CometZone
Chapter 2

~ Few Months Later ~

I was sitting in my room doing homework. I had a four-day weekend and I had a ton of things to do. I had 95 problems for math, one social studies project, a study guide for science, a lab report for science, and a paper due for English. When I finally finished my math it was around 7, I had been working on it for two hours, that is all I can do. Unfortunately I can't throw it out the window, I tried it already and all I got was Oscar running around chasing Mac. I should do that and just grab a video camera and tape them. I should add that on my list for Christmas…. I was knocked out of my daydreams when a small body crashed into me and started to jump on my bed. I laughed and turned on my back and looked at her. Just then AJ came crashing into my room.

"Grab her for me will you?" He asked as Jules stopped bouncing and looked at me. I reached for her just as she sprung off the bed and onto the floor. I went and dove for her but she eluded my grasp and skipped out between Oscar's legs. He turned around and started to run after her, tripping down the stairs. I laughed at him and went down the banister and was about to fall off when a pair of arms. I looked up and saw Aaron's older brother Nick. We both screamed. He dropped me while I was wiggling out of his grasp. Mac came in right then and laughed. I gave her the finger and told them that both Oscar and myself need help to catch our little sister. Just then out rush Jules, attaching herself to Nick's leg. I few seconds later AJ came out of the next room with his glasses askew and his cloths disheveled.

He went over to where Nick was trying to shake off my little sister. With some pulling and shaking she was trapped in AJ's protective older brother arms. He carted her off into the bathroom for her long awaiting, not to mention now cold, bath. I laughed and looked at Nick.

"How's Aaron?" I asked. He had not been in school for the past few days.

"He's just got the flu, Kev took off work today so he could take Air-boy to the doctor." Kev was referring to Kevin Richardson; the brothers' adopted father. He had met Nick when Nick was in his class, when Nick was five and in Kidnegarden. Nick's mother was pregnant with Aaron and his father was nowhere to be found, leaving after he found out that he was going to have a second son. Nick's mom had died in a car accident about 2 years after so Kevin, being the kind person he is, adopted the brothers so they would not be separated.

"Okkies, well here is his homework, all the teachers said I had to give it to him." I smirked at him. The two of us had a love-hate relationship with the other. I stalked off to my room to go on the computer, talking to my old friends. Logging in I saw my friend Felicia on. I IMed her, catching up on the juicy gossip of PS 162. There had been a few fights between the two main gangs there. I was happy I was away from there, I was one of the few white kids and was one of the targets.

I logged off, because AJ was nagging me to do some thing productive, mainly putting Jules to bed. Laughing I went into her room and out her in my lap so I could read her a story. By the time I got into the middle of the ball in Cinderella she was leaning on my snoring away. I picked her up and put her to bed. Going downstairs, I saw both Nick and Laura making out in the den. I left them alone; I still had the pictures from the movies. I went into the kitchen where AJ was still cleaning up from the mini-food fight Laura and I had around 4:00, before she went out with Nick and before dinner.

I being the nice person I am, (note the sarcasm) just watched him and every once and awhile told Oscar that he missed a spot. This got him pissed, so soon he was flicking a wet towel at me more than using it to clean something. I kept eluding him, just barely. Finally around 10:00 (I know I am a whimp) I went upstairs and went to bed. Tossing and turning I could not get to sleep. I got up and went down the stairs into the living room. I put on a movie, Cinderella, and watched. The next thing I knew sun was pouring into my eyes. I looked at my watch it read 7:50. I was up before noon on a vacation day…I must be crazy.

Laura's POV

There was nothing to do. It was 10:00, and I was bored out of my mind. Lizzie was asleep, AJ was in a pissy mood cleaning the kitchen, and Jules and Mom were also asleep. What to do? What to do? Think Nick would be up? Ah, who cares if I wake him up? Now what did I do with the phone??? AH! There it is. Sure, UNDER the couch. I dialed Nick's number and waited for someone to answer.

"Hello?" someone answered.

"Hey, is Nicky there?"

"Uh, who is this?"

"Mac,"

"And you would be?"

"Um, his girlfriend. Is he there?"

"Oh, he has a girlfriend, does he?"

"Yes he does, is he awake? Or did my baby go to bed already?" I asked getting really annoyed.

"Ooo, feisty aren't we? Yeah, he's here hold on. CHAOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Here He is,"

"Hello?" he asked.

"Hey sexy"

"Hey babe! What's up?"

