For all who want to know...

She didn't puke on me.

But Lizzie did get a bad stomachache.

I had flashbacks of the pink rainbow chunks as her stomach gurgles in the backseat.

After we talked Lizzie out of caramel fudge for dinner, Alexis warned her to slow down the hot fudge fondue as she tried to compete with Hollis on who could get more chocolate into their mouth.

She won.

And I nearly nut in my pants at the porn fantasy of her drizzling chocolate between her lips, her cheeks full before swallowing, and licking off the extra.

Afterwards, she had chocolate on the corner of her mouth and her right tit. I restrained my eyes from looking while she dabbed herself to get it off. 

Until she had the nerve to ask me to wipe it off.....

I mean, I did. I'm a gentleman after all, or I'm trying to be with Lizzie. I keep getting side eyes from Alexis, with a smirk. I'm not going to lie, the way her skin bounced filled my mind with so many dirty Lizzie thoughts that I closed my eyes for a moment.

She is going to send me an early damn grave.

I breathe out a chuckle as I bring the barbell up towards Marcus, his eyes sunken after a night of Maxine.

Sounds like a BDSM Porn Hub scenario.

I curl my lips up," Late night?" I bring the barbell to my chest.

"Shut up," He pounds his hand on mine, making me slip a little.

"Aww poor wittle Marcus." I blew out a chuckle, thinking about Lizzie last night.

He rolls his eyes and grumbles shut up. It's not my fault he was up till five am and we had to be here at six thirty.

"How was your date with Lizzie?" Marcus yawns.

"Interesting." I keep it simple because honestly it was.

"Interesting asssssss?" He drags and I push back up with the barbell. "Just taking it one day at a time." I admit.

My mind can't calculate what Lizzie is doing to me. She never stops to amaze me with her just being her. Last night I didn't think I would open up to her about my tattoos. My main goal was just to apologize. Her curiosity wasn't nosey or ambiguous, and she asked to touch my team one.

She marvels at me like I'm some kind of work of art. I mean, hey, I can't help that.  When she asked to touch them, it squeezed my lungs without any air that, for once, somebody asked for permission first. She wasn't asking in a sexual way either, like dragging her nails over my skin. Her eyes were soft, like she was in awe, as her fingers traced over the Hebrew ink one letter at a time. The way she whispered her own version of the word was more than a turn on; it was pure, genuine, and just straight up innocent

Our hands fit so perfectly together. Where mine are rough and cracked, hers are smooth as a baby's bottom.

Out all the girls I've been with casually, Lizzie is a rare gem. Before we headed home, Lizzie asked Hollis to stop by CVS so she could wrap my ankle. We legit fought about it for ten minutes. The girl is very strong-willed, almost like Jordy when he doesn't want to do something.

I'm surprised Doc McStuffins ain't harasses me yet this early Sunday before I left. Apparently she's an early bird, all bright and bubbly before sunrise but crashes hard by eight, according to Alexis. She isn't wrong because Lizzie kept yawning up a storm on the ride home last night. We actually sat together in the back on the ride back to our place. I would playfully crawl my fingers to touch her and she would yank them away but her giggles told me not to stop.

Her fiery-nurse side honestly surprised me and fuck, I'm losing track of how much this girl turns me on. I'm keeping in my back pocket how she wagged her finger at me. Definitely earning a spanking for that. When we got back to the house, she pushed me inside with her little hands, ordering me on the sofa and wrapping my ankle.

The whole time her hands worked over my foot, I couldn't help but stare at how careful she was not to hurt me, even pausing and making sure I felt okay. I hadn't really had that kind of treatment since my mom. I can't say I have mother issues or maybe I do... but what Lizzie gave to me last night makes me want her even more. She threatened me with her little preschool voice about if I don't P.R.I.C.E it myself, then she will hunt me down with a ibuprofen in hand.

In the moment of her taking care of me, I couldn't help but stare at her lips as she instructed me to make sure I'm icing my ankle and keeping it elevated.  It took everything in me not to just kiss her but Lizzie is not like any other girl I've been with. She is not an arithmetic problem I can easily solve with my own satisfaction and someone I can just take a kiss from. Things like that, unfortunately, are going to take time and Maxine's probably going to want blood and urine tests, an STI panel, dental exam, and a complete physical first.

