Chapter 56

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Lizzie's POV

I drove to the hospital. The twins would stay at their friend's house until after lunch so I would pick up Pippa on my own and go to the interview with her before having lunch, just the both of us, and then we would pick up the twins.

I found Pippa asleep in the bed with a small frown, maybe she was having a nightmare... I gently shook her shoulder to wake her up.

"Sa- oh! Lizzie!" She gathered herself and steadied her breathing "um, sorry. I-I'm ready to go" she said, taking her blanket off her. She was in street clothes and a doctor strolled in with a wheelchair.

The doctor and a nurse gently helped her get on the wheelchair. I could see that her legs were weak from being in bed all week. The nurse put some gauze and bandages in a pouch at the side of her wheelchair and explained to me how to bandage her wound properly if it reopened. I hoped it wouldn't come to that and guided the wheelchair out of the room.

We got out of the building and Pippa closed her eyes to feel the sun on her face, she looked adorable. Her face was recovering its original color and she looked happy. I gently picked her up and helped her sit on the passenger seat to then fold the wheelchair and put it in the trunk.

"I've missed the outside" Pippa sighed as I turned the key to start the car.

"Good think I'm here to take you out then, huh?" I smirked.

"Yeah, thank you" she leaned over to kiss my cheek.

"Don't test it. I don't want your wound to open again. I appreciate the kiss, but be careful" I warned.

"Thanks for taking care of me" she warmly smiled, moved by my concern.

"Me taking care of you? No, no. You got it all wrong, lady. You're obviously taking care of me much more" I stepped on the gas to get to the address where we would have the interview.

She giggled and then looked out the window, enjoying the feeling of being out of the hospital again.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Nadine's POV

We unfortunately didn't get to the crime scene before the press so information was everywhere and pictures of all the evidence were public. When we put the body of the dead man with a shot on his forehead in the bag to take it to forensics to get the autopsy, even though it was obvious, I realized that he looked an awful lot like Lizzie. They had the same eyes, except his were dead but whatever, and the bone structure was so similar.

I felt something in my gut that told me to stop the investigation, not find out who it was. I had a suspicion... I found the murder weapon under some seats while everyone else canvassed the area and put it in the plastic bag of evidence. I looked at it and memories flooded me, Lizzie confessing to have murdered someone... Not one, two people...

I could tell that the man was her father and.... My gut was telling me it had been her. Probably her dad shot Pippa and Lizzie shot him in return. I heard footsteps behind me and hid the evidence under my jacket.

"Did you find anything?" The Detective asked when she saw me crouching on the floor with my gaze lost somewhere beneath the seats of the theater.

"No... The murderer probably took their weapon with them"

"Yes, that is possible. I just wonder what anyone would have against an actress that is famous for being kind to people, she couldn't have had many enemies. And the role of that man confuses me, CSIs found the shells of the bullets from when the gun was fired both times and he was behind whoever had the gun during the second shot. How could he have been shot? Why?" she reflected.

"I have no idea..."

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Later at the precinct, The Detective was doing some paperwork so I got a chance to sneak into the CSI's lab.

"Ella?" I called.

She pulled away from the microscope.

"Oh, hi Nadine. What do you need?"

"I..." I lowered my voice "I need you to run some prints to see if they match"

"Okay, what's the case number? So I can put it on the record" she went to the computer but I grabbed her wrist to stop her.

"Wait... um... I need this to be off the records. It's... personal"

"I trust you, Nadine, I do. You're my friend. But it's forbidden to run any investigation without noting everything down on the records"

I let go and lowered my eyes. I opened my mouth to tell her to forget it and she playfully hit my shoulder.

"But, I love breaking rules and you're a really good friend so I promise to keep things under wraps" she grinned.

"Thank you" I smiled.

I took out the gun from the bag using gloves and handed it to her so she could run it through the register of prints of anyone who had any kind of Identification Documentation.

