.
"Here's your latte, Sil," said Annie, handing Silver the drink. "...Hold on! Are you...umm...are you allowed to drink this?" Silver chuckled.
"I don't really know, Annie, but I'm drinking it anyways," responded Silver coldly. "I'm thirsty."
"I'm sorry, Silver," apologized Annie sincerely. "I just...I just don't want anything bad to happen to you."
"Annie," stated Silver. "Bad things are going to happen to everyone. The most important thing is that I'm still the same person as I was." Annie smiled sweetly at her. "Just because I have cancer doesn't mean that I can't be a kick ass film director one day."
"I hear you," responded Annie quietly. "...Well here's to a new year and a fresh start." Annie and Silver tossed their lattes in the air and tapped their drinks against each other.
"To being the same person!" added Silver happily.
Offshore - Basement:
She wiped away the sweat on her brow with her arm as her chest rose and fell heavily. The warm and humid air in the small room under the Offshore forced her to take a break from her training.
She picked up her water bottle and pressed it against her plump lips. She chugged down the cold drink and tossed it aside as she slipped her small hands in her boxing gloves.
"Okay," she spat, warming up her tense shoulders. "Break's over. Let's go back at it."
"Adrianna," Liam muttered breathlessly, wiping his broad, glistening chest with a towel. "Ade, you have to tell me what's going on? We've been secretly training in here for at least over a month now. I think I deserve an explanation."
"Let's just keep on going," ignored Adrianna. "I think my punches are getting better. I can feel myself getting stronger."
"Ade," said Liam, catching his breath. "Come on...what is it?"
"If you don't want to help me out," began Adrianna defensively. "I can work on my own!" She dragged a dummy out of a closet and began to throw her fists at its' face. She threw her leg to the dummy's chest and continued to execute various combinations.
"You're overworking yourself, Ade," said Liam, reaching for her. "You need to take a rest. Ade, are you listening -" She threw her hand ferociously to his face and cut his lip. Liam fell back as Adrianna carefully clenched her hand.
"Liam," she whispered, reaching for him. "I am so sorry. I didn't mean to -" Liam shot up on his feet and wiped the blood on his lip with the back of his hand.
"Adrianna," murmured Liam helplessly. "You can tell me what's going on." Adrianna began to tear, as her lips trembled anxiously.
"Okay, okay," she replied, surrendering to Liam. "...just promise me...promise me you won't tell anyone. Especially not Navid. If he found out -"
"What is it?" interjected Liam impatiently.
"I didn't fall down the stairs," explained Adrianna. "What happened to me wasn't an accident at all...I made everything up."
"I'm not following," said Liam.
"I...I umm," began Adrianna quietly. Liam grabbed her by her shoulders and stared deeply in her sultry eyes. "...I umm...my car was high jacked a couple of months ago..." Liam was taken back.
"Are you okay?" asked Liam. "Is everything okay?"
"There's more...I...I was...I was umm," continued Adrianna nervously. "I was attacked." She began to weep. She wrapped her arms around her body. "...By a bunch of guys in black ski masks..." She pursed her lips as she tried to contain herself. "They umm...they...dragged me in an alley...they umm..."
"Oh, Ade," he muttered.
"They umm...they threw me around...they beat me for a good hour and a half," explained Adrianna, clearing her throat. At this point, her tears engulfed her beautiful face. Liam just wanted to embrace her. "And then they ripped my clothes off of me, all of it...and raped me till I was unconscious." Liam shut his eyes painfully. "They left me for dead."
"Why didn't you say anything to any of us?" asked Liam. "Ade..."
"I'm saying something to you now," said Adrianna, clearing her throat. "...Liam, no one can know about any of this." Liam was trying to regroup his thoughts. "I have been having these constant nightmares where in my dream I'm in that same alley again and I can't...I wake up sweating and out of breath and..." She took a deep breath. "I just need this, Liam. Please."
"Okay," he whispered to her, wrapping his large arms around her. "It's fine. It's...fine. I understand."