Hollis was my main wing man last night, suggesting we watch Parent Trap, Lizzie's suggestion. Apparently, she feels like she has a twin her parents forgot to tell her about?

But those girls' parents were divorced?

Of course, Jordy joined in, trying to squeeze up to Lizzie but I knocked that down real quick. However, Lizzie was so marveled at his stuffed animal he won that battle and they let JD sit in between them. I gotta watch those two, especially when they got a little too laughy about Hallie playing a prank on Annie with the chocolate scene.

She started mentioning about her stuffed animals and what not, but honestly the only thing she needs to do is cuddle with me, not no stuffed animal.

Lizzie snuggled up to Alexis instead of me but we will get there someday. Her body curls up in such an adorable way, like a tiny ball with a giant ass. They both fell asleep on the sofa and Hollis carried Alexis upstairs. Jordy and Lizzie laid on JD  comfortably. It was sickening how cute they look, so I took a photo of it and cropped him out.

Her hair fell in long, black waves down her back, eyelashes rested on her cheeks, and lips pulled back into a contagious smile. 

Hollis came down with an extra blanket and told me that Maxine texted him that there was no way in hell she would let Lizzie sleep with cum stained blankets. I cover her tiny body up comfortably and she curled herself up in a ball.

Maxine has these broad ideas, like I don't wash my sheets and blankets. I'm not that nasty. 

I didn't trust Jordy lying right next to her because I knew he'd try to cuddle his way in, so I slapped him up against the head and told him to scram. I took over and sat next to her as she still remain sleeping. I wanted to caress her hair, thumb her face, rub her ass, and pull her close to my chest. But, for some odd reason, I felt like Maxine was watching through a crystal ball. Lizzie must have thought I was JD though, because she snuggled up close to me, plopping her head right on my lap with her hair sprawled all over.

Up close, she looks even more beautiful asleep. Her lashes are so long, she didn't even need that fake shit. She has a small little beauty mark added perfectly by the angels of above. I definitely didn't deserve this moment being so close to her brought some sort of relaxation in me. 

I hated waking her up and offering her to change into my clothes and be comfortable. She had this little sparkle in her eyes and whispered okay.

I wanted her in my bed so bad but again Maxine's crystal ball shit got me freaked out. I gave Lizzie my March Madness shirt and some shorts. They literally fell right off her body, mainly the shorts, but fuck she looked good. Her face makeup-less is angelic and so natural. I can't wait to give her an extra glow myself.  Maxine must have known she was in my room because she texted me every damn minute while Lizzie was changing.

I thought I had it secure in the bag to have Lizzie sleep in my bed with me until Maxine texted me saying there was no way in hell she would let her sweet Lizzie sleep in a disease-filled bed. I would've ignored her threat except Marcus followed it up with a plea that they didn't have to come back over during the night.

I chuckle but she's right.. I do need a new bed... like a clean slate that I wouldn't mind breaking in with Lizzie.  I let out a grunt, lifting up my next rep.

"Why are you so happy this morning?" Xavier, my teammate, leans on the barbell, shooting water in his mouth looking down at my face.

He ain't working out.

"Can't I just smile,"  I defend and breathe out a chuckle.

"No," everyone says in unison.

"He is all smiley because he was with Miss. Med school last night," Marcus jokes, but I forcibly lift the barbell up from me and intentionally try to smash his fingers.

I sit up to see everyone coming to congregate around me, sweaty and in anticipation. Except one person is missing.

Go figure.

"Cap went on a date," Hollis flips his sweaty, messy, curly hair.

"It's about time your ass settled down," Taylor, my other teammate, smirks big, wiping the sweat off his forehead.

"Honestly," our center, Xavier adds, mentions with a smug grin.

I groan but couldn't help but smile at the weight room chat about to burst forth.

Could we? Could we possibly be something? I mean it was just one night but what will more nights be like?

I have to take it slow though, just for both of our sakes. After all, we have bye week this week and then I'm on the road. So we got to take this one day at a time.

"Of course you would get her," Andrew, the best power forward in the Big Ten, laughs.

"Nah, he didn't..." Taylor leans down and pretends he looks between my legs. "Still blue."

"Not always about that," Hollis huffs, only to draw the attention of every set of eyes on him. He glances around and scoffs. "What? Tell me you weren't moaning over her pancakes this morning."

"I was," Jordy grins with a full set of teeth and rubs his stomach.