"Not much bored. Tell who ever the hell that was thanks for screaming in my ear, I didn't want the hearing in it anyway,"

"Aw, poor Mac! Hold on a sec." He said, obviously trying to cover the receiver. "Bri you ass! Don't yell in my girl's ear!"

"Thanks baby. Now, who was that?"

"Who? Bri? My best friend."

"Oh, ok? Whatever. SO, what's new?"

"Ah, not much, tired, and watching Kev get drunk off his ass. So much fun watching him after he gets dumped."

"Aw, you're so mean, but I still love ya!"

"I know, everybody loves me!"

"Sure Nicky, whatever you say. Oh, yeah. I just remembered the purpose of this phone call. Do you all want to come over tomorrow?"

"You mean me, Kev, AC, and Brian?"

"Yeah, my mom is going out with some guy or something for work, and J is having is friend over, so do y'all wanna come?" I asked hopefully.

"Let me ask. Guys, wanna go to Laura's house tomorrow?"

"There gonna be food?" I heard in the background.

"Tell them, yes, there will be food, knowing my brother, lots of it, and tell Aaron Liz is gonna be there too." I told Nick.

"Will do." I heard him repeat everything I had said and then agree to come over. We decided that they would all come over around 5, seeing that's when my mother is leaving. I hung up the phone and went to get some beauty sleep, telling my brother what was going on before, so that he would get plenty of food.

Thank God for vacations! I couldn't stand school anymore. It was 3, and I had just woke up. Which also meant I had only 2 hours to get ready. That would be hard to do, but I'd manage. I striped down and hopped into my shower, I was so happy to have my own bathroom now. After about 15 minutes, I was out. I wrapped myself in a towel and went to go pick out something to wear. I opted on a pair of dark denim flares, a white spegetti strap tank top that came down just above my belly button, and a jean jacket that atched the pants. Now I only had about an hour and a half, to do my make up and get dressed. I threw on underwear and a bra and my jeans. Then began to dry my hair. Only God knows how long that take! Almost 2 hours later, I had my hair done and up in butterfly clips with wisps of hair that I had curled hanging in down. My make-up was almost done, just had to do my mascara, and finish getting dressed until I realized something. My mascara was gone.

"ALEXANDER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" I screeched, then went running to find my brother. Much to my embarrassment, he was sitting in the den, with all the guys and my sisters.

"Nice look Mac, why don't you wear that to school?" Nick asked. I looked at what I was wearing. A pair of jeans and a bra. My bad!

"Cause. Alex, where the hell is my water-proof mascara?"

"How the hell should I know?"

"Cause you borrowed it to do you beard or whatever the hell you call it!" I yelled at him, this was the 3rd time this week he had stolen it.

"Then check my bathroom," he said starting to blush. Oops? Did I hit a soft spot? Ha-ha, serves him right. I marched back to find my mascara, which happened to be empty. That was it, I ran full speed at AJ, knocking him down. I began hitting him. That turned into a full out war between the two of us. But sadly ended 5 minutes later, when I kicked him in the groin. Oops! Nick grabbed me and told me to go finish getting dress and stop hurting my poor brother. Ah, he deserved it. Never use up a girl's mascara!

Elizabeth's POV

I laughed at the grimace on my brother's face. Just then I heard the doorbell ring. Since I was the only one who lived in the house that was not preoccupied, and could reach the doorknob, I went to answer it with Aaron trailing behind. I opened the door to find Howie standing there. I felt Aaron stiffen.

"I swear, I didn't do it. I swear I didn't put the gum in the copier." Both Howie and I looked at him with confused faces.

"What gum, what copier?" Howie finally asked.

"Oh, never mind…I'll be leaving now…bye" Aaron hurried away.

"So what did I miss?" Howie asked as we walked to the den.

"Um…Mac beating the shit out of the Oscar." I told him.

"Liz, watch the language." AJ said butting into our conversation.

I looked over my oval glasses, "And you wonder where I get it from, hypocrite."

"Hey, Howie." Brian said, without looking in our direction. "Wait…Howie? I'm confused…" Brian said as he looked over at the three of us.

"So am I," Aaron mumbled.

"No one asked you," Nick shot at him.

"Ah, shut up."

"Make me."

"Say the alphabet backwards." Aaron said trying to show him something.

Nick turned around and started to recite, "A B C D E F G H I J K L M O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z."

"Show off," Aaron muttered.

"You said to say the alphabet backwards. So I turned and said the alphabet. I was not showing off."

"Yeah you were."

"No,"

"Yeah,"

"No I wasn't."

