Feel free to point out any spelling, grammar, or spacing errors. I would really appreciate it and will fix them right away :)
***
Ch40: Don't Hate The Player Bitches, Hate The Game
I wake up feeling much better than I have for the past few days. Especially because today was my first night in my own bed since the accident.
God, I love being home.
"Sweetie" I hear a knock on the door. "Do you want pancakes?"
"Yes please," I tell my mom.
Pancakes sound really good right now.
"Elliana," I hear my dad yell. "Snow White just pooped on the stairs. Do you want me to just pick it up or?"
"I got it," I yell.
So I'm trying this potty training system I found online to help teach Snow White to use her litter box. Usually cats have no issues using their litter box, but apparently Snow likes the third step on the stairs.
Yay!
"Just be careful when walking down the stairs," my dad yells.
"Okay," I yell back before throwing my hair in a high ponytail
I quickly make my way outside and find Snow sitting outside my door.
"Hi Snow," I pick her up and go back into my room leading her into the bathroom before placing her on top of the litter box. "You need to stop using the stairs and start using your own litter box."
She just sits in the box and stares at me.
Okay, so the system isn't really working.
She does whatever the hell she wants, but it's worth trying.
"Dad," I yell and I can hear him groan.
I'll pick it up," he says and I smile.
"Thanks," I say.
"Yeah whatever," he says and I laugh.
"Be good today Snow," I pet the top of her head before going towards my closet. I put on a simple grey hoodie, some light blue ripped jeans, and a pair of black combat boots.
No make up for me today. I'm too lazy.
I grab my cellphone, and keys before going down the steps and into the kitchen.
The smell of delicious homemade pancakes hits my nostrils and I grin.
"Here you go sweetie," my mom hands me a plate of pancakes and I smile.
"Thanks mom," I say going over to the fridge and pulling out the orange juice.
"The house feels empty," my mom says and I sight.
"Don't start mom," I tell her.
I know what she's trying to do.
"What?" she scoffs. "I'm just saying that it feels empty that's all."
"What feels empty?" my dad asks as he walks into the kitchen.
"The house," I say and he nods.
"It kinda does," he says and I frown.
"Whatever," I grab a glass cup and serve myself orange juice.
"Do I smell pancakes?" I hear a voice yell followed by the sound of footsteps going down the stairs before he walks into the kitchen.
"I made some," my mom says. "Would you want some?"
"I'm good," Alex shrugs. "Thanks. I usually eat plain toast before school."
"Don't be a grass ass and eat some pancakes," I glare at him and he laughs.
Elliana," my mom gives me a stern look, but I can tell she's trying not to laugh.
"If you put it that way," Alex says taking a hold of the plate my mother was offering.
"Princess," Josh walks in and takes a seat next to me.
"Hey," I smile suddenly feeling shy by how close he is to me.
"Would you like some pancakes?" My mom smiles and Josh simply nods before he politely says thank you.
He doesn't like my parents.
I honestly don't blame him, they're hard to get along with lately.
"Do I smell food?" Vincent walks in shirtless.
Seriously?
My parents are in the house!
"My mom made breakfast," I glare at him.
"Thanks," Vincent says politely as my mother hands him a plate. "Elliana never makes breakfast."
"That's because you don't deserve my breakfast," I smirk.
"Or it's because you don't know how to make anything other than plain toast and coffee," He smirks.
"You're an a-" I start, but my mom cuts me off.
"No cursing in the kitchen," she says and I roll my eyes.
"Ass," I finish my sentence.
"Elliana," she glares at me and I shrug.
"It's not my fault he's a twatface," I say before we hear a knock at the door.
"Coming," Vincent yells. "Josh go open the door."
"You always volunteer others to do everything," Josh rolls his eyes before going to answer the door.
"See," I glare at Vincent "he's an ass."
"Hey," Taylor smiles as she walks into the kitchen followed by Mick and Janet.
Damn, full house.
