The Elizabeth and Marty Series All Together

[grumpypirate]

Ok, I've put all of the Marty/Elizabeth stories in one thread so that everyone who hasn't read them can read them and not have to search for them. And anyone who wants to reread them can easily do so! Cheers!

Call of Distress

As I look into his dreamy blue eyes, I can remember my life before I met him. To put it bluntly, my life sucked! From the time I was five, my parents beat and abused me. They always told me I was worthless and had no reason to live. For hours on end I would sit and stare at the scars and bruises, wishing somehow they would just disappear from my body forever. I remember how I would sneak over to my grandmothers while my father, in a drunken rage, would tear the house apart and my mother would sit on the couch smoking her weed, pot, or whatever else she had. My grandmother, the one person who actually believed me when I told her I was abused, took my parents to court saying they were bad parents but my cunning father was friends’ with the judge and he was able to get away with everything. Several months later my grandmother died. The authorities said it was because of old age but I say my mother slipped poison into her glass one day and killed her. Of course no one would believe a teenager over her parents. My godfather, John Matthews, was no help. You would think your own godfather would help you but not mine. He was always on my father’s side even though the bruises told a different story. After my grandmother died I had no place to go. The one time I ran away to my friend Joan French’s house my father found me and dragged me home. After that he would lock the door to my room when I got home from school and he put bars on the windows of my room to make sure I wouldn’t be able to get out.


Then came the best day of my life, the day my parents died. I came home from school one day and the house was ablaze. Firefighters were swarming the house, trying to put out the blaze. It seemed that it was the happiest and saddest day of my life for the horrible people I was forced to call parents were trapped inside, but on the other hand everything I owned perished along with them. I took shelter at my friend Joan house while the courts decided what to do with me. After considering the many possibilities they decided to ship me off to live with my aunt Margaret King, Meg for short, in Chicago. I had never met Meg in my life, but my mother would talk about how she was an insufferable git who spent her entire fortune on worthless junk. She also made it clear that my aunt had no reason to live. The day I left for Chicago I can still remember the pain I felt at leaving my friends though at the same time I was scared to death and excited all at the same time. I had no clue if I would ever see them again, but in my heart I always kept hope. When I arrived in Chicago, I was greeted by Meg who surprisingly looked a great deal like me with long dark red hair and beautiful green eyes. I was able to recognize her from a picture the court had given me to indicate who she was. The car ride to her house seemed to last forever with neither one of us speaking. Meg’s house was enormous and beautiful. Only once I was settled into a room did we really start to talk. She heard from my grandmother about how I was abused and never really had a family life. We soon went shopping for some new clothes, since most of mine were destroyed in the fire. We passed a music store where I saw the one thing I had wanted all my life. An electric guitar. Aunt Meg saw me staring at it and I confided the secret which I had never told anyone. Ever since I had learned what a guitar was I had wanted one. During Christmas my wish came true and I found a guitar wrapped up in its box waiting for me. We immediately took it out and Meg began to teach me. Surprisingly she turned out to be really good. She told me that back in the day she had belonged to a band called the Wild Cats. Sadly the band quit when the bass player and drummer both married and one moved to California and the other to New Mexico. Within just a few weeks I was able to play full songs. Aunt Meg taught me how to put my anger toward my parents in my music. I started high school after Christmas break. The first few days were the hardest because I had no clue where all my classes were or who anyone was. Then came the day when Alex Nott introduced herself to me. She had extremely long black hair with dark brown eyes and the flare of an artist. Alex was originally from North Carolina but she was here in Chicago to live with her sister because her father was dead and her mother in the hospital. When she was thinking, she would wear her black top hat. She always told me it helped to inspire her. It was like her muse. I met her in the lunch room when she invited me to sit with her and her friends’ Lex, Jamie, and Monica. I personally didn’t like Jamie or Monica but Lex was different. She always seemed to know exactly what to say. Within time Alex and I grew closer. I confided my past to her and she swore not to tell anyone. Her artistic flare seemed to rub off on me and my music soon grew more and more. Most people at school looked down their noses at me because I was an outsider with a secret past. I always wore long sleeved shirts or a jacket to hide the scars on my arms. Alex, Lex, and I spent many hours at the mall or the local coffee shop talking and doing our homework. It was after Lex moved at the beginning of our senior year that the group broke up. Jamie and Monica started to spread rumors about me. They called me a slut and a whore who got kicked out of at least 13 different schools. I was also believed to be involved in a bank robbery, and the reason for my long sleeved shirts was because of a tattoo which would easily identify me. I think they did it because Alex and I were so close. The final showdown happened when Alex, filled with rage, punched Jamie after she started talking badly about me and spreading more rumors. Monica jumped onto Alex’s back and that’s when I jumped in to help my best friend because after all it was me she was defending. The four of us were suspended for two days and Jamie and Monica switched schools. All that was left of the group was Alex and I. It was only after we were out of college that we found out that Lex was killed at a shooting at her new school. On graduation day we decided it would be amusing to walk down the stage in our matching top hats, and boots with our black collared shirts, blue vests, and red ties. The principle of our school just smiled, shook his bald head, and gave us our diplomas. That night, instead of going on our senior trip, we had our own party at Meg’s while she went out. We blared music, watched movies, and pigged out on food all night long.

[grumpypirate]

Sometime during the night, around midnight, there was a knock at the door. I got up so see whom it was thinking it was Aunt Meg and she had forgotten the key but instead I opened the door to find my good friend Joan. She had given up her senior trip to come see me. We had a blast catching up on things. She told me how the school had burned down during spring break and everyone was forced to use trailer houses as classrooms. The funny thing was we were always joking about how we would, one day, set the school on fire. I told Joan about how I met Alex and the fun we had together. We continued our partying until late in the morning when we fell asleep where we sat, the TV still going. Sometime Aunt Meg had come home and turned the TV off and covered the three of us with a blanket. The next week was spent on Alex and me showing Joan around Chicago and taking her to see our favorite places. The best being the coffee shop on Harvey Street. Alex and I spent many days there talking, laughing, and doing our schoolwork, or should I say trying to do our schoolwork but always ending up in fits of laughter. The next week Joan had to leave to go home to prepare for college.


At the end of August Alex and I were readying ourselves to go to college. The two of us had been accepted to the University of Chicago on scholarships. We planned to share an apartment and stay up late partying all night long. As time went on, our partying days were less and less until there were barley any left. Then one day we had enough. We threw down our pens and headed to a local club. The band that was playing there was called Lovehammers. They were from Chicago but I had never heard of them which was quite bad since they were really good. When the band finally took a break their lead singer came over and sat down by me. Let me tell you this, he was hot with his blue eyes and blonde hair. We got to talking about our lives and I soon confessed to him about my past. He told me about how the band had formed when they were fourteen. He soon went back to singing but ever so often I could see him staring at me. Alex soon found me and decided it was time to leave after some drunk idiot tried to hit on her and she almost got into a fight over who knows what. Marty then made eye contact with me and I mouthed to him that I had to leave. He nodded his head to show that he understood me and we left the club. We went back to the apartment and went to bed since it was about two in the morning by the time we got back and we had classes the next day. At lunch Marty, the hot singer from the club, came and sat with us at our table. I was surprised to see him. I introduced him to Alex, who couldn’t remember anything that happened the night before, and we started talking and I realized how sweet he was. From that day onward he came and sat with us at lunch, and helped us with our work so we could go out and see him and his band play more often. I soon realized I needed a job so Marty helped me get a job as a waitress in the club he played at most often that way I could spend more time with him. The rest of his band consisted of bass player Dino Kourelis, drums Bobby Kourelis, and guitar Billy Sawilchik. When I would get off of work, the guys would take Alex and me out for dinner at some restaurant. When I look back now, I realize how those were some of the best days of my life. They all knew about my past but they didn’t judge me. They were my best friends.

[grumpypirate]

For Christmas break Alex decided to go home to North Carolina to see her family, and Aunt Meg went to go visit some friends in California so I was all alone with the house and the apartment we shared all to myself. After about a day of being bored out of my mind, I invited Marty, Dino, Bobby, and Billy over for dinner and a movie. Everyone except Marty declined saying they had other things to attend too so for that night it would be just me and Marty which would be just fine since I found myself growing closer and closer to him. Seeing as how it was just the two of us I ordered pizza since I was too lazy to cook. After the pizza arrived, Marty and I settled to watch the Titanic. Though both of us had already seen several times, it was the only thing available at the video store that was actually worth watching. I was falling asleep on Marty’s shoulder when the phone rang. I went into the kitchen to answer it. “Hello,” the voice on the other end said, “is Elizabeth Grey at home?” I told her yes and she proceeded to tell me that Miss Alex Nott was hit by a drunk driver and is currently in the Scott and White hospital in North Carolina and they weren’t able to get in touch with anyone else. “Oh my God” is all I could say as I hung up the phone and sank to the floor, tears rolling down my cheeks. Immediately Marty was at my side holding me and stroking my hair asking me what was wrong. Between sobs I was able to tell him what had happened. He picked me up and carried me to the couch and sat me down. He handed me a tissue and whipped out his cell phone to call the airport and book two tickets to North Carolina. He packed me a suitcase and then returned to the couch to comfort me. He put his arms around me as I cried into his chest soaking his shirt. He sat there patting my back and rocking me back and forth till my tears finally ran out and were reduced to only a trickle. He looked at the clock and told me if we didn’t leave soon we would miss our flight. I slept the entire way to North Carolina like a baby with Marty there beside me the entire time. After we got off the plane, we caught a cab which took us to the Scott and White medical hospital where we were immediately shown to the intensive care unit. Marty waited in the waiting room since they only allowed one person in the room at a time. Alex looked so pale and lifeless. Her left leg and right arm were in a cast and her left eye looked swollen. Just then the doctor came in to check up on her. I asked her if she would be ok and he told me that everything depended on the next few nights. She was in a coma right now and he really had no clue what would happen. There was a fifty percent chance that she would wake up and a fifty percent chance she wouldn’t. Even if she did manage to wake up there would be a chance of brain trauma due to the blow she took to her head. At these words, tears ran down my cheeks as I ran from Alex’s room straight into the arms of Marty. I couldn’t stand the thought of Alex, my best friend ever, lying so helplessly in the hospital fighting for her life. Marty guided me to a chair where he sat me down. He then went to Alex’s room to see for himself how she was. When he came out of Alex’s room, I could see the tears in his eyes. He wordlessly went to the payphone and called Bobby to let the guys know what had happened. As soon as he was finished, he came back and sat down next to me. He put my hand in his and held onto it tight as we sat there waiting, wishing, hoping and praying Alex would wake up and be all right. We didn’t leave our spots until the clock struck 8:30 p.m. and we realized how hungry we were. Marty asked a nurse where the best place to eat would be and where we could find a hotel. Marty took down the information and thanked the nurse. He made a call to the hotel to book two rooms. He then took me by the hand and led me out of the hospital where he flagged down a cab and told a driver to take us to Chili’s. I barley touched my food, even though I was starving, since my mind was on Alex and I wouldn’t have eaten anything if Marty hadn’t of told me I wouldn’t be any help to Alex if I didn’t keep up my strength. After I’d eaten enough to satisfy Marty, we went and got into another cab. I must have fallen asleep because when I woke up I was in bed at the hotel.