If Lizzie's tender care on my ankle impressed me, she nearly knocked me unconscious when she was up early. Morning wood aside, my jaw dropped at the sight of her ass in my shorts, wiggling around our kitchen and humming along to her music. Jordy bumped into me from behind, whispering he'd found his food soulmate as she made us pancakes and bacon but I helped sorta. Alexis rolled her eyes and Lizzie giggled at how Jordy, Hollis, and I ate like we hadn't all week.

"Y'all talking about her... food?" Xavier laughs loudly, which I can't blame him. Lizzie's making all of us be goofy fools.

"They were good," Hollis smirks. "So was your bacon, Marcus."

Marcus groans and slants his eyes at me, which I chuckle at because shit, it was good. "I was saving that."

"I don't know why you are giving this big head credit, I saw her first," Jordy brags and I shake my head laughing. "And she likes me more anyways."

"If you want to get technical here, I did," Marcus gloats proudly.

Jordy huffs, mumbling under his breath, but I'll let him have his moment. He didn't see what I saw last night, none of them did.

Lizzie's flash moment at the candle place now sits as the main deposit in my spank bank.

At first, she just mixed the scents like a happy kid with a chemistry set. But then she stopped and started murmuring words to herself. I caught only the first one, 'Que?', and she drags me right into the gutter with the next words. Her eyes dilated while she was doodling on our sticker and murmuring Spanish. It was like she forgot I was there for a second but fuck, I was glad I was... She's mumbling something like, 'por favor,' with her eyes darkening and lips opening with uneven breaths. Her skin started to become pink  and I couldn't help but smugly grin, wondering if she's having a secret fantasy right in front me.

I told you innocence had a rotten streak.

If I hadn't been so damn entranced then I should've recorded what she said, so I knew what the fuck gave her that reaction. And the stiffening in my pants whenever I mentally refresh her aroused look is unhinging me, in an equally good and bad way.

My phone dings, so I reach into my pocket and glance at my screen. It wasn't the candle notification that made my heart ooze with happiness, it was a sense of change reading the email I've been waiting for. Honestly, I'm surprised I get it on a Sunday but I'm not complaining.

Jaylan,

We received your signed terms and conditions!  We are so excited that you will be partnering with us during March Madness this year with Under Armor! It is an honor that a Maryland native is sponsoring our Maryland products.  I look forward to speaking with you Monday on expectations and future endeavors.  Great game Friday night! We know how hard you work. Have a good rest of your weekend.

Mason Cox,

College Sports Brand Representative.

Under Armor, Eastern Division

Wow..... It almost doesn't feel real but it's just one step closer to not dealing with PJ's shit any longer. Thankfully, I ran out of everything Thursday night and I'm done. I can cash app him that damn money so quick and block his number quickly I'm done with him. I can't anymore... and I won't.  Plus, I have enough to last me for a long time, so I have no need for more money. At this point, any more is just greed and I don't want to live that way.

I look back at Marcus, grinning up a storm while texting on his phone and I wave my hand in his face. He crinkles his forehead and I nod him to the hallway. We walk out to the hallway with Jordy and Hollis hot on my trail to be included.

"What's up," Marcus leans against the wall.

I lean on my back on the wall, holding my phone in disbelief with a smile.

"No more hood rat shit," I grin proudly and Marcus' chest heaves with relief. He smiles and pats my shoulder.

"So Under Armor emailed you?"

"Yeah, I'm really shocked," I rub the back of my neck with a smile.

"Shock you are King Kong," Jordy hypes me up, making us all chuckle.

"Look at all the positive things going for you, hmm you got somebody praying for you?" Hollis adds snap chatting himself with all of us, probably for Alexis. But his eyes brighten over his screen at me.

"I just want you all to know not to worry about rent and bills," I assure them, but they all shake their heads like 'No, don't worry about it.'

"Jaylan, you provided for us more than you think. We are not even behind on rent because you paid every time you could. I mean, every time we offered, you dismissed us but still did it, I know I'm thankful," Marcus assures me, releasing the burden slightly off. 

The guys nod and pat my back one by one. I guess it's embedded in me to work hard for what you have and provide for those who need a little extra. It's something my mom did, just to have our new home in Fells Point and the Honda Odyssey she always wanted for her future dream team that I never had a chance to buy her.