"Who made breakfast?" Mick grins and I point towards my mom.
"I'm going to need more pancake mix," she chuckles.
"What were you saying about it feeling empty?" I ask and she turns to glare at me.
Oops.
***
"I never thought I'd says this," Janet says "but I'm going to miss you."
"Yeah," I smile. "I called you Chuckie Finster."
"From Rugrats?" she scoffs and I nod. "You bitch."
"I'll miss you too," I hug her "Strawberry Shortcake."
"You're a fucking asshole," she laughs "but you're also bad ass. When I first met you and you kicked my best men's ass I was fascinated. You and me both have quite the temper. It's why I found you so amusing."
Quite the temper.
So amusing.
Where have I heard that before?
"I've always had quite the temper," Bratt moves closer and I step back. "Its why I find you so amusing."
Suddenly all the flashes of what happened that day come rushing back.
I was on the phone with Taylor and Mick.
I heard the door and stepped out.
Bratt was there with a gun.
He pushed me down the stair and. . .
And. . . nothing.
"What's going on?" Janet says, I can tell she's worried but i'm too focused on remembering. "Elliana are you okay? You look pale."
What the fuck happened next?
You can remember Elliana. Just focus!
"Josh," Janet yells and I can feel my head starting to hurt.
"What's up?" I hear his voice and I close my eyes.
"Elliana!"
"Elliana!"
Josh found me. That's what happened next.
He found me on the floor.
"You found me on the floor," I turn to look at him. "I remember that I was talking on the phone with Mick and Taylor. I thought one of you had arrived so I walked out of my room and saw Bratt. He pushed me down the stairs and then you found me."
"I did," Josh smiles. "You have no idea how scared I was."
"She's your girl," Janet chuckles. "Of course you were scared."
Uh?
"What did you say?" I ask.
"She said your my girl," he says.
"You don't get it," Josh leans against the wall his hands covering his face. "That's my girl in there. I love her Vincent and if anything happens I-"
They were outside my room talking.
Josh and Vincent.
"We all love her Josh," Vincent says. "She's family and we all just need to stay positive right now."
I remember.
He said he loved me.
They both said they loved me.
And then Taylor and Alex were talking.
They were talking about Pipper.
"Why are you smiling?" Josh asks and I wrap my arms around his neck catching him by surprise. "Okay, what happened?"
"I remember," I say happily. "I remember everything."
"Guys," Janet yells. "Come down here!"
"What is it?" Alex says and I turn to see Vincent and him walking down the stairs.
"I remember," I grin.
"Everything?" Vincent asks and I nod.
"Everything."
"That's so good shorty," Alex smiles.
Wait a minute, I won the bet with Vincent and Josh, but Alex hasn't said it.
Two down, one more to go.
"Thanks," I smile. "I also have news for all of you."
I should tell them what decision I made, right?
"Hold that for a few seconds," Janet says before the answers her phone and walks into the kitchen.
"Elliana," we hear a knock on the door.
I recognize the voice.
It's my mom.
"Hey mom," I open the front door and she walks in followed by my dad.
"Our plane leaves tomorrow morning," my dad says and I nod.
"We're waiting on Janet," I say "before I tell all of you what decision I made."
"Guys," Janet yells, walking out the kitchen with a huge grin on her face. "It was Jerry and he called me to let me know that the judge has decided to release Pipper as long as he serves one year in my program after high school."
"He's releasing Pipper," I grin. "We need to tell Taylor and Mick. They're going to be so happy."
"I'll text them," Alex smiles. "Do you know when he's going to be released?"
"This afternoon," Janet smiles.
"This is great," Josh says. "We can all go celebrate at Beeps after we pick Pipper up. "
"Sounds like a plan," Vincent nods.
"You're coming?" I scoff.
"What can I say?" He shrugs. "The curls grew on me."
"Oh shut up," I roll my eyes. "You're only coming for the food."
"Exactly," he says. "I was talking about the curly fries, what did you think I mean?"