"It looks like there are two different sets of prints. Some of them belong to a man of 48 called Christopher Buchanan Barnes and the other set belongs to..." she scrolled down and I hoped with all of my strength that it wasn't Lizzie. Anyone but Lizzie "an 18 year old girl called Elizabeth Chase Barnes. Why would an eighteen year old have a gun?"

She looked at me for the answer but my eyes were fixed on the ID that was displayed on the screen, more specifically the picture. It was her. It had been Lizzie, my gut was right.

"Hide the evidence" I dryly said, not taking my eyes off Lizzie in the picture "I have to go talk to my ex"

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Lizzie's POV

We got to the location of the interview and some hair stylists and makeup artists started working on us. Pippa seemed to know hers but mine were provided by the magazine.

"Mia, hi" she said to her makeup artist when she carefully hugged her.

"How are you doing? I'm so sorry I didn't stop by but I had three photoshoots to be done in Australia and the eyeshadow patterns were not easy"

"I'm okay. I can't wait to go back to Hamilton to have you work on my makeup again every other day" Pippa smiled.

She talked to her friends and I felt really glad to hear her this happy. When we were ready, they lent us some dresses and I helped Pippa put hers on without forcing it too much to not cause her wound to bleed. Then, we were ready.

We got to the room of the interview and the interviewers were behind the camera while a chair was placed on the side of the set. I took the chair and we put Pippa's wheelchair next to it. My palms started getting sweaty and I started to get nervous with all these important people around me. Pippa noticed and took my hand, stroking the back of it.

"Are you all set? Do you need some water or anything before we start?" A producer asked.

"I'll have some water" Pippa said.

"I-" I felt the need to ask for anything alcoholic but I regained my composure and focused on what was important, the interview, and Pippa "I'm okay, thank you" I said.

They got Pippa a glass of water and she drank it while they explained how the interview was going to be.

"The footage is not live so we can cut out all the stuff you want. If you don't want to answer a question, you can tell us and we'll take it out of the final product and if you need time to think for your answer, take your time and we'll add some cuts. Okay?"

"Sounds good" I let out a deep breath and gently squeezed Pippa's hand. I felt her squeeze back and I felt more confident with her support. She believed in me. I could feel it.

They asked some questions about Hamilton to Pippa and the whole time I held her hand, giving her a reassuring squeeze whenever I felt that she was getting nervous.

"Now, time for the million dollar question, are you two a couple? Really?" the interviewer asked.

Pippa turned to me, silently giving me permission to answer with a smile on her face.

"Yes, we are" I gave a quick kiss to the back of Pippa's hand and she giggled, nodding along.

"How did this happen?"

"A mutual friend introduced us. I felt a spark from the very beginning but it took a breakup and comforting her for me to finally have the guts to ask her out" Pippa chuckled, nervously fidgeting with my fingers "but I'm happy now. Really happy" she smiled at me with a look that made me melt right there.

"I'm really happy I met you too, Pip" I smiled back and stroked the back of her hand.

"Thank you for your time" the interviewer said, ending the interview.

"Thank you for having us" Pippa replied.

"Have a good day"

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

We changed to our clothes again and though Pippa's expression when shifting suggested otherwise, her wound didn't open. I sighed in relief when I saw a thin layer of skin already covering the bullet hole when I lifted the bandage to see if she was bleeding. It would leave a scar, reminding me of what I had caused her to be involved in... but at least she was alive.

We got into the car and I drove us home to park the car and walk to a nearby restaurant. Pippa sat on the wheelchair as I led her to a nice Japanese restaurant. She looked out the restaurant window as we ate in comfortable silence and then went home, using the elevator. I wanted to leave the stuff I didn't need at home and maybe take some snacks to the twins. There was still time until we had to go so I had Pippa sit on the couch while I prepared a couple of PB & J sandwiches.

When I came back into the living room, she was looking through my notes about the character I would be playing.

"I knew you would be working with him but... his romantic interest? You're so lucky" she said, looking at the casting list "I'm just warning you that I'm still waiting to meet your costar" she smirked.

