Here's the next chapter and it's really good. Well I think it's good but if you don't believe me read it your self. Last time she invites everyone to stay, they all say yes, she gets into a fight with Charlie and then gets sent to her room. Now sit back, relax and enjoy this chapter, oh and I own nothing.

Chapter 8: The truth and Jack

Two hours of contemplating later I looked up at my now open door. "Hey Baby."

"Hey Bean. You're only in here because of Matt right?" I asked.

"Yeah. You really beat him up you know that right?"

"Of course I do but he called a bitch and a slut."

"I know according to Matt your story matches what Charlie told him."

"What's the total damage?"

"Bloody nose, black eye, and a dislocated shoulder. Looks a lot like hockey injuries."

"Not as bad as what I did to Andy Jefferson. Shattered his jaw but that was only 'cause he slapped me three times."

"Not even there for two full weeks and you're already fighting."

"It happens. Now could you go I just want to be alone."

"Alright." He left and I looked around the room and saw a leather bound book on the desk. I walked over and upon closer inspection it was a photo album. I opened it and looked at the first picture.

It was of a lady with blonde hair and green eyes, the same green eyes Matt has, holding a baby and my father gazing down upon it looking very proud. The next page had a picture of the same baby with blonde hair and clear blue eyes. It was laying on a pure white baby blanket, underneath that it said 'Our baby girl'. The next page had a picture of my brothers standing around my grandmother on my father's side, who was sitting in her wooden rocker holding the same baby. The blanket around the baby was a dead give away along with the blonde hair. The next picture was of two babies, one being held by Casey Conway which I assumed was Charlie and the other was being held by my dad with Matt and Chris standing next to him. The baby was wrapped in a navy blue blanket that was dotted with yellow stars. I remember my brothers had one like it but only kept it until the next one was born. I don't know what happened to it now. Under it the writing said 'practically twins'. I flipped through the pictures and watched the baby girl grow up until right after her first birthday and her hair change from blonde to brown around 4 months. Then I flipped back to the front page and read the caption under the picture. 'Our only girl ever. July 24, 1981; 7 pounds 8 ounces; 3:51 am; 21 inches long.' My jaw dropped in shock. Those facts fit me to a T. That was exactly what I was like when I was born, but there was no way that the baby was me.

I mean the lady in the picture wasn't Alicia, my mom, the lady had blonde hair and my mom had jet black hair. Her eyes were green and my mom's were poop brown. It just wasn't possible. Then the writing on the inside of the front cover caught my eye. 'We love you so much and no matter what happens to us we want you to know the truth. Shoot for the stars, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. We'll always be watching over you. Love Mom and Dad.' It read.

I slammed the book shut and after setting it back where it had been, walked back to my bed. I flopped down on my bed and Chris came in. "Hey want some food?" He asked setting the tray on the desk next to the computer.

"Who is she?" I asked. He looked at me confused so I pointed to the book. He opened the book and leafed through it.

"That's you genius." He said closing it and bringing it to me.

"Ok then who's she?" I asked opening the book to the front page.

"Lizzy, I know you always thought mom was a cold hearted jerk to you, always favoring Matt and Seth above you and maybe this lady is the reason. But I don't think I'm the right person to tell you who she is."

"Then who Chris? You want Matt to? Or maybe Seth? What about Dad?"

"I don't know."

"Chris, I know you and I have had our differences in the past but you've never once lied to me about anything except the whole Matt thing. Does it have anything to do with the fact that she never acknowledges that I'm her daughter or when I told them I wasn't coming home for Christmas and dad agreed she told him that we were 'his' kids? Or the fact that Matt rarely ever calls her mom?" I asked using air quotes around his.

"Well yes."

"Well what is it?" He seemed to be debating it. "Come on Chris it's either you or Matt. Seth was 4 when I was born and Ben was only 3. Please just tell me."

"Oh alright I'll be back in a minute just stay here."

"Not like I can go anywhere." He walked out the door and I picked up the plate of chocolate chip cookies. "Mmmmmm, chocolate chip my favorite." I had munched down four of them by the time he came back with something pressed to his chest.