Wilson Residence:
Harry found Dixon in his room, mixing various types of beats and music. Dixon was sulking around in his bedroom.
"Hey, Dix?" called Harry. "Can I come in? Can we talk?" Dixon swung his chair around.
"I thought we already did," complained Dixon.
"Listen son," said Harry. "We're doing what we think is best for you."
"Dad," interrupted Dixon. "I'm not a child anymore."
"I know that," agreed Harry. "But you're only 20 years old, Dixon. You have the rest of your life ahead of you."
"I'm good at what I do, dad," defended Dixon. "I just feel like you guys don't know that."
"We know that, Dixon," whispered Harry. "Your mother and I know how talented you and Annie are. We are so proud of the both of you for what you have accomplished so far in your life."
"Then why are you making me go to college?" asked Dixon.
"Because it's important," answered Harry, placing his hand on his son's shoulder. "Just remember, Dix...a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step..."
"What's wrong with skipping a few steps?" asked Dixon.
"You miss out on the others," answered Harry, smiling.
California University - Student Center:
"I really need this, Annie," said Silver. "This film class has been my only distraction from my radiation therapies. Apparently, Dr. Brooks is saying that everything is going well right now. It has just been really exhausting. I'm constantly tired."
"Well since Carnegie Mellon is out of the picture for me," began Annie. "My new creative writing and acting classes here at CU will be my only distraction from all the craziness in my life right now. I keep forgetting that I'm engaged."
"Speaking of colleges," added Silver distraughtly. "NYU is never going to take me now. I can't even afford it anymore. I'm practically broke after paying for my hospital bills. Why can't we all be just like Naomi and live the life in New York."
"For the last time," said Annie sweetly. "Let me help. Your friends want to help you, Silver."
"Annie, no," responded Silver strongly. "That's asking for too much. I just need you guys to keep me company. I hate being by myself. It freaks me out."
"Have you told Kelly yet?" asked Annie. "Or your brother? Or your dad?"
"Kelly has her own issues right now," explained Silver, playing around with her latte. "She's still trying to fix things with Dylan and she has Sammy to worry about. I don't even know." Annie sighed. "And my brother's in Japan doing God knows what. And I haven't seen my dad since middle school."
"Don't get mad at me, Sil," began Annie quietly. "...But don't you think now is the perfect time to have family around."
"You guys are my family," responded Silver. "...That's enough for me."
"Don't you remember what happened with your mom?" mentioned Annie. "Don't you want some kind of closure with your family?"
"I'm not going to die, Annie," spat Silver, taken back.
"I didn't mean it like that," defended Annie. "...all I'm saying is...yes, your friends are your family..." Silver stared at Annie. "After what happened with Dixon, there's a different feeling you get when your own family comforts you." Silver looked away. "I really think you should call your sister."
"I think you should just leave that to me," responded Silver quietly. "I'll call when I'm ready."
"Fair enough," muttered Annie, smiling shortly.
California University - Tennis Courts:
Teddy strongly tossed the round ball high in the clear sky and swung his tennis racket with full force at it. He successfully completed his serve against his opponent.
"Great serve, Teddy!" called the coach. "Nice arm! That'll do for today everyone! You should all take notes from Mr. Montgomery here! I'll see you all tomorrow! Same time!"
"Thanks, coach!" replied Teddy, shaking his coach's hand.
"I guess Teddy just has a way with balls," muttered another person on the team. Teddy turned around and found a crowd laughing at him.
"Yeah, I've never seen a faggot serve like that before," stated another person strongly. Teddy felt his stomach twist and turn as nervous sweat rolled down his masculine face. "Someone should put that on The Condor! That'll get the people reading again!"
"Seriously?" said Teddy.
"I think coach is gay, too," said another person. "Teddy's probably sleeping with him to get on varsity..." Teddy clenched his jaws and his fists.
"Hey, let's stop it guys! I think that's enough for today! Teddy had a great day today," said another person. "Let's hit the showers everyone." Teddy took a deep sigh of relief. "Should we wait till Teddy's gone though...?" The bastard threw a smirk on his face. "I'm sorry, Teddy, but I feel really uncomfortable showering naked in the same showers with you. You might attack me or something! Since you're out and about, I don't know the things you might do to me."
