Just Before

Part 2

Tyler: Chloe was gone; she just left me here with her mother. This lady had just implied to Chloe that I might turn my back to her if I had to, to save my own but in court! I was livid, who was she to be giving out these accusations?! This was getting ridiculous. Chloe might just believe her dead-beat mom over me! I can't deal with this. I need to get my life right, but first let's see what Jackie has to say about Chloe and me.

Jackie: "You know, I once went to Eddie's house and told him to stay away from Chloe. I'm thinking I should be telling you the same thing." I know Tyler is mad at me for making those accusations, but I need to do what's right even if it means hurting some people's feelings to make it right. "Tyler, he abided the rule. He stayed away from Chloe for his own good and hers too."

Tyler: Wow Jackie way to make me feel better! "Yet another thing Eddie is better at than I am!"

Jackie: Does he think I'm kidding! It doesn't matter that Eddie listened. It matters that HE listens now! "Tyler, I'm being serious. You think she doesn't want you, and you should give up. Well then, do it this time! You're just no good for each other! Just leave her!" Please, please Tyler listen! You just need to leave!

Tyler: Wow she is being for real. She just wants me to leave Chloe. Can I do that? "What just leave her here in Fresno?"

Jackie: Yes Tyler exactly that! Wow maybe this boy is smart. "Yes! I can handle Chloe; she is my daughter after all!"

Tyler: Jackie really thinks I should leave. But can I be so horrible to Chloe? "Jackie, I don't know if I'm ready to do that!" I mean we've been through so much I don't know if I can live my life without her. "Just after everything we've been through, everything that's happened...She needs me!"

Jackie gets up and walks away from the table in frustration. I can tell how badly she wants me to leave, but why? Just a few weeks ago she was begging me to help her daughter. And she was telling me how much Chloe needed me and how she couldn't live without me. But now she wants me to go. I'm guessing she's realized how obsessed Chloe is with Eddie. All these things running through my head and the phone rings! Are you kidding right now I really don't wanna talk! I pull out the phone to look at and its Oz, Osborne Silver, the big movie producer I've been dying to do a movie with! If he wants to do a movie together it may just put my career back on track! Maybe Jackie is right, maybe I should leave to better myself?

After a few minutes on the phone with Oz I realize that maybe the acting business hasn't given up on mean! I've just been too distracted with Chloe drama. Oz has a role for me! Yes, this is just what I needed! Wait, but what about Chloe. Can I leave her? Just as I'm hanging up with Oz Chloe comes in.

Chloe: Why is Tyler on the phone? I know I left suddenly, but I thought I was all he cared about! Who could he possibly be on the phone with? "Who was that?"

Tyler: Shit, she just got back and she's already asking questions! What do I do? I can't tell her who it really was or she will want to leave Fresno. "Uhhh… just my agent calling about an audition I had." Great lie Ty, great lie! But will she believe me?

Chloe: "Oh I didn't know you had an audition." When did he have time to audition for anything! He's been too busy with me. Whatever, I don't have time to think about Tyler and his possible lies, nor do I have the time for arguing. "Did you get the part?" I really genuinely cared if he got the part. Because if he did it would ruin my whole plan!

Tyler: Really Chlo, more questions! "Uhhh, no. It was a Fireman. I guess they wanted some a little less handsome and a little more real?"

Chloe: "I'm sorry Tyler. You would've been a great Fireman!" I'm not sorry at all! I'm so glad he didn't get that part. Now I can set my plan into action! In his lack of response so I began to talk again, this time bringing up my plan. "See this is what I was just thinking about. You know L.A. and all the rejections and backstabbing and phoniness."

Tyler: Is she crazy! Everything she is saying is describing her! "Uhhh… you were about 90% responsible for that stuff."

Chloe: Geeze Ty, could you be any nicer!? "No Tyler, it's the town not me. But being in Fresno isn't helping either! Being here makes me want to strangle someone. We should leave and go to New York?! You could act in plays and I could still model, and we could get a place right by the park." With this Tyler stood up from the cough and let out a huge sigh. Is he really going to reject me? "Come on, we would never have to think about Max or Eddie ever again! How does that sound?" Man, I was getting real good at this! I've even convinced myself that this was one hell of an idea!

