~*Alexandra*~
When I got home I took a hot shower, then I got dressed. I had a date with Taylor. When he came to the door, we began to walk to the movies. Then he stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, and took both of my hands in his.
He looked into my eyes. His eyes seemed so honest. Were they really? He leaned in to kiss me. When ours lips met, he attempted to slip his tongue into my mouth. He tried to pry my lips apart with his, but didn't succeed.
Finally, exasperated, Taylor pulled away. "What's wrong?" Taylor asked me.
"Nothing," I mumbled. He smiled, then leaned in for a second try. I didn't respond to his kiss. When he wrapped his arms around my waist, I stiffened.
"Okay," he said, "tell me what's wrong! Why're you so tense?"
"It's nothing Taylor! Quit asking okay?" I said sharply, and I started walking faster.
Taylor grabbed my shoulders, and I whirled around. "Alex, I know something's wrong! Just tell me! Was it something I did?"
"No..." I said, then his grip on my shoulders tightened. "Well...yes."
"What? What is it?" He asked.
"Taylor...I...I know."
"What do you know?" He said, raising an eyebrow.
"Tay, I...I know about her. I heard you talking with Ike."
"Who do you know about? Wait...you heard us talking..." He frowned.
"Yeah Taylor, I know. About Emily."
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~*Jenn*~
I walked through the mall, smiling. I was happy. Not just happy, but REALLY happy. I browsed through a toy store and decided to buy something for Jess, Avie, and Mac. I decided on a teddy bear stuffed animal for Jessica, a dancing Barbie for Avery, and an action figure for Mackie.
After I bought them, I went to the bathroom. I felt like I was being watched. I slowly turned around. There was only one other person in there. A familiar face. Kimberly.
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~*Zac*~
I pulled a doctor into the hospital room. "She woke up!" I told him excitedly. The doctor examined Aurora. When her mother arrived, she rushed to Aurora.
"I'm so glad you came back!" She hugged her daughter tight.
"Mom! I'm okay, you're squishing me!"
Her mother loosened her grip and they both smiled.
"Well," the doctor told her mother, "she seems all right, but I think we should keep her overnight for observation, just to be safe."
Mrs. Johnson nodded. I gave Aurora's hand a squeeze with a bright smile. I planted a light kiss on her cheek. "I have to go to band practice," I told her. Then I waved goodbye and waited outside for my mom to pick me up.
When she pulled into the driveway in front of the hospital, I climbed into the car.
"Any luck?" She asked, even though she knew there was from the grin on my face.
"Yep, she came out of her deep, deep, deep slumber!"
"That's wonderful!" Diana exclaimed, "but we're staying at the hospital Zoe has a doctor's appointment."
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"Nothing...it's just a check-up," she explained. When we finally found a parking space, we entered the hospital. On the way to the pediatrics ward, we passed Aurora's room.
I heard Aurora's mother say, "I know...I'm sorry honey, but there's nothing we can do. With Steve in jail, we're going to lose the house. We have nowhere to go, no money left. He took all of our savings out of the bank and gambled it away."
I froze. So did my mom. But like the great person she is, she took action almost immediately. She strode into the room with Zoe in her arms. "Mrs. Johnson, I'm sure my husband would agree that you should really stay in our home with us until you get back on your feet."
Mrs. Johnson began to protest, but my mom shook her head. "Please, think of it was a favor," she pleaded.
Aurora's mother looked at Aurora then back at my mom. "All right," she decided, "for Aurora's sake."
All The Way To Albertane
You Are My Hope
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