I grabbed my stuff and went to go take a hot shower. While in the bathroom I heard the room door open and Marty walk in. I heard the tv click on and I guess he sat down on the bed to watch it. I finished my shower, put on fresh clothes, and sat down by Marty on the bed. He suggested we go grab some breakfast and then go check up on Alex. I agreed and we went down to the lobby to grab some doughnuts. We ate our breakfast in silence watching the news which happened to be broadcasting Alex’s crash. I just couldn’t watch them pulling her out of her destroyed car. It was horrible. I could feel Marty grasp my hand tight as the news people talked to a couple of witnesses. We finished breakfast and went back to the hospital. When we got there Alex’s sister, Connie, was there talking to a doctor with her husband Jeremy. I had only met Connie a few times but from what I knew about her she was just like Alex. Now Jeremy on the other hand, was down to earth and only talented in computers. Connie came over to me and gave me a hug telling me that Alex was strong and she would get through it. She told me that since I had been there last night, that Alex’s condition hadn’t changed any and all we could do was wait and see what happens. So, we sat there waiting, speaking very little and wondering what would happen. After a while, I decided I needed some fresh air. I announced where I was going. Marty volunteered to go with me so away we went. We walked around the hospital looking at the many different flowers and statues they had there. I guess they put the flowers and statues there to try and cheer up the place but it didn’t seem to help my mood any. Somehow we ran across the maternity ward where we got to look at the newborns. They were so small and delicate looking. When we got back to the ICU, Connie came bounding up to us with the news that Alex was awake and ok and she was asking to see me. Tears of joy sprang from my eyes as I went into her room. She still looked bad but at least she was awake and smiling. When she started to talk, her voice was a little bit shaky and she sounded like she could use a good night’s rest. The tears kept rolling down my cheeks as I told her how worried I was and how glad I am that she was ok. She told me everything would be all right and she gave me that funky smile of hers. After we exchanged a few more words, I told Alex I would be back later but I’d best give someone else a chance to see her. I left the room and Marty went in to see Alex, seeing as how Connie and Jeremy had been with her since she woke up right after Marty and I left for our walk.

[grumpypirate]

(Marty’s POV)
When Elizabeth and I heard the news that Alex would be ok I could see Liz’s face light up. I hadn’t seen her this happy in a long time. When Liz went into Alex’s room Connie and Jeremy called me over to them. "You like her don’t you," Connie asked me. At first I was stunned. How did she figure it out so fast? I’d loved her since the first moment I laid eyes on her. I just didn’t know if she felt the same way about me. I told Connie this and she just shook her head and laughed. She told me that when Alex first woke up she had asked who all was here. When Connie told her and Elizabeth and I were here she told Connie her suspicion about how she thought I liked her and she liked me. Liz then came out of Alex’s room and I went in to take my turn talking to Alex. She was sitting up in her bed smiling that smile that Elizabeth would call funky. I smiled back at her as I moved to sit in the seat next to her bed. I told her how happy I was to see her ok. She then surprised me by asking me if I loved Elizabeth. I was taken off guard and my mouth immediately dropped. "Marty your mouth is hanging open." Alex said "You know she likes you too. She just doesn’t let anyone know. You know how hard it is for her to trust people after what happened with her parents. Would you just ask her out already?! Don’t you realize that Dino, Bobby, Billy, and I set you up? I mean I got out of the house and they didn’t come over so you two could have some alone time. Do you need me to say it straight out?" I didn’t know what to say. I just sat there and looked at her while she gave me a look that if looks could kill I would have been dead. “Now get out of here,” she told me, "and go tell her you love her." She gave me another one of those looks and I left her room.


(Liz’s POV)
When Marty came out of Alex’s room, he had this strange look on his face. I had no clue what Alex said to him but it must have gotten him thinking because he sat down on one of the chairs and just sat there staring at the wall. After a while I got up and asked him to come outside with me. I had to find out what was wrong. He wordlessly stood up and walked out with me. I took him to one of the benches, sat down, and motioned for him to sit next to me. I took his hands in mine and looked him in the eyes. "Marty you know you can tell me anything," I said "now what’s wrong?" He hung his head and muttered something I couldn’t hear. "Come on Marty," I said "I can’t hear you." "I love you" he blurted out as he raised his head and then lowered it, like he didn’t know what to do. "I love you too," I told him. "You do?" he asked as he raised his head in surprise. "Yes" I said, "I do love you. How could I not when you rushed me up here to see my best friend? You’re the one person who didn’t care if I wore long sleeves to hide my bruises or put up with my terrible cooking. You were there for me. Marty you were there for me when I needed you the most." At that he looked up, took me in his embrace and kissed me. We walked hand in hand back to the waiting room where Connie stood with one of the biggest smiles on her face that I’d seen in a long time.


We stayed in North Carolina with Alex until she was well enough to be moved to a private room. She would have to stay in the hospital for a few more weeks but she kept getting better and better each day. Marty and I had to leave soon after because I needed to return to work and the band needed Marty. A few days after we got home, Marty and the band were called to go to New York to play at a wedding for an old friend and to stay and visit for a few weeks. They invited me along but I unfortunately had to decline do to the fact that I had several things to do plus work. I mostly tried to clean up the house, but it was just way too messy. Marty would call every night to check up on me and make sure I was ok. One Sunday I was sleeping on the couch after a long day of work when the doorbell rang. I got up to see who it was, and there stood my godfather John with and evil grin on his face. "Hello Elizabeth" he said. "It’s so good to see you. Now I do believe we have some business to take care of".

[grumpypirate]

(Marty’s POV)
When I called Liz on Sunday to see how she was she didn’t answer her dorm phone or her cell. I tried to call her every hour after that but she didn’t pick up. When Monday evening came around and she still hadn’t answered any of my calls I began to get worried. I told the guys on Wednesday morning that I would have to cut the trip a little short because I had a bad feeling that something horrible had happened to Liz. I caught the first plane back to Chicago and rushed over to Liz’s apartment only to find the door unlocked, the place an even worse mess than what it had been when I left, and Liz lying on the floor bloodied up. I rushed over to her. Thankfully she was still alive. I took her in my arms and carried her to the bed. I found some rubbing alcohol and some bandages in the bathroom cabinet and began trying to clean her up. After a while, I had most of her cuts bandaged up, and she was beginning to wake up. I heard her muttering my name over and over again. I softly whispered to her that everything would be all right. She slowly opened her eyes and I could see the tears forming. "Oh Marty" she said as the tears came pouring down her face. "It was John. He just showed up and he . . . he beat me. He said it was all my fault my parents were dead. He said I was a no good, dirty rotten scoundrel." I held onto her tight as she cried and cried. "Liz" I said "do you think you can tell me where he went? The police may be able to find him. If you know anything, you have to tell me now." "No" she stuttered "I don’t know where he went to. He . . . he was drunk . . . I think." "I’m not going to leave you alone for another moment," I told her. "I’m going to take you to my place so come on and lets get your stuff packed."


(Liz’s POV)
Marty helped me pack up some clothes and he then carried me down to my car, seeing as how his was at his house, he put me in the front seat and drove off. I scooted over to him and laid my head against his side. I must have fallen asleep because when I woke up I was at Marty’s apartment lying covered by a blanket on his bed. I had only been to his place a few times and those times we had only stayed a few minutes. I got up and wondered into what appeared to be the living room where Marty was talking on the phone to someone. When he saw me, he motioned for me to come sit next to him on the couch. He finished the call and hung up. "Feeling better?" he asked me. "A little" I told him as he began to massage my sore aching shoulders. "I called Billy to let him know why I ran off back to Chicago" he told me "he said him and the rest of the boys would be back tomorrow." I could feel myself falling back asleep as Marty continued to massage my shoulders.