I sigh deeply, thinking about how she always told me she wanted more kids yet she never told me with who or even told me when.  I always wonder what my life would have been like if I had a little brother or sister but with the experiences living with Uncle Steve and Aunt Lisa, I never missed a beat with that.

"I think this causes for a celebration," Hollis claps his hands together.

"I think so too," Marcus grins.

"We haven't had a roommate bonding night in awhile," Jordy mentions and he is right. Between Hollis and Marcus falling into the trap of love, we haven't had bro time in a hot minute.

"I agree, we should go to your aunt's house today.  Could really go for some shrimp salad," Marcus adds, rubbing his belly.

"No, even better, her Mac and Cheese." Jordy's eyes grow big with some droplets of saliva coming out of his mouth.

"And her green beans," Hollis gushes, holding his hand over his heart.

"That does sound like a good idea," I faintly smile, bending to rub my ankle.

"Did the wrap help?" Marcus look down with concern, and I nod.

I fucking hate sprained ankles because you think you're good and next thing you know, its yelling at you not to forget.

"Don't forget to P.R.I.C.E yourself," Jordy grins big and I shove him playfully.

At another reminder of Lizzie, I remember the email about our candle..

Me: Thanks for the Pancakes Doc McStuffins 🌞 Did Maxine give a fatherly lecture to you this morning about spending the night over boys house and oh our candle ready

I chuckle, knowing she is probably having a meltdown about her candle. I decided to text Aunt Lisa as well.

Me: Hey Aunt Lisa, could the guys and I come today for dinner?

Not even two seconds later, a quick reply spreads more warmth across my chest.

Aunt Lisa: What kind of question is that boy!!! We would love you all to come! What would you like on the menu?

I chuckle and look up at Jordy smiling. We walk all inside to the weight room as Hollis starts doing a tik tok with some of the guys. I laugh at his rhythmic moves but somehow he manages to still have 1.1 million followers mainly probably because his shirt's always off. Jordy jumps in, happily ruining it and Hollis groans but restarts it.

Moments like these make me really appreciate how honored I am to know everybody in this room.  My eyes float around noticing Rashad not here.

What the fuck.

I dig in my pocket because I don't want Coach on my ass over somebody who really could care less. Before I press send, Rashad walks in with AirPods. Without any greeting, he's in his own world and goes straight to the stair climber.  I sigh in frustration and Marcus shakes his head, watching Rashad begin by himself.

I just don't understand him anymore and it's frustrating that he doesn't know that sticking to yourself sometimes does affect the team. I get he has other priorities but honestly, at the end of the fucking day, you choose one. We would all support him either way but he's dragging us alone with his indecision and half-assed efforts.

I guess he can feel my hot gaze because he turns around and flicks his eyes at me back from on the stair climber. Jordy stays being a bubbly ray of sunshine as he waves at him and begins a conversation with him but Rashad shoos him off in frustration. 

I immediately dart my feet over when he points in Jordy's face because no one... I mean no one messes with him.

"Not his fault your ass is dragging." I slant my eyes at his slow steps. "Is there a fucking problem Rashad?"

He ignores me and keeps climbing the stairs but since I'm as tall as the machine, I reach over and press stop. He jolts and shoots daggers at my eyes.

"Rashad," I call his name again but he ignores me.

Marcus touches my shoulder to calm down because my fist is about to go in his face.

"Rashad," I call him one more time and he steps down with a puffed up chest.

"What do you want," he grits his teeth

"You know I don't tolerate that late, lazy, and rude shit," I correct.

"Pot calls the kettle," Rashad sarcastically chuckles, folding his arms.

"Nah, see there is a difference when you do it," I step forward to him but Marcus tries to hold me back.

"You can't preach what you don't live by Jaylan," Rashad clips

I clench my jaw, not sure what route I want to go with this considering the happiness as we speak is slowly dwindling and the only emotion I channel is pure anger. At this point, the joy in the weight room grows silent, as Rashad and I stand eye to eye for the first time in two years.

"Enlighten me," I command

"Alright," Marcus trying to cool me off by moving me a bit.

"No Enlighten me," I ordered fuming my eyes at him

"I'm sick of all this fake family bullshit....Brotherhood this... brotherhood that, all because you live in this false reality life should be centered around you and your problems. You treat kind people like shit and stir up bad press for the team. Everyone has problems here Jaylan, but you are never here for us, and we are always here for you!" Rashad speaks from his chest.

