"We're goin' home, oooh, we're goin' back home..." Nick sang as he flung his backpack
over his shoulder.
"I'm getting the feeling you're happy about this" Howie joked, as he too took out his bag,
using his free hand to hold on to Dawn.
Rolling his luggage's down to the check out, Nick answered with a chuckle "Can you
blame me?"
Everyone else walked behind them: Kevin hand-in-hand with a still fuming Naila, Kristy
and Felicity speaking softly, Laurel and Michael doing everything they could to savor
their last precious moments together, Annie upset as hell that her plans were ruined, and
of course, Brian trotted along by himself; not really wanting to speak to anyone.
"I'm so sorry about this Mike" Laurel apologized as she accompanied her boyfriend to his
gate "I'm gonna try to work things out with Naila as soon as she stops acting like the bitch
from hell"
Michael smiled. She was obviously going to miss him a whole lot more than he was her...
He was almost grateful to Naila for kicking him out "Nah, don't worry about it" he said
punching her playfully in the arm.
Laurel toppled a bit and frowned "This sucks big time"
"You can say that" he shrugged.
Annie watched her brother converse with the young blonde gloomily. 'He just had to
screw her' she thought bitterly, knowing that, thanks to him, her hopes of ever become a
successful journalist had just been crushed. She only needed a little more time to
accumulate dirt on the band.... Feeling a tap on her shoulder, she spun around.
Nick smiled broadly "Sorry to see you go" he said courteously shaking her hand "If you
ever need anything, give us a call"
"Uhh, thanks" Annie grinned uncertainly. His eyes sparkled and once more, she felt that
pang of guilt. Nick was the only soul that had this effected on her. She hated it, yet loved
it. It was... bittersweet.
"Flight 436 to Orlando Florida now boarding"
They all made they final goodbyes to Michael and Annie (surprisingly neither of them
shedding a tear) and were off on their merry way! Home...
**Back In O'Town**
Alyssa grumbled as she began to wake from her not-so-peaceful slumber in the Hospitals
orange waiting room chair. She'd spent the night there; that's all she could recall at that
moment. Stretching, she managed to pull herself out of the chair, and with a giant yawn,
walked into the room infront of her.
Flat out ignoring the woman in the bed, she stomped over to a sleeping A.J and was about
to hit him so that he'd wake up when she heard a voice restrain her.
"No! Just let him sleep"
She turned around spitefully and looked at the pail brunette. Actually, it would be
considered more of a glare.
"He needs his rest" Amanda added with a grin.
Alyssa took a good long look at Amanda. 'Her gums show when she smiles' she laughed
to herself. That was ugly... Ah, who was she kidding? The girl was drop dead gorgeous
and she felt like a tic at her side.
Amanda looked up at the tall girl and suddenly felt quite insecure. She probably knew
what happened. After all, A.J had spent the entire night talking to her about Alyssa, so
she could just begin to imagine what he had told her about his 'druggie girlfriend'.
Both girls stared awkwardly at each other; neither knowing just what to say. Thankfully,
A.J soon began to steer, and within moments was up and fully awake.
"Alyssa?" he exclaimed, slightly confused by her presence "You're still here?"
"It certainly looks like it, don't you think!?" Alyssa replied obnoxiously.
Right then, the door opened and a man in a white coat walked in, a note pad in hand
"Good morning Miss. Lewis, My name is doctor Weiser" he introduced himself as he
scanned through his chart. Looking up, he smiled at A.J "I'm afraid that visiting hours are
over"
A.J nodded and bent down to the bed, giving Amanda a small peck on the forehead "I'll
see you later baby. I love you"
"I love you too" Amanda gushed.
As they made their way out of the room, Dr. Weiser followed in their tracks. He'd been
dealing with this kind of situation long enough to know that A.J would want a few words
with him. And sure enough, he was right.
"What's gonna happen to her doc?" he queried, finally letting some worry show. (After
all, he didn't want to disturb Amanda)
The doctor held his notes to his chest "Sir, when overdoses occur we highly recommend
therapy. Addiction can only be battled if they are willing to change. Also, since Miss.
Lewis has been in a coma, she will have to work with a physiotherapist; hopefully, not for
long since she appears to be copping. Then of course we need to run a few more tests.
First, she will now be receiving a visit from social services"
A.J listened attentively to each word. It still had not sunken in...
"Ok, alright" he said as the doctor left, and they began making their way down the hall.
"I'll call a cab and we an go home"
Alyssa didn't answer, or look at him for that matter. She just wanted to get the hell away
from all this.
And so they left.
**Meanwhile**
"Huh. That's funny"
"What is?" Kristy queried stuffing her duffel bag into the overhead compartment.
I looked back at my ticket, making sure I was seeing the right number "According to this
I'm in seat 23"
Kristy bent over and checked out my stub "Then you're not next to me. Better go find
your place"
"Great" I grumbled making my way through the narrow isle. I was gonna be stuck next to
a total stranger for the entire trip.
