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𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐘-𝐎𝐍𝐄

    𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐘𝐒 𝐀𝐆𝐎 𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍 Liz Chambers embarrassingly witnessed her Nana shamelessly flirting with her married trainer, she thought was the weirdest and uncomfortable she has ever felt and nothing could top that. Turns out, she was wrong. When she received a surprising phone call from Bella Swan, asking if she'd want to go shopping with her and Jessica, it turns out there was weirder and more uncomfortable.

    Liz tried not to let her surprise show fully during the phone call or the fact that going shopping meant driving all the way to Port Angeles, but Liz didn't have the heart to say no. Liz took a half dose of her anxiety medication, this way it would help calm her nerves but wouldn't make her so tired. Riding with Bella was the most awkward experience Liz has experienced. She almost envied the fact that Jessica took her own car and met them there. The two girls hardly said a word to one another the whole ride.

    When they got there, Bella only really tolerated going into two different stores before she asked them if they wanted to head to the theater and see a movie. Jessica was clearly disappointed but Liz thought sitting in a silent theater was better than making small talk. Bella had confided in Liz briefly that her father said he wanted to send her to Jacksonville to live with her mother, which is why she needed this 'girls trip' as she called it. Liz tried not to act offended that the only reason Bella wanted to hang out was to keep her father from sending her away.

    Liz knew immediately why Bella didn't want to leave. The brunette didn't need to say it, she could see it written all over her face. She figures if she left, then she won't be here if they come back. Liz fought everything in her not to shake some sense into the brunette.

    The three girls decided to see a horrible movie called 'The Dead Come Back', where it was just a bunch of zombies coming back to life and eating people, no real plot or storyline. Now Liz likes a good weird movie now and then, but this was just down right awful and the acting was terrible. She was so relieved when it was over and Jessica expressed her disturbance by the production as they made their way out of the theater.

    "I just don't understand why you would want to sit through all those zombies eating people and no hot guys kissing anybody. It's gross."

    Liz shook her head in amusement and looked over at her dear friend. "That's what you are upset about? The acting was shit."

    "That too," Jessica pointed at the blonde and shook her head as the three walked down the sidewalk towards, plans on getting something to eat because it was kind of late and they were starving. "And why are there that many zombies in a movie, anyway? 'Cause if it's supposed to be like, draw a parallel about leprosy, my cousin had leprosy. It's not funny, you know? Like, is it supposed to be a metaphor for consumerism? Because don't be so pleased with your own, like, self-referential cleverness, you know?"

    "Jess, I'm sure that is not what that movie was about. It was just a low budget film with actors they probably found off the streets." Liz interrupted, but still couldn't hide her grin.

    "Yeah, well, it was still insulting." Jessica commented. "Like, some girls like to shop. Not all girls, apparently. Although, I was surprised you called at all. You know? Like your depression thing, I get it. I'm totally worried. But after a while it's like, you're still bumming and like, I'm going threw stuff to-"

    Liz elbowed her insensitive friend in the rib cage and the strawberry blonde girl sent her a harsh glare "What? I'm not trying to be rude. You were depressed about Jasper but you managed to snap out of it after a few weeks."

    Liz came to a stop at the end of the sidewalk, about to cross the street to the restaurant they decided before the movie to eat before heading home. "Jess, keep sticking your foot down your mouth, I will be happy to physically remove it myself."

    "Hey, you girls want a ride?" A random voice called, causing the three girls to look over to see a bunch of sketchy, older men on motorcycles calling out to them, trying to get them over.

    Liz was not even focusing on those guys, mainly just Bella who looked to be in deep thought when suddenly, she jumped back as if startled and surprised, gasping suddenly. Both Liz and Jessica moved in front of the girl, frowning at her in confusion. "Bella? Are you alright?"

    Bella looked so lost in thought as those creepy guys kept catcalling them. When Bella looked over to them, both Liz and Jessica followed her gaze and frowned. Finally, Bella spoke, her voice distant and a bit haunted. "I think I know those guys."

    The two girls look over and Liz frowned, wondering how in the hell could she know them. Jessica was not caring one bit. "Well, they seem great. Can we go?"

    "Bella, I'm sure whoever you think they are, you are mistaken. Let's just go to the restaurant, alright? It's dangerous."

    Bella looked like she was about to agree but shook her head and took her hands out of her jacket pocket. "I'm just gonna see something."