"I'll work on it" I playfully rolled my eyes and sat beside her, placing the containers on the coffee table.

"I love you" she said, gazing at me so intensely that I was taken aback.

"I-I..." I stammered.

"You haven't said it back yet..." she frowned.

I was going to answer but she raised her hand to stop me.

"But I understand. You've had a lot of breakups and the last three were intense, you deserve your time to piece yourself back together. I just hope to hear it from your lips someday" she smiled with teary eyes.

"I-" I couldn't express my feelings with words. At least not yet. So I cupped her cheek and kissed her instead, with more heat and passion than I had ever kissed anyone before.

I felt her hands softly grazing my cheek and pulling me in by the back of my neck. I savored every second of it, every touch of her hands, the feeling of her lips against mine...

When we pulled away, our hands were still on each other's faces and waists, grabbing hair and clothes, anything we could hold on to. I sighed as I rested my forehead against hers.

"What would that sigh say if it could talk?" Pippa asked with a smile.

"I'm so happy" I whispered.

"And what made you so happy, Lizzie?"

"Mmm... Kissing you?" I bit my lip, my thoughts drifting off.

"What are you thinking about, Liz?"

I snapped back into reality, looking her in the eyes. Gosh, her eyes were so beautiful. Then my gaze traveled down to her lips, her neck, her chest. My fingers started fiddling with the buttons of her shirt.

"Lizzie-" her breath hitched "are you sure this is a good idea?"

I stopped and looked up to her face to give her a soft, sweet kiss.

"You're right" I sighed deeply "you're hurt, I-I should wait"

"Yes, that would be better. After all... I-I still feel a bit insecure after Nadine... she- um..." I could almost see the words forming in her mind and her brain working to find a way to say it in a way that didn't sound that bad. Nadine used her. She did what she wanted to and then stopped. I knew what Pippa wanted to say but she couldn't bring herself to do so.

I pulled away, diving into my thoughts but Pippa flinched and panicked.

"No, hey, Lizzie, wait. It's okay, don't worry. Please, don't go" she pleaded.

That got my attention.

"What do you mean 'don't go'? I'm right here"

"I mean mentally. Stay with me. Don't push me away, please" she stroked my hair softly, running her fingers through it, as if trying to ground me.

I leaned into her and she wrapped her arms around me protectively.

"I'm here" I said "I promise"

"I'm sorry, honey. I didn't mean to bring her up like this, I know you don't like to talk about her this much after she broke your heart but... We have to accept that she may not be part of our life like that but she's still a friend, you know? Also, we should pick up the twins soon, right?"

I didn't hear a single word after she said "honey"

It was so comforting to hear her call me these names. She really cared about me and always made sure I was okay. It was really moving and I felt like I needed to pay her back and return the favor but I didn't know how. I guess I would have to get her to meet Michael... but how do I convince him to come to the hospital with me without him thinking it's a weird thing? Or...

"Lizzie? Are you listening?"

"Huh?" I wasn't.

"I said that maybe we should get going if we want to pick up the twins on time. Right?"

I looked at the clock on the wall.

"Oh, crap, you're right"

I helped her back onto the wheelchair and took the containers with the sandwiches before going out the door.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

We parked in front of the door of the twins' friend's house and I rang the bell. We patiently waited until the twins packed their things and the door opened, revealing Pippa to them. I hadn't told them Pippa could be out of the hospital for the day today so it would be a nice surprise.

"Pippa!"

The twins rushed up to us and I put myself between them and Pippa before they could knock her over with their bear hugs.

"Pippa is out of the hospital but just for today. This doesn't mean she's strong yet so be careful with her" and with that, I let them get to her.

They gently hugged her and Pippa kissed both their heads.

"Thank you for taking care of them" I told their friend's mom.

"They behaved perfectly, it was my pleasure to have them over" she smiled.