"Prove it." And with that Aaron jumped on him, tackling him, trying to surprise Nick and get him to fall on the ground. It did surprise Nick, but it did not make him fall over. Since he was right in front of the couch, he stumbled and fell on the couch. Flipping so Aaron was on the bottom they began to wrestle. No one tried to stop them, it was funny to watch. Finally, some one had to intervene, and that would have been Kevin. I was wary of him. He was tall and dark and his thick eyebrows didn't help any. Just then of course Mac came down. Seeing her and my boyfriend trying to kill each other, Kevin didn't have the chance. She pulled Nick off of Aaron and pushed him on the couch. Sitting on his lap she didn't give him a chance to explain and kissed him. Aaron and myself made a face and we both went outside on the deck. We sat with our legs dangling in the pool.

Laura's POV

I finished getting dressed and walked down the stairs to be with my man. But like always, he had to be a guy and fight. Oh well, I saw Kevin getting mad, so to help my boy, I grabbed his brother off of him, threw him on the couch, then sat on Nick's lap. I saw he was about to say something, so I kissed him to shut him up.

"Mmm… what was that?" he questioned me.

"Um, Nick, I know you're blonde, but that was something called a kiss." Brian told him.

"Very funny Rok, no, what do you have on?"

"Clothing?" Kevin said.

"No, on your lips, they taste good," Nick said licking his lips.

"What? Oh, that would be my lip-gloss. Strawberry Shortcake."

"Mmm, where it more please?"

"Sure what the hell?" I said kissing him once again. But, like always, we were interrupted. I looked down and saw my little sister making herself comfortable on my lap. "Sorry babe, he's mine," I said to the baby.

"Otay!" she sighed climbing off and onto Brian's lap.

"Who are you?" he asked her.

"I JuliANNA!" she said emphasizing the Anna part. "Who you?"

"I BrIAN!" he said mimicking her.

"Oh, wanna watch Tewitubies wit me and WarWar?"

"How 'bout we leave Laura alone, and me and you will go watch it ok?" he asked noticing me and Nick weren't planning on stopping anytime soon.

"Thanks Bri!" I yelled at him before he left the room with my little sister to go watch the famous Teletubbies. Soon the whole room had cleared and gone outside for food, leaving Nick and me making out on the couch, yet again. "Baby, want food?"

"No, lip gloss is fine for now," he smirked. Ah, I loved this man!

We had been making out for about an hour now, with no interruptions. But like all good things, it had to end. Damn phone

"Hello? Headquarters?" I said into the phone.

"Is that anyway to answer the phone young lady?" I heard a girl say. My eyes light up. It was my best friend from NY.

"MANDY!!!" I screeched.

"What's up girlie girl? And why the hell haven't you called me yet?"

"Damn, sorry. Boys."

"Hot?"

"Of course. Hold on a sec," I said covering up the receiver. "Nicky, you can go if you want, I'm gonna be here a while."

"K babe, see ya!" he said kissing my cheek.

"Was that lip smacking I just heard?" she asked.

"No, lips to cheek."

"Damn, I was close." Our conversation went on for about an hour until I smelt food.

"Sorry hun, but AJ just finished cooking. Gotta go save the baby."

"Aw, ok. Tell Lizzie and J I say hi."

"Will do. Ciao babe." With that I hung up the phone and went to find food. I walked out side and got nailed in the head with a hamburger. I turned around to find the culprit. My own sister. She was gonna die. I grabbed the ketchup from Kevin's hands and chased her around the back yard. I backed her up into the corner of the yard, knocking her down, having 4 inches on her was definatley not a bad thing.

"Hope you like ketchup!" I held her nose causing her to open her mouth, the squirt the remaining of the bottle into it. Ha ha ha ha! That's what you get. I returned to the deck, which now had settled down, and plopped down on Nick's lap, grabbing my brother's hot dog.

"Hey!" he cried.

"Oh, you wanted that?"

"Cha!"

"Cha? You sound like me now. Would you like me to go regurgitate it so you can have it back?"

"Uh, no that's really ok Mac," Elizabeth said to me.

"No, no, it's ok. If the hotdog was that precious to Oscar, I'll be more than happy to give it back."

"No, keep it. I don't want it that badly." He said getting up to get another one.

"Os, while you're over there, can you grab me a diet coke? Please?" I asked him sweetly.

"No, get off your fat ass and get it your self."

"Do I have to tell mom what you did?"

"What did I do?"

"Nothing, I'll just use my imagination." Know that was a bad thing, he tossed me a diet coke. I love having control!