    "Bella!" Liz tried to call but it was already too late as she watched the brunette cross the street into the dark alley those guys were. Liz turned to Jessica, both of the girls panicking and not knowing what to do. "We should follow her, right?"

    "Are you fucking insane?" Jessica demanded.

    "We can't just stand here, Jess."

    "She says she knows them. Just let her see. We are in a public city, so it will be hard for them to really do anything without causing attention."

    Though she was right, Liz couldn't stop the panic shooting through her as she watches Bella casually walk over to them, talking to them calmly. Not even two minutes into talking to them, Bella gets onto the back of one of their motorcycles. "What the hell is she doing?"

    "She has completely lost her damn mind." Jessica stated, looking just as worried as the creepy guy took off with Bella down the alley.

    After a minute, Liz reached for her phone. "I have to call the police."

    "And tell them what? Our totally legal aged friend volunteeringly got onto the back of some creep's motorcycle? Come on, Liz. You know they won't do anything about it unless they have serious evidence that she is in physical danger."

    "We can't just stand here." Liz stated, but knew her friend was right yet again. Bella was eighteen years old. From what they saw, she got on his motorcycle willingly and almost eagerly. So the two girls simply waited, praying she would come back safe and sound. After five minutes go by, they see Bella walking out of the alley, head down, but completely breathless. Liz basically grabbed her arm and pulled her with them out of anger. "Have you completely lost your damn mind?"

    "Just curious." Bella muttered, looking back and forth like she was looking for someone. "I thought I saw something."

    It took everything in Liz not to punch this girl in the face, as Jessica also scowled her for her recklessness. The three girls started walking to the restaurant, but Liz was no longer hungry and was down right pissed.

   "You... you are insane. Or suicidal." Jessica tells the brunette, just as upset at the blonde. "That homeboy could have been a psycho. I had to stop Liz from calling the police, but if you didn't come back when you did I would have let her. We would have ended up in an FBI interview room like on some lame TV show."

    Bella was not listening, actually looking amazed and in shock. "God, that was such a rush."

   "A rush?" Liz practically screamed at the girl. "Bella, you could have been killed! Do you understand that? Do you even care?"

    Jessica stared at her in disbelief. "Awesome. So you're an adrenaline junkie now? That's cool. You can go bungee jumping. You don't get on the back of some random loser's motorcycle. Crazy."

    Jessica walked ahead of them as Bella grabbed Liz's arm and pulled her back, her eyes wide and filled with more life than Liz has seen the girl have in months. "I saw him."

    Liz paused in her step, knowing exactly who she was referring to without further explanation. "What?"

    Bella nodded eagerly. "I thought those were the guys who attacked me in Port Angeles back in March. He just appeared in front of me. Every step I took closer to those guys, he would appear and tell me to head back. It was more when I went on the back of the bike. He told me to stop this, that it was too dangerous. Gosh, Liz, it was like he was right there. Like I could reach out and touch him. It was incredible."

    Liz didn't know how to react at first. Jessica had realized they had stopped at the end of the sidewalk and was waiting patiently ahead outside the restaurant, clearly not wanting to be near Bella at the moment and Liz understood completely because she didn't really want to be near Bella either, especially with what she was telling her at this moment.

    "So, let me get this straight," Liz said, pinching the bridge of her nose and trying to make sense of this insanity. "You realized that those guys might have been the ones who wanted to raped you the last time you were in Port Angeles and because Edward saved you, you needed to make sure it was them but when you realized it wasn't them you saw Edward, who told you how crazy you were being and instead of listening to that logic in your head telling you that that guy might be a serial killer luring idiotic girls like yourself onto the back of his bike in dark alleys, you only got on because you wanted to see Edward?"

    Bella opened and closed her mouth a few times, trying to find the right words, but only crossed her eyes and nodded her head. "It was like he was right there, Liz."

    "Oh my god." Liz said, rubbing her face and trying hard not to lose her temper, which was getting harder and harder by the second.

    Bella took a step forward, eyes wide and innocent. "What if you saw Jasper?'

    Liz halted in her pacing and turned towards Bella, giving her a sharp look. "Excuse me?"

    "Wouldn't you do anything to see Jasper again?"

    The blonde let out a chuckle. Bella has really lost her mind. "No. I don't want to see him again, Bella."

    Bella looked genuinely confused. "Why not?"