"Maybe we should have campus security near by," joked someone else.
Teddy dropped his tennis racket and stormed off.
"Unbelievable," gritted Teddy. "I don't have time for this."
"Hey! Come back, Teddy! It was just a joke!" called the person. "You're acting like my sister walking away from this!" The crowd behind Teddy laughed away.
Manhattan, New York - Rachel Gray's Headquarters:
Naomi fashionably walked around halls of the headquarters. She definitely had made her mark in the company ever since she began working there. Erika closely followed behind her as Naomi interacted with her clients.
"The Kardashians want to know when they can meet with you about throwing a birthday bash for Kim and Kanye's new baby?" asked Erika. "Kim's wondering if the date she suggested was still good?"
"That's going to be very difficult, Erika," stated Naomi, making her way to her office. "We already promised the Prime Minister that our company is going to sponsor the event that weekend. Everything needs to be perfect."
"Okay, Naomi," responded Erika, tapping on her ipad. "By the way, you should know...someone's waiting inside your office..." Naomi's eyes widened as Erika stopped her in her tracks.
"It better not be Ethan," gritted Naomi strongly. "...or Jordan...or Max...I think I would die if it was Max."
"It's not," whispered Erika.
"You have to tell me these kinds of things ahead of time," added Naomi. "That's why you're my secretary."
"I had specific instructions to follow," explained Erika. "I'm sorry."
"Just go take five or something," said Naomi, opening her office door. "I'll see you later, Erika." Naomi found Rachel Gray standing in front of her desk with her arms folded across her chest.
"Welcome," muttered Rachel sternly. There was almost no emotion on her face.
"Rachel?" said Naomi quietly, shutting the door behind her. "It's good to see you! Are you here to check up on me?"
"No," responded Rachel rapidly.
"What are you doing here then?" asked Naomi, confused. "I booked a trip for you to Europe to oversee an event in London for the Prime Minister. What happened? Is there something wrong with your itinerary? What are you doing here?"
"I sent Holly instead," responded Rachel coldly. Naomi stopped moving around and tried to figure out what Rachel was after.
"What's going on?" asked Naomi. "I'm really -"
"You're fired, Naomi," stated Rachel coldly.
"You what?" asked Naomi, surprised. "I'm fired?...I'm confused." Rachel grinned slyly. "Is this a prank? Is Ashton here? This must be a prank. Gosh, Rachel...you jokester!"
"You heard me, Naomi," said Rachel strongly, wiping her grin away. "I want you out of this office by tomorrow. I never want to see you around here ever again."
"Rachel?" asked Naomi desperately.
"I am not going to repeat myself," said Rachel, walking away. "If you're not out of here by noon...I'm going to have to ask security to escort you out." Rachel slammed the door as she made her way out the cold office.
Naomi fell back to her desk as she was in complete shock. Naomi looked around and held her stomach as she breathed in deeply.
California University - Student Center:
Dixon, Navid, and Teddy lounged around in the busy Student Center at CU as incoming freshman rushed through classes.
"Can you believe that was us three years ago?" said Navid, chuckling. "Eager freshman rushing to classes and grabbing lattes in between. Of, the good times."
"No, not really," answered Teddy. "Three years ago I had a fake marriage in Vegas with my ex-boyfriend, Shane, that was leaked in the news."
"Yeah," added Dixon. "...and I had a drug addiction to ADHD pills."
"...And I got my ass beat up," added Navid quietly. All three guys took a deep breath and took a sip of their drinks. "...so it was a tough year. It's going to be different this year. We're upperclassmen now!"
"I feel like I'm in high school again," spat Dixon miserably. Dixon rested his chin on the palm of his hand.
"I'm guessing your parents forced you back into school, huh?" asked Navid to Dixon.
"I'm here, am I not?" responded Dixon strongly. "At least you guys don't have your parents on your back about college."
