“Where are they?” I asked.
“In the kitchen.”
We headed downstairs where I went into the kitchen and Alex headed into the living room where Scarlett and Declan are doing something.
“Mr. and Mrs. James.” I said. They turned around.
“Emily, we need to talk.” Ana, Zach’s mom, said.
“I know you’re here about what I’m doing for Justin. I’m sorry but I’m not taking no for an answer.” I said with my hands on my hips. “Say whatever you want but I’m stubborn.” Ana smiled weakly.
“Honey, we’ve known each other for years. Mr. and Mrs. are too formal. Ana and Steven sound better.” They glanced at my shoulder so I made my hair cover it up and took a seat in front of them. I don’t like people staring at it either.
“Do you want anything to eat or drink?” I asked. I don’t know what time it was but I’m guessing it’s late because it’s already dark out.
“No, we came to talk about Justin.” Steven said.
“Is he all right? I saw him a few hours ago and he looked okay.” I said wide-eyed. Well not okay but he was breathing. Ana grabbed my hand.
“Sweetie, he’s fine. He’s actually having fun with everyone. He has friends over. I–we can’t let you pay for his treatment. It’s too much and it’s not fair to you. Emily, we understand if you don’t–”
“Ana, I’m going to do this for him. For all of you. Please just let me.” I said. “Please.” I squeezed Ana’s hand and tried to hold back the tears. “Let me help.” I whispered.
Steven looked up at his wife and then at me. “Emily, you don’t have to do this. We can find something else, someone else, to get the money for this.” He said.
“I have the money to help him, so let me.” I said pleading with them. We stayed like this for a few minutes basically arguing softly until Ana wiped away tears.
“There’s no way we can change your mind, is there?” She asked. I shook my head. “I guess you’re our very own angel.”
“Why is that?” I asked confused.
“The police told us what you did for Zach. You saved one son and now you want to save the other.” Steven said.
I got up and hugged them both. “I would do it again.” I said. When I pulled away, I asked the one question that is really important right now. “How much is everything?” I need to know. They looked at the tiled floor. “Including any debt and all the treatments.” Ana looked at me like I was going to change my mind over my decision. I’m not.
“One hundred and fifty. Emily, we–”
“Grand?” I asked. She hesitated and nodded. “Wait here.”
I walked into the living room and grabbed Scarlett.
“Scar, do you know if Mom deposited the check Alex gave her?” She furrowed her brows then nodded. “Is it in the same bank or a different one?” It’s not like I asked Mom where she kept it. I didn’t want to know about it.
“Same one.” She said.
I headed out of the living room and walked past Zach’s parents. “One more second.” I said walking up to a little desk near the kitchen and pulling out the checkbook. Thankfully Mom added me to the account.
When I handed them the check, their eyes widened.
“Emily, this is too much.” Steven said.
I wrote it for two hundred because I can only imagine how hard it must be to have a son with cancer giving up. They can pay for the treatment and do anything else. I want them to have it. No, I need them to have it. Because if they take it, Justin can start treatment. Justin can start getting better.
“Please, just take it and tell Justin a promise is a promise.” I said. They stared at each other while I begged, yes, begged for them to take it. They finally did, gave me a big hug and said thank you. Once they left, I headed back into the living room and saw what Scarlett, Declan and Alex were doing. There are blue and silver balloons hanging in the air and 2014 glasses on the table. It’s 11:45 pm.
I sat on the couch next to Alex and thought about what this year was like and how next year should be something promising to look forward to. If I have the friends, family and Alex, then everything will be all right. I’ll find a job and pay back Alex the money he gave away. He’s not off the hook yet.
“Did they come by to talk about Justin?” He asked, his expression sad but at the same time…promising.
“Yeah. They understand where I’m coming from and hopefully everything works out for them.” I said. “I need him to get better. Alex, I can’t lose people. That is one problem I have. That is why I don’t like bringing people into my life. I can’t think about losing them. I don’t know how you’re dealing with everything. I would have broke.” I said thinking about his family. I would have died, actually.
He laced our fingers together and kissed me lightly on the lips. “I have you.” He said finding my eyes. “You make it easier.” Then he kissed me again. I never showed affection in front of Scarlett and Declan but right now I didn’t care. They’re still doing stuff around the house so they’re not paying attention to us. I should help them but they seem like they have everything under control. I’m finding my control…or losing it. Depends on how you see it.
I thought about David then. I know. Mood killed but I have to say something. Is he the one I keep seeing? Is he the person smoking outside of the house? Is he spying on me? Giovanni said he wanted me dead. Was he being serious?
“Alex, I have to tell–”
The doorbell cut me off.
“Emily, can you get it?” Declan asked. I sighed and got off the couch. I walked over to the door were Gizmo was already waiting. I picked him up just in case he decided to flee again. I opened the door and couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Sophie, Tiffany, Bryan and Liam are standing there.
“What are you guys doing here? I told you to stay with your–”
“We invited them. Since you’ve been spending so much time together, we thought they should come over.” Scarlett said.