    Liz scoffed in disbelief. "Why not? Jasper broke my heart, Bella. He smashed it into tiny pieces and took the cowards way out. He gave up. They both did. I don't ever want to see him again."

    Bella shook her head. "You don't mean that."

    "Oh, I really do."

    "Okay, if you really feel that way, then why do you keep straightening your hair?" Bella questioned, pointing at the perfectly straightened hair that Liz hasn't let stay in it's natural curls in months.

    "What the hell does that have to do with anything?"

    "I'm trying to prove a point."

     "What point, Bella?" Liz demanded. "God, it's just hair! I want it straight, why is it so hard to believe?"

    "Because it is hard to believe, Liz. You hate straightening your hair. You complain about it constantly that you love the natural curls you have. You also hate the hassle and how long it takes, complaining your arms hurt by the end of it. But every single day, you insist on keeping it straight. Why?"

    "Because I want it like this!"

    "That's bullshit, Liz, and you know it." Bella spat, both of their voices raising a bit. "You and I both know there is more to this than just wanting it straight. You need to admit it to yourself and stop cowering away."

    Liz's blue eyes widened like saucers. She looked over to see Jessica was waiting outside the restaurant, but it was clear as day that she was listening to their conversation. They weren't exactly quiet and Liz didn't bother to be quiet either as she glared at the brunette viciously.

    "I'm cowering away? Me?" Liz scoffed, taking a step closer to the Swan girl. "Look in the fucking mirror Bella! You've spent the past three months in a vegative state. You could barely feed yourself without bursting into tears. You isolated yourself from everyone trying to help you and you put Charlie through hell. The only reason you broke out of it and invited me and Jessica out tonight was because Charlie threatened to send you back to your mom's so you could get help but you've deluded yourself with this pathetic notion that Edward will come back.

    "He is not coming back, Bella! None of them are. They left us, all of them, like we were yesterday's trash! They are cowards! They don't care about us, because if they did, they would have fought harder for us. They wouldn't have run away the minute things got hard."

    Bella looked like she had just been slapped, her own anger forming in her as she glared back at the blonde with so much hatred. "At least I'm not lying to myself. I'm not trying to force myself into pretending my life is okay and that I've moved on. If anyone is deluded, Liz, it's you."

    Nothing could have stopped Liz as her hands collided against Bella's shoulders and shoved her back, causing the clumsy brunette to stumble so far back and trip, landing right on her ass. Liz lifted a finger and pointed it straight at the girl. "Fuck you, Bella. You don't know anything about how I'm feeling."

    Liz turned, wanting this to be all over but Bella was back on her feet and following her. "You still haven't answered my question. Why do you keep straightening your hair?"

    The blonde halted in her step and cursed up to the sky before turning around to face her.  "This is ridiculous. You're ridiculous and I'm done listening to you."

    "See? You're still lying to yourself. Just admit the real reason! Why do you keep straightening your hair when you hate it straightened so much?" Bella demanded.

    "This is so stupid—"

    "Why do you keep straightening your hair?"

     "Because I can't stand the sight of the curls!" This was it. Everything in Liz exploded all at once and damn it, she couldn't stop it once it started. "There! Is that what you wanted to hear?

     "Jasper loved my natural curls and from the moment he left me, I couldn't even look in the mirror without bursting into tears because all I could remember was Jasper running his fingers through it, saying it was stunning and soft. Thinking about it made me so angry I wanted to pull my damn hair out so I didn't have to look at them anymore and I couldn't stand the thought that a physical feature reminded me so much of his words and his touch and the way he made me f-feel."

    Liz choked, gasping for breath as a single tear fell from her eyes but her anger never altered. "I can't bear the sight of them. I knew I needed to move on. I couldn't stand how miserable he made me feel. I can't stand the fact that even after everything I am still in love with him. I had to find a way to fight around it, or at least ignore it somehow before I let the depression take over completely like you did. And not for myself, I could give two shits about me, but I couldn't do that to Ester... or Danny, or my Nana, or even my friends. I couldn't be selfish, not like you Bella."

   Liz took a breath before taking a challenging step towards the Swan girl who looked a little frightened. Good. She should be frightened. She has never seen Liz lose her temper. "You want to keep finding stupid ways to see Edward in your mind? Go right ahead. I can't do that because I knew if I saw Jasper then everything I tried to overcome would crash down before me and I won't be okay anymore. Being reminded of him everyday is not something I can physically handle because I know I will break.