Tyler: "That sounds good. I would love to get back into theater, get back to my roots." Wow, Chloe actually had a good idea. But did I really need to go to New York with her? I did just get a movie offer from Oz, the Great and Powerful.

Chloe: Yes my plan was working! "Ok, so let's leave then, first thing in the morning? And drive across county together! This could be a new begging… for us." I was actually being sincere! I realized throughout this conversation that I really wanted this… with Tyler. And with that I was headed to take a nap. "I'm going to go lie down, join me later?"

Tyler: Was Chloe being for real right now? Did she really want us to be together? "Yeah, ummm I'll be in there in a minute." I may have said I was going to join her, but did I really want to? Chloe was the hardest person for me to read. I couldn't tell if she was lying or being completely honest and sincere with me. Ughh! Chloe Carter why do you cause me so much pain and problems?

Back with Eddie and Lia…

Eddie: We had just gotten back to the hotel from Fresno and all I could think about was going to that concert. I need to see Loren or at least here her voice! Lia started yelling about how I could go to the concert, but I wasn't changing my mind! "What did you think Lia, that I was gonna just change my mind?" Could she really be this dumb? I mean first she kisses me, even though she knows how much I love Loren and now she's trying to stop me from seeing her.

Lia: Oh my God Eddie! Why don't you just forget about that girl and be with me! We have such a connection. We should be together! "Yes, Eddie I did. I thought you would get here and figure out how impossible it is going to be to get into that concert, with all the police surrounding MK!"

Eddie: Why doesn't this girl understand? Has she never seen a movie about true love? I realize this isn't a movie, but I truly love Loren and this right now, getting to see her perform and being at her first concert, is the most important thing to me. Screw the cops! "I just need to give her this note!"

Lia: "You can give her a note anytime, anywhere!" Wow how dumb could he be!

Eddie: "Ok, you caught me. I want to see some of the show, I wanna here Loren sing!" God dammit Lia! Can't you just understand what I'm going through and stop questioning me! No more than a second after I thought that she was asking another question, "How are you going to get in?" Really Lia! "I don't know! Ill figure it out when I get there." Does she not realize that these last couple years of my life I've learned how to go out in public without being noticed! And I told her exactly that. Alright well here's another idea for her, "There- there's going to be a big crowd, okay? I- I can blend in!" This really won't be that hard, I don't think.

Lia: Wow Eddie, you are dumber than I thought. "If you got jail I can't protect you!"

Eddie: Jail is starting to good right about now. "If I go to jail it's going to be a relief compared to the hell I've been living through!"

Lia: Really hell, is that what's it has been Eddie? "Well it hasn't been all bad, has it?"

Eddie: Damn, now I've made her feel bad. I didn't mean it like, sorry. "Look, meeting you and Jeremy has been… a pleasant surprise, in the middle of this disaster." It was true though. I'm so glad I met them and they were the ones to save me. Yes, it would have been best if Loren was the one to save me or any of my family members or close friends, or if this would have never happened. But I am truly happy I got to meet these two wonderful people. By the look in Lia's eyes I can tell she was thinking up a plan. But was it a plan to help me or her? She started talking about we could go back and live in Ojai with her and her brother, and how I wouldn't have to stay in the shed anymore. That sounded nice, but it's not what I wanted or needed. "I can't Lia. I belong here."

Kelly, Nora, Loren, and him…

Loren: I'm so nervous right now! Can I do this without Eddie? Yes I know it's for him, but should the person it's for be here? I mean that's how these things are suppose to go right? I'm lost in thought, but I can hear Kelly talking about wardrobe changes. I say the first that comes into my mind, "First change? I thought those were just choices. I didn't think I was turning into Cher."

Kelly: No, Loren just no! "No, no we've got to take advantage of the… hey are you okay?" I asked concerned that Loren might be getting stage fright again or that Eddie may have contacted her, or well just anything.

Loren: Crap she knows something's wrong! "Yeah, I'm fine. It's just been a strange day." Sure, yeah that works. I'm flipping out, but I can't let anyone know. I've got to pull through this not just myself, but for Eddie too. As soon as Kelly and I are about to go our separate ways in walks the detective. This is not what I need right now! He starts asking me if I've heard from Eddie today. This just makes me worry more! What if he does show up and gets arrested during my concert just for coming to support me, his "girl." But of course Kelly knew just how to get rid of him. That was one thing I was thankful of Kelly for.