"You're a jackass," I glare at him.
"So you wanted to share some news," Janet says and I nod.
"Right," I say. "After considering both options I've decided that I want to stay in California."
"What?" my mother growls. "You cannot possibly be serious. After the accident you truly believe we would let you stay."
"Mom-" I turn to look at her.
"No," she shakes her head. "You need people who love you and are willing to take care of you. These people couldn't keep you from falling down the stairs. What if something worse happens?"
"I can take care of myself," I roll my eyes.
"We won't pay the rent anymore," she glares at me. "I will stop sending money to you every week. How are you going to afford living here?"
She does have a point.
My wage at Beeps isn't enough to afford the rent for this place.
"We love you Elliana," my dad smiles "but we want to make sure you're safe and loved. I think you should-"
"We do love her," Alex cuts him off. "I know we've only known Elliana for a few months, but she means a lot to us. She's my friends and I don't know what I would do without her. I'm willing to give up everything to keep her safe."
"Sir you have no idea what you're talking about," Vincent says. "Elliana can be annoying, intruding, loud, rude, obno-"
"Thanks," I smack his arm.
"Violent," Vincent glares at me "but all younger siblings are a pain in the ass and you love them anyways. She's like my little sister and I consider myself a very protective older brother."
"That's very sweet of both you," my mom mother smiles at them " but-"
"At the hospital I kept my mouth shut because I wanted Elliana to choose," Josh glares at my parents. "She made her choice and she's eighteen now so you can't force her to leave. You can't control everything she does and honestly you don't have the right to. She would be in Colorado with you, but you decided to send her away. You made that choice now face the consequences of what you did. Have the decency and guts to admit you made a mistake and you can't fix it anymore. Elliana is staying with us. We love her and she's going to be just fine."
"She can stay," my mother glares at Josh "but she won't receive any money from us."
"Don't dig a deeper hole for yourselves," Josh sighs. "All you're doing is pushing Elliana further away than she already is. Eventually she's going to get tired of trying to get closer and give up on both of you all together. My uncle owns the place so money isn't an issue."
"Elliana," my dad smiles. "We want what's best for you and if you think California is it, then we respect your decison."
"What are-" my mother glares at him, but my dad cuts her off.
"Stop," he says. "Elliana is staying and we will continue providing money for her. Don't you see that she's happy here, isn't that what you want? "
"Of course I do," my mother frowns.
"Thank you dad," I smile.
"Of course sweetheart," my dad smiles before turning to look at Josh. "Your uncle, he's an old college buddy of mine. If you talk to him tell him I send my greetings."
"Will do Mr. Bair," Josh shakes my dad's hand.
"You take care of her," my dad smiles. "She my little girl."
"Always," Josh smiles.
***
"I should be heading back," Janet says and I glare at her.
"You're the reason he's being released," I tell her. "You need to celebrate with us."
"I have important things to take care of," she shakes her head. "I've been gone for a while and Joe can only be in charge for so long."
"Please," I grab her hand. "We won't see you until the end of the school year which is still months away."
"Hey," Vincent walks towards us. "Alex and Josh are heading to Beeps to order for everyone so that the food is ready by the time you guys show up."
"Sounds good," I smile and he turns to look at Janet.
"You're coming, right?" he asks.
"I should check why they're taking so long to get Pipper here," Janet says before walking off.
We're currently at the police station and it's been twenty minutes since they said Pipper was on his way. He's being transferred from the prison to the station where we will be allowed to take him home.
"What happened when you went after her?" I ask and Vincent gives me a confused look. "The day of the accident I told you to go after her. What happened between you two? She's determined to leave today."
"Nothing," he shrugs trying extremely hard to look casual. "I didn't even find her that night."
"You can't lie me to me Halls," I smirk. "What happened that night?"
"I found her," he sighs. "At first we started arguing about everything that happened and then we were just talking. Reminiscing about how it use to be before that night and I think we both realized we missed how things use to be."