"18-19, 20-21, 22... ahah"
Exhausted, I threw my belongings into the over head and let out a heavy sigh and dropped
down in the window seat. At least I would have the clouds to keep me company...
Letting my head rest on the soft pillow, it was not long until I heard a body plot down
next to me. 'Be courteous Eli' I ordered myself so that I'd have the strength to open my
lids. Rubbing my face, I quickly turned "Hi..."
Brian looked back at her, astonishment splattered across his face. Clearly, he was not
who she was expecting and neither was she.
After a few blank glances, I tore myself away from him. My heart felt like it had just
traveled from my throat, to my feet, and back! I bit my thumbnail, never being more
uncomfortable and nervous in my whole life. This was going to be one long trip.
**~~**
Kevin attempted to place an arm over his girlfriend, only to have it immediately brushed
off. "Baby, you've gotta relax. You shouldn't upset yourself so much"
Naila turned and glared at his seemingly innocent expression "Easier said than done! How
would you feel if a 15 year old lost her virginity to a bum while under your care?"
"Try a hooker" Kevin chuckled, recollecting what A.J had once planed for Nick. She was not amused. "Honey, I know it's difficult, but
you can't change the past! There's no sense in beating yourself up about it."
Naila bit her lip "I know, I know! I just... I mean. She's just a baby"
"But you're not her mother" Kevin sympathized, placing a hand over her leg "I know what
you're going through. Since you're the eldest, you feel as though you're responsible for
everything the others do"
Naila didn't respond, but he knew she was acknowledging every word he uttered.
He continued "I've felt that same way for years, and only now have I realized that you must
let go in order to let them grow. It's hard to do it, but in order for them to develop, they
need to learn to stumble and be able to get back on their own to feet without help from
others. You're not her parent Naila; you're only her guardian. But having that authority
over her doesn't give you the right to undermined her as a fellow Reflection member, or,
more importantly, a friend."
"Wise words from a wise man" Naila smiled, leaning over to give him a kiss.
"Thank you"
"Welcome" he grinned, tangling his fingers into her dark locks.
**Same Time**
At the sound of the door opening, J.C awoke.
"Where you going?" he asked, struggling to sit up straight in the couch.
"Out" Justin replied simply, pulling his gray tank top over his head and making his way to
the exit.
J.C stretched "What should I do with the chick?"
Grabbing his keys, he turned back "Tell Katie she can eat something before leaving"
"It's Tin... ah, never mind" J.C said taking his throbbing head between his strong hands.
Some things just aren't worth fighting for.
With out another peep, Justin left.
Groggily, he stood up to get himself a bowl from the cupboard. He enjoyed routine, and
Frosted Flakes in the morning was it. Sitting down at the table, he pored himself some
milk when the bedroom door opened.
Tina stepped through the frame wearing only Justin's Jordan jersey, her long blonde hair
in a mess. She didn't say a word.
"He said you could stay for breakfast" J.C said, pushing out the chair across from him
with his foot "Room service is available; as long as you put it on his tab"
Quietly she walked over and sat down, her hands resting on her lap.
J.C looked at her and laughed "You must be a fucking good liar for Jus to believe you're
legal."
"I didn't lie" she said firmly.
"Bullshit" J.C snarled. All the make-up she had on last night had come off, and with out
the skin tight clothes and extra high heals, she looked like a 2 year old. "D'you really
think he'd fuck you if he knew how old you were?"
"For your information" Tina responded irritably, getting up from the table and
moving away from him "He didn't even ask what my age was!"
"And how old are you. 16?"
"14!"
J.C spat his cereal out, spraying it all over the fruit dish "What?!"
"That's right!" Tina answered proudly, trotting away to get her belongings so that she
could leave "And he said that I was the best fuck he ever had." she put on her skirt,
shamelessly exposing her bear bottom to the wide-eyed boy and made her way to the door
"I'll be the envy of all my friends" she said grinning before leaving.
J.C stared at the door stupefied "Kids these days!" he huffed, as he returned to his Flakes. "Groupies. The
boy sure knows how to chose em'"
**Earlier**
"Remind me to give the fellas a call later tonight, k?!" A.J said happily.
Alyssa simple muttered something under her breath, not really being in the mood to
converse. She watched as the scenery passed her by in a blur; there weren't too many cars
on the road, which only made their voyage shorter. Thankfully. Shortly, the taxi pulled up
to an average sized house surrounded by a white picket fence and flowers.
"Is this your place?" A.J asked making sure they weren't at the wrong address.
Alyssa grabbed her bag and flung the cab door open "Yep"
"Ok. Well then I guess I'll...." but before A.J could finish his adieus, she slammed the
door in his face, and walked way.
Not caring about how bitchie she was acting with him, Alyssa stomped up the porch and
rang the bell. She despised him! She despised him with her entire being!! After a minute,
she rang again, and again, and again... Even tried knocking. "Oh come on!" she yelled,
pounding on the door "Open up. It's your bloody daughter!!!"
Feeling someone touch her shoulder, she spun around.
"Folks not home?" A.J asked.