Elizabeth's POV

I grabbed a hamburger and just ate it plain, trying to get the ketchup flavor out of my mouth. My sister was going to pay, and pay for it big time. Finishing the burger I went and found my little sister. I guess she wanted to play in the water or something because she was all wet. I told her to go give her loveable sister, Laura, a big hug. That is innocent right? After all it was only a little sister giving her bigger one a hug. Just to make sure I was prepared to run, in the off chance she suspected me. I checked out Laura's footwear, good she was wearing tall and chunky shoes, good for me, I was wearing sneakers. As soon as Laura screamed I took off, to the front of the house, up the sitars and into my room, locking the door.

Laura was soon screaming at me to get my ass out of my room so she could beat it. I ignored her, trying to focus on my math. I hate it, I hate math. It should be burnt in hell, and my math teacher can go with it.

That Monday, I was tired from the little sleep I got the night before. Laura decided, since she had midterms, that week, and didn't have school the next day, she blasted the music throughout the night. I managed to stay up for three periods, but in my fourth, which is math, I fell asleep. Being poked in the shoulder awakened me. Looking up I saw it was Aaron. As we walked to our other classes we talked.

"How the hell did you fall asleep in math?" he asked.

I gave him a look, "Someone, Laura, decide since she didn't have to go to school, decided to blast her music all night long. I was tired also how can you not fall asleep in math? After all it is his fault he put me in the back…ah, lunch is next…food and sleep." I told him as we walked down the hall, getting our books and lunches. Sitting down at a table I began to finish the homework I didn't do the night before.

"Weren't ya supposed to do that yesterday?"

"Yep, close your mouth. And shut your little head up."

"To bad, I want to talk. And it's not like I slept like a baby last night either." He brought up our earlier conversation. "Nick was playing his drums, not loud so he would wake Kev, but loud enough to keep me awake, and I'm in the next room."

"Deal, at least he has a reason. He is the only drummer in the band. My sister on the other hand…she had no reason. I really and sincerely hope AJ, kicked the shit out of her." Just then someone tapped me on the back. I turned to find Miss Herman. I smiled sweetly at her, hoping she would go back into the hole where she came from.

"Did you just say what I thought you said?"

"And what do you think I said?"

"The s-word."

"Swear and share," Aaron muttered.

"What did you say Mr. Carter? I could very easily bring you down to my office and have you call your mother or father." I hid my smile, how long had she been his guidance counselor? And hadn't she been Nick's too?

"Nothing Miss Herman. Why do you think I said something?" Oh, god let me die here now.

We got through classes and nothing major happened…only before last period Miss Herman pulled me from the hall and told me to call my house. Dialing my house, AJ picked up. I asked Miss Hoe-Man if I could speak to my "father" alone. I told him to act like my dad…if the creature from hell decided to talk to my "daddy". Just then she decide I had talked alone enough and decided that she had to talk to AJ.

"Yes sir. I know that language in not tolerated in this school, but you don't have to go as far as that. Yes sir, I am sure that you are busy. Thank you good by." Yes, AJ pulled, "I am the only male in the house, so I get to be dad, and be evil."

"Miss Herman, could I please have a pass to drama? We are doing something very important, costume fitting and I need to be there." She wrote me a pass and sent me on my way.

We could make, or gather the clothes for most of my outfits, all accept the last one, and I told everyone I could dig one up, if not from my cloths, than something from Mac's, knowing all about the slutty, no 'popular' 'in style' clothes that she has tucked away.

"Where were you?" Mel asked as we sat down after I had been fitted.

"I had to do some swear and share! Thank god, AJ is cool about that, even though he hates to see me swear, hypocrite."

"OOH…fun! I've done that, not like my mom cares…"

"Ah it was hilarious. AJ pulled, 'I'm the only man in the house so I'm going to be father' role. I think he freaked her out."

"Score."

"I'm wonder if I can get her fired. It's not like people really like her."

"That's true, but look final bell rung. I don't know about you but I have to get on my bus and kill any 7th or 6th grader that gets in my way. See ya!" I waved at her and went to the pick-up area waiting.

"So did you have to do swear and share?" Aaron asked as we walked together to the other side of the school.

"Yup. I swear that lady hates me. Don't know why, it could be that paper I wrote…but hey it's all good!"

Aaron gave me a look, "Never, ever start saying things like my brother. Not only do I have to live with him, but when people start to sound like him, I will go stark raving mad!" I laughed at him and waited until AJ pick me up.