(Marty’s POV)
After Elizabeth was asleep, I moved her into a more comfortable position where her head was on my chest. I held her close and looked at her sleeping peacefully. She had been through so much in her life but yet when she was sleeping she looked so happy and peaceful. Like nothing had ever happened to her. I wrapped my arms around her and drifted off to sleep. I woke up to the ringing of the phone. I gently lifted Elizabeth up and gently laid her back down where she rolled over and went right on sleeping. I picked up the phone and went in the kitchen to answer the call who turned out to be my mother making sure I was still alive.


(Liz’s POV)
When I woke up, Marty was on the phone again. He finished his conversation and came and sat down on the couch right next to me. He suggested we go grab some dinner real fast and go home and watch a movie. I agreed and we climbed into his car to go to Cheddars for some food. At the restaurant Billy called asking if we could come pick them up at the airport and take them home. We finished our food and drove to the airport and finally found the guys sitting on their luggage waiting for us. On the way home Marty filled in Billy, Dino, and Bobby about what had happened and how I would be staying with him. We dropped Dino and Bobby off at their apartment and Billy off at his girlfriends. I fell asleep on Marty’s lap after we dropped Billy off. When we got home Marty carried me to the couch and sat down with my head in his lap watching tv. When I woke up, Marty had fallen asleep without turning the TV off. I got up, found a blanket and wrapped it around him. The clock on the entertainment center struck 9:00 A.M. Marty slept on while I went into the kitchen to make breakfast. I went to the fridge and found absolutely nothing. Guess I would be going to the supermarket. I grabbed my car keys and left to go get some bacon and eggs.

[grumpypirate]

(Marty’s POV)
When I woke up, Liz was gone. I searched the house high and low but no trace of her was found. I called Dino and Billy to see if she had gone to see them and forgot to tell me. I grabbed my keys and was fixing to go find her when Elizabeth walked through the door balancing a shopping bag. "Where were you?" I asked. "I went shopping to find some breakfast." she said. "Why didn’t you leave me a note? I was worried about you!" I told her. "I’m sorry Marty" she said "I didn’t think you would be awake." "Next time leave a note so I don’t freak out." I told her. "Now what about breakfast? I’m starving." "Coming right up" she said. Liz went in the kitchen to make breakfast while I went to take a hot shower. While getting dressed, I could smell the bacon frying. By the time I was in the kitchen Elizabeth had the food on the table ready to go.


(Liz’s POV)
I stayed with Marty for a few more weeks. After that Alex came back and she needed someone to help her around seeing as how she was still on crutches. School continued as boring as ever, and I got to see Marty less and less each week. Finally school ended and Marty graduated. He planned to become a real estate agent. Even though I didn’t agree with it. I thought the band should try and get signed with someone but I didn’t say anything and let him go on his way. During the summer I took on an extra job to help pay for the rent and Alex’s doctor bills. We had a good time, when I was home, laughing and remembering the good old times. The next few yeas seemed to pass in a blur. Before we realized it, Alex and I were graduating. When we received our diplomas, I can remember looking at Marty’s smiling face. A few weeks after graduation Marty, Alex, Dino, Billy, Bobby, and I were hanging out at Marty’s place when my cell phone rang.


(Marty’s POV)
Liz walked into the other room after she got off the phone. She seemed to be shaken up about something but I didn’t know what so I followed her. I found her on my bed crying into the pillows. She looked up when I came in and then buried her head back into the pile of pillows. I walked over, sat down on the bed, and pulled her over to me. She buried her head in my lap as the tears poured out. "Liz, what’s wrong? What happened?" I asked her. "It’s Aunt Meg. She . . . She’s gone!" she said as she cried and cried. I held her close and gently rocked her back and forth. "Now tell me what’s going on." I told her. "I don’t know." she stuttered. "Her neighbor, Mrs. Kemp, called and said they . . . they found her in her bed this morning when she didn’t answer her phone or the door . . . they think she died in her sleep. They want me to . . . to come over there but I just can’t." She sat there crying as I rocked her back and forth telling her everything would be all right.


(Dino’s POV)
When Marty came out of his room, Liz wasn’t with him. He picked up the phone and made a call to someone by the name of Mrs. Kemp. He exchanged a few words with her and hung up. He went over to the fridge, grabbed a beer, and came back. "What happened to Liz?" Alex asked as she took a sip of her Dr. Pepper. Marty looked at us, shook his head and said Aunt Meg had passed away. Alex rushed over to Marty’s room with tears in her eyes. Meg had been like a mother to her. Bobby went to the fridge and got out three beers for the rest of us. We sat there in silence drinking our beers. Alex and Liz emerged later both red eyed and extremely sad. Liz walked over to where Marty was, sat down on his lap, grabbed his beer, and took a swig. Neither of the girls said anything the rest of the day.

[grumpypirate]

(Bobby’s POV)
The funeral was set for Saturday at 10:30. We stayed at Marty’s the night we found out about Meg so Liz and Alex wouldn’t be alone. The news really hit hard for Liz. She refused to eat anything and if any of us managed to get something down her throat it wasn’t very much. She spent most of her time in Marty’s room looking at photos of her and Meg while crying her heart out. The day of the funeral Liz was a mess. She didn’t speak at all she just stood next to Marty with tears dripping from her eyes. In truth I don’t think she truly ever recovered from losing Meg. During the next few weeks her mood didn’t seem to improve any. She spent her days and nights locked in her room. She didn’t want to speak to anyone including Marty. She ate very little and each time I saw her she looked thinner and thinner. After three weeks time Marty got tired of Liz moping around and he confronted her. I don’t know what he said but it seemed to work because she snapped back into her old self. In her will Meg left Liz everything. Liz and Alex moved from the apartment they were living into Meg’s house.


(Liz’s POV)
Aunt Meg’s death hit me hard. When she died so did my music along with a piece of my heart. When I got the news I felt like my heart was being ripped to shreds. I couldn’t bear to see anyone for weeks after her death. Alex wanted to become a lawyer so she went to law school while I worked full time in Joe’s bar. I got to see Dino, Billy, and Bobby almost every day, seeing as how they liked their liquor, but Marty I hardly ever saw. Alex soon moved to New York to “further her career” or so she called it. I hated to be alone so I was constantly inviting one of the guys over. Days and weeks passed and yet I saw Marty less and less. I would agree to meet him at some restaurant for dinner but he would never show up. When I would call him to see what was going on his excuse was “I’m swamped.” I felt like and idiot sitting there by myself waiting for someone who would never show up. One night, after a year of being treated like dirt by Marty, I finally had enough. I packed all my stuff and went down to his office. I told him that I was leaving since he just didn’t seem to have any time for me anymore. If all he cared about was work than he just didn’t deserve me. I turned around and walked away. I went to the one person I knew I could count on to be there for me. I caught a plane to New York and arrived on Alex’s door step. I explained what happened and she immediately took me in. Years later I was watching tv when a commercial for some show called Rockstar INXS played. On the tv flashed a picture of my long lost love Marty Casey. No, I thought to myself it can’t be. When the show aired sure, enough there was Marty. I watched every episode never missing a moment. That was the first time I heard his song “Trees.” I cried my heart out. How could I have left him just like that? My heart broke when I heard Marty didn’t win. I could tell by his eyes that he wanted this so much but when INXS asked him to front their tour I saw his eyes light up with joy. It was then I realized just how much I really missed him. It was Alex who took me back to Chicago to see him. He was angry at me but I guess he had reason to be. After he had let his anger out he looked at me and apologized. We hugged, kissed, and began telling each other about what had happened in the last few years of your lives. And now as I stare into his dreamy blue eyes, on our wedding day saying our vows, I think back at all this and with a smile say I do!


(Alex’s POV)
As I sit in the waiting room of the maternity ward, I just can’t believe that my best friend is about to become a mother in just a few minutes. Dino and Bobby paced back and forth across the floor while Billy sat calmly in a chair and Joan read a magazine. Just then the nurse comes out of Liz’s room and ushers us in. In the bed lay Liz with a bundle of joy wrapped in a little blue blanket and standing right beside her bed was another in Marty’s arms wrapped in a pink blanket. Liz’s eyes shined with pride and love as she introduced us to Megan (Meg) Alex Casey and Fulton Jeremy Casey. I smiled as Marty laid the two bundles in my arms and went to stand next to his wife. I smiled with pride as I looked into the eyes of my god children and then at my best friend whose eyes sparkled and twinkled. I smiled because I knew her life was now complete.