"So now she wants to run away before it becomes real," I roll my eyes. "You two are exactly the same."
"I'm not stopping her from leaving," he crossed his arms stubbornly.
"Why not?" I scoff. "Are you scared too?"
"I'm not scared of anything," he scoffs. "I'm just tired of apologizing."
Apologizing?
"How many times have you said your sorry?" I ask. "And I'm talking about an emotional honest apology because you really suck at those."
"Why do I have to do that?" he glares at me. "I didn't mean to cause her any harm. It was the gang who did everything."
"Not in her eyes," I look at him. "When they took that bag off her face the first person she saw was you holding a gun. It was your initiation that got her kidnapped and then the gang you wanted to join killed her family."
"Whose side are you on?"
"I'm not picking a side," I explain. "All I'm telling you is that you have to try and see things from her point of view. Sorry to say this Vincent, but she lost a lot more than you did that night. "
"I know," he sighs running his hand through his hair "but I don't know how to fix this. An apology won't make everything okay, it'll just make me feel better not her."
"Pipper just arrived," Janet smiles at me making her way towards us.
"Finally," I grin. "I can't even begin to imagine what he went through."
"You should go,"Â Janet says. "He's in the back office filling out some paperwork."
"Okay," I smile.
***
I place a soft knock on the door before opening it.
"Pipes," I walk in and see him sitting down in front of a desk. His curly hair is messily tossed everywhere and he's wearing a dirty pair of sweats with an oversized red t-shirt.
"Bair," Pipper stands up.
"God, I've missed you so much," I hug him tightly. "I was so worried about you."
"I missed you too," he hugs me back. "When I heard you had fallen down the stairs I was so worried Bair."
"We're both okay," I smile placing both my hands on either side of his face. "You mean so much to me Pipes and I never thanked you for what you did the first day we met."
"What are you talking about?" he asks scrunching his eyebrows.
"You were the first person to be kind to me," I smile. "My first friend since my sister died and if I'm being completely honest you made those first few weeks bearable."
"Bear-a-ble," he chuckles.
"Pipper," I smack his arm. "I'm being all dramatic and cheesy and there you go making funny jokes."
"It was funny, uh?" he laughs. "You don't have to thank me Bair. You did the same thing for me. I stayed sober because if I hadn't I doubt we would have stayed friends for very long."
"I'm sorry I wasn't there when you needed me too," I frown "but I promise to be here for you whenever you need it Pipes. It doesn't matter who I'm with or what I'm doing, okay?"
"Okay," he nods.
***
"I got us some beers," Vincent chuckles as he takes his seat next to me.
We're all at Beeps sitting at a large table in the back corner of the restaurant.
"Sweet dude," Josh grabs one and hands one to Alex.
"How did you manage to get beer?" Taylor asks. "You don't even have a fake ID."
"You don't need a fake ID when you look like me," he smirks before looking towards the bar.
A tall busty looking girl with black hair and extremely bright lipstick stands there looking directly towards out table.
Correction, directly towards Vincent.
"Papa has game," he sends her a small wave and she waves back, he cheeks flushing a bright pink.
"Never call yourself Papa again," I laugh.
"You're just jealous," Vincent smirks and I roll my eyes.
"Mick you want the last beer?" Alex asks and Mick just stares at him, as if considering the choice.
Or maybe he doesn't want tell them he's an alcoholic.
"No," I say more loudly than I intended "because I want it."
"What?" Vincent scoffs. "You're going to drink a beer?"
"Yeah," I say, taking a hold of the beer. "Today is a day for celebrating."
"Where is Janet by the way?" Taylor asks and I shrug.
She was gone by the time I got out the office with Pipper.
"I didn't get to thank her," Pipper frowns.
"You can do it right now," Alex smiles before pointing towards the door.
I look over and immediately spot as she casually makes her way towards us.
"I only came back because the traffic was crazy, got it?" she glares at me and Vincent.