Laura's POV

I loved midterms week! Julianna was asleep, JJ was in his room, and Liz was at school. I grabbed the carton of Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, a spoon, and hit play on my stereo. I soon made my way into my bathroom for a long, hot, bubble bath. Damn, I was gonna get huge if I kept eating all this ice cream. Oh well… sucks for me. Nah, I'd work it off soon.

I must have been in the bathtub for over an hour until I was disturbed. Damn phone. Oh well, time to get out anyway. I wrapped myself in a big towel and let the water drain out. I put the remaining ice cream in the freezer, and threw the spoon in the sink. I found AJ talking on the phone, pulling his 'I'm the mighty man of the house, bow down to me' to who ever was on the other end. Poor soul, they would be scared out of their wits.

"JJ, did you get the mail yet?" I asked AJ readjusting my towel. He shook his head 'no' and went back to talking on the phone. 'Damn,' I thought. Oh well, now I had to get it myself. I put on my fuzzy blue Steve Madden slippers and walked down to the end of the driveway, holding my towel tight against my skin. I stopped and looked around at the surroundings of my house, across the street, there were a few little kids playing basketball, next door Mrs. Christsen was gardening. *Sigh* I remember when I was that carefree… what the hell am I talking about? I'm 17 now, at least I'm not going through midlife crisis! I was broken apart from my thoughts when I heard a car door slam shut and arms wrap around me.

"Hey Brian," I smirked.

"Excuse me?" the owner of the arms twirled me around to face him. Poor Nicky, he thought I was serious.

"Oh, sorry Nick, I thought it was my lover Brian. Guess not, but what the hell, I'll give you a kiss anyway," I said reaching up to kiss his cheek.

"Very funny!"

"Who's kidding?" I questioned walking back into the house. Nick just stood there, with his mouth hanging open. I turned back around, "Nickers, shut your mouth, it's not very attractive." He ran back up to my front door before I could close it on him. Poor boy. "Nicky, you gotta stop taking me so seriously, it's not good for your small brain."

"Hey!" he argued. I only laughed at him.

"Baby, hold on a sec, let me get dressed,"

"Why?"

"Cause besides this towel, I'm naked?"

"No, you got slippers."

"Boys!" I said running up the steps to my room. Let's see… what to wear, what to wear. After about 10 minutes, I was dressed in a black mini skirt, and a lavender spaghetti strap shirt, and a pair of straw Steve Madden sandals. "All done!" I said making an entrance into the den where Nick and AJ were talking.

"Ready?" I asked Nick.

"Where are you going?" AJ asked, acting like the oh-so-protective big brother.

"Up my ass, wanna come?" I asked sarcastically, holding onto Nick's hand.

"Sorry, but there will be no ass climbing today," AJ said unhooking mine and Nick's hands.

"J, kiss my ass. You're not Mom and can't tell me what to do. So go fuck a duck. Nicky? Wanna go?" He nodded his head, then the two of us left AJ standing there flabbergasted that I would disobey him. What world has he been living in?

"Where to?" he asked as we climbed into his Durango.

"What time is it?"

"3.Why?"

"Shit, we have to go get Lizzie and Aaron from practice,"

"Ugh, I hate siblings!"

"As do I, let's go." We drove to the school making small chat on the way. We got out of the car and went to find the our siblings.

"That them?" I asked pointing to two people kissing in the back of the auditorium.

"Betta not be!" Nick stated getting mad.

"Nickers, calm down, this is just what JJ did to us back at the house," I said grabbing his hand.

"True true, I'm calm… I think," he said sitting down on one of the hard chairs. I sat on his lap and snuggles up to him watching the group of kids practice their lines. I got an idea… Liz would kill me, but who the hell cared? I turned and whispered into Nick's ear. He smiled and agreed to it. We then split up so we could complete this. Who ever said I was nice had not met the real me… bwahahahahahahaha!

Soon, I saw Nick, and he was ready with a super soaker full of shaving cream. As was I with the microphone I had swapped from AV perv. "Ready?" I asked Nick.

"Yep," he said.

"1-2-3!" I yelled, causing everyone to look at what I was pointing at. Nick pulled the trigger, and Aaron and Liz ended up covered in shaving cream… whoops? I just sat there smirking at the two.

"Payback's a bitch," I said, grabbing Nick's hand and making a mad dash for the door. We climbed into the car and sped back to my house, entering the house as the door rang.

"Hello?" I said sweetly.

"Yes, is one of… Elizabeth's McLean's guardians home?" Yes! It was working!

"My mother is out at the time, this is her older sister, may I help you?" I said trying not to laugh.

