Chapter Fifteen: Lost without you

"Veronica, are you okay?" The Nurse asked. Veronica's eyes shifted from her to the person standing beside her. Yes, she nodded her head. The nurse glanced over to Nina and looked at her suspiciously for a moment while she contemplated telling her to leave. 

"We haven't seen each other in forever, she must be surprised." Nina explained. She smiled sweetly and as genuinely as she could. The Nurse knew she'd already been patted down and her purse check so she assumed it was safe. 

"Okay." She said. She motioned for Nina to enter Veronica's room and shut the door behind her. Veronica on the other hand, watched it all take place as if she wasn't there. Her eyes followed along as Nina stepped over the door's threshold and the door click shut. She blinked back to reality. 

"What are you doing here?" Veronica finally said. To say her visit was a surprise and total shock, would be an understatement. She assumed she was there to gloat and mock her, yeah that had to have been the reason. She could feel her nose flaring slightly and her anger rising. Nina watched her feeling confused. 

"I didn't come here to fight." She assured her. Veronica scoffed, she may have been a fool but she wasn't that stupid.

"Right." Veronica said sarcastically, "Did you come here to hold my hand and sing Kum Ba Yah?" She asked. Nina shook her head at the woman in front of her. She may be clean, but the hatred was still there. 

"Real funny, but no. I actually came here to see you." Nina said. Veronica looked taken back. They had never really been on friendly terms, and she was the reason for that. She never felt as if she was good enough to date her brother. Mostly because she had her own heart broken and didn't want to see her little brother go through that. She was still holding her breath, waiting for her to leave him and just crush him completely.
"Why?" Veronica asked suspiciously. "What's your angle?"
"I don't have one!" Nina said her voice slightly rising. Why must she be so difficult? She thought to herself. She was five seconds away from saying to hell with her and walking out. But she wouldn't give up just yet.
"Can we sit down?" Nina asked. She glanced around the small room and noticed there were no seats. Veronica shrugged and lead her to the bed.

Veronica nodded towards the end of the bed, silently instructing her to have a seat. Veronica took a moment to observe the other woman. Her sister-in-law. She wasn't a bad person, she was actually one of the sweetest people she had met. So why the hate? Well it all stemmed from jealously and her own insecurities. Her brother didn't seem to need her anymore, instead he had found companionship in Nina. They begun dating when they were in 16 and 15, around the time Veronica's life had falling apart. And her own mother loved her. At times, Veronica felt as if she loved her more and secretly wanted her to be her daughter. Tears began to form in Veronica's eyes and then made the journey down her cheek.
"You didn't deserve any of that." Veronica said in a whisper as she began to cry. Nina took her eyes off the wallpaper and looked to her right.
"Are you crying?" She asked and scrunched her brows up. Why was she crying? She wondered.
"I have been nothing but a bitch to you, and you are here. Of all people, you came to see me." Veronica expressed her thoughts. "I'm sorry." She finished. Nina thought she was hearing things. Did she just say that she's sorry?
"Veronica.." Nina began. "I don't know what to say." Nina confessed. She truly was at a lost for words. Veronica shook her head.
"Just try to forgive me, please." Veronica said. Nina nodded. Silence feel upon the duo. Nina was still in shock and Veronica was trying to steady her emotions.

"How are the boys?" Veronica asked at last.
"They are good." Nina answered with a smile. "Mostly.."
"Mostly?" Veronica repeated. Nina sighed.
"It's Jeremy. He isn't handling the news so well." Nina explained briefly.Veronica shook her head. Even when she was absent she was ruining his life.
"I am such a failure." Veronica said, her voice cracking with emotion all over again.
"You're not." Nina said.
"You don't need to lie to me." Veronica said. The waterworks began again.
"You have just.."Nina started. She wasn't even sure where she was going, "don't think like that." She finished.
"He will be okay." Nina tried to reassure her. The Nurse knocked on Veronica's door, signaling the end of their visit.

The two rose to their feet and walked over to the door.
"Thank you for visiting me." Veronica said sincerely.
"That's what family is for." Nina said, returning her smile.

"We're rooting for you." Nina told her as she pulled her into a hug.
"Take care of my boys." Veronica replied as she allowed her to embrace her. For a moment, she felt hopeful. They bid each other goodbye and Veronica watched as Nina left before closing her door.

                                         _________________________________________

As Nina drove home, she reflected over her short visit with Veronica. She had shocked herself by going to visit. It was a last minute decision. She was happy that she had done it though, maybe they can learn to like one another. She was also proud of Veronica for getting help even if she hadn't willingly done it. She would be clean for her boys and that was the important thing.

The remainder of her commute was spent in silence. She had turned off the radio and just listened to the other cars around her. The taxis, people talking loudly on their cellphones, women's heels clicking, brakes screeching as they avoid colliding with another car or person. She listened to Bridgeport and it's soundtrack. She smiled, this was home after all.

Nina's top priority when she exited her car was to check on the Malcolm. She knew Jeremy wasn't home yet. She said hello to her husband as he worked in their home office. He briefly waved back, but didn't give her a second look. Nina walked into the open doorway of the nursery. She spotted Malcolm playing.

"Hey Champ." She greeted as she lifted him up. He hugged her back as much as his little arms would allow.
"You're such a sweetie." She noted and kissed his nose lightly.