"Got it," we both say.
"Good," she pulls a chair for a nearby table and takes a seat next to Vincent. "Are there any more beers? I could really use one right now."
"You can take mine if you really want it," I say handing her the can and she smiles.
I wasn't going to drink it anyway.
"What happened to celebrating?" Vincent chuckles.
"Unlike you," I say confidently "I can celebrate without having to get drunk."
"I can too," he chuckles. "I just choose not to."
"Whatever," I chuckle.
I look around the table and see everyone smiling, talking, and laughing.
Having a good time.
This is what I need right now.
This is what makes me feel like me.
This is what makes me feel normal.
I look over at Josh and he smiles which causes me to smile back at him.
"I'm getting more beer," Vincent states and we all nod as he gets up.
"You need to be more discreet Princess," Josh whispers in my ear. "Everyone will notice if you continue to drool over me."
"I thought you were the one drooling over me," I laugh while trying to keep my voice down.
"I am," he states "but I don't get embarrassed if people notice, do you?"
Thanks Josh, now i'm smiling from ear to ear and probably blushing so hard my entire face looks like a tomato.
"Never," I smile.
Oh, Josh.
Normal does not even begin to describe what I feel.
***
"He was meowing," I laugh "from behind the door."
"No he wasn't," Pipper laughs.
"I was there," Taylor says. "It was hilarious."
"You're such a loser," Janet chuckles.
"It was charming," Vincent says. "You can't lie and say it wasn't the cutest shit ever."
"Dude you just called yourself cute," Alex laughs.
"Being drunk makes you sappy," Josh laughs.
"Says the guy who thought me and Elliana were different people," I laugh. "Being drunk makes you dumb."
"What about Alex?" Taylor grins. "What are you like when you're drunk?"
"I don't get drunk," he sips his beer. "I have something called self-control."
"Now I'm curious," I say. "Being drunk makes you act so unlike yourself you avoid it."
"Oh you have no idea," Vincent laughs.
"Let's just say that Alex is a bit of a -"
"Josie Rosemarie," Alex cuts Josh off.
"I hate you," Josh glares at him.
"Who is Josie Rosemarie?" I ask and he shrugs.
"Some girl," he sips his beer angrily.
"Oh come on," I frown. "We're friends. We should all be able to share embarrassing stories with each other."
"Yeah Josh," Vincent smiles. "Tell Kitten the story of Josie Rosemarie or should I?"
"You wouldn't," Josh glares at him.
"It was last year at Josie Rosemarie's party," Vincent begins, a huge smirk on her face. "We had drank a little, but Josh had gone overboard that night and-"
"Last year's Christmas," Josh says looking directly at Vincent. "You were really drunk and we had just finished decorating the tree when Vincent-"
"Fine," Vincent glares at him.
"That's what I thought," Josh smiles.
"Seriously?" I exclaim. "You're only going to share half the story and then expect everyone to just let it go."
"Yes," they both say simultaneously.
"Fucking grass asses," I roll my eyes.
And then I remember something.
"So theoretically speaking, " I smile. "Is love with a partner the same as family love?"
"What do you mean?" Pipper asks and then I see it click in his eyes.
He knows where I'm going with this.
"Love is love," Pipper shrugs. "Yeah they're different types of love, but it's still love."
"What do you think Alex?" I ask and he seems to think about it for a few seconds.
"I think family love is just as strong," he sips beer and I smile.
"Vincent?" I ask trying to sound completely casual.
"I don't know," he says. "I guess I agree with Alex."
"I'm glad you both think so," I smile. "Cause I won the bet bitches!"
"What are you talking about?" Vincent asks and I smirk.
"You all said you love me," I grin and Josh scoffs.
"We did not," he says and I smirk.
"Oh," I pretend to frown "but you did. Think about the emotional speech you each gave my parents earlier today. Every single one had the word love and her somewhere in it."
"Fuck," they all growl simultaneously and I laugh.