Too bad she wasn't there when my dad just decided to show up in my dressing room earlier! Like what the hell was he doing here? After 14 years, he decides to show up today! Well my mom and I both let him have it, but mainly my mom. It seemed as if she was getting out 14 years on anger in 10 minutes. I had gotten some of my anger out also. I told Trent how he ruined my life. He tried to say that he had done no wrong and I lost it. I told him how I couldn't enjoy anything in life. How when I see a shinny apple I automatically think its poisoned and a few other things, but the final example I gave Trent was so true to this moment in time. I said, "When I fall in love with a boy, I know he's just going to leave." I knew saying these things was killing my mom, but they were true. I fell in love with Eddie and now he's gone. I loved my dad and he left. Everything I told Trent was so true, but I just couldn't let my mom know that. After Trent left the room I instantly told my mom that what I said wasn't true and how I just wanted Trent to feel horrible.

Max and Nora and Loren…

Max: I had a gift to give to Loren so I figured now would be a great time to give it to her. As I walked into the room and asked where the star was, I learned that only Nora was in the room. And now it was just her and I, in this room alone together. "Hey," I said very nonchalantly. Nora stood up from the couch; it looked as if she had been crying but before I could ask she was so close to me and are lips met. This kiss had so much love and passion in it. It left me confused. "Wow, what was that for?" It came out weird, but it asked exactly what I wanted to know.

Nora: Oh god, this is who I need. Trent just ruined my night and Max is the only person who can make it better. As soon as he walked in the door I instantly went over to kiss him. "I love you, Max. I do. You are such a good man." I just needed him to know that. I know he was lost on why I had kissed him with so much passion and love, but that was ok for now.

Max: "I love you too." I looked her with confusion in my eyes. But I knew right now she just needed me she would explain later. Right now I needed to make sure she was okay. Maybe I would find out what happened. "Are you okay?"

Nora: "Yeah, yeah." I said with tears in my eyes. I knew I might as well explain everything to him. "Loren's father showed up just a little while ago." Max looked at me for a second and then got so defensive. I loved how defensive he was over Loren. He was so cute, but yet so manly. "He thought he would surprise her." Max instantly wanted to talk to Trent, but I convinced him that Trent had left and I chased him away."

Max: What a dead-beat was all I could thing. I realized I was getting really defensive, but I just couldn't help it. I thought of Loren as my daughter and anyone who hurt her had to deal with me. "You know the nerve on this guy, to show up on a night like this. Are you sure he's gone?" Nora nodded yes and I began talking again. "I'm sorry. This-this must be so hard on you." Nora just shook her head in agreement with me. She was just so upset that he would do this to Loren on her big night! "How is she, how did she take it?" I asked genuinely worried about Loren.

Nora: Max was being so caring and sweet and he made me feel so much better, but I wanted to answer his questions so he could know that I was going to be okay. "Better than I did." I chuckled trying to lighten the mood a bit. Max told how tough Loren was getting and how she was going to need this scar tissue in life. While he's telling me this in comes Loren.

Loren: I only heard the tail end of my mom and Max's conversation and I instantly wanted to know what they were talking about. "Need what?" I asked very confusingly. "This." Max said pulling out a box wrapped in green with a white bow around it. "Oh, Max, thank you!" He laughed as I pulled him into a hug.

Max: "You know, it's just a little something…" I said until Loren cut me off.

Loren: "You know what I wish it was?" I mean yes Max's gift was great, but I couldn't help myself from saying that.

Max: Poor Loren she is going through so much right now. Yes, I am too. But somehow I know this is just so much harder on her than it is on me. "Yeah, a phone call with Eddie. But, it's not that." I knew Loren wanted Eddie to be okay and come back home. But I also knew she wasn't going to listen to us when we told her he was okay. She asked if I had heard anything and I just shook my head no, not wanting to keep the conversation about Eddie going.