"Fire-arm this is serious. Mom, well Alicia actually, never wanted you to know until you turned 18. Alicia isn't our real mom. This is the only picture we have of all seven of us. It was 3:57 in the morning and that's why we all look tired. She died about three minutes later." He showed me the picture. My dad was standing next to hospital bed holding what looked like a 3 year old Ben at the time. Seth was 4 and was sitting next to the blonde lady from the other picture. She was holing me smiling. Chris, 7, was next to my dad and Matt, 10, was next to the bed on the other side.

"Chris?"

"This is our real mom. She died almost exactly 9 minutes after you were born. Ben and Seth have been told stories about her and me and Matt remember her. Dad says we're the lucky ones. Alicia says that the stress is what did her in. If they weren't so bound and determined to have a girl she says mom would have lived."

"Why does she say that?"

"Dad's always comparing you to her. How much you're like her."

"But I look nothing like her."

"You do a bit, but your attitude and temperament is just like her's was. Quick tempered, yet patient, intelligent, thoughtful, caring, trusting..."

"Chris."

"Smart, putting others first, interest in hot guys, wonderful memory..."

"Chris." I said cutting him off again.

"What?" He snapped

"I'm sorry alright."

"No, it's not your fault don't cry. Please Fire-arm it ain't your fault." I dried my tears. "That a girl. Dad's always been like that, it always upsets Matt 'cause he was close to her too. It ticks Alicia off because she doesn't like to hear about mom. Rebecca's, I mean Mom's, family were hockey players/ ice skaters."

"She had siblings?"

"Yeah just one. A big brother. His name was Austin Johnson. He played minor league hockey till he was killed in a car wreck. Kinda like Matt actually. Mom's mom was a pro skater, went to the Olympics' so I heard and Mom's dad played hockey. Dad's dad was a baseball player in the minors till he gave it up for a family. You know Dad's sister, Charlie's mom, and Dad's mom. Alicia married Dad shortly after your first birthday. Dad liked her best and he said you needed a mom. She only agreed to marry him and take in his five kids because she wanted his money. Ever since Matt was born he's been a bit well off. Rebecca knew it but she didn't care. She loved him. She once admitted to Fulton's mom that she would have married him even if he was dirt floor poor. Alicia told Matt once that all she cares about isn't us 'stupid brats' it's the cash she wants. Funny thing when Matt asked Dad about it Dad confessed that she doesn't get anything except her car. We get it all. Most of it is paying for our schooling right now and of course your college eventually but after that we get whatever's left. The reason she doesn't like you is because you rebelled against her too much and you ain't the dress wearing, stuck up, snotty daughter she wanted. I've heard Dad won't even try to give her a kid though. He says five is enough. That's why she tries to spoil Matt and Seth so much."

"Just because I'm a tomboy?"

"Yup."

"It's not my fault I grew up with 4 brothers, one guy cousin, and my best friend's a guy. But why does Dad favor you two over Matt and Seth? I mean if they play hockey like mom's brother and dad did?"

"I know. I guess he figured baseball was less dangerous. Ever hear of anyone dying on a baseball field?"

"I guess not."

"GUYS DINNER!" Matt hollered.

"Coming!" We hollered back. Then we heard four pairs of footsteps run down the stairs.

"Come on Chris" I said bounding out the door and down the steps to Matt. After he set the milk down I hugged him saying "I'm sorry about what happened to Mom. I didn't mean for it to happen."

"What happened to Mom?" He asked confused.

"You know 16 years ago."

"I had to tell her Matt she saw the picture." Chris put in.

"Not here, not right now kid." Matt said.

"Hey I didn't know you could cook." I said sitting down looking at the meatloaf on the table.

"I couldn't until I got tired of Pizza, Mexican, and Chinese take out. So I learned to cook." He said passing the meatloaf to Ben.

As Charlie grabbed the ketchup bottle I said "As soon as you're done with that pass it here asshole." Fulton, Portman, Ben, and Charlie's jaws dropped.

"Lizzy!" Matt warned.

"Ok how about bastard."

"Elizabeth!" Matt scolded.

"What? It's true."

"That language will not be permitted at my table."

"Why not? You've never cared before when you were babysitting."

"A lot's changed in the past five years Elizabeth. Now apologize to him."

"Absolutely not, not until he does."

"That's it go to your room. I will not tolerate your attitude at my table any longer." I got up and stared at him with my mouth open. I couldn't believe he would do that.