"Yes, this is her school's assistant principal, it seems that Elizabeth has been involved in vandalism at the school, somehow she and Aaron Carter got the back on the auditorium covered in what looks like shaving cream. I just called to say that they would be staying late to clean it up."

"Oh, ok, I'll make sure to tell my mother. Have a good day, sir, I mean Ma'am" I said hanging up the phone and burst into laughter. Liz was gonna be in deep shit. Like they say, payback's a bitch.

Elizabeth's POV

Nick and Laura did it to us I swear! How in the history of hell could I have had shaving cream, when a) I was in school the whole day and b) I don't shave, well not everyday. Besides that, it was masculine and something I would never use. AJ yes me, wait it was AJ wasn't it…but he would never get me in this much trouble, I mean then he would have to deal with the principal and the assistant principal. So who would be mean enough to do it….

"Ms. McLean! Stop daydreaming and start working, it is your own fault that you did this and not someone else's!" Mrs. Wright's harsh voice pierced my thoughts. I looked over at Aaron who was scrubbing the windows that had gotten hit. We had been waiting for about 5 minutes after we finished when Kevin came in, and he did not look happy.

"Aaron Charles Carter! How could you? When did you start vandalizing the school? And why didn't Nick call me, telling me had gotten 'hung up'? I had to find out from the school." He blew up, I was glad I was not in his shoes, just then AJ came in and he did not look happy…

Laura's POV

Elizabeth stormed into the house stamping up to her room, but not before glaring at me. Damn, now I was starting to feel bad. I hung up the phone with Nick, and went up to make mends with Elizabeth. If there's one thing you don't want, it's a pissed Elizabeth AND AJ. Since I knew J wouldn't come around anytime soon, I went to Liz.

"Liz?" I said walking into her bedroom.

"What? Haven't made my life enough of a living hell?" she growled at me.

"Sorry, but you shouldn't have messed with me," I said sitting down on the floor, playing with a slinky.

Elizabeth's POV

"Messed with you? Hello, all I did was throw a hamburger at you and get you a little wet. I was already in troubled waters with Miss Hoe-man, for swearing, so of course she is going to blow this out of proportion. Not only that, but also she and all my teachers think I am suicidal. Thank you ever so much! Get out of my room, now!"

"I don't think so, I came here to apologize. I did and I won't leave until it gets accepted."

"No!" I guess I wasn't thinking clearly, but I threw myself at her and had her pinned down. Usually she would be able to flip me, but with my anger I was stronger. The noise of Laura's back hitting the floor and my shouting brought him into my room. He pulled me off and pushed me on the bed and held me while Laura sat in a chair.

"What the hell possessed you to jump on me?" Laura spat.

"Go to Hell!"

"Elizabeth Sarah Anne McLean! But what in God's name make you try and kill your sister?" AJ questioned, trying to calm me down.

"Oh nothing, except for the fact she just made my life Hell! Hey today I was already in trouble with Miss Herman for swearing in school, and then she finds out about this. It really doesn't help that her and all my teachers think I am suicidal! So Laura why don't you come to school and do stuff and blame it on me! I don't care life is already hell. Hey I might even make Miss Herman's suspicions come true, I might as well, it doesn't seem like you care…" With that I broke down crying, no energy left.

Laura's POV

I felt really bad for doing that to my sister. As soon as I heard those words come out of her mouth, I ran around the house collecting every single sharp object that she could hurt herself with, and locked them all up in AJ's room. He was the only one with a key to it, and I made sure to keep it that way. Then I called Nick, telling him to send Aaron over. I couldn't believe what I had caused… my own sister to think about suicide. That was as hurtful as her killing me as well. Though we might not seem that close, we are. The only reason I got through the move was not because of meeting Nick, but because of her.

She showed me what it was like to really live… to breathe freely, and what real friends are. She helped me through our father leaving us, she may only be 13, but she has a lot to teach. Aaron was here now, and I was standing there watching the two. They were perfect for each other. They treated each other with respect, and cared for each other. They had something Nick and I didn't… they had love.

Elizabeth's POV

I felt Aaron's arms circle around me. I knew they were his because Laura wouldn't come in 3 feet of me and they didn't have the older brother quality. I hate fighting with Laura. We were best friends, sisters and confidants. When I had my period I didn't run to my mom, she was to busy and never around, I ran to Laura. She was a goddess to me when we were little; everything that she did was cool.

I don't know what happened but she drew away from me. We never were just hanging out talking about boys, music and pranks to play on AJ, but instead we were at each other's throats. At this I sobbed harder.