Operation: get in…

Eddie: Lia and I pulled up to the club and all the posted of Loren were labeled with "Sold Out" stickers. "How dope is that? Loren sold out her first concert!" I was so happy for her. But this just made me sad, I wanted to be in the club with her and sharing this amazing moment together. Not her thinking I could be dead! Lia was being stupid, as usual. She was like, "how are gonna get in now, there are no tickets?" I was just sitting there, like how dumb can you be? "What did you think I was just gonna walk up to the booth with a credit card?" Then Lia brought up buying tickets from a scalper and how we didn't have money for that. Well no shit Sherlock! God damn, she can be so stupid. "No, I'm not going to go through the front. It's too tight. Plus police are hovering." Then Lia began trying to talk me out of this, again! "Look Lia, relax all right? I helped my dad put this place together. I know how to get in. I'm just going to go in there give her this note and I'll be right back." Before giving her a chance to respond I was out the door and headed to the back of the club.

I snuck through the boxes and the back and began turning corners like I was a CSI. I was almost to Loren's dressing room when I seen someone. Oh shit! It was another cop. He almost caught me there. But I was too sly for him I made straight to where my dad's apartment was. I noticed that the concert was getting ready to start so I might as well crouch down and watch. I seen the detective walk in and him and his cop buddies spread out all over the club. I started to get a little nervous, but I knew I was doing the right thing by being here for Loren.

I watched as Nora found my dad, and Mel with her camera found Adam, and Jake found Kelly. Seeing this made me, even more, want to just go down there and enjoy the night with them. The crowd began cheering and I seen MY GIRL walk out on stage looking as beautiful as ever! I almost cried at the sight of her. I could see the sadness in her eyes that she was trying to hide. But Loren couldn't hide anything from me; I could see every emotion in her eyes. Just another reason why I loved her! Loren was doing great with her introduction, the crowd loved her. She began to talk about the first song she was going to sing. She started saying how the song was about a boy she met up on a hill one day. I instantly knew it was about me and this brought tears to my eyes. I hadn't even gotten to hear this song, so I had to stay and here it. Loren had gotten through the first bridge in her song when she looked in my direction. Our eyes met and I didn't know what to do. So I just smiled hoping and praying that she wouldn't stop to see if it was really me. But my luck she did. That's when I knew Loren loved with everything she had. She stopped in the middle of her own concert just to see me. How could I not love this girl? How could anyone not love her? She was the most amazing genuinely sweet person I've ever met. And I was going to marry this girl at all costs! Once she stopped and started to walk toward the end of the stage in mind direction I knew I had to get out of there. I slowly snuck through the door and Loren began singing again, after apologizing to the crowd. I snuck right back in the door so I could catch some more of Loren singing. That's when a noticed a fan out in the crowd making eyes at me. Damn these girls I was just trying to watch MY GIRL sing and she had to ruin it. I had to leave before the cops caught on. I left and snuck into Loren's dressing room to leave her a note. I didn't even care if Lia was worried about where I was! I was going to take my time and see as much of MY GIRL as I could. As soon as I got into her dressing room I went straight to the vanity to leave my note. She already had plenty of things on the vanity, but mine was more important. So I put it right in the middle grabbed a rose out of the vase, on the vanity, and slid it in between my note. I looked up toward the mirror and noticed a picture Loren had taped on it. It was me and her! She looked so beautiful and we both looked so happy! I began thinking about when this picture was taken. And yet again I had tears in my eyes. I loved her so much I couldn't help but let a tear fall as I leaned in kissed two of my fingers and touched the picture. I knew Loren wouldn't be able to tell that was my way of kissing her right now. I mean pictures can't talk, but I just had to do it! And with that I was on my way out but I was stopped dead in my tracks. There was that same damn cop again! Now what am I going to do? I walked back into the dressing room and seen my guitar case. How sweet? Loren was using my guitar in her first concert, I guess that was her way of feeling my presence. I loved it! How much more amazing can she get? I grabbed the guitar case and decided to use it to cover my face and pretend I was a stage hand. As I was walking toward the stage I could hear the crowd going crazy for MY GIRL as she had just finished her first song. When she finished she thanked them and told them again how sorry she was for her dramatic pause, and she told them the story about her running of stage. Her next song was "Mars." I wanted to see her perform this one, seeing as it was about us. But I had heard this song and right now I need to figure out what to do. Should I leave or stay for another song?