"Dude," said Navid, putting his hand up. "College is fun. Besides almost getting expelled because of that son of a bitch Campbell Price, I like it so far. Why would you want to leave so soon?"
"That actually doesn't sound pretty bad," muttered Teddy. "These people sort of suck anyways...Who needs this place?"
"What are you talking about?" asked Navid.
"Nothing," muttered Teddy. "Never mind."
"What are you so excited about anyways, Navid?" asked Dixon, annoyed.
"Well, because you boys are looking at the future Editor and Chief of The Condor," explained Navid. "Yup! Me. You're looking at him!"
"You mean that stupid newspaper?" asked Teddy sternly.
"It's not stupid!" defended Navid strongly. "It's educational and has a purpose to serve our student body."
"It's stupid," spat Teddy.
"You're just jealous," said Navid. "My first assignment on the road to Editor and Chief of The Condor is to find a story. A story with a strong conflict that will move the whole student body."
"How about my accident?" offered Dixon. Teddy nodded in agreement. "Mystery bombing at Dixon's beach house...I've officially become a black homeless man."
"Nah, you've had one too many times already," said Navid nonchalantly. "I need something new and fresh."
"How about the assholes on the CU Tennis Team," gritted Teddy angrily.
"What about them?" asked Navid.
"Nothing much to them, really," said Teddy. "They're just a bunch of homophobes."
"What did they do to you man?" asked Dixon.
"Yeah," added Navid. "Do we need to do some ass kicking?"
"No, no you don't. I wouldn't want you to break yourself for me, Navid," responded Teddy. Dixon chuckled. "They were just being your regular assholes. Everyone on the team knows I'm gay and that I'm good at tennis. They're just hating that's all."
"Perfect," muttered Navid, grinning.
"What?" said Dixon and Teddy in confusion.
"What the hell is your problem, man?" spat Dixon, hitting Navid.
"No, not like that," said Navid. "I think I just found my story."
California University - Women's Bathroom:
Annie ran her lipstick across her thin lips in front of the bathroom mirror as Silver brushed her hair.
"So there's news around campus that Rob Marshall is here at CU for the semester," mentioned Annie excitedly. "He's supposedly supposed to be directing a play at CU and is looking for a breakthrough actress."
"The guy that directed Chicago?" asked Silver.
"And the Memoirs of a Geisha," added Annie.
"Umm, he's sort of a big deal," said Silver.
"I know," said Annie. "Can you believe it?! The rumors are true that he's here, because I ran into him this morning and he asked me if I wanted to tryout for the lead part in his new play, Her Heart of Gold." Silver smiled eagerly. "It was a bit strange that he asked me on the spot, but who's going to refuse Rob Marshall?"
"Sounds fancy," said Silver. "What are you going to do?"
"What should I do?" asked Annie.
"I say you should do it," answered Silver strongly. "If there's anything I've learned from this cancer...is to live your life without regrets. Do it, Annie. I remember in high school when that's all you could talk about...getting on stage and acting in front of a large crowd. It'd be nice to see you up there again doing your thing."
"Well it would be a great distraction from the Undressed media," added Annie. "And Patrick..." Silver suddenly dropped her hairbrush in the sink. She ran her hand delicately through her soft brown hair and found large strands of her hair in her hand.
"Oh God," whispered Silver, her voice breaking.
"What is it?" asked Annie, worried.
"My hair," wept Silver, continuing to comb her hair. Silver was beginning to spin out of control as she continued raking her hair with her fingers. "It's falling! Annie! Oh God!"
"Silver," said Annie. "It's going to be okay..."
"I can't believe this is happening. I have to get out of here," muttered Silver, running out of the bathroom.
Manhattan, New York - Rachel Gray's Headquarters:
Naomi loudly stormed through the glass doors of Rachel's Headquarters and found Rachel standing nearby. Naomi approached her and gathered everyone's attention.
"I cannot believe this is happening!" shrieked Naomi, pointing her finger at Rachel. Everyone around her turned around.
"Me neither," replied Rachel calmly. "Naomi, you better control yourself before I call security."
"I had to take the subway!" yelled Naomi.