We got in the car and I drove home so the twins could leave their sleepover stuff at home to then start a walk through New York City. Pippa had been in the hospital all week without a chance to go outside and I knew how much she loved to be outdoors so I arranged a walk through the city and Central Park.

We walked among all the green of the trees surrounding us and stopped only for a moment on a nice hill to eat the snacks I had prepared for all of us. The twins were eating on the picnic blanket while Pippa and I stayed under the shadow of a tree, keeping an eye on them.

"Lizzie... um... Is there any chance I can try to stand? I want to try and walk" Pippa said, taking me by surprise.

"Uh, are you sure?"

"Yeah, I feel better now"

I thought about it for a second.

"Please, don't make me regret this" I said as I stood and held my arms out to help her.

She smiled and she took both my hands as she carefully set one foot on the ground, followed by the other. I watched as she started leaning her weight on her legs to stand up straight and when she got it, her smile grew.

"I did it" she gave my hands a squeeze.

"You did" I smiled back.

She took a shaky step towards me, trying to find balance on her weak legs and a red spot appeared on her shirt.

"Oh no"

"What?" She raised her gaze from her legs to me and her smile was replaced by a frown as her knees buckled and she almost fell down. I caught her before she could touch the floor.

Her eyes were closed and her breathing slow as the red stain on her shirt grew wider.

"Pippa, no. you're not going anywhere this time" I rushed to the wheelchair and fetched the medical kit they gave me to redo the bandages.

I lifted her shirt up until I could see the red stained bandage beneath and I peeled it off, rebandaging it just like they showed me in the hospital, feeling more confident than ever. Pippa needed me to do this right, so I was going to do it right.

I got the bleeding to stop and the newly applied bandages were clean but Pippa still had her eyes closed. I knew I shouldn't have let her...

"What happened? Is Pippa okay?" Ashley asked as MK and she approached us. I quickly pulled Pippa's shirt down to cover the new bandages.

"Um, yeah. She just... wanted to take a nap on the grass before she would have to go back to the hospital" I lied.

"And why is there a big red stain on her shirt? Is she okay?"

I sighed.

"Her wound opened a bit but I have it under control. We should go home soon, pack up your stuff" I told them.

They obediently went back to their spot in the sun to take their stuff and I gently shook Pippa's shoulders to wake her up.

"Pippa, wake up, please"

Her eyes fluttered open and she took a deep breath in.

"I-I'm sorry" her voice was shaky.

"It's okay, I'll get you home. You just focus on not fainting again" I picked her up and gently put her back on the wheelchair.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

We got home and after dinner, all of us laid on the couch but not before checking that Pippa's bandages were still clean. I turned on the TV and played the movie I was so eager to watch with all of them, Guys & Dolls. I took some notes while watching the movie and the twins cuddled with Pippa and me. I could tell they were all enjoying the movie and when the movie ended, we were all still humming some of the songs. They were so catchy.

"Did you like the movie?" I asked the twins as I tucked them into bed.

"Yes!" they said in unison.

"That's good. You might see me in the theater production of that movie someday" I smiled.

"Really?! Who are you playing?"

"Sarah Brown" I stroked their hair.

"And who is Sky then? Pippa?" Ashley asked.

"No" I chuckled "A co-star named Michael"

"Is he good-looking?" MK asked.

"MK!" My cheeks flushed.

"What? If you are going to kiss him and stuff he should at least be handsome" she shrugged as if it were the most obvious thing in the world and Ashley giggled, nodding along.

"He is handsome, but not more good looking than Pippa, she is the most beautiful human in the world" I smiled.

"Hey! No! What about us?"

"You're right, you're right. You are the prettiest humans, then Pippa and then maybe Michael" I laughed.

"That's right" they grinned but then yawned.

"You should go to sleep" I kissed their foreheads and they closed their eyes.

"Sweet dreams" I said before closing the door.

I went to the living room, where Pippa was sitting on the couch, absently glancing out the window to the dark street.

"We should get you back to the hospital" I said, making her snap out of her thoughts.