“She was pretty convincing.” Liam said. I noticed Zach wasn’t with them so I looked at Sophie for an answer.
“You got Justin all worked up so Zach stayed with him and I didn’t want to intrude.” She said. I nodded, smiled and let them in. Zach is exactly where he should be.
Tiffany lingered behind and whispered, “I texted you for a heads up but you didn’t text back.” When everyone entered the living room, Tiffany grabbed my hand and dragged me upstairs. “Be right back.” She yelled. We got to my room and she closed the door and jumped on my bed. “How is everything?”
“Good. What are we doing up here?” I asked.
She grabbed my phone and looked over at me.
“You should go to the bathroom.” She said.
“I don’t have to go.” I said.
“You’ll be surprised. I have a sixth sense and I sense your monthly neighbor is stopping by.” I looked her over. Just for her to be quiet I went into the bathroom, sat on the toilet and surprisingly, she was right. When I got out of the bathroom I walked into my closet and picked out pajama pants.
“I was right, wasn’t I?” She asked. I slipped into them and walked over to the bed. I grabbed my phone and got locked out.
“What’s the code?” I asked. She gave me puppy dog eyes.
“I was bored. 2–5–3–9.” I typed it in and it worked.
“Why that?” I studied it a little more. It spelled out Alex. I shook my head playfully. “Let’s go.” I said pulling her off the bed. “Did you and Liam get together yet?” I asked.
“We’ve been talking but I get shy around him.” She said. What?
“You? Shy?” I lifted an eyebrow at her. “Just spend more time with him. You have your ways, babe.” I said wiggling my brows at her.
That’s when she grabbed my arm and stared hard at me.
“Tiffany?” I asked. She didn’t say anything. “Tiffany?” I snapped my fingers and shook her. “Okay…um…this is weird.” She has this blank look in her eyes and its creeping
me out. “Tiffany, are you okay?”
She blinked a few seconds later and stared at me like she didn’t know I was standing there. “Can I ask you something?” She asked. I nodded. I’m still confused on what that whole that frozen thing was. “If something was…off about me, would you freak out?”
“Uh…” I thought about it. You know, I love this girl so much that I wouldn’t care if she was a blood thirsty vampire out to get me. Nothing she says will ever change my mind about her. She’s still my sister. “You are already off but no, I wouldn’t freak out.” I said.
She nodded. “Okay, that’s good.”
“Why?” I asked.
“Just wondering…in case the time came or something…”
I stared at my best friend not understanding what she’s getting at.
Tiffany smiled and pulled me out of the room. Jeremy’s bear stared back at me so I picked him up and set it on my bed then I made a quick call to Mark and Christy. We’ll meet up soon.
Then we made our way downstairs.
24. New Years Day
The TV was on a live station at Times Square. I tied my hair into a bun and sat back down next to Alex. I didn’t finish telling him what I wanted to say. There were bean bags forming a circle around the couch and everyone was pouring red cups with alcohol.
“I didn’t influence this.” Scarlett said trying to make herself feel better as she poured a cup for herself and Declan.
“What did you want to tell me?” Alex asked.
I looked right into his eyes. They’re a bright honey color. They’re memorizing. Stop getting lost in his eyes and fucking tell him!
If the cigarettes outside were from someone watching me and if that person watching me is David, someone should know. Mainly Scarlett and Declan. He is their father.
“Scar, David smoked, right?” I asked.
“I think so. Why do you want to know?” She asked.
Fuck it. I need to say it. I need to get it out in the open so if it’s not a big deal, I can know that I at least spoke up and did something.
“I didn’t want to say anything but I feel like someone’s been watching me.” I said. Everyone’s eyes looked outside.
“Is this about the cigarettes outside?” Bryan asked.
“What cigarettes?” Declan asked.
“There were cigarette buds outside.” I said. “But it’s probably nothing though…ever since Giovanni…I’m just paranoid.” I said. Declan’s eyes found mine and his body tensed, ready to spring into action.
“What did they look like?” He asked.
“Like regular cigarettes.” I said. “I think there was something branded on it. Looked red.” I don’t really remember. I wasn’t paying to the buds, I was more concerned on whether or not that person smoking them was looking into my window.
Scar and Dec stared at each other then stood up and walked up to me.
“Show us where.” Scarlett said. Everyone had a worried look but what for, it’s probably nothing. I got up and slipped on flip flops. I led them to the spot. They looked up and there was a clear view of my room. I locked eyes with Declan.
“Let’s just go back inside and have a good time.” I said. “Come on, it’s New Years in a few minutes.” Please, don’t be anything.
“Emily, if someone has been watching you and if it’s David then we can’t ignore this.” Declan said.
I walked back toward the house. This is what I was afraid of.
“I’ve been through a lot already. I think I can handle this. I just want to have some fun right now.” I said as they followed me inside.
“Fine but when Mom comes back we have to tell her.” Scarlett said. “Garrett too. He can probably do something about it.”
“See, that wasn’t so hard.” I said walking into the living room. “Nothing I can’t handle.” I spotted the vodka on the table, poured myself a drink then sat back on the couch.