"I cancelled Henry," muttered Rachel. "You don't work here anymore, Naomi."
"Why did you fire me in the first place?" asked Naomi angrily. Her pigment turned dark pink as her eyes bulged out. "I'm perfect! I'm the best! I brought in honest money and big success into this company! I am a hard worker and your best employee!"
"I know," agreed Rachel.
"I did better than your daughter!" yelled Naomi defensively. It finally clicked in Naomi's head. "Your daughter...Holly...she's the reason why you're firing me."
"You slept with her boyfriend," explained Rachel. "...you expect me to do nothing about it?"
"That was a mistake," whispered Naomi, ashamed. "I admit, it was careless and irresponsible."
"And that's why I'm taking over New York Headquarters," hissed Holly from behind. Naomi turned around and faced an angry Holly.
"Holly," whispered Naomi. "What are you doing here?"
"I cannot believe you would sleep with Ethan!" shrieked Holly. "How could you?"
"I am so sorry," pleaded Naomi.
"...I guess old habits die hard with you," gritted Holly, standing next to her mother. "First Austin. Now Ethan. You are pathetic."
"I should have known," added Rachel strongly. "Where there's trouble, Naomi doesn't fall far behind." Naomi shut her eyes, embarrassed.
"Maybe you are just a drug, party animal from Beverly Hills," said Rachel. "A spoiled Beverly Hills trust fund brat."
"No, mother," interrupted Holly. "She's more than that...she's a bitch."
"Holly," pleaded Naomi. "Hear me out."
"You are manipulative," began Holly angrily. "...malicious...conniving -"
"That's enough, Holly," stopped Rachel. Holly brushed away her tears and walked away. "As for you, Naomi...you get no pay, no company, and no future in this business. Go home. You have no life here."
Naomi swung her hand across Rachel's face. Her slap echoed throughout the building.
"Go to hell," spat Naomi, walking out of the building.
Adrianna's House:
Adrianna sat comfortably on her soft bed as Navid laid down beside her. He popped jellybeans into his mouth as he flipped channels through the TV.
"Dammit," Adrianna spat.
"What is it, babe?" asked Navid kindly. "What do you need? Do you need me to turn off the TV?"
"No, it's not you. It's nothing," responded a frustrated Adrianna. "...I just can't write a damn song." Her head was throbbing.
"You don't have to write one right now do you?" asked Navid, resting his head on her lap.
"Dixon has been asking for another song ever since the Spencer Blane tribute concert," explained Adrianna helplessly. "I already cancelled my music tour and Dixon already lost Unfaithful Records. I have to write a good song. This is my second chance in the music industry. I can't spoil it, Navid. I want to do this right this time. Dixon's looking for me to make things happen."
"For the record," began Navid. "I loved that song about me..."
"I do too," Adrianna chuckled, kissing Navid on his nose. "I just don't know why I can't write right now. It's like I'm not focused."
"Maybe you should take a break," suggested Navid.
"I don't need a break!" yelled Adrianna. Navid was taken back. "I am so sorry. I didn't mean to scream at you. I'm just frustrated. I'm exhausted."
"Well put the pen and paper down," said Navid gently, removing the pen and paper from her trembling hands and putting them aside. "...Why don't you cuddle with me and eat some jellybeans, while we watch a marathon of sixteen and pregnant." Navid wrapped his arms around Adrianna as she rested herself against him. "We never really got around to watching that..."
Adrianna took a deep breath and calmed her mind. She listened to his heart beat and smiled peacefully. She loved being in his arms. It stopped her world and allowed her to live in love and harmony.
"I love you, Navid," whispered Adrianna. "You're the best boyfriend."
"Well that's cause you're my girlfriend," replied Navid, running his hand down her arms. "I'm my best when I'm with you."
The Pier:
Annie and Liam rested peacefully on his unfinished sailboat as the sun began to set. The ocean's breeze danced around their bodies as the warm sun sunk lower beyond the horizon.
"Why weren't you at school?" asked Annie, wrapping a heavy blanket around her petite figure. "I missed you."