    "So, yes, Bella. I straighten my hair. I spend an hour in front of the mirror almost every day to get it like this so I won't be like you and waste my life away or be so depressed to see him that I would risk my own life to do so. There. Are you happy now, Bella? Now you know Jasper broke me as much as Edward did you. I'm just better at hiding it."

    It was like the entire city had gone dead silent just for those two girls standing there on the sidewalk. Obviously their argument had caused a few heads to turn, but not enough for people to physically stop and stare. They both stood there, staring at each other challengingly and Bella was just as angry as the blonde, if that were possible.

    After what felt like forever, Bella shook her head and started walking in the opposite direction of the restaurant, in the place where she parked her truck. "Do me a favor. The next time you see me, don't talk to me."

   "Would you look at that? We finally agree on something." And with that, the two girls parted, Liz heading towards Jessica who had heard everything and was waiting with wide eyes as Liz walked right up to her.

    "Are you alright?" Was the only thing Jessica could think to ask, and Liz loved her for it, but shook her head softly.

   "Can you give me a ride home?" Seeing as Bella was her ride, it seemed Jessica knowing her anxiety in the car was the least of her worries since she really didn't want to be stranded out here and have to be forced to call her Nana to come pick her up. The restaurant was completely forgotten.

    Jessica nodded without another word, knowing that Liz was not in the mood to talk and guided her to where she had parked her car before she met up with Bella and Liz at the store earlier in the night.

    The whole ride home, Liz barely felt a hint of panic in the car, her mind clouded with the fact that she just lost someone she considered a dear friend. Which seems to be happening to her a lot.

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    𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐋𝐘𝐖𝐄𝐃𝐒 𝐇𝐀𝐃 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐃 to extend their trip for a couple more days, leaving Liz in the care of her Nana longer than expected, but made her very ecstatic. This past week of being with her Nana was the best week she has had in a long time. It was always so much fun with her, and Liz never had to worry about walking on eggshells around them. After the wedding, the whole thing with the pearls... it just stirred up that hidden resentment she had for Ester that she had managed to shove deep, deep down.

    Especially when it came to her monthly visit with the neurologist. She much preferred riding with her Nana over Ester and Danny, mainly because she always knew how to make her less anxious and kept her distracted by blaring the radio and the two of them singing at the top of their lungs.

    And it was nice to have her in the office with her. She never let Ester come in with her, mainly because she knew how Ester can get. She just didn't want to deal with her sister going against her wishes and ignoring everything she had told her and start interrogating the doctor herself. Plus, having her Nana here was much easier for the office since they don't have to fax her papers to sign. Which is what her Nana was doing at the moment as Liz walked out to the front waiting area, tired and wanting nothing more than to order a large pepperoni pizza with garlic bread.

    It has been a couple days since Port Angeles and true to their word, Liz and Bella have not spoken a word to one another since. Not that it was much different from Bella isolating herself from everyone for months, but Liz had no desire to go talk to her nor did she even care how she was doing. Their argument after Bella's little stunt was an eye opener for the blonde. She was really starting to learn who her true friends were and who weren't.

    Liz was about to go wait for her Nana in the car when someone sitting in the corner caused her to come to an abrupt stop. She turned to get a better look, and Liz couldn't help the shock she felt when she recognized the dark black hair pulled back into a ponytail and her white rimmed glasses sticking out like a sore thumb. A large textbook was in her lap as she scribbled some things into a notebook.

    The blonde slowly made her way towards her and frowned. "Angela?"

    Said girl snapped her head up in surprise and gaped at the blonde, straightening herself in the chair and closing her textbook. "Liz? What-What are you doing here?"

    Liz felt a slight panic, but not as much as her confusion. "I was just about to ask you the same thing."

    Angela looked terrible. She looked so exhausted, like she was struggling with her own nightmares at night just like Liz was. The worst scenarios started going over in Liz's mind as to why she could be at a neurologist specialist. "Are you waiting to go back there?'

    Angela blinked once and then twice before shaking her head, her entire body was so stiff Liz was surprised she was able to function enough to actually move. Liz noticed that Angela's expression went from complete shock at seeing her to devastation in a matter of seconds and then suddenly, Angela was crying.

   Liz was at her side immediately, taking a seat at the chair next to her and pulling the girl into her arms. "Oh, Angela. What's wrong?"