"What the hell did mom do to you, brainwash you? You used to be my favorite brother 'cause you were so much like Dad, now that bitch of a step-mom's gotten to you and changed you completely. Why don't you pull that head of yours out of your ass and stop being such an f-ing dick." I yelled before storming out of the room.

-Chris's P. O. V.-

We all sat in silence as ER ranted. I've never seen her this mad before. I could tell by the looks on everyone's faces that they hadn't either. We all knew she had a big temper but none of us had ever experienced it before. Finally she stormed out of the room. We just sat there watching each other wondering who would speak first.

"She's right you know. I really don't know what mom's done to you but you've changed. She was always bragging to her friends about you how much she loved you. She doesn't need another dad Matthew what she needs is the big brother she lost that day. Take a look around Matthew, she needs you the most right now. Not me, or Charlie, or Portman, or even Fulton, you're the one she needs. When they seem the hardest to love, that's when they need it the most. You were closer to her than the rest of us. You could always get through to her despite the ten year age gap. Stop bring a prick Matt. Now think about that while I go talk to her." Ben said grabbing his coat.

"Where are you going?" I asked. I was stunned because Ben never took her side, come to think of it none of us ever did. I guess things really changed.

"Crabtree's orchard." Ben answered. Crabtree's orchard was her favorite place to go and think. Old Mr. Crabtree always let her just walk through there as long as she didn't ruin his crop of apples.

"Why am I such an idiot?" Matt asked.

"You ain't an idiot Matt you just haven't been around her for five years. You still think of her as an 11 year old little girl." I said picking up my plate. "Come follow me, we should talk."

He followed suit and into the living room saying "go ahead and eat as much as you want."

-Charlie's P. O. V.-

We watched the doors between the living room and the dining room slide shut and when they did Fulton was the first to speak. "Welcome to the crazy life of the Jacobs kids."

"That happens at every meal?" Portman asked.

"Not usually but it has happened before. And usually it's a three way argument. Her versus Chris and Ben versus Matt and Seth. Their parents usually stay out of it." I said.

"Um guys what did she mean by step-mom?" Portman asked.

"Well normally that means that the kid's dad got remarried to someone else and their new wife would be the kids step-mom." I explained.

"I knew that Spaz I meant I didn't know she had a step-mom." Portman said back.

Fulton was halfway through his dinner when he looked up suddenly. "What?" I asked looking at him.

"Maybe that's what she meant." Portman and I both looked confused so he went on. "One day about 6 years ago I came over here and when I got to the back door I overheard 2 people yelling. I took it as her mom and dad. Lizzy's mom said that she didn't even know why she married him in the first place about 9 years ago. I thought that was weird her saying 9 years. At the time Lizzy was 10. I just thought she slipped and really meant 19 or something along those lines. So I just shrugged it off."

"So what?" I asked.

"Well if what I heard was true then sometime after Lizzy's first birthday her dad got remarried."

"That makes some sense. But then what happened to her real mom?" Portman asked.

"I don't know my mom's never said anything but that might explain where Matt gets his green eyes, and he, Seth, and Ben get their blond hair. As far as I know everyone on her dad's side has blue or hazel eyes and brown hair. And her mom's side has really dark brown or black hair and brown eyes. My mom would never explain where they got their blond hair." I said.

"Possibly." Fulton said as the room lapsed into silence. After we finished most of the food on the table I stood up. Portman looked at the 2 mostly untouched plates.

"What about Ben and ER?" He asked.

"Dump the plates, if I know them as well as I think I do he's gotten to her and calmed her down, then took her to get some food." The three of us cleared off the table and Chris and Matt came in and loaded the dishwasher.

"Get that would you Charlie?" Matt asked when the phone rang.

"Hello...yeah just a second." I said and then turned to Fulton, "It's Ben he wants to talk to you."

Fulton took the phone and we heard his end that went like this. "Hello...yeah...give us about five minutes to get there...yup bye." He said then hung up. "Charlie, Portman grab your coats we're going to my house for a while." He added grabbing an extra coat then went out the front door.

-ER's P. O. V.-

When I got to the orchard I started walking around. Near the back of the orchard there was a wooden bench Mr. Crabtree had built himself. I looked out over the frozen trees and started thinking to myself. 'Holy carp it's freezing out here why didn't I bring a coat? Oh yeah maybe I was too mad to be thinking straight.' Or at least I didn't think it was out loud until someone said "of course it's freezing. Your in Minnesota at winter time. And what were you so mad about?"