I decided to climb the raptors and sit up by the lights to watch Loren perform. Hopefully, she wouldn't see me up here. Or at least wouldn't stop if she did. Yet again Loren walked out on stage wearing a short little dress. I knew Kelly had picked it out because it just didn't look like Loren, don't get me wrong she look sexy as hell in it. But I was getting tired of Kelly making Loren wear these things. I only want Loren wearing something that short if it with me, and only me ;). The crowd began hooting and hollering when they seen Loren. The crowd loved her! I loved her more though. Loren began by telling them that there was a change of plans. I was scared, I didn't know what Kelly may have put her up to. But as soon as Loren said she was gonna sing a song that I wrote, I knew this was all Loren's planning. Just like I told her during my concert here, once you get up on the stage things happen spontaneously. I smiled as she began to talk about how she thought my song was really misunderstood and how heartfelt it truly was. Her singing was beautiful and yet again I was about to cry. Loren had changed the way the music went with the song and I was completely fine with that. She actually made it 10 times better! I was trying so hard not to let a tear fall that I was shaking. I knew it was okay for me to cry but right now I needed to hold it together. When Loren picked up the microphone and left the keyboard and began singing the chorus the music had dropped in volume, it was incredible! And that's when the tear fell, but this time it was a happy tear. I was so proud or MY GIRL! I took my scarf off from around my neck to not only hold on to because Loren loved this scarf, but to wipe my tears. I looked as if Loren glanced up and seen me, which was great and she didn't even stop this time. But that's when I noticed the detective was looking right at me and was headed to get me. I turned around and dropped my scarf where I was sure Loren would find it, and now it was time to get the hell out of here! If the cops caught me I would ruin Loren's concert. I got out as quick as I could.

Goodbye for Jake and Traci…

Jake: As soon as Traci told me she wasn't pregnant I lost it. I knew that her being pregnant was the reason she wanted to fix our marriage. But now with no kid on the way, there was no reason to try and fix it. Traci began packing and my heart broke into a trillion tiny little pieces. I know I have done wrong by Traci and that I've hurt her, but why did she have to go? Didn't I deserve a second chance? I thought everyone got second chances.

Traci: Not having a kid killed me! Jake and I now had absolutely no reason to rekindle our relationship. Life would be horrible if we stayed together. I needed to go and be home with my family. I already had a job offer in Chicago that I wanted, so I decided going there was best. The car to take me to the airport arrived and it was time for me and Jake to say our last goodbyes. Jake was a mess. More of a mess than I was. I guess I realized that everything was going to be okay, and he just hadn't yet.

Jake: This is so wrong. I don't think I can go on. Why does she have to go! "Can I visit you in Chicago?" I needed to see her. We can't just end like this, but Traci just shook her head no. And with that she was gone. I'm a mess now, Kelly has called wanting me to show up for Loren's concert. But I can't go in there like this. I had a few drinks and said F it, might as well go. Nothing good will come from staying here in the place that reminds me of Traci the most.

Tyler leaves with no goodbye…

Tyler: It had been almost an hour since Chloe went to bed. I stayed in the living room thinking about what Jackie had said but also about what Chloe said she wanted to do. Was she being honest? Did she really want those things with me? What about the movie and Oz? What is going to best for me. Finally I had come do my decision. I was tired of letting Chloe run my life. I realized that every time she said these things I fell right into her little trap and every time she broke my heart. I love her, I really do. I just don't think I can deal with her drama anymore. I need to start living for myself. With that final thought I packed my bags and left. I couldn't go into Chloe's room. What if she was awake? Then I couldn't leave. And honestly I don't know if I could actually say goodbye to her even if she was sleeping. This was the absolute hardest decision I have ever had to make… so far.

An hour later…

Chloe: I woke up and noticed Tyler wasn't lying in bed with me. Where the hell could he be? I walked in the living room, nope wasn't there. Search the entire house and he wasn't there! Tyler left me, he just left with no goodbye. My mom walked in as she heard me saying these things out loud. I told my mom how shocked I was and all about our plans to move to New York and start a new life together. She started comforting me, but I knew something was wrong. I asked if she had said anything to Tyler, and she had. I was livid!

My mom and I had been arguing for quite a while when she decided she had some balls. She tried to tell me about myself and how I was going to end up. At first I just wanted to slap the bitch. Nothing she said was true! But I actually took a moment and thought about it. Everything was spot on. I need to make my life right, starting with Eddie and then Tyler. I give my mom a hug and wipe the tears from my face. I need to go make this better!