"What's wrong?" Aaron's soothing voice asked.

"Laura, I want my older sister." I choked out. Aaron left and went and found Laura. She walked in not sure what to do. I guess my sobs melted her heart. She came over to the bed and scooped me into her arms as if I was 5 again and I had scraped my knee.

I looked at her. I stopped cry a while ago, whimpers only leaving my lips once in awhile.

"I am so sorry. I never meant to do that to you. I'm just trying to have a carefree life because we are not in New York where you have to watch your back. Here you have this place where you could walk on the streets and not have to go past gang hangouts, drug dealers and possible muggers."

"Is that why you were always there for me, just to make sure I don't get hurt, not that you wanted to spend time with me? You think it was easy living up to you and Oscar? When I went to classes, the teachers where ready to call the principal on speed dial. I had to do well or I would be labeled a 'troublemaker'. So pushing myself to be the good, honest, smart person to distance myself from your reputation."

"You know this is all AJ's fault…I was only a bad ass so I could live up to AJ's reputation. We should go do something to him."

"True, what should we do…shave off his thing that he calls a mustache and goatee?"

"Yes. Do you have homework? God knows I need to do mine…" We laughed and I went to do my homework.

~ Week later ~

That next week I walked into school finally happy I had a full night of sleep. Jules was fussy or sick, AJ had a party (Mom wasn't there that week), or Mac decided to blast music. I walked into my homeroom and sat down waiting for the first bell to ring. When it did both Howie and Mr. Pierce walked in.

"Class, I have an announcement. After lunch will you go to your last period class so you can have that. After that you will be going on a tour of the high school, getting to know the school. I know you probably have been there many times, but this tour is mandatory. After your last class your teacher will take you out to the high school and you will meet two students that will lead the tour."

The day dragged on. After lunch I headed to the auditorium. We walked through the script and did some of the choreography. That was hard. It didn't help that you have to sing a lot and it hurt. When the torture ended the period was over and we split into two different groups. Thank god all the popular/annoying kids went with Mr. Fisk. As we walked to the front doors of the high school two of the students met us. I looked at them and shook my head. They were none other than Nick and Mac. I looked over and Aaron and we both rolled our eyes.

Walking around we were bored to death. I stumbled around leaning on Aaron so I would not fall down. Aaron shook me and I woke up from my dazed state. I went to the front of the group and started to make fun of Laura. Everyone was laughing, except Laura and Nick. When she turned around I stopped.

"What were you doing?" She asked, eyes almost closed.

"Who me? Nothing, why would I do anything?"

"Sure…" Laura was going to say more but all of a sudden a popping/ blasting sound came from the library, down the hall and around the corner. The sound was familiar to me, it was the sound of gunfire. I sank to the floor covering my ears with my hands trying to stop the sounds, trying to stop the memories. Laura pulled me up and lead me to an empty classroom where we were going to hide out in, and then get out of by the windows, thank god the class was on the first floor.

(Narrator)

Nick looked out and walked out making sure the coast was clear. All of a sudden two boys were upon him. On had a knife and put two slashes down the length of both his arms. When he looked up he saw two people, Mark and Greg, they had hatred in their eyes. After they finished stabbing him on his arms they dropped him and continued to wreck havoc on the rest of the school via the stairs. Nick pushed himself up, causing his arms to bleed more and made his way into the classroom.

(Elizabeth's POV, while that was happening)

I closed my eyes and tried to block out the memories. The memories of gunfire, the metallic tang of blood and the screams of innocent victims being hurt. Then the worst memory I ever had surfaced. It wasn't when my father walked out, it was when my two closest friends, twins by the name of Andrew and Alexia were shot in cold blood. The worst part is, there own brother killed them. Scott and his friend came in and ordered all of us to line up against the wall. Only being five we did what we were told. Scott took his litter siblings and put them against another wall and shot them. When the teacher protested the other guys shot her too. All of a sudden a calm came over me, and 2 figures, in white walked towards me. When they cleared the figures were older versions of Andrew and Alexia.

They smiled at me. "Lizzie get up, you can get through this. You were strong when your dad walked out, you can do this." Andrew said.

"Yeah my brother is right. You have the coolest boyfriend in the world" Alexia put her two cents in.

"Don't just want to stop living. That is the biggest gift God gave you and you need it."

"Don't forget, we will always be with you. Don't try and bury the memories. They might hurt but you have to let them heal." When Alexia said that both started to dim and I felt someone shaking me. When I opened my eyes I saw Laura looking at me.