"I...I umm...I had other things planned," answered Liam, thinking about Adrianna's situation. "Why? What happened at school?"
"Well I ran into Rob Marshall," informed Annie excitedly. "He asked me to read for his new play at CU..."
"I think you'd make a great lead," muttered Liam, removing a strand of hair away from her chocolate brown eyes. "My girl can do anything."
"Really?" asked Annie. "I thought about it. I do miss acting, Liam."
"Well I don't," added Liam. They both chuckled aloud. "I'm glad I'm done with that part of my life." Annie smiled. "Sure I was making money, but I was never really happy. It wasn't my passion."
"I feel like it would be a good thing for me," mentioned Annie. "If I land the role, who knows what can happen?"
"You will do great things, Annie," reassured Liam. "You have never failed anything in your life."
"Well I'm not sure about that anymore. I failed being a friend to Silver," mentioned Annie, burying her face in her hands. Liam moved closer to her and wrapped his arms around her.
"What are you talking about?" asked Liam.
"She's losing her hair, Liam," informed Annie, her voice breaking. "She freaked out at campus earlier and...and ran off. I just feel like I keep saying the wrong things at the wrong time and I feel like I'm not making anything better for her."
"Annie," Liam muttered. "You're doing the best you can..."
"Which is what?" asked Annie.
"By simply being there," answered Liam, smiling at her. "That's enough for her..." Annie licked her lips. "You have a good heart, Annie. That's what I love about you the most. You have a heart of gold."
"I just don't want to lose her," whispered Annie, weeping silently. "I've always had Silver in my life...and I don't know how to live without one. I'm more scared about this cancer than she is." Annie buried her head in Liam's chest as they watched the sun disappear before their eyes.
Silver's Apartment:
Annie stood quietly outside Silver's door as she heard Silver sobbing hysterically to herself. Annie painfully shut her eyes as she continued to stand outside the small apartment. Annie clenched her nervous hands together as her heart pounded greatly against her chest.
"Hey," Adrianna whispered from behind. Annie turned around to see Naomi and Adrianna making their way towards a distraught Annie.
"Hey," greeted Annie quietly, reaching for Adrianna. There was a despair tone in Annie's broken voice. Annie wiped away her tears as she embraced Naomi and Adrianna.
"How long have you been standing here?" asked Naomi, holding onto Annie's hand. Annie took a deep breath and cleared her mind.
"A while," answered Annie dejected, her voice breaking.
"How long has she been crying for?" asked Adrianna dolefully.
"A while," answered Annie, depressed, weeping silently.
"Poor Silver," muttered Naomi, placing her hand over her heart.
"Don't pity the strong. We should go inside," suggested Adrianna strongly, making her way towards the door.
"What if she wants to be alone?" asked Annie nervously.
"Yeah," added Naomi strongly. "I don't want her to go bipolar crazy on us...maybe it's best if we leave her by herself for now. Let's just come back tomorrow morning with donuts."
"She's going to be alone a lot," murmured Adrianna. "Right now, she needs us."
"Right," whispered Annie, breathing deeply. "Let's go..."
Adrianna quietly unlocked the door and made her way inside the dimmed room alongside Annie and Naomi. A distraught Silver glanced over her shoulder and wept even harder as she saw her best friends stroll in through her door. Her mascara ran down her rosy cheeks as she wept and wept and wept. Her strands of hair lay everywhere on her pillowcase as she cried to herself.
Adrianna slowly climbed on the bed and carefully placed herself in front of Silver, holding tightly onto Silver's hands as Adrianna quietly wept alongside her. Annie laid softly behind Silver and gracefully wrapped her small arms around Silver's arms as she also wept alongside them. Naomi crawled at the edge of Silver's mattress and rested her head gently on Silver's lap as she also wept with them.
The moon's light broke through her windows and provided a source of light for them as the twinkling stars rested above Silver's apartment. Annie, Naomi, Silver, and Adrianna tightly held on to each other as tears continued to flow out of their weeping eyes.
Author Note: REVISED CHAPTER