"Yeah... You're right..." but she didn't move.

I sat next to her, taking her hand in mine.

"I know this is hard for you, Pippa... but you'll get out of the hospital sooner if you stay there for some time"

"Can I... stay here for a few more minutes?"

"Just a few minutes" I agreed.

"I love you. I just feel like I can't say it enough times to make you believe it... I love you so much, Lizzie" her eyes met mine.

"I believe you" I cupped her cheek and she leaned into my hand "I really do"

"Good" she whispered "because it's true"

She wrapped her arms around me, pulling me into her and I rested my head underneath her chin, feeling her heartbeat.

"Let's just stay like this for a while" she whispered, leaning her cheek against the top of my head.

I gave her a small nod and I closed my eyes, taking in her scent and warmth. I was going to miss her so much when she went back to the hospital.

I felt a shiver going up my spine and I opened my eyes to find Carla standing in the middle of the living room. No, not her, not now, please...

"So cute. I wonder how you'd react if I took her with me" she said giving a small nod towards Pippa "she's pretty, after all. She would be okay in the world of the dead"

"No" I thought. I closed my eyes to try and focus on anything else to make her disappear.

"No?" she mocked me "Did you know this pretty face hides so many secrets? The advantages of being dead, you can see through everyone" she took Pippa's chin in her hands and tilted her head up to look over her face. Pippa was asleep so she didn't realize what was happening.

I swatted her away but my hands went through her body and I could do nothing to stop her from looking into Pippa's secrets any further.

"Oh" she said, pulling away "those are some pretty heavy secrets" she said in a singsong voice, a wide smirk taking over her face "I wonder if you'd like to know them"

"No. I don't. If she has secrets, she'll tell me when she's ready"

"Another advantage of being dead and seeing through people: I know you're lying. You want to know everything"

"Maybe I do. But I want it to be her that tells me" I glared at her and she rolled her eyes.

"Oh, fine! Alright, have fun without her this week" she grinned before vanishing into thin air.

I frowned. Was Pippa really keeping secrets from me? What kind of secrets?

I sat up, awaking Pippa in the process.

"Oh, I'm sorry I fell asleep" she apologized.

"It's okay" I looked at every inch of her face, a face full of secrets, as Carla said.

"Are you okay?" She cupped my face.

"Yeah" I smiled and leaned in, linking our lips together.

She kissed back, smiling into the kiss.

I helped her into the wheelchair and we took the car to go to the hospital. The nurses helped her get back in the bed after changing her into hospital clothes and gave me a moment with her.

"I don't know how to thank you for being there for me, Pippa... You're taking care not only of the twins, me too. I am forever grateful and I'm so glad I met you" I said, holding her hand.

"MK and Ash are so lucky to have a sister like you. I'm sure you'll be able to manage living with them until I'm back. I believe in you and... I love you"

Hearing those words again made me really want to say them back. She deserved to hear them and I was ready.

"Pippa" I brought her hand to my heart "I- I lov-"

I was interrupted by the door bursting open.

"Pippa?!"

Pippa flinched and her eyes widened when she saw who it was.

"Sara?!"

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Heyy! Avamax_blackstar here with kind of a shorter chapter :)

Well, now you know who S is hehe

What secrets does Pippa have??

I wrote a scene of 700 words that was so perfect for the story but then realized it's Saturday in the story and the scene involved the twins being in school so I had to delete the whole thing :'(

I wanted to cry so hard for that

I just hope Lizzie doesn't continue making bad decisions and trying to find out what Pippa's secrets are hehe

Also, NOOOOOO LIZZIE WAS ABOUT TO SAY IT BACKKK!

Lil note: y/n and Ava will come back in the chapter they graduate from high school. They'll make an appearance on the next chapter since it's the day of the performance of the school play but after that they probably won't be back until graduation. Sorryyyy

I hope you enjoyed this chapter

Votes are appreciated but comments are the best :)

Stay happy and healthy!

Love you <3