My chest tightens at his words but Marcus holds my arm back in assurance it's not true.

"WHEN HAVE I EVER NOT BEEN HERE FOR ANYBODY," I shout, which causes everyone to step back a bit as my anger blows out like fire.

Rashad grow quiet but clenches his jaw, darkening his brown cedar eyes until they almost turn black. "It's always been about you, fucking selfish."

"Give me examples, Rashad," I try to remain calm because, when I think back, I've always been there for Rashad.

I supported him through his whole process going into UMD's Pharmacology Program, I supported him when his father turned his back on him. I supported him when he had no money, I supported him when his mother died last year. I supported him when he had nowhere else to turn to.

So what possibly more could I have not supported him on? Yeah, I have been on his ass but all the pain and stress he is harboring could be on the court. I've told him this time after time.

He couldn't think of anything but curses under his breath. "I don't need this shit,"  He grumbles, dismissing his feelings like always.

I know what it's like to feel the world is against you, but at least I found ways and people to turn too no matter how much I'd rather deal with it alone. 

"No go ahead, give me an example," I egg on.

"You may support us but at the end of the day, it's always about you," Rashad accuses. "On the court, off, no difference."

"It's not about me, it's about all of us Rashad," I spit back.

"You know that's fucking bullshit," Rashad hisses, turning his head away and not looking at me.

I take a slow, steady breath because even though I really want to punch his face, he's only throwing shade with no substance. "You have not given me an example, Rashad," I try to clarify with him.

"I'm not giving you one because everyone agrees here," Rashad averts his own pain, throwing everyone under the bus but their doubtful facial expressions say otherwise.

"Agrees on what Rashad?" I slant my eyes

"That everything you do is selfish! For fuck's sake, you manipluated the one girl I really wanted to get to know under your web of shit." He finally lifts his eyes to mine and clenches his jaw. "You humiliated her, do you even know that?"

Weight comes on my chest at the drama before hand but a hint of light reminded me of the beginning of restoration. "I'm aware and apologized

"Little to late for that." He chuckles sarcastically.

I slant my eyes because everything he's saying is not processing. He's just spewing out his thoughts and not thinking before he speaks.

"Get the fuck out of here. I'm not dealing with this shit. You are so quick to rebound with every girl I fuck up with." I wave my hand in disgust at him.

"Because they don't deserve to be with someone like you and all your fucking mother issues!" Rashad explodes, quieting the whole weight room.

Everything in the weight room, from the mirrors, equipment, even all my teammates, turns red, blood red. For someone who's experienced the same lost of a parent, he should know that certain things you should just never say and that is one of them.

"What the fuck did you just say?" Gritting my teeth as if it could shatter.

"You heard me." He eggs on.

Anger shoots through my whole body, directly in my palms jolting Rashad directly in his chest and causing him to stumble. Marcus pulls me back along with Jordy before my eyesight turns black.

"Low blow man," Hollis spat, glancing at Rashad who's glaring at me.

"He knows it's the truth, no one wants to stay with him and all his fucked up problems," Rashad continues to insult me.

"We all have fucked up problems, including you," Marcus defends me, pointing at Rashad.

"That's why we play basketball," Xavier adds, stepping aside from Rashad.

"But it's not going to be here forever," Rashad notes, but no one agrees with him.

"If you feel that way, just quit," Marcus says for me, still holding me back.

Jordy lowers his head. I know he doesn't like these types of confrontations but it needs to happen. Everyone remains silent trying to process Rashad's overwhelming thoughts that he could have worked out on the court a long time ago.

Communication is key thing in life to go through life and if you don't use it, then the pain and anger that fuel seeds of bitterness will bear fruit. Rashad internally looks like he's surrounded in an actual game. His chest rises and falls at the reality of what he feels and wants to do is coming true.

"Quit," I egg on and he flares his nostrils.

"If I quit that means you win," He points at me with glossed eyes. "And you don't deserve that, Jaylan."

"Win what Rashad? We are all in this together," Hollis tries to console but Rashad steps back farther.

Rashad takes another step back farther, almost like he was stepping away from what truly could help him. Uncle Steve's urgent tone shouts in my head to give him one more chance... to give him what he really needs on this team but that's on him...

He has to want to help himself.