Nerves and weird sights for Loren tonight…

Loren: I've got about 10 minutes before I go on and I'm flipping out. I'm trying to relax and do my vocal exercises, but it's hard not to think about everything that is going on. Finally, Mel knocks on the door breaking my thoughts.

Mel: "Loren Tate, are you ready for the best night of your life?" I was so happy and excited for Lo, but I knew she was freaking out so I decided to step in and try and calm her. She looked absolutely beautiful. I know I'm supposed to say these things because I'm her best friend, but it was so true. I complemented her outfit and before I knew she was saying how amazing I looked. I just hoped that I wasn't upstaging her. I handed her some balloons I bought at the last minute. But now it was time for the big gift. God I hope she doesn't wind up crying! I took the counterfeit tickets my idiotic brother, Phil, gave me and Loren for the Eddie Duran concert and framed them. I began telling her how important those tickets were, but then I realized I needed to stop before she burst out in tears. But it was too late.

Loren: Mel had just giving me one of the greatest gifts ever, but it just made me cry. I loved it n all, but the tickets were for Eddie's concert and that just made me think of him again. "Stop, stop! I can't even get there." I said laughing in a sad way. It was kind of weird, but I was happy and said at the same time so it was going to be weird right? "I love you, Mel." We said as we pulled each other into a hug, in which we were both crying from mixed emotions. And that's when my mom walked in.

Nora: I walked in to see the girls hugging and crying, but by the smiles on their face I could tell everything was okay. "Oh, this is where the party is." I said and they just told me to join them in their little hug/cry fest. It was time for one of our many group hugs! We all claimed how much we loved each other as we wiped the tears from our eyes trying not to mess up our make-up. But now our loving moment was over as the producer walked in to take Loren to the stage.

Loren: I just got done having a great moment with my mom and Mel, but now all these other feelings were rushing into me.

Wardrobe Change...

Loren: After my first two songs it was time for a wardrobe change. I knew my mom and Kelly were going to question me about the pause. I knew Kelly really wouldn't care, but my mom would. I just told my mom the truth. I told her how I "thought" I saw Eddie up by Max's apartment. She told me how it wasn't him and I just went along with her. Then Kelly chimed in, saying that maybe it was him. Kelly I guess didn't realize that I wanted Eddie far from here, but my mom set her straight.

The wardrobe lady took my dress and through it on the vanity as she handed me my next dress to where. Time for round 2 of my concert, this time no pauses!

As I was finish up "One Day at a Time" I noticed the cops searching the raptors. I had seen Eddie up there, but I just thought it was my imagination. Apparently not, because the detective had seen him too! I started walking off stage to the left when I seen Eddies scarf lying on the ground. This was just another sign that Eddie was here, he seen me perform my first concert! As I picked up the scarf the detective walked over and told me Eddie was gone. And with that the cops left, thank God.

Almost time to go…

Kelly: "The planes ready to go." I told Loren very excitedly.

Loren: "Ahhh. I feel so great right now!" It was true, I felt like I could get there without a plane. Kelly laughed and told me the car was ready whenever we were. I turned to see my mom and Max just going at it with everyone just standing there in that room. I knew that if Eddie were here we would be doing the same thing. Our parents and us had found true love, so I wasn't going to stop my mom and Max from saying goodbye. But after a while I told them to break it up, it was time to go. I grabbed my bag and walked out the door. I realized everyone I loved, except one person, was in that one room and I needed to let them know how thankful I was for them. "I just wanted to say, before we go, I wouldn't be here on this incredible and amazing journey without you guys, okay? You all mean so much to me, and I could say thank you a million times, and it wouldn't even begin to describe how grateful I am. I love you guys." Everyone had tears in their eyes, even the boys (Max and Adam). Mel quickly made a loving joke to lighten the mood and everyone was laughing and clapping at my little "speech."

Phil and Aid, marriage?