"I know you were think about Alexia and Andrew, but we have to get out. Come on lets get out of this hellhole." I let her help me up and we climbed out through the window. Running over to the field near the middle school gym we watched the police, fire department, and ambulance come down the road and go into the school. A few ambulances headed our way and took some of the people that were hurt like Nick. It was hard to for the people to get him into the ambulance because Aaron wouldn't let go of Nick and Nick wouldn't let go of him. Finally the EMTS said Aaron could go as long as he was quiet and stayed out of the way.

Laura's POV

It was happening all over again. I thought moving out of the city would stop this from happening to me, but it didn't. This time it struck closer to my heart. Nick…

We were at the hospital now. Aaron and Elizabeth were cuddled into an overstuffed chair, consoling each other, AJ had come down and was now trying to get Jules to take a nap in her stroller, Kevin, Nick's guardian, was pacing back and forth, with his cousin Brian trying to get him to sit down, and Howie went to get coffee and soda for everyone. I was just sitting there, lost in my own thoughts. I couldn't take it anymore, this whole thing made me realize something, I was falling for Nick, and I was falling hard.

"Guys, I'm going to take a walk, don't follow me," I stated, looking at Elizabeth especially. I knew her too well; she would jump up and walk behind me as soon as I turned around. I walking into the elevator and pressed a random number, not caring where it took me too. After walking for about 10 minutes, I found myself looking at the nursery. There were babies of all colors, races, and genders, bound together in one room. None older than 3 days, I looked through them all… one stood out amongst the rest. He was happier, louder, and more carefree than the rest. I looked at the name… Nicholas…

"Beautiful isn't he?" a familiar voice said to me.

"Yeah… but I thought I told everyone not to follow me," I said drifting off at the end.

"Sorry, you just looked like you could use somebody to talk to,"

"I guess," I said, never taking my eyes off of the baby. He even looked like Nick, light blonde hair, blue eyes, and a wide smile. I missed that smile. I turned around to find the owner of the voice was Howie. I was relieved. He was like a second brother to me; he spent countless nights at our house with my brother. Yet, he was nothing like my brother. No colored hair, or tattoos, he was sweet and gentle. He cared about everyone he met, and never said anything bad about a soul. Not even an enemy… if he had any. He was perfect, just like Nick.

"Wanna talk about it?"

"No… it's just. What if they can't help him? What if he lost too much blood already? What if he dies? What am I going to do? What about Aaron and Kevin? What would they do? How about the school band? How about the basketball team at school? Hmm? Or his friends?" I blurted out, tears forming in my eyes again.

"Shh, calm down," Howie said holding me in his arms rubbing my back. "Nothing's gonna happen to Nick, he'll be fine. The doctors are helping him now. He'll be fine," he reassured me. After I had calmed down a bit, we headed back to the ICU were Nick was. No one had relocated with the exception of Kevin, who Brian had gotten to sit down.

With tears still in my eyes, I walked over to the room Nick was in. I put my hand up to the glass, and wiped away an escaping tear. His eyes were closed, and his face pale. One way I wished never to see him. I wanted to see his blue eyes open again, sparkling like they did the first time I had met him, but no… he was almost dead. Loosing more and more blood with each second. I heard a loud continuous beep, as doctors rushed into the room, pushing me aside… he wasn't dead, was he? He couldn't be. I never got to tell him I loved him. He couldn't die now.

Elizabeth's POV

When Laura left I wanted to run after her telling her it would all be alright and this is just a dream. Howie and her were talking and all of a sudden she looked up startled while doctors rushed in. Both Kevin and Aaron looked up and Kevin almost rushed out of the room and into Nick's. Finally a doctor came in.

"We have him stabilized. We gave him stitches so the wounds should start to heal and not open again. Unfortunately it will be painful to move his arms for awhile. Start with small movements and progress onto larger ones. While he is in the hospital he will under go physical therapy. You say he plays the drums, he should do that, in small parts, like 15 minutes and then rest and so on." The doc advised Kevin. "He should be awake now, only a few at a time, family first."

(Narrator)

Kevin walked and his heart went out to his oldest son. Nick might not be his biological son, but was close to it. He had met this blond teenager when the boy was five and in his class. The had gotten to know each other and by the end of the year the both of them were very close. When Nick's mother was killed her adopted them

"Why did this have to happed to me Papa?" nick whispered when Kevin sat at the edge of his bed. Nick was scared you could tell because he only called Kevin Papa when he was vulnerable.

"I don't know, but you will get better don't worry. God is here and you are destined for something great, you will be fine."