Rashad has been running from his problems because he believes nothing can help but everything right in front of him can. It's crazy how I can see that but don't live it but at least I'm trying to sort out my shit. It's hard, all I want to do is quit and just turn everything off the noise. 

I just wish he knew we're here to help him. I guess he is right about how I direct everything about me in some sense but I've been working on it since Junior Year. Nobody's perfect and everybody here has been working on themselves by their character. Day by day, it's not going to happen overnight.

"Look Rashad," I sigh deeply.

He turns away and puts his hand on his head, mumbling under his breath about me and shit I don't deserve. He tenses his shoulder and turns around, facing all of us in tears. It twinges my heart but also a relief he finally understands where he is right now.

"I can't," Rashad shakes his head.

Jordy goes over to comfort him but he shoves him away.

"I quit."

Those words hit me hard but I knew it had to be done.

"Rashad don't quit, you can-" Taylor urges but Rashad looks up to the ceiling, breathing deeply and shoving down what I feel when I want to cry.

"No. I'm done," he ends, pushing past me bumping my shoulder.

"Rashad!" Jordy calls out, running for him.

I sigh in frustration and Marcus pats my back, consoling me, but that's not going to change.

I hate when families fight and I don't like feeling losing someone like that. No matter the difference. I know I should run after him. I know I should plead with him as a captain but I don't believe in wasting brotherhood on anyone who doesn't want to practice it with me. Brotherhood is a two-way street.

I need to get the fuck out of here now.

"We are done, somebody tell Coach T we did two hours," I said, collecting my things.

At this moment, I don't know what I need but I need something.

"You good," Marcus flickers his eyes back and forth at me.

"No," I answer honestly and he sighs, not sure what to say after this big blow up.

He wants to say something but I just walk in the hall, where Jordy is against the wall with his face in his knees. Just how seeing Lizzie upset kills me, Jordy has the same effect.  I sigh quietly and sit down next to him.

"Jordy."

"I don't understand, we worked so hard not for everyone to hate each other," He lifts up his head with his hands spread out.

"Grief is a very dark and messy process. Some people get help right away and some people explode just like that. You know this,"

He sighs, running his hand down his face. "We just work so well."

"I know Jordy but confrontation has to happen in order for things to get better," I remind him. "He's gotta figure out his priorities."

Jordy looks down at the floor between his feet. "You think he really will quit?"

I pause and softly admit, "I don't know Jordy,"

"But March Madness is around the corner."

"Think about today," I remind him and he sighs like a little kid.

I chuckle and pat his back. "Everything will be okay." Those words come out my mouth like poison, knowing shit is not going to be okay but I know it will soothe Jordy's heart.

"I sure hope so"

"Me too Jordy."

Silence takes over and I stare blankly at the concert wall as the guys filter out from workouts.

I don't know what I'm going to fucking do but all I know is that somehow it all has to work out in the end. I don't want to lose Rashad as a friend or a brother but he's got to work this shit out somehow. We cannot do it for him. I hate when people put expectations and obligations on me like that.

"Im so stress I could eat two Big Macs" Jordy grumbles.

Cringing at his idea because it's happen before and ended terribly.

"Save your belly," I playfully pat his stomach and he chuckles because he's ticklish. I swear him and Lizzie are wonder twins.

Lizzie.

"For what?"

"We are going to uncle Steve and aunt Lisa's house tonight."

"Say less I'm already thinking about her Mac and Cheese"

Jordy could live off that.

"Just make sure you share with Marcus." I chuckle and get up off the ground, reaching down for Jordy but he slaps my hand playfully. I slap it back and chuckle, pulling him up. "I'll meet you at the house and we can leave at like four this evening."

He gives me a confused look. "Where you off too?"

"The tattoo shop."

Jordy flickers his eyes but nods his head, knowing I need to distress because I do big time.

We separate and I walk down the hall to the main entrance. My body feels all types of shit and I really need to work out of my stress through just journaling my body about this day. I press open the doors and the sunrise is stretching fully across the sky. The cool air hits my face and soothes some of the tension knotting my shoulders. 

The rays that beam my face remind me that only one person can tell me it's going to be alright. I shift through my pocket to get my phone.  I scroll quickly down, lingering my finger on Lizzie's name. I hesitate to call but she is the light thing I really need right now.

Just as I hope, she answers right away.

Edited:still_just_me