The next afternoon, everyone was over at the Hanson house, trying to sort out what had happened the night before.
Walker and Diana were angry because Taylor had gotten drunk, but they were even more angrier at Sarah.
Isaac hadn't said anything to Taylor about Sarah's note, because he wanted to tell him in private. Taylor and Sarah hadn't said much to each other when she came in, but they both felt the need to apologize to each other.
"Okay, know that we have every think out on the table, we can decide what to do about Sarah's little antics. I thought you were taking medicine," Walker looked at Sarah, who was sitting opposite him on the couch. He and Diana were in the living room, with Taylor, Sarah and her mother. Walker asked the other to leave the room, because he thought it really wasn't any of their business.
"Oh, I know what to do with her," Linda spoke and looked at her daugher. "She's going back to that all girls home. I can't deal with her anymore and they seem to at least have a hold on her," She said in a stern manner.
"Mom please! I can't go back there, not after what they did to me. I can't...I.." Sarah stammered and felt the tears well up at the corner of her eyes.
"Oh your just mad because they actually made you listen to them. That's much more then I can say for what you do with me," Linda commented back. She was now facing her daughter and Sarah had to hide her face with her hands. She began to sob lightly
"Oh God, Sarah. Don't put on a show for these people. They aren't going to sympathize with you, so stop crying right now," Linda tried to pull Sarah's hands away from her but Sarah stood up quickly.
You don't understand mom! You've never understood me ever since dad died. It's just been you and your little world. Not me or anything I've done or said..."
"Oh, It's all about you is missy? That's what I can't take about you Sarah. You want it your way or no way. Running out at all hours of the night. And I actually thought that you could meet some good, decent people but now you've tried to corrupt them to. From being rude to Diana and Mackenzie, to practically running over Avery, to now you've gotten Taylor drunk...I.."
"It wasn't her fault Mrs. Johnson," Taylor spoke up. "She was just trying to help me have a good time at the party. It's my fault, I should have stopped drinking with that other girl. I was in control of myself."
"No Taylor hon. You tried to help her at the hospital. And yes, she does have medicine, but she refuses to take it. She says that it doesn't help, she's just stubborn. Like her father," Linda said and stood up beside Sarah. "We have to go. I need make a few phone calls to the all girls home."
Just then Isaac burst into the room. "Wait Mrs Johnson. I found this note of Sarah's. She left it at Taylor, and I think you need to read it," Isaac said and handed her the note.
Sarah sat back down on the couch as he mother read the letter. Sarah could feel Taylor looking at her from across the room, but she was to scared to look at him.
"Well Sarah. Why didn't you tell me that you thought of Walker as a father figure? I think he needs to read this," Linda gave the note to Walker, who was standing near the door.
"Im very flattered by this Sarah, but that doesn't excuse what you've done. You did try to hurt yourself so I have to agree you mother when I say that I think you need some help," Walker replied slowly and he gave the piece of paper to Taylor. "I think you were meant to see this Tay."
Taylor read the piece of paper and Sarah could see him blush. Everyone else in the room had gone so it was just Sarah and Taylor in the room.
"I really appreciate this Sarah. I had no idea you thought of me as a brother figure. But what I don't get is, how did they abuse you?" He asked and sat down across from her.
"It was verbal and emotional abuse. They called me names like "whore" "slut" just rude names like that. And they said that I wasn't good for anything but drugs and sex with trashy guys. And that's what I used to hang out with. I went around with the bad crowd, then when I met you, I knew you were different," Sarah looked down at her hands.
"You were so nice to me, but when I saw you drinking and dancing with Rorie, I thought maybe I had it all wrong. I was confused."
"Im not perfect Sarah. And I've never been in that situation (at the Rave) before. You had run off and left me with her, and I thought you were the wild one. I didn't know how to take you. I still don't, but Im glad we're having this talk," He said and stood up.
Sarah followed him out to her mother's car where Linda was talking with Walker and Diana.
"I don't want this to be goodbye," Sarah said and looked at Taylor's serious face. "I meant what I said about you being nice and feeling like a brother toward me. If that makes any sense."
"It doesn't have to be the end. I know you have a good side of you to, Sarah. I hope I'll be able to find it one day," Taylor said and gave Sarah a hug. It was the first time she had ever felt his arms around her. And they felt good.
"Call me kay? We'll go dancing under the stars" He said with a wink.
"Okay, I'll call as soon as I can," Sarah said and got in the car.
Sarah and her mom backed out of the Hanson's driveway and onto the street. Sarah looked back toward the house and saw Taylor still standing there watching her but his parents were heading inside.
"I'll be back," Sarah thought to herself as the view of Taylor faded out of sight.