The End

[grumpypirate]

Time Goes On

*A Sequel to Call of Distress*

"Mommy mommy mommy” two little voices yelled as they ran into the room of a sleeping woman. “Mommy it’s snowing” said two year old Megan with her long dark red hair and beautiful blue eyes. Her twin brother Fulton climbed onto the bed to shake his mother, his blond hair falling into his green eyes. “Can we go play outside?” Megan yelled jumping on the bed beside her brother. “Please Mommy! Pretty please!” Fulton begged. 32 year old Elizabeth Casey brushed her long red hair out of her beautiful green eyes and looked at her twin children. “Well” she said teasing her children “of course you can” “Yeah” the twins screamed excitedly as they rushed to change out of their night clothes. Elizabeth looked over to where her husband usually slept. Marty Casey was the lead singer for the Lovehammers and was currently on tour. He’d been away for almost two months now and the kids missed him dearly. She rolled out of bed and turned to look at the pictures on the dresser. There was a picture of Marty and her on their wedding day, one of the twins the day they were born being held by Bobby and Dino Kourelis, Marty’s drummer and bass player, but also best friends. Next there was a picture of her best friend Joan and Dino who were currently dating. There was also a picture of her other best Alex Notts with her new born baby Randy. Her husband, Jack, had run off just shortly after Alex found out she was pregnant. Alex was currently living in New York even though Liz told her hundreds of times she could move in with them. There was also a picture of Bill Sawilchik, lead guitarist of the band, and his family. The last picture there was of Elizabeth and Marty shortly after they began dating. Elizabeth smiled and went into the bathroom to take a quick shower. She stepped into the shower and let the warm water run down her body. She remembered the days back in college when Marty would sneak into her room and join her in the shower. She remembered how good it felt to have his hands run up and down her body as he gently washed her off. She stepped out of the shower and put some clothes one. When she came out the twins were dressed but yet dressed backwards. She straightened the two out and they bounded towards the kitchen. Elizabeth carefully followed them trying to avoid the toys scattered everywhere. “Mommy when can we go?” Fulton questioned as he jumped around the room. “You two can go out to the backyard as soon as you’ve eaten breakfast.” Elizabeth said. “Well what’s for breakfast then?” asked Megan as she walked up to her mother and hung onto her legs. “Well what do you two want?” Elizabeth asked. “Cinnamon rolls” the two kids yelled jumping up and down. Elizabeth went to the fridge and got out some Pills Berry Doughboy cinnamon rolls and put them in the oven. The twins rushed to the second floor to look out the balcony at the newly fallen snow. The entire city of Chicago was a blanket of white. Elizabeth grabbed her coat and joined the kids to look at the beautiful wonderland. The phone rang and Elizabeth ushered the kids inside to answer it. “Hello” Elizabeth said into the receiver. “Liz is that you” the voice on the other end said. “I need your help.” Elizabeth recognized the voice of Alex. It sounded scared and worried. “Randy’s sick and they cut off our power and a blizzard is going to blow in. Can we come stay with you?” Alex asked. “Alex” Elizabeth said “you always know your welcome here. As soon as you get here give me a call and I’ll come pick you up.” “Ok…we’re leaving in a few minutes….see you in a few hours.” Alex said. Elizabeth hung up the phone and returned to the kitchen where the twins were eagerly waiting for the rolls to come out of the oven. Elizabeth ran her fingers through her hair and turned up the heater. Even thought she had been living in Chicago since the time she was 15 she still wasn’t use to the cold weather. The timer on the stove beeped signaling that the rolls were ready. She grabbed a pot holder and took the rolls out to cool. While the rolls cooled, the twins grabbed paper plates and cups from the cabinet while Liz poured the orange juice. When the food was cool enough for the twins to eat, Elizabeth put the icing on them and put one on each of the twin’s plates. The twins stuffed their mouths and ran to put on their coats and gloves. Elizabeth threw the plates away and put the dishes in the sink. She then went to help the twins, who had managed to put their coats on backwards and upside down. The twin rushed to the door while Liz grabbed her coat, or actually Marty’s coat. She opened the door and the twins rushed out only to fall into a mound of snow. Elizabeth fished the two of them out and they ran off to build a snowman. Liz ran back inside and got out her camera. Marty would want to see a picture of the kid’s snowman since he couldn’t be here. By the time she was outside with a camera, and a few things for the snowman, the twins had a good size body going. Elizabeth took a few pictures and sat down the stuff to go help the kids. Within time the snowman came to include, a head, eyes, nose, smile, Marty’s fedora, and a green scarf his mother made him. The kids stood next to the snowman, which they dubbed Jimmy, while Liz snapped a few more pictures. The twins went to go make snow angles while Elizabeth sat down on a snow covered lawn chair watching them, when all of a sudden something cold and wet hit the back of her head.

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Elizabeth turned around and there stood Joan a snowball in her hand ready to fire. “Get her” Elizabeth yelled to the kids as she grabbed a handful of snow. Snow started to fly in the air after Fulton joined Joan to make the fight even. Around lunch time the two adults went inside the house to order some pizza while the twins stayed outside to play. After Liz had made some hot chocolate and ordered a pepperoni pizza from Pizzeria Uno, the two old friends sat down to talk. Joan French was Elizabeth’s oldest friend. They had known each other from the time they had lived next door to each other in Texas. When Elizabeth went to Chicago, Joan had followed her there, coming to visit as much as she could. It was because of Liz that Joan met Dino. Elizabeth had introduced the two while they were still in college. When Elizabeth and Marty had a huge fight, ending with Liz leaving to go live in New York with Alex, Joan was torn in two. She didn’t know whether to stay with the man she loved or to follow her best friend like she always did. The answer came when her older sister Miranda lost her job and her two adopted kids needed someone to care for them. Joan moved back to Texas, leaving a heart broken Dino behind. Around the time that Elizabeth got back together with Marty years later, Miranda was doing much better and was going to move to Utah, and since Joan didn’t want to live by herself, moved back to Chicago where Dino took her in with open arms.


“Have you heard from Dino lately?” Elizabeth asked Joan as she walked over to the window to see what the kids were up to. “Yes” answered Joan as she sipped her drink” he didn’t say much. Just that the tour was going good and everything was fine.” “Marty said the same thing” Elizabeth said as she sat down in her chair. “I think they’re up to something.” “I agree” Joan said with a smile “but then again their always up to something.” The two women smiled as the thought back to memories from long ago when the guys weren’t famous yet and everyone was happy and didn’t have anything to worry about. Its not like life was horrible now or anything, it was just difficult. What with Marty always away and the twins to take care of plus the club she ran, life was difficult to handle but she managed to smile and keep at it. Elizabeth just took another sip of her hot chocolate and went to go get the children inside to warm up before the food came. At hearing their mother’s call, the children rushed inside, faces cold from the snow. Joan helped the twins out of their jackets while Elizabeth went to answer the knock at the door. Elizabeth paid for the pizza while Joan supervised the kids setting the table. “So when do you and Dino plan to start a family?” Elizabeth questioned Joan as they ate their pizza. “Well” Joan replied “things are difficult right now and him being away all the time plus work, kids would be just too much to handle right now.” “I know exactly what you mean Elizabeth said. “It’s hard to juggle two kids plus the club without Marty being here to help. There are times it’s just too much for me to handle.” “I still don’t know how you manage to do it all” Joan stated. “I guess I just take it one day at a time and try not to worry about things too much or it’ll consume me.” Elizabeth said.

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The twins took a nap after Joan went home an hour later. Elizabeth sat down and the couch to watch a movie and wait for Alex to call so she could go get her. Elizabeth flipped though the channels until she found a movie that was good. The movie ended minutes later but Remember the Titans came on so she decided to watch it. After all, it was one of her all time favorite movies. Towards the end, the phone rang. “Hello” Elizabeth said into the phone. “Hey baby how are you feeling?” the voice asked. “Marty” Elizabeth said into the phone “I’ve missed you so much! When are you coming home? The kids miss you terrible and so do I. You should see the snowman they made.” “I miss you too.” Marty said. “I don’t know when I’ll be home but tell the kids I love them and miss them.” “If they were awake I would put them on the phone but their taking their nap right now and you know how they can get.” Elizabeth said. “So what are you doing right now?” Marty asked. “Oh just watching a move. Alex finally decided to come here. Something about her power being turned off and Randy being sick. Oh Marty I miss you so much. I need you here. Everything is just so hard.” Elizabeth said. “Hey I’ll be back soon babe. Everything will be alright! I promise I’ll be back before you know it! Just remember I love you and always will.” Marty said. “Now I’m afraid I have to go, Bobby’s about to pull the phone out of my hand. I love you and miss you, and I promise you I’ll be home before you know it.” “Ok, tell the boys I said hi. Take care of yourself and I’ll see you soon.” Elizabeth said. “I love you…bye” Marty said “bye” Elizabeth whispered as she hung up the phone and continued to watch the movie. Remember the Titans ended and the phone rang again. This time it was Alex saying they had just arrived at the airport. Elizabeth woke the kids and put them in their coats. She carried them to the car where they fell back asleep as soon as they were buckled in. Elizabeth climbed into the driver’s side and drove to the airport where she met up with Alex and a sleeping Randy. They put Randy’s car seat in the car and strapped him in. Elizabeth drove Alex back to the house, the two of them talking nonstop about this and that. At home they unloaded Alex’s luggage and put the kids down in their beds. Elizabeth placed Randy on her bed until they could set up his play pen. Little Randy had brown eyes and the beginning of black hair. The two adults tiptoed out of the room closing the door softly behind them so they wouldn’t wake the sleeping baby. Elizabeth and Alex went into the kitchen to grab a drink. “If you want anything stronger than that coke: Elizabeth said “we probably have some Jack Daniels in the fridge or some beer. I think I used the last of the margarita mix last week but whatever you find you can have.” “No thanks Liz” Alex said. “I’m a mother now and I’m trying to cut back on the alcohol a little bit.” “Your choice” Elizabeth stated “but I myself prefer a little something now and again.” Elizabeth sighed as she finished the last of her Pepsi. “So” Alex said “anything new happening in the Casey household?” “None that I can think of except for the fact that my husband isn’t here.” Elizabeth said. “Do you remember the time the guys got drunk on that weekend we spent in Colorado?” Alex asked. “Oh yeah” Elizabeth said. “That was after Aunt Meg died. Dino ended up in the snow outside.” “Yep” Alex said with a laugh. “We looked so stupid looking for him. We were so drunk!” “Remember how Joan thought Bobby was Dino and she started to yell at him?” Elizabeth said. “The look on her face when she found out that wasn’t Dino she was kissing was so funny. When we finally found Dino, Bobby had drank so much he passed our right next to him!” Alex said between fits of laughter. “We had to drag the two of them back to the cabin so they wouldn’t freeze!” Liz said. “I’ll never forget the look on Dino’s face when he asked why he was only in his boxers and why he was so cold.” “Those were the good times weren’t they?” Alex said with a sigh as she went to throw away her coke can. The two of them continued to chat about the “old days” until a sharp cry called out from Elizabeth’s room. Alex moved to get up but Elizabeth interrupted and told her she would get Randy. Elizabeth picked up the baby and moved to grab his dipper bag to change his dipper. The little boy just laid there looking up at her with those eyes. He seemed to be trying to tell her that his mommy was in trouble and needed Aunt Liz’s help