Phil: Aid and I are sitting in the café and she starts talking about how I won't go to jail for something I didn't do. That's when I realized I had already done so much that maybe it was the universes way of evening things out. This was me getting karma. I've always heard that karma was a bitch, but I never thought it would be a bitch to me. Then Aid brought up a very valid point. She talked about how when we tried to frame Loren it didn't work and that this was the same case with us. I was being framed and somehow they would find the framer and stop me from going to prison. That's when I came up with the best idea ever. I mean Aid was already pregnant and I just knew this was the best thing to do. I mean I love Aid with every bone in my body no matter how dumb she can be. "Alright Aid, let's make a deal? If I don't go to jail, I don't wanna be your boyfriend anymore." I paused to let this sink in for a moment.

Aid: What the hell is he talking about! I just told him how bad my life already is and now he's going to make it worse, even if he doesn't go to jail? "What!"

Phil: I knew Aid would have this reaction. I found it cute though. "I want to be your husband."

Aid: "Are you asking me to marry you?" I was so confused right now.

Phil: "No, but I will as soon as I don't have to worry about going to jail." I knew I could've just said a simple yes, but this was no way to ask the woman I love to marry me! I could tell this conversation was scaring Aid, she had enough on her mind already. So I just comforted her. And with that I left to go home, leaving Aid to set there and think.

When I arrived home my dad, Gus, was just getting off the phone. My mom and him began telling me about the girl named Ellie Moss. And how she fled town and that the cops were looking for her. Aid was right, it seemed as if we were going to get a break. But what if they didn't find Ellie then they will just pin everything on me. My mom, Lisa, told me the exact same thing Aid did. They both said something good was gonna happen. I found this the perfect time to let my parents know that I was going to ask Adriana to marry me. "If something good does happen, I'm going to ask Adriana to marry me." After saying so I left to find some food in the kitchen fridge, leaving my parents there in a daze.

Gus: My wife and I both followed Phil into the kitchen, highly confused. "Uh, what did you say?"

Phil: I really didn't feel like repeating myself so I said it in a different way. "It's the responsible thing to do dad."

Lisa: My son was being serious! "I think it's a very mature decision, Phil, but…"

Gus: "…But you are- are young son, alright? There's a lot to consider here."

Phil: I know this I'm not stupid. "Don't worry, okay? We won't be a burden on you. Adriana's gonna collect the $2 million for the insurance. We'll be alright for a while."

Gus: "Is that the reason you're doing this? For the money?" I asked concerned that my son just wanted to use this girl.

Phil: "I know, dad. I want to ask Adriana to marry me because I love her, but the way things are looking, I may end up going to prison. Then you guys won't have to worry about me marrying Adriana. That make you happy?" I took a sip of my orange juice with a grin on my face and left the room.

I need to see Loren…

Lia: Eddie barley got out of the club. This is getting crazy, "we need to get you out of here, and it's not safe." I told him.

Eddie: Lia was flipping out again, but this time I understood. "I agree. But I have to do this one thing, and we can leave right away in the morning. Or we can leave tonight." Lia started talking how about how she wouldn't let me go, but my mind was already made up I was going! "Then Lia, I'm gonna take a bus or I'm gonna call a cab."

Lia: Idiot! "We don't have any money!"

Eddie: "You're right. Okay, then I will walk there. I have to see Loren!"

Lia: "People are gonna see you!"

Eddie: "Your right! So the safest way for me to get there is for you to give me your keys and let me drive myself." God damn she can be so stubborn! And now she's talking this nonsense about Loren not showing and how she might think it's too dangerous or that the note was a fake! But I know Loren will be there! "Lia, I don't care I need to go, okay? I need to believe that she'll be there."

Lia: This guy right here, ughh I swear! "What about me?"

Eddie: Sure not she wants to think about herself. I think for a minute and grab a pen and paper. I begin writing her a not to give to Jake if I don't come back. "Look, if I don't come back, if anything happens to me for whatever reasons…go to this address. Tell the guy who you are, what you did, and what you want, and he'll take care of you. But don't worry, okay? I'll be back." I hand her the note and walk out the door. But before I could leave Lia throws me her keys.

To be continued...

The next chapter will be the last one before I reach present day in HH. P.S. Sorry its so late. Also i will try my best to post tomorrow, but i have a basketball game and most likely wont get home til late. But i will deffinatly be able to post Tuesday! So yeah, just tell me what you think and keep following along :)

M.L. #14 Jordan G

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