"I knew that I just forgot how cold it can get." I said looking at the guy and girl standing in front of me. "Who are you?" I asked. The boy was about 16 or 17, dull gray eyes, about 5'8, reddish brown hair, and he was sort of muscular yet still a bit thin. The girl next to him was about 5'5, green eyes, straight brown hair, and fit for what looked to be a 15 year old. Both of them were relatively cute but the girl had a snobbish air to her.

"My name is Jack Burton and this is my friend Melissa Thomas." The boy said.

"My name is..." I started but was cut off.

"ER Jacobs. Yes we know. Matt Johnson's been talking about you ever since about three days ago. He won't shut up. What is he like your cousin or something?" Melissa said.

"He's my brother." I growled.

"Step-Brother?"

"No, biological brother. Long story that I don't want to tell you about right now."

"Shut up Melissa." Jack snapped at his friend.

"Why you have a girlfriend and even if you didn't she's probably too young or taken already. You know she goes to that damn prep school of yours." Melissa snapped back.

"Excuse me, I'm 16 and yes most of the kids at Eden Hall are preps but I'm not nor is my boyfriend or the rest of his JV hockey teammates." I said getting madder.

"I didn't know you went to Eden Hall."

"Yeah I'm a sophomore on a scholarship."

"Who is she?" A new girl asked. She was about 5'3, green eyes, long curly blonde hair, and was a bit on the thin side. She looked to be about 15 at the most.

"Hannah this is ER Jacobs, ER my 15 year old step sister Hannah Thompson."

"Oh I know who you are. Casey Conway's always talking about you." Hannah said.

"Melissa why don't you take Hannah home." Jack said.

"Fine but if you ain't home in an hour I'm telling mom." Hannah said walking away with Melissa.

"Right little butterflies aren't they?" I asked smirking.

"Sure." He answered draping his coat around my shoulders. "I've know Melissa since I was about three, and my dad married Hannah's mom about three years ago."

"Thanks for the coat. So how old are you and Melissa?"

"Melissa's 16, I'm 17. I got shipped off to Eden Hall three years ago right after the wedding come to think of it. So you play a sport or are you just really smart?"

"I used to play hockey for the Ducks then something bad happened and I switched to baseball. Varsity Pitcher now."

"Wow that's interesting. Do you know Bastian Johnson?"

"Yeah good guy."

"ER what are you doing?" I heard someone yell. I looked over Jack's shoulder and saw Ben coming.

"What's it look like Bean? I'm talking." I yelled back.

"Why you talking to this prick?" Ben asked.

"Because Matt's an ass and how do you know he's a prick?"

"Aunt Casey told dad about him. He's a junior at Eden Hall and his parents are rich and live down near Banks." Ben said.

"Jumping to conclusions like always Ben." I said.

"Look some people may think I'm a prick but really I'm not my dad and step-mom sent me to that school because they think I should be with the rest of those jerks. And I don't live near the Banks's anymore, we move once Dad got remarried."

"Yeah you know Banksie he ain't no prick, he's just well off, just like we are and if you really want to be an ass you can just go back and join Matt."

"Sorry I wanted to talk to you. Not apologize for our idiot of a brother named Matt. Maybe I can buy you dinner so we can talk?" Ben asked hopefully stopping next to Jack.

"I guess. Um maybe I'll see you around Jack." I said shrugging off Jack's jacket and putting on the one Ben had taken off. It swamped me of course seeing as how he's a good seven inches taller than I am and broader in the shoulders. He wrapped his arm around my shoulders and Jack walked off.

"Are you sure you ain't gonna freeze to death you're only wearing a t-shirt, sweatshirt and Matt's old hockey jersey?"

"Yeah I'll be fine." Ben said dragging me in the direction of food.

"The old Icehouse. Good choice." I smiled.

"Yup." Ben answered kindly, opening the door.

"ER, Ben what a surprise, haven't seen you guys in ages. Where are you staying? Didn't your parents give that old house away?" Tonya Reynolds asked. I had known Tonya about as long as I had known Fulton.

"Yeah they gave it to Matt."

"But he's..."

"Not dead we know." I snapped.

"Well that's great seats right this way." She said leading us to our seats. "So can I start you off with some drinks?"