[grumpypirate]

Later that night, everyone was sitting down to a nice steak dinner made by Elizabeth, when the phone rang. Elizabeth picked it up, listened for two seconds, and then slammed it back down again with a hurt angry expression on her face. She sat back down and continued eating without a word. Alex could sense something was troubling her but she just couldn’t figure out what. After dinner, Alex put a movie on for the kids while Elizabeth went to go take a bath. Alex sat down at the table and looked at her hands. She use to be such a wonderful artist but since the car accident years ago she hadn’t been able to draw or paint anything. She had tried so many times but yet it wasn’t the same. Her skill had died in the crash. Alex took one more look at her hands and pushed the memory to the back of her head. That was the least of her problems right now, she was a single mother, living in a run down house she was about to be evicted from anyways with her baby being sick and barely any money left. Alex went over to the corner of the room, where Liz and she had set up the playpen, to check on Randy. He was sleeping happily without a care in the world. If only he knew what trouble they were in. It all started after she married that good for nothing pig. He drained her of her money and then left her. If she would have just listened to what Liz had said about him everything would have been fine. But no, she had to be hard headed. Look where it got her. Living off her best friend trying to raise a family. Alex went back to the table to think over her problem and come up with some kind of solution. Alex heard a sound outside the door and she jumped up with a book in her hand ready to terminate whatever stood there. The door slowly opened and Marty walked into the room. “Daddy” the twins screamed as they rushed over to their father. Marty scooped the children up and held on to them tight. Marty used his foot to close the door. He set the kids back down on the floor and put his duffle bag down beside them. “Hello Alex” he said with his smooth charm. “How are you doing this fine day?” “I’m doing wonderful” Alex replied with a laugh as she scooped up Randy from the playpen. “And where would my lovely wife be?” Marty asked with a mischievous grin on his face. The twins had gone back to watching the movie after they had seen their father. “She is taking a shower you naughty little boy!” she said with a laugh and a shake of her head. Marty took off his jacket and took off to the bedroom. Alex watched him walk into the bedroom and lock the door with another laugh and a shake of her head.


Elizabeth sat there with the lights off and the bathroom aglow with candles soaking in the bubbles. It seemed to take some of the wear and tear of the day away. She closed her eyes and reached to turn her radio louder. The bathroom door creaked open and Marty walked in. Elizabeth didn’t notice him until he was hovering over her. Elizabeth opened her eyes when she felt when she felt hands going around her eyes. “Guess who!” Marty said. “Marty” she screamed as he enveloped her in a tight hug. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming home?” Elizabeth exclaimed as she held on tight to Marty. “I wanted to surprise you. I was hoping to catch you like this.” Marty said as he lifted her chin up and kissed her. “Well I’m glad your home.” Elizabeth whispered into his ear. When Liz and Marty came out, Elizabeth had a huge smile on her face and Marty still had that mischievous smile stuck on his. Alex just smiled, shook her head, and went right back to feeding Randy his bottle of milk. Marty went and sat in-between the kids, who were on the floor, and put his arms around them while Elizabeth went into the kitchen to get some beers. Elizabeth handed Marty his beer and went to go sit on the couch. Marty got up and followed her there. He laid his head in her lap while she stroked his hair. The twin movie ended and Elizabeth flipped the channel to HBO. The move D2 was about to come on, and since the twins loved it, she decided to leave it there. Marty sat up as the twins climbed over to their Mommy and Daddy, Fulton ending up in Liz’s lap and Meg in Marty’s. About halfway through the movie, the twins were sound asleep in their parent’s arms. Alex had gone to bed 15 minutes earlier with Randy in her arms. It was only 9:30 but it had been a long day and everyone was exhausted. The two took their children and gently put them in their beds. Elizabeth turned the TV off and went to go throw the empty beer cans away. When she came back she sat down and leaned into Marty’s chest. “You seem tense sweetie.” Marty said as he put his arms around her. “It’s nothing babe.” Elizabeth said. “I just got an annoying phone call today, that’s all.” “Ok, what did Joan do now?” Marty asked with a laugh. “It wasn’t Joan” Elizabeth said as she turned to face her husband. “It was John.” Marty scooted closer to Elizabeth. “John Matthews? Your evil godfather?” Marty asked. “He’s no godfather of mine” Elizabeth replied angrily. “I really don’t’ feel like taking about it right now.” “Ok sweetie” Marty said “If you don’t want to talk about it you don’t have to. I’m here now. I’ll protect you.” Marty reached down and gave Elizabeth a kiss on the cheek “What do you say we go to bed now?” Marty whispered into Liz’s ear. “Marty you bad boy!” Elizabeth said as she tried to get up. Marty picked her up and carried her to their room.

[grumpypirate]

The next morning Alex woke up early and went to make breakfast. It was the least she could do. Besides, Liz and Marty needed some alone time. God only knows what those two did last night. The twins woke up about 10 minutes later ands stumbled into the kitchen. Liz and Marty came in 10 minutes after that with big smiles on their faces and wet hair. Alex put the bacon, eggs, toast, hash browns, and orange juice on the table with a smile. Later that day, Marty took the kids to go spend some time with them at the park. Dino and Bobby met him there along with Billy and his two kids. Tony, Billy’s wife, and Joan came over so they had a girls night plus one sleeping baby. Later on that night, after everyone had left and the kids were in bed, Marty confronted Liz about John’s phone call again. “Liz” Marty said “What did John say to you? Alex told me you were really upset.” “It was nothing.” Elizabeth said with a hurt expression on her face. “Elizabeth look at me.” Marty said. “It wasn’t just nothing. I know you, and I know how he treated you before.” “I really don’t want to talk about it” Elizabeth said. “Liz, tell me what’s wrong.” “Oh Marty!” Elizabeth said as the tears finally came. “He threatened me. He…he said I should watch my back if I knew what was good for me.” “Oh Lizzy” Marty said as he put his arm around his beautiful wife. “Don’t you worry about him. I’ll take care of you.” I know you will” Elizabeth said as she snuggled closer to Marty’s chest. The rest of the week Marty spent as much time as he could with his family. On Sunday the boys had to go back on tour in Maine. The twins didn’t take too well to Marty’s leaving. It was hard for them to understand that Daddy was going to go back to work. They thought that he would be able to stay with them longer than he had. They missed having fun with him. About a month after the boys left, Joan called Elizabeth. It was a Saturday night and Alex had taken all the kids out to go see a movie while Elizabeth stayed home to recuperate from the past week. The phone rang and Liz rolled off the couch to answer it. “Hello” Elizabeth answered the phone with a yawn. “Liz….it’s Joan….I think I have a problem but I’m not sure. Do you think I can come over?” Joan asked. “Of course you can. I’m surprised you didn’t show up on my doorstep like you normally do.” Elizabeth told her. “Umm” Joan said. “I’ll be over in 10 minutes.” “Joan are you ok?” Elizabeth asked as soon as she heard the worried tone in her friend’s voice. “I just don’t know Liz. I’ll explain everything when I get there.” Joan replied “Ok” Liz said. “I’ll see you in a few minutes.” “Yeah a few minutes.” Joan said and hung up the phone. 10 minutes later a worried and stressed Joan showed up on Elizabeth’s doorstep. “Come in Joan.” Elizabeth said upon answering the doorbell. “Do you want a beer or perhaps something a little stronger? I think Bobby left a bottle of rum here from the last time he was over.” “No. I don’t want anything.” Joan said as she sat down on the couch and put her head in her hands. “Joan, what’s wrong?” Elizabeth asked as she came to sit beside her. “I, I well, I think, but I’m not sure” Joan stuttered “I think I’m pregnant.”


“Oh my God” Elizabeth said. “Are you sure?” “No… I’m late and I don’t have a test or anything. And I’m scared. I don’t know what to do.” “Ok” Elizabeth responded. “The first thing is you need to take a pregnancy test. I think I have one here. Hold on and let me see.” Elizabeth went into the bathroom while Joan sat down on the couch. Elizabeth came back with the test and handed it to Joan who went into the bathroom to take it. “It’s pink,” Joan said, “What does that mean?” “Oh my God Joan.” Elizabeth exclaimed as she look at the box. “Oh my God what?” Joan asked with a worried expression. “Congratulations Joan. You’re going to be a mom.” “Liz said with a smile. “Oh no!” Joan said as she put her head back in her hands. “What am I suppose to tell Dino?” “Tell him the truth. Call him up and tell him you’re going to one of the concerts and then take him out to dinner and tell him.” Elizabeth said. “How do you think I told Marty about the twins? He’ll love the fact that he’ll be a father. Everything will work out fine. I promise.” “Ok” Joan said. “I guess that’s what I’ll do. I’m just worried he won’t accept it and just leave me.” “Dino won’t leave you” Elizabeth said. “He loves you too much to do that.” “But how do you know?” Joan asked. “Because he told me. He told me he loves you more than life itself.” “Really?” Joan asked. “Really?” Elizabeth said. “Now you need to go home and get some sleep. Their next concert is in Las Vegas and that’s a ways from here. So go home, take a hot bath, and go to bed.” “Ok” Joan said as she headed for the door. Elizabeth picked up the phone and called Marty. He answered the phone with a “hey babe is everything alright?” “Everything’s fine Marty.” Elizabeth said. “Guess what I just found out.” “What, did you find out that you can open the garage door with the switch on the left?” “Oh ha ha ha very funny Marty.” Elizabeth said sarcastically. “No but guess what!” “What did you find out?” Marty asked. “Joan’s pregnant.” Elizabeth exclaimed. “That’s great news!” Marty said “but with whose kid?” “Bobby” Elizabeth replied. “What!? Oh man Dino’s going to flip!” Marty yelled. “You idiot, of course it’s Dino’s! That is of course she was drunk and didn’t know the difference between the two, but that’s not very likely.” Elizabeth said. “Does Dino know yet?” Marty replied. “No he doesn’t. She’s going to go to the Las Vegas show and tell him there so keep it down low.” “Don’t worry sweetie.” Marty said “I will. I have to go now sweetie. I’ll see you later. Love you!” “Love you too.” Elizabeth said and then hung up the phone. Elizabeth sat down on the couch and turned on the TV. She flipped through the channels and decided to just watch old cartoons like Scooby Doo, Yogi Bear, The Jetsons, and The Pink Panther. Alex soon came home with two sleepy kids and one wide awake baby. Elizabeth put the twins in bed and then told Alex about Joan. A little while later, Elizabeth went to bed. About an hour of not being able to sleep, a storm blew in and the pounding rain put her to sleep. Elizabeth soon felt two little lumps crawling in bed with her. “Mommy” came a scared little voice from underneath the covers. “Mommy we’re scared. We want Daddy” came another little voice from the other side of the bed. “Come here kids” Elizabeth said. The two twins moved closer to her and soon fell back asleep while Elizabeth listened to the rain pounding on the roof.