Alyssa glared at him icily "It appears so. And I don't have the key; so I'm stuck"
"Alrighty, so then you stay with me..." A.J announced, already skipping back to the cab
"I'm in need for some company anyway"
'Wonderful' she grumbled, dragging herself back to the car. Unfortunately, she didn't have
much of a choice.
A.J blabbed about nonsense until they arrived at his place. He paid the driver, and lead
the way up the path. The house was relatively large (as could be expected) and quite
modern looking, with many windows and 4 floors.
A.J unlocked the door, disengaged the alarm and was soon met by the sound of charging
footsteps.
"Panda..." A.J smiled, taking his hyperactive pug into his arms "I missed you girl"
Alyssa stood in the entrance in awe! The place was absolutely indescribable. Paintings,
sculptures, a giant screen T.V and stereo next to a zebra print couch all visible from
where she stood. It was tacky; but so was she.
"Wow!" she gasped, as she dreamily walked in.
"Make yourself at home. Me Casa es su casa... But I guess you'll want da beda to sleepa"
A.J joked cornely. "Come on" he said, waving her over to the staircase "I'll show you
where the guestroom is so that you can rest"
Alyssa followed in his footsteps, Panda scurrying at her feet. She couldn't believe how
hospitable he was being.
"Here" he said, flipping on the switch in a yellow painted room with big cushy pillows, a
queen sized bed, T.V, night table and the whole enchilada "There should be some clothes in the
drawers; just have to look"
"Ok" Lyss said quietly. She walked in, looked around and took a seat on the comfy bed,
Panda jumping up next to her.
"Panda. Down!" A.J scolded
"Naw, it's alright. She can stay"
A.J asked if she was certain, and she said yes. After all, she was an animal lover. "If ya
need anything, I'll be downstairs" he declared.
"Aje?"
At the sound of his name, he turned back "Yeah?"
"Thanks"
Nodding, he shut the door and left.
The second the door closed, Alyssa broke down into tears. All of this had been so hard on
her, and it was all finally coming out. Why did she have to love him? Why was Amanda
so perfect? Curling up into a small ball, she continue to sob on the sheets. And her
parents. They could have at least been there for her once in her life. 'Probably off on some
god damn tropical island' she cried, Panda snuggling up to her. Loneliness was a terrible
emotion to deal with.
She soon fell asleep in a puddle of solemn tears.
**On The Plane**
Kristy laughed "Nick, face it. You're never gonna get it!"
"Shut up... I will" he affirmed, attempting for the hundredth time to catch the peanut in
his mouth.
"You know" Kristy teased "You've got a pretty bad aim for someone whose fave sport is
basket-ball"
Nick shot her a dirty look "Great! I'm stuck with a smart ass!"
"Oh, you know you love me!" Kristy giggled, slapping him on the leg "Besides, I did this
as a favor to you so that you wouldn't be next to Laur"
Nick grimaced "I owe you for that one." He thought a bit then asked "By the way, why
was that Michael dude and his sis kicked out?"
"You mean, you don't know what happened?" Kristy asked in shock.
He shook his head. "So what was it?"
Kristy contemplated on weather she should tell him or not. After all, it was none of his
business. But then again... "Naila found out that Laur and Michael slept together and
kinda blew a fuse"
"Holy shit, they porked? No way!"
"That's one of putting it" Kristy said, rolling her eyes. "Just please don't bug her about it,
ok?! She doesn't need that right now"
"Alright" he whimpered "But you're ruining my fun"
Shooting him a dirty look, she smacked him over the head "Jerk!"
Nick leaned back on his seat and started to listen to his AC/DC disk. He never would
have thought she had it in her...
**~~**
"Oh boy" I whined, squirming in my seat. Damn bladder of mine! I really, really had to go
badly, but the only way I could get to the bathroom was by passing by Brian. (yay,
window seats!) Unfortunately, he was fast asleep and took the liberty of blocking the
already small passage. 'Oh please wake up; please' I prayed, jiggling around. Finally, I
gave in and tapped him on the shoulder.
Brian's eyes fluttered open; his fear of flying kept him from being a deep sleeper on
flights. Looking at her, his heart sank. She was just so beautiful. To think, not even a
week ago, she was still his. To have, to hold, to...
"Brian, I really need to..."
"Yes I know" Brian interrupted "I need to talk to you too"
'what?' I yipped internally. God, how long was he going to keep me here? I was going to
blow any second...
He licked his lip "Eli, I'm so sorry about what I did to you"
"Brian I..."
"No, let me finish" he said with determination. "I mean, this isn't how I envisioned we
would turn out! I was so happy with you in my life Felicity. I took you for granted. I want
you to know that I completely forgive you for what you did. I don't blame you... I do
however blame myself for all of this. I just hope that you could one day find it in your
heart to forgive me; because I love you"
All of a sudden, my need to piss vanished, and all I could do was look at him, longing
only tell him that I loved him with all my soul. But I couldn't. Oh lord, what had I gotten
myself into?
"Ladies in gentlemen, we would like to ask you to please fasten your safety belts. We will landing in 7 minutes...."