"Actually we'll just order if you don't mind." She nodded. "Two hamburgers, one everything no ketchup and the other ketchup and pickles only right?" He looked at me, I nodded. "An order of cheesy fries, and two waters please."

"Right away." She said then walked off.

"Look I know you don't want me to apologize, Matt's got to do that, but can I at least explain?" Ben asked.

"I guess." I sighed.

"Look Matt and you haven't seen each other for five years that's along time Baby. He doesn't know how to react to his little sister growing up. He still thinks of you as an 11 year old little girl, sometimes me, Chris, and Seth do it too. I know you don't like it but it's a bit of habit. None of us do it on purpose, but sometimes it just happens. It's something the four of us have to get used to, you growing up and dating. I don't know how we're gonna react when we first find out that you've done it. It's easier for me to see you as a 16 year old because we're so close in age, but Chris and Matt well there's a huge gap there, it's a lot to handle. Just give them time."

"Thanks Tonya." I said as she set the food down. She walked away and I studied Ben. "You know this is hard on me too. Five years with out Matt was tough, now when I finally get him back, his way over the line over-protectiveness kicks in. I don't need another father Ben I'm not even sure I need another brother so where does that leave him?" I looked at him and he didn't answer. "Why did you even come after me anyway? It isn't like you. No matter what Matt, or Chris, or Seth ever did to me you were never on my side. So why now, why today?" I continued.

Ben was speechless for a while when he finally spoke we were halfway through our dinner. "I don't know where that leaves him but Baby, he's trying. You aren't really making this any easier on him either. The reason I came after you is because I'm going through the same things too. I got him back too you know."

"So what now?" I asked when we finished eating.

"Here you go pay, I've got a phone call to make." Ben said handing me money.

After I payed I met him at the front door of the Icehouse, and he said "Alright lets go."

"Go? Go where?"

"I'm taking you to Fulton's don't ask any questions." we walked in silence all the way there and saw Fulton, Portman, and Charlie coming from the other direction. Once they reached us Fulton handed me a coat and I gave Ben his back. "Thanks guys." He said.

"Yeah we'll see you when we drop her off tomorrow." Fulton replied as Ben walked off in the direction they had just came. We stood there in silence for a few minutes until I saw someone walk up to us.

"Hey so we meet again. And different guys with you this time." Jack said.

"Hey Jack." I greeted causing Fulton, Charlie, and Portman to turn and face him.

"Burton what are you doing here?" Portman asked.

"None of your damn business Portman." Jack spat at him.

"Portman." Charlie warned.

"He started it." Portman answered. Fulton just stood there nervously looking between the two. Obviously there was history between the two I didn't know about.

"Actually when we met last time I do believe I was alone until my brother came up." I said. Portman turned and looked at me, there was anger in his eyes. "You on the other hand had the lovely butterfly of a stepsister Hannah and your lovely friend Melissa with you." I said sarcastically.

"Burton would you please just leave we were a bit busy." Charlie asked.

"I have as much right as you do to be here Conway. The only thing I saw you doing was staring at your shoes now that can't be too important now could it? And I was just coming to see if I could take this fair maiden for some ice cream seeing as how her brother's already taken her to dinner."

"Why don't you stop hitting on her and leave Burton it's not like you have a chance." Fulton finally said.

"Finally a word from Reed, I didn't think he could talk. So will you accompany me madam?"

"Wait let me get this straight. You're asking me on a date..." I started.

"Yeah..." He said hesitantly.

"...For ice cream..."

"Yeah..."

"...In front of my cousin..."

"Uh huh..."

"...My best friend Fulton..."

"Yeah..."

"...and above all else Dean Portman my boyfriend?" I asked in completely in disbelief.

"Your boyfriend? You're dating Dean Portman?" Jack stammered.

"Yeah I told you I that went to Eden Hall, I had a boyfriend, and he was on the JV hockey team. Guess I just forgot to mention that he was Dean Portman, who apparently you have some history with." I said.

"I'll take back that offer and I'll be leaving now."

"I heard you had a girlfriend anyway." I smirked.

"Well lets get inside." Fulton said trying to keep the peace.

I wonder what's going on between Jack and Portman. Is there any relation between ER and Bastian Johnson. I shall say no more on that subject. Pllease tune in next time.