[grumpypirate]

A few months later, the kids were at Marty’s moms and Alex had gone to visit her sister Connie in North Carolina, Elizabeth was sitting in the living room watching TV when the door opened softly. Elizabeth hastily got up and cautiously walked toward the door to see what was going on. Elizabeth slowly crept to the door and along the way picked up Marty’s Whit Sox signed baseball bat from its display case. Elizabeth reached the door and found it wide open. “Must have been the wind.” she thought to herself. She turned around and screamed. There stood John Matthews with his evil grin and cold black eyes. John grabbed the baseball bat and threw it at the glass display case containing autographed White Sox stuff. “Hello Elizabeth” he said as he slowly reached behind her and locked the door. “I’ve been looking for you. You gave me the slip when you went to New York. Yes Elizabeth I know everything. I know where you’ve been and what you’ve done for the last three years. I know that you have two children. Megan and Fulton. I also know that your little friend Alex is living with you now, along with her little twerp Randy. I know that Marty isn’t here right now either and I know what he doesn’t.” At this point Liz’s eyes grew wide and she shook her head. “Yes I know about your little secret. I know both of your little secrets. I think you should have told him but it’s too late for that. Now we have business to conduct.”


He reached out and grabbed her and threw her against the wall on the far side of the room knocking down picture frames onto her head and shattering the glass. Elizabeth got to her feet and reached for the phone. Before she knew what was happening, John was at her side with a butcher knife in his hand. He knocked the phone from her hand and grabbed her hair. He drug her toward the center of the room and cut two slits in her cheeks. He then proceeded to cut her wrists and neck. He then took the knife and slashed her stomach. Blood splurged everywhere. He threw her around and continued to hit her and kick her. He then stuck the knife through her ribs, close to her heart and gave her one last kick. “You can bleed to death for all I care.” John said as he picked up his jacket and left Elizabeth lying in the middle of the room. Blood seeped out of her body into a bloody mess. Elizabeth lay on the floor breathing deeply and soon was knocked unconscious.


Hours later, Marty opened the door with a bunch of roses and a bottle of wine in his hands. When he saw Elizabeth he dropped the bottle and the roses and rushed over to her. He took you his cell phone and dialed 911. He cradled Elizabeth’s head in his lap as he stroked her hair. The medics soon arrived along with the police. They rushed Elizabeth to the emergency room and put her in the ICU. They wouldn’t let Marty in to see her, so he went to the phone and called Bobby. “Bobby its Marty.” Marty told him. “Liz is….um she’s hurt. Bad. Think you can get down here?” “I’ll be there in 10 minutes tops. Do you want me to call the rest of the gang? Do you want me to bring the kids here immediately or tell Alex to wait awhile?” Bobby said. “Call everyone and tell Alex to bring the kids as soon as she can.” Marty said as he fought back the tears. “Thanks man.” “No problem.” Bobby replied. Marty hung up the phone and sank down in a chair with his head in his hands. Bobby rushed into the waiting room 20 minutes later. “Sorry I couldn’t get here sooner. Traffic was horrible. Any news yet?” he asked as he sat down in the chair next to Marty. “Nothing yet.” Marty said as he lifted his head up put it back down again. “Don’t worry man.” Bobby said, “Liz is strong. She’ll be just fine.” “Mr. Casey can we ask you a few questions?” a police officer said as he walked up to the two of them. “Of course” Marty said. Marty and the police officer, Shane Wolf, walked over to a corner. “Mr. Casey we looked around you house and we’ve discovered evidence that leads to a Mr. John Matthews being there. We are looking for him at this very moment. Any information you have would be of great use.” “He was Elizabeth’s godfather. All I have to say is that he is a bastard and deserves to be in jail” Marty said. “When we have any news we’ll contact you.” Shane said. Marty went back to his seat next to Bobby.

[grumpypirate]

“It’s all my fault.” Marty said the tears falling down his face. “No its not” Bobby said as he patted Marty’s back. “Yes it is.” Marty said. “I told her I would keep her safe and I failed.” “You didn’t fail” Bobby said. “You did what you could. It’s not your fault.” Just then Alex came in with the twins. “How is she?” Alex asked as Megan climbed onto Marty’s lap and Bobby picked up Fulton. “Doctor hasn’t said anything yet, and no one can see her yet.” Bobby said. “Daddy will Mommy be ok?” little Megan asked. “I don’t know sweetheart.” Marty said as Megan buried her face in his chest. They sat there till Joan and Dino came in. Several moments later, the doctor came out. Marty handed Megan to Dino and went to go talk with him. “How is she?” Marty asked the doctor. “She lost a lot of blood and she will need a blood transfusion. Her left arm looks pretty bad and she will have lots of scars not to mention the numerous bruises. I’m also afraid she lost the baby.” the doctor said.


What?” Marty asked in surprise. “The baby.” The doctor replied. “She lost the baby. You did know she was pregnant?” “No” Marty said in shock. “She didn’t tell me.” “I’m very sorry for your loss Mr. Casey.” The doctor said. “Can we see her?” Marty asked. “She’s still unconscious but I think it will be alright once we’ve finished the transfusion. One at a time though. I’ll come get you as soon as we’re finished.” The doctor turned and walked back in the room while Marty slumped down against the wall. Bobby laid the sleeping Fulton in his chair and covered the small boy with his jacked and walked over to where Marty sat. “She was pregnant.” Marty said. “She was pregnant and lost the baby. I…I… why didn’t she tell me?” “It’ll be alright.” Bobby said. “Marty even if Elizabeth had told you about the baby there’s nothing you can do about it now.” Bobby helped Marty to his feet and Marty stumbled to his chair where he put his kids in his lap and hugged them close. By that time, Billy had arrived and the group gathered around Marty to hear what was going on. “She’s still unconscious.” Marty said. “She lost a ton of blood and is getting a transfusion right now. Her left are is in bad shape and she has a ton of bruises. She… she… she was pregnant and she…well she lost the baby.” At this point Marty broke down. The tears finally came pouring down. Alex sank down into her seat in shock while Dino put his arms around a sobbing 9 month pregnant Joan. Bobby sat down beside Alex and gently took Randy from her arms. She laid her head against his shoulder and let the tears fall. Billy went and called his wife to let her know how Liz was. Time passed and the doctor came out and told Marty he could go see his wife. Marty laid the each of the twins in a separate chair and recover Fulton in Bobby’s jacket and used his own leather jacket to cover Megan. He ran his fingers through his hair and walked into the room. Elizabeth was a pale mess. He arm was in a sling and her eyes looked bruised and puffy. Bandages covered half her face and her arms. The area around her ribs was bandaged up and still wet and red with blood. Marty took her hand gently, like it would break when he touched it, and sat down in the chair next to her bed. “Oh Lizzy.” He said as he tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. “I love you so much. You have to wake up. Do it for the twins. They need you. Damn it Liz. Why didn’t you tell me sweetie? Why didn’t you tell me about the baby?” Elizabeth’s eyes slowly fluttered open.


“Marty” She murmured. Marty called for a nurse who immediately went to go get the doctor. “I’m sorry Marty. I’m so sorry.” Liz said weakly. “I…I should have told you about the baby.” “Shhh” Marty said. “It’s ok. You need to save your strength.” “I wanted it to be a surprise for when you got home.” Elizabeth said. “It was John. He found us.” Tears fell from Elizabeth’s eyes and rolled down her cheeks. Marty gently brushed them away. “It’ll be alright.” Marty said. “The police are already on the case. They’ll find him. I promise.” The doctor came in and ushered Marty out. Marty took one last look at Liz, blew her a kiss, and walked out. “Is Liz ok?” Alex asked as soon as Marty sat down in a chair next to the twins. “She’s awake but she looks horrible.” Marty said “but she’ll be just fine.” Bobby took the kids home that night so Marty could stay at the hospital with Liz. A few days past and Liz improved greatly with her friends and family surrounding her. Then she took a turn for the worst. Alex was in with her when Liz’s heart stopped beating. Alex called the doctor and was thrown out of the room while they revived Liz. Marty nearly had a heart attack when he found out. The doctors quickly revived her. A week later, Liz was well enough to be moved to a private room where everyone came to see her. While visiting, Joan went into labor. Soon a little baby boy came into the word. But as they say when a new life is born another is taken away.