"Don't hate the player," I grin "hate the game."
Now, I just need to come up with a prize.
***
"Josh," I whisper, but he doesn't move.
Okay, maybe a little louder.
"Josh," I say.
"I don't want to go mom," he turns away from me.
"Josh," I growl causing him to jolt awake.
"What the hell?" he exclaims before taking a hold of his pillow and smacking my face with it.
"Josh," I frown as I fall back harshly.
"Princess," he gets up. "You scared the hell out of me. What are you doing in my room?"
"I wanted to invite you somewhere," I smile sheepishly.
"What time is it?" he yawns.
"Four in the morning," I grin and I can see his lips curl into a small smile.
"I thought you said you get moody when you don't sleep enough," he says.
"I thought you said you could handle my moodiness," I say and he chuckles.
"Where do you wanna go Princess?" he asks and I smile.
"There's this one place that a guy showed me once," I smile. "Huge lake with an amazing history behind it."
"It sounds like a special place," Josh smiles and I nod.
"It is," I say. "I was wondering if you wanted to come with me?"
"I'd love nothing more," he grins.
***
"I did tell you your hands could've been infested with herpes," I laugh and he chuckles.
"I remember," he says as we arrive.
The sound of the constant movement of the water and the fresh breeze of air all hit me as we reach the edge of the lake.
"You know," I turn to look at Josh. "I told Vincent that you made me feel normal. That you made me feel like me, the me I was before Lilo died, but I was wrong."
"What do you mean?" he asks.
"Being here in California with you boys and my friends," I smile "that makes me feel normal. That's what makes me feel like me. . .I thought it was you that made me feel that way, but when we were at Beeps I realized I wrong. "
"What do I make you feel then?" he asks suddenly moving closer towards me.
I can hear my heart beating loudly in my ears as I place my right hand on the side on his face.
"When i'm with you," I say "I feel safe. I feel excited. I feel like smiling so hard my face hurts. I feel happy."
I stop because I can feel my hands shaking probably because i'm really nervous.
Did I mention I'm really nervous?
I've never been so genuine and honest with anyone, not like this.
"I was awake during the conversation you had with Vincent at the hospital," I say trying to keep my nerves down. "You told him you loved me."
"I did," he nods and I can tell he's trying to figure out where i'm going with this. "I do love you. I think i've known that for a while now."
"Love means a lot to me," I tell him "and I don't know if I'm ready to say it yet. It takes time to-"
"You don't have to say it back," he interrupts me. "I don't want you to say back until you mean it. It doesn't matter how long you take."
"Thank you," I smile wrapping my arms around his neck and hugging him.
"You're welcome," he says and then I feel him lift me up.
"What are you doing?" I yell as he throws me over his shoulder.
"Cannon ball," he exclaims as he jumps into the water.
I feel the cold water hit me as we sink and it's an amazing feeling.
"Dillweed," I glare at him as I resurface. "You made a mistake declaring war with me."
"Bring it on," he smiles and I smirk.
The damsel in distress always beats the egotistical grass ass.
It's the law of nature.
A/N: Hey everyone !!! I hope you liked this extremely LONG, and I mean LONG, chapter.
There is only one chapter left on ABWTD. I know, I'm sad too.
So i'm doing a poll because I've decided that I will do a spin-off on this book. Here are the three most popular choices. Vote for your favorite one! (Please only vote once!)
A Janet and Vincent spin-off. This would take place after ABWTD and would be written in Vincent's POV. (This would include Pipper as a main character)
A Cameron and Lilo spin-off. This would take place    before ABWTD and will be written in both Cameron and Lilo's POV. (Elliana would be an important character.)
A spin-off on all three devil boys and how they each arrived at the house. This would take place before ABWTD and will be written in Vincent, Alex, and Josh's POV. (Tatianna, Janet, and Cameron would be main characters.)
I'll update soon. . .
Comment & Vote
Love, Pam
September 12, 2017