    Angela struggled to stop her sobs as she buried her face into the crook of Liz's neck, holding onto her like her life depended on it. Angela just cried and cried and Liz simply let her, not pushing her to say anything until she was ready. After a brief moment, Angela finally pulled away and removed her glasses, wiping her tear stained cheeks with the sleeve of her sweater. "I-It's my mom. They found a brain tumor."

    Liz sucked in a sharp breath. "Oh my god, Ang." She didn't have the words.

    Angela let out another choked breath and Liz immediately grabbed her hands. "I found out about two months after prom. My parents... they didn't want to tell me or my sister anything at first, but my mom has been so sick. She was forgetting things and had so many fainting spells, I knew something was wrong. I made them tell me."

    Angela paused, sniffling and wiping her face once again. Liz didn't interrupt, just gave her enough time as she needed to collect herself before continuing. "They said they've been working with a team in Seattle to find a way to remove it with the least amount of complications, but now they are saying that it might be inoperable."

    Liz still didn't have any words to say. How could she? No words could make her feel better, Liz knew that better than anyone. There are no words for something like this. She felt her heart shatter for her friend... her best friend. Her best friend was going through something horrible and she didn't even know about it.

    Angela looked down at her lap. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. I didn't tell anyone. I guess, I just didn't want anyone to know. People knowing just made it too real. I was already struggling not to break down in school and around you guys and my mom literally has forced me to go out cause she doesn't want me sitting at home with her worrying that I won't see her the next day. I know I should have told you..."

    "No," Liz immediately shut that down. "Do not apologize. You have nothing to apologize for.
I understand. More than you can possibly realize."

    Angela couldn't stop the sob that escaped her lips and Liz knew she had been holding this in for far too long. Liz pulled her in again, holding her friend so tightly like she was afraid to let her go. Life is so cruel. First her own parents now Angela's mom? It just wasn't right. None of this was fair.

    Liz saw her Nana walking out into the waiting area from the corner of her eye and she held a finger up. Vivian seemed to understand once she saw the scene and headed out the door to go wait in the car without disturbing the two. After a couple minutes, Angela finally pulled away and sniffed. Liz got up and went to the front desk to ask for a tissue before coming back and handing it to her friend.

    "Thanks." Angela said, taking the tissue and attempting to clean herself up. "Gosh, I'm such a mess."

    Liz smiled warmly. "You're as beautiful as always."

    Angela scoffed but let out a chuckle, returning her smile with a sad one. "I didn't realize how much I needed to confide in someone about this until now."

    "You haven't told anybody? Not even Eric?"

    Angela shook her head softly. "No. I've been avoiding him lately. All he keeps talking about is how we are both going to Stanford and how we should invest in an apartment instead of dorms. I can't think about any of that stuff, not when I don't think I'm going. My dad... he's trying to act like he's doing alright but he's a wreck. And Hallie, she doesn't even know what is going on. She's eight and she thinks our mom has the flu."

    Angela brushed her bangs to the side. "I just haven't been able to bring myself to tell him."

    "You know he will understand, right?" It's Eric. He's goofy but he has a big heart.

    Angela nodded. "I know. That's the problem. Because I know he will want to turn down Stanford and go to community college to stay with me. I can't allow him to do that. I won't let him."

    "I know this isn't going to make you feel better, trust me, I know. But I am so sorry you are going through this. And you need to know that I am here. I will always be here for you when you need to talk or if you just need a distraction. Whatever you need, you can come to me. I will respect your wishes if you want me to walk out that door and completely forget about this whole thing. You are my best friend, Ang. You have been there for me through this whole year and you understood when I needed space. Just know, I will do the same for you in a heartbeat."

    Angela reached out and grabbed the blonde's hand, giving it a tight, comforting squeeze of appreciation. "I really needed to hear that. Thank you."

    Angela suddenly frowned as if realization hit her. "Wait... what are you doing here?"

    Liz sighed and made the easiest decision she had in a long time. She told Angela the truth about her brain injury and her friend listened carefully. Soon, the two girls were hugging once again for a totally different reason.

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You all don't understand how much I've been waiting for this chapter!! I've had this fight planned for sooooo long!

Also, poor Angela! Idk why I put characters through so much. But yeah, that's what has been going on with her and now Angela knows the truth about Liz's condition as well, bringing them closer then ever.

Let me know what you thought of the chapter! Love the feedback.