[grumpypirate]

5 hours later, Dino walked into Liz’s room with tears streaming down his face and a bundle in his arms. “Dino” Liz said. “Dino what’s wrong? What happened?” “Joan didn’t make it.” Dino whispered as he sat down on Elizabeth’s bed. He handed the baby to Marty while he put his face in Liz’s lap as she softly stroked his hair and whispered everything would be ok. “No it won’t.” Dino sobbed. “I loved her so much!” “I know you did Dino. I know.” Dino cried till there were no more tears left. “Dino, sweetie” Elizabeth said “You need to name the baby.” “Kobyn” Dino said. “Kobyn John. That’s what Joan would have wanted.” Liz took Kobyn from Marty and handed the sleeping baby to his father. Marty came over and put his arms around his wife who buried her head in his chest and cried. Bobby went over to Dino and guided his little brother to a chair while Billy took Jeremy from a shaking Alex. Liz lifted her head from Marty’s chest and looked at Dino. He looked so sad and confused as he looked at his little son. Anger soon replaced the hurt expression on his face. He stood up and put the baby in his brother’s arms. “Dino where are you gong?” Marty asked as Dino stormed out of the room. “Go after him you two.” Elizabeth said. Bobby pushed little Kobyn into Elizabeth’s arms and ran after his brother. Marty gave Elizabeth a kiss on the head and ran after Dino. Elizabeth called Joan’s sister Miranda and let her know the news. After she finished up on the phone, Elizabeth asked Billy if he could go get the twin from Marty’s mom’s house. He handed Randy to Alex and left without a word.


Meanwhile, Bobby ran down the hall to try and catch Dino. “Bro!” Bobby shouted. “Bro! Dino! Dino slow down. Dino talk to me man!” “I don’t want to talk.” Dino said as he pushed his way down the hall.” “Dino you’re not going to help yourself or your son by doing something stupid.” Bobby said. “Damn it Bobby” Dino said. “Why do shitty things always happen to me?” “Come on little bro” Bobby said, “Talk to me. Tell me what you feel.” “I feel like a piece of shit.” Dino said. “I was going to marry her as soon as the baby was born. She was the one I loved.” “I know Dino. I know.” Bobby said as he led Dino to a chair. “I can’t bring Joan back but I’ll do what I can to help you out. Now come on, you need to get back to your son.” Dino nodded and started to get up when Marty appeared. “You ok man?” Marty asked. Dino shrugged his shoulders and continued down the hall toward Liz’s room. They came in and Liz was sitting up in a chair with Kobyn in her lap, and little Randy, who was almost a year and a half, standing next to Alex who was behind Elizabeth’s chair. Liz handed Kobyn to his father. Marty picked Liz up and sat down in the chair where he placed Liz in his lap. Just then Billy came into the room leading the twins behind him. Elizabeth looked at Bobby and mouthed the words can you tell them? I don’t have the heart to. Bobby nodded his head and pulled the twins into his lap. The twins happy little faces fell as Uncle Bobby told them that Joan had gone to heaven. The twins climbed into Liz’s lap and leaned into her. Several hours later, Liz’s cell phone rang. Liz exchanged a few words and asked Bobby to go pick up Miranda. Bobby left and Billy went home with the twins. Alex left soon afterwards. A few days later Liz was released from the hospital with the doctors warning of get plenty of rest or I’ll have you back in here. The next day was Joan’s funeral. Dino looked horrible. In truth everyone did. Mandy stayed with Dino to help take care of little Kobyn. Marty cancelled the last two shows of the tour with a promise they would be back at a better time. Marty wouldn’t let Liz do anything except sit on the couch and watch TV. All hell broke loose one night when Elizabeth tired to get up to go get a drink from the kitchen. “Damn it Marty” Elizabeth yelled. “I can do this by myself. I’m hurt not dead. If I need your help I’ll ask.” “I know honey and I’m sorry.” Marty said. “It’s just I came so close to loosing you that it scares me. I don’t know what I would do without you.” Just then the phone rang. Elizabeth being the closest to it, answered. A smile spread across her face as she put the phone back. “What’s going on Liz?” Marty asked. “That was the police.” Liz said. “They found John and he’s on his way to prison right now.” A smile spread across Marty’s face as he reached out, grabbed Liz, and spun her around.

[grumpypirate]

Time passed and with the help of Liz, Marty, Bobby, Billy, and especially Miranda, Dino slowly began to improve. Kobyn was the light of his life. Several months after Joan died, Elizabeth found herself pregnant again. One day, Miranda came over to Liz’s with a worried expression on her face. “I think I did something wrong but I’m not sure.” Mandy told Liz as she accepted a hot cup of coco. “You can tell me anything.” Liz told her. “I think I’m falling for Dino.” She said as she stared into the mug. “Does he feel the same way about you?” Elizabeth asked. “Yes…well he kissed me last night.” Mandy told her. “Well I don’t find anything wrong then. He likes you and you like him.” Elizabeth replied. “It’s just the fact that my sister loved him and he loved her that frightens me.” Mandy said. “Joan will never be replaced in Dino’s heart.” Liz said “but if you like each other, and make each other happy, I don’t’ find anything wrong with it.” Mandy finished her coco and left soon after. About three months later, Mandy announced she was pregnant.


A month later, Marty and Elizabeth were going to go out to lunch with Dino and Mandy. Elizabeth hadn’t been feeling the best that morning but she didn’t worry. Mandy was a high school art teacher and was at school, so they went there to meet up with her. Everyone was sitting, or standing around the desks in Mandy’s classroom, while the students finished up their pottery projects, waiting for her to finish when all off a sudden Liz’s eyes grew huge and filled with pain. “Oh God Marty!” She cried with pain as she doubled over. “Oh shit Marty. This baby’s coming and it isn’t waiting for no doctor.” The bell had just rung and students crowded round the door to see what was going on. The principle, Mr. Jackson, shooed everyone out and before long, with Mandy giving the instructions, Marty brought a healthy baby boy named Alan Ray into the world, born right there in the art department. Dino and Mandy had their kid at the stroke of midnight on New Years Eve. The two got married soon after. In 1 year, Liz and Marty had Jordan Ann and 3 years later had another set of twins, Ronnie Julius, and Tyler David. After the twins were born, Elizabeth was told she wouldn’t be able to have any more children, due to the fact that the birth almost killed her, but three years later, Jessica Kat was brought into the world. I would tell you what happened to the Casey, Children, but that’s a different story.

THE END!

[grumpypirate]

Heart Full of Hatred

“I hate you, you bastard.” Kobyn yelled at his father, as he ran down the stairs. Dino Kourelis ran his fingers through his hair as his eldest son ran out of the room. His wife Miranda came up to him and put her arms around him. “Don’t worry honey.” She said “He’ll come back.” “I know Mandy. He always does. I think I’m going to call Marty and let him know Kobyn will probably show up there in 20 minutes. Liz will know what to do.” Miranda went back to bed while Dino went to go call the Casey household. Dino was the bass player for the band Lovehammers. Marty Casey sang, Billy Sawilchik played guitar, and Dino’s brother Bobby was the drummer. “Hello?” came a groggy voice from the other end of the phone. The boys had just got home last night from the end of their spring tour, and knowing Marty’s wife Elizabeth, she had kept the lead singer up all night trying to catch him up on their kids' lives. “Marty, man sorry to wake you up” Dino said “but Kobyn just stormed out of the house. I think he’s on his way over there.” “Thanks for the warning.” Marty replied. “I’ll let Liz know. She knows how to talk to him.” “What am I doing wrong with him?” Dino asked. “It’s not your fault Dino.” Marty told him. “It’s just hard on him. You know how tough it is for him to have to take care of everything while your away. Plus he wants to know about his mother. He needs to know her.” “What about Mandy?” Dino asked. “Mandy’s always been there for him.” “You and I both know it’s not the same.” Marty told him. Joan French had been Dino’s first love. She had died giving birth to Kobyn. “I know. Well, I’m going to let you get some sleep.” Dino told Marty. “Talk to you later.” Marty hung up the phone and laid back down next to his wife Elizabeth. Marty rolled over and curled his fingers in her long dark red hair. Marty scooted closer to her and gently kissed her behind the ear. Elizabeth’s green eyes popped open. “Is it morning already?” Elizabeth murmured as she snuggled up closer to Marty. “I wish it wasn’t but Dino just called and said Kobyn stormed out of the house again.” Marty told her as he wrapped her in his embrace. “He’ll be here in 10 minutes.” Elizabeth said as she sat up. Elizabeth got out of bed and Marty moved to follow her. “No you don’t.” Elizabeth told him as she pushed him back down on the bed. “You need your rest.” Marty knew better than to argue with his wife so he let sleep overcome him. Liz planted a kiss on his cheek and went to go take a quick shower. After she was finished, she took a peek into each of her kids' rooms to make sure they were all still asleep. Elizabeth glanced at the clock and headed for the door.