“Emily–”
“Listen, I’ve been attacked by a psychopath and his mother.” I said cutting Bryan off. “I think I can handle anything that comes my way.” I said drinking some vodka. Ugh. It’s warm. “I need some ice.” I got up, grabbed the vodka bottle and headed into the kitchen. I stuck the bottle in the freezer and glanced at my phone. 11:59. Everyone started the countdown in the living room. Ten. Nine. Eight.
Alex walked into the kitchen. “Don’t.” I said.
“What do you want me to do then?” He asked.
Six. Five. Four. Three.
A smile spread on my lips. “Kiss me.” He walked up to me and held my face in his hands. Two. One. His lips met mine.
“They say how you spend your New Years is how you’ll spend the rest of the year. I like how this year is starting already.” Alex said.
“Me too but it’d be better if we were naked.” I said with a wink.
I took the bottle out of the freezer and we headed back into the living room a few minutes later. Everyone was cheering and saying “Happy New Year!” I plugged my phone into the iHome next to the TV and started the music.
Sophie grabbed my hands and brought me into the center of the living room to dance. The last few years didn’t matter. Right now, I feel like we’ve been friends forever.
Declan didn’t leave us but he had fun so we didn’t mind. Everyone danced, drank, played games and did anything else we could do within the house. We even went into the basement. Around three in the morning, we were playing Twister and everyone was a little too drunk so we fell on top of each other. Tiffany’s head landed in between my legs. In the process of getting up, she turned me over and I fell on top of Bryan, straddling his lap. Awkward indeed. He helped me up and I sat on the couch.
“That was awesome.” Sophie said laughing as we all sat down. Scar and Declan were yawning so they started going to bed.
“We’ll clean this up in the morning.” Declan said as he kissed my forehead. I nodded, too tired to say anything really.
“Are you going to bed soon?” Scarlett asked. I nodded.
I tried to stand up but lost my balance mid-step. Alex caught me just in time and I smiled up at him. “You never let me fall.” I said.
“Don’t ever plan on letting you.” He said and my heart skipped a beat as I blushed. My feet found the floor and I waved everyone upstairs.
Gizmo was on the bed.
“Ugh, try getting him off.” I said walking into the closet next to my room to grab a few blankets and pillows. We spread them on the floor and made it as comfortable as we could. Tiffany sat on the bed where Gizmo barked and growled at her. She screamed and moved over to me. “He thinks he’s king.” I laughed.
I grabbed the leftover pillows from my bed and dropped them on the floor. We’re drunk so staying here is the best thing to do. We don’t need to worry about accidents or anything.
“I’m glad you guys came over.” I said. We talked until we fell asleep.
***
I heard the front door open and close so I popped my head up. Then I heard footsteps on the stairs and giggling. “Everyone’s sleeping.” Mom said.
Oh. My. God.
“I’m going to forget seeing all that alcohol down there.” Garrett’s voice said. She must be having a good year so far too.
I laid my head back down and snuggled closer to Alex.
I heard something in the hallway then I heard giggles again. This is going to get awkward. I got up and went into my closet. I’m not going to stay there and hear that. I grabbed some clean clothes and headed into the bathroom. I ran my hand over my bandages and slowly peeled them off. They’re healing. And they don’t hurt as much. That’s really weird now that I think of it.
I dried myself off and got dressed minus a shirt. I want to see what I look like. I opened the bathroom door slowly and saw that everyone is still sleeping. I walked over to the full length mirror and studied my body. I lifted my arm and studied all the soon to be scars. The first one under my breast stood out the most. I’m scared for life with that one.
I pulled my shirt on and walked over to the window. No one was out there this time. I brought my laptop over to the window and sat down. I checked all the latest news going around Boston. There were a few pictures of Justin with his family and friends and I smiled. He looks happy. He looks like he’s having fun. I got an instant message the second I was about to log off Facebook.
Justin: Hey what are you doing up so early?
Me: Couldn’t go back to sleep. You?
Justin: About to head over to the hospital to get everything sorted out. Mom said a promise is a promise so I’m keeping up my deal.
Me: You better. Did you have a good night??
Justin: Yes. Hey I wanted to ask you something…
Me: What is it?
Justin: I heard the police talking about what you did for Zach. What we’re you guys doing that night????
Me: That is a conversation to have in person…
Justin: You and Zach aren’t…
Me: No!!! He’s with Sophie.
Me: Is that what you think of me? :(
Justin: No, it’s just no one tells me anything.
Me: Because you might kiss them! You wouldn’t want to hear about what happened anyways. Just know I’m okay and I’ll be better once I know you’ll be too.
Justin: Haha. You love me don’t you?!?!
Me: You know I do <3
Justin: :) :P
Justin: I have to go. Talk later??
Me: Yes.
Justin: One more thing.
Justin: Are you modeling for Victoria’s Secret?
Me: Auditioning. There’s still a chance I won’t get it.
Justin: You’ll get it. They’d be crazy not to have you.
Me: Thanks. Now get off facebook. :)
Justin: Fine and Happy New Year!! :P
Me: Happy New Year.
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