[grumpypirate]

She opened it and there sat Kobyn with his knees up to his face. “Come on Kobyn.” Elizabeth said softly. “Get in here before you catch your death.” Elizabeth led Kobyn inside and into the kitchen. “Tea or coco?” Elizabeth asked as she reached into the cabinet and pulled down two mugs. “Coco please.” Kobyn told her. Elizabeth made the drinks and sat down at the table where she handed Kobyn his. “Not tell me what this is all about.” Elizabeth said. “It's him.” Kobyn replied. “He’s never home and when he is he thinks everything is just perfect, but it’s not. Nothing is right. I can’t concentrate in school, at home everyone ignores me, and Michael and Michelle (Mandy’s two kids who are 18) don’t care weather I live or not. Home just doesn’t seem like home. “Oh Kobyn honey. I know it’s hard,” Elizabeth said. “It’s hard on everyone. I know. I go through tough situations every day but we’ll get through it.” Tears filled the 14 year olds eyes. “I’m scared Liz.” Kobyn said. Elizabeth took Kobyn in her arms and rocked him back and forth like a baby. “Why don’t you go to sleep on the couch?” Elizabeth suggested. Kobyn wiped his eyes and nodded his head. He fell asleep on the couch while Elizabeth headed back to bed. She changed back into her pajamas and climbed back into bed next to her husband. Marty rolled over and snuggled up against her.


“Mommy wake up!” five year old Jessica yelled as she tried to shake her mother awake. “Mommy! Please wake up! Tyler and Ron are torturing Rosie!” Little Jessica cried as she climbed onto the bed. “Tell your father.” Elizabeth said as she rolled over. “Daddy” Jessica said as she sat on Marty’s stomach. “Daddy please!” “All right baby girl.” Marty said as he picked up his small daughter and the two walked into her room. “Tyler David Casey, Ronnie Julius Casey, you give that doll back to your sister right now!” Marty yelled at the 8 year old twins. “But dad” blue eyed Ronnie began “Rosie wanted us to give her a makeover.” green eyed Tyler finished. “Give your sister back her doll right now and say you're sorry.” “But” the two began. “No buts. Do it now.” Marty told them. The twins handed the doll back to their sister and ran off to cause some other mischief. Marty walked back to his bedroom while Jessica went right on playing with her dolls. “Lizzy wake up.” Marty whispered into Elizabeth’s ear. Elizabeth swatted him away with her hand. “Get out of the bathroom Megan!” A voice yelled. “What’s a matter?” Liz asked as she woke up from her slumber. “I’ll take care of it.” Marty said as he slid back out of bed. He walked toward the bathroom the oldest kids shared. There stood 16 year old Fulton, banging on the bathroom door, his blond hair falling into his eyes. “Damit Megan open the f**kin door!” Fulton yelled. “What’s going on?” Marty asked as he placed a hand on his son’s shoulder. “Megan has been in the damn bathroom for a freaking hour.” Fulton yelled throwing up his hands. “Why don’t you just go use Tyler and Ron’s bathroom?” Marty said. “Ok dad.” Fulton said as he walked past his father. “Megan hurry up.” Marty yelled as he banged a few times on the door. “Other people have to take a shower too.” Marty walked into the kitchen where Kobyn sat drinking a glass of orange juice.

[grumpypirate]

“Morning Kobyn” Marty said. “Morning uncle Marty.” Kobyn replied with a wave. “Want a doughnut?” Marty asked as he reached into the cupboard and pulled down a bog of the frosted goodness. “Yeah” Kobyn replied as he took a few out from the bag. “Thanks.” Elizabeth then came in and put her arms around her husband. “What was all the commotion about this morning?” she asked. “Just the usual argument between Fulton and Megan.” Marty replied as he picked up his wife and sat her on the counter top. “Where are Ron and Tyler?” Elizabeth asked. “I’ll go find them.” Kobyn volunteered. “Thanks sweetie.” Elizabeth told him. Elizabeth hopped off the cabinet and got a bagel out from a bag and spread cream cheese over it. “After the kids are gone, what do you say you and me go take a long shower?” Marty asked with a sly smile. “Can’t” Elizabeth said as she bit into her bagel. “I’ve go to get to the club this morning its up to you to get that bunch off to school.” The smile from Marty’s face faded. “Mom I can’t find my math homework.” 11 year old Jordan said as she ran into the room pulling her long red hair into a ponytail. “Top of the TV.” Elizabeth replied with a laugh. “Is Alan up yet?” Elizabeth asked as she glanced at the clock. “I’ll go check.” Marty said as he untangled himself from his wife’s arms.


“Alan get your butt out of bed.” Marty yelled as he walked into his 12 year old son’s room. “Yeah dad.” Alan said lifting his head from his pillow. “No Alan. Now.” Marty said as he walked out of the room. He walked back into the kitchen only to discover his wife not where he left her. He walked back into their bedroom and found her changing. Marty laid down on the bed and watched his wife. “Martin Casey what are you looking at?” Elizabeth said as she pulled a shirt and walked over to the bed. “Only my beautiful wife.” Marty said as he pulled her into his lap, his blue eyes sparkling. “I would love to stay” Elizabeth said giving Marty a kiss, “But I gotta get to work and you have to get those hooligans to school.” Marty let go of her as she pulled some flip flops from out of the closet. “You have 5 minutes.” Elizabeth yelled down the hall at her kids. “I’ll be back this afternoon.” Liz said as she gave her husband one last kiss before heading for the door. The kids rushed down the stairs still pulling on clothes trying to collect their homework along the way. “Bye kids” Marty said as he held open the door for the children. “Bye dad.” The kids yelled as they made their way to school. Marty closed the door and sat down on the couch and turned the TV on.

[grumpypirate]

At 1:00 the phone rang. Marty rolled off the couch to answer it. “Hello.” He said. “This is the Apple View high school principle, is Mr. or Mrs. Casey there?” the principle asked. “This is Mr. Casey. What did the kids do now?” “Mr. Kobyn Kourelis got into a fight and he asked if we could call you rather than his father. He’ll be in detention for the next week, and he’ll be suspended for three days starting tomorrow.” the principle said. “Thanks for letting me know.” Marty said. He hung up the phone just as Elizabeth walked into the house. “Hey babe.” She said as she hung up her coat and put her keys down. “Kobyn got into a fight at school.” Marty told her as he grabbed the Taco Bell bags she was carrying. “He’ll be suspended for three days and then he’ll have detention all next week.” Elizabeth shook her head and sighed. “He needs to get a hold of his temper.” Elizabeth told him. The two ate their Taco Bell talking about this and that. At 3:00 Megan and Fulton came home, arguing as usual, followed by Alan, Jordan, Ron, Tyler, and finally Jessica. Alan and Jordan took Jessica over to the neighbors while they headed for the mall. Fulton got his guitar ready so his band, Heartfull Hatred, could practice in the garage. Megan had a date that night with Gerry Conway, the captain of the football team, so she was up in her room getting ready. Ron and Tyler went down the street to their friend Matt Kourelis, Bobby Kourelis, Dino’s older brother, son’s house to cause mischief more than likely. Marty was sitting on the window with his Gipson Guitar working on his new song while Elizabeth was in the kitchen making chocolate chip cookies for the boys. “How do you think this sounds Liz?” Marty asked as he played the song. “Wonderful honey.” Liz said as she put the cookies in the oven. “Were you even listening honey?” Marty asked. “Of course dear.” Elizabeth replied. “Honey, I’m going out with one of my fan girls and we have three kids.” Marty said as he put down his guitar. “That’s nice dear.” Elizabeth said not paying attention. “Wait a second. What?” Elizabeth said turning around. Marty just laughed and went over to kiss his wife. “Mmmm I smell cookies.” A boy with brown eyes and black hair said as he walked into the room sticking his drum sticks into his back pocket. “Hello Randy.” Elizabeth said turning around to give the 15 year old a smile. “How’s your momma?” “Working as usual.” Randy said as he dropped his bag down on the counter. “Fulton’s already in the garage if you want to head out there.” Liz told Randy. Randy headed off to the garage while Elizabeth went to go fold clothes and Marty went out to the garage.


“Do you boys need any help?” Marty asked as he walked into the garage. “No I think we got it Dad.” Fulton said as he plugged an amp into his guitar. “Ok just let me know if you need anything.” Marty said. He went back inside the house to go look for his wife. “Listen baby, ain’t no mountain high, ain’t no valley low, ain’t no river wide enough baby.” Elizabeth sang as she sat in the middles of her bedroom floor surrounded by clothes. “If you need me call me no matter where you are, no matter how far.” Marty sang as he stood in the doorway. “Are you just going to stand there or are you going to come help me?” Elizabeth asked. Marty walked over and picked up a pair of his jeans and stuck them in a drawer. “There I helped.” Marty said as he sank down on their king size bed. “I think your cookies are done.” Marty said as a ding ding ding came from the kitchen. Elizabeth got up and stepped over the clothes and headed toward the kitchen. The front door banged open and in ran Ron, Tyler, and Matt. “No running” Elizabeth said as she walked through the living room to the kitchen. “Yes ma’am” The three said as the slowed down to a jog and headed toward Ron and Tyler’s room. Elizabeth grabbed a pot holder and took the cookies out of the oven and set them out on a plate to cool. Marty came into the kitchen and hopped on the counter and tried to sneak away a cookie. “Oh no you don’t.” Elizabeth said as she batted away his hand. “Those are for the boys, not you.” “But I’m one of the boys.” Marty wined playfully. Elizabeth took the plate of cookies into the garage and set them down. The boys, Fulton, Randy, and their friends Brad the bas player, and Mark the other guitarist, came over and grabbed a cookie from the plate after they finished their song. “Thanks Mom.” Fulton said as he bit into his cookie.” “Yeah thanks Mrs. C.” Brad and Mark said together. Randy just nodded his head in agreement. Elizabeth turned and walked back into the house to go finish the laundry. Marty had disappeared somewhere so she went back to their bedroom. Just as she was folding the last shirt the doorbell rang. She made her way to the door and opened it. There stood a cop with Kobyn next to him.