Malcolm giggled. He was such a happy baby even with everything going on. His youth allowed his to escape all the pain that everyone else was feeling around him. It dawned on Nina, this wasn't real. The boys were not hers. She felt slightly empty again. Veronica was really getting clean, meaning they would leave soon. And she would be all alone again. She glanced back at the crib. It was empty currently. She had the depressing thought that it would always be. She would never truly be a mother. She held Malcolm close to her, as if holding onto life itself.

"Luv woo" Malcolm said sweetly. Nina chocked up.
"I love you too honey." She said. Don't leave me too She thought to herself. She didn't think she would be able to take it once her home was empty again.

________________________________________

Jeremy hadn't been himself for a whole month now. In that time, he pretty much alienated everyone. His family, his friends at school, Lauren and even Malcolm. He regretted it, but he couldn't help it. He had tried everything in his power to hold his family together and yet it still managed to fall apart. He felt like he failed. And because of this he found himself in a bit of a depression. His grades took a hit pretty bad. He didn't care though. He just didn't care about anything anymore. Why should he? His life was hell and it would always be. He might as well accept it he had told himself over and over.

He felt like a bottle that was shaken up, he was doomed to explode the minute it was open. He had to talk to someone and get everything out. But who? His aunt and uncle? No he shook his head. Malcolm was too young to understand. He sure as hell wasn't talking to the counselor at school. So who? Lauren. The name flashed through his mind. They had gotten pretty close even though he pushed her away at times. He felt as if he knew her well enough to confide in her. And if all else failed, who would she tell? She was still considered the new girl and hadn't made any friends. It was a mean thought, but at least his secret was safe with her. He dialed her number and hoped she'd answer.

                                    ____________________________________________

Thankfully, Lauren hadn't shut him out like he felt he deserved. She agreed to meet him at the school. He went upstairs to change, ignoring his family in the process. They didn't try to push him to talk and just watched him leave.

Lauren spotted Jeremy on the football field. It was empty since the team was away at a game. She waved in his direction, but he ignored her. His eyes were down looking at his hands. She dropped her hand sadly. She felt close to him, yet she didn't. He was the only person in the entire school who had made her feel welcomed with the exception of the school staff. They had grew close after their project together. Sometimes he walked her home. They would do their homework together or just talk on the phone. Bur lately she had felt shut out. Like there was an invisible door in between them and she couldn't open it no matter how hard she tried. She was pleasantly surprised when he asked her to meet him. But the realist in her told her to not get her hopes up, he might just close up again.

"Jeremy?" She called out as she got closer. He was still staring ahead, but had looked her way. He smiled at her halfheartedly. The smile didn't reach his eyes and her heart fell. What was going on with him?! She wanted to scream.

"Are you okay?" She asked timidly. She wanted to know, but didn't at the same time. What if she didn't like what she would hear? What if he told her they shouldn't be friends anymore? She was being a little dramatic but she couldn't help it. She had really never had a friend before that wasn't related to her. This friendship thing was new to her. Maybe she was failing at it. Jeremy shrugged his shoulders.
"Not really." He answered somewhat truthfully.
"What's wrong?" She inquired. She silently hoped the issue wasn't her.

Here goes nothing He thought. He sighed. 

"A lot." He said and laughed. It was a sad laugh. Lauren listened. 

"Go on." She urged him. He let out a slow breath. Would she reject him, would she judge him because of his mother's actions? He wondered. He shook the thoughts away. He was determined to talk to someone. 

"It's okay Jeremy." Lauren said and patted him on the shoulder. He looked as if he needed the encouragement for whatever it was that was bothering him. "I'm listening." He nodded. He gave her a brief overview of his life. He told her that it wasn't a time in his life where he could truly remember his mother being sober and how he had became his grandmother's burden at a young age. Although he knew he wasn't a burden to her, he couldn't help but feel that way. She should have been living her own life. Maybe remarrying, traveling the world or something. But instead she was raising a kid she didn't have. Taking care of responsibilities she wasn't responsible for. 

He told her that she was his rock, the one person in the world he could count on. He went on to tell her that his mother got pregnant again with Malcolm, his younger brother. His father was still unknown but since he was born his grandmother had taken him in too. She was strong. She didn't let them known she was silently hurting inside. He then told her how he had lost her, his rock, the center of his world. His life had turned upside down the summer before school. His life was completely shattered. His Aunt and Uncle had returned to Bridgeport. But they were still in the dark somewhat, they didn't fully know that his mother was using again. And they were dealing with their own issues so Jeremy never told them. He didn't want to become their burden too. So Malcolm and him moved back home with their drug addicted, alcoholic mother. He shouldered as much responsibility as he could, getting a job and making sure someone looked after Malcolm during the time he couldn't be home. But it wasn't enough, she was in jail and now rehab. His life..was turned upside down all over again and he didn't know how to deal. 

Lauren listened quietly. She didn't interrupt him not once. She just listened. She had no idea he was carrying so much baggage inside. It was a wonder he managed to hold it together this long. He was suffering and it wasn't fair. He was being punished for his mothers sins. She had chose to be selfish, but he paid for it. Him and his brother. It wasn't fair. Lauren found herself hating her even though she had never met the woman. 

"Jeremy, I-- Lauren began. She wasn't quite sure what she was going to say, but she didn't get to finish. Jeremy had fallen and dropped to his knees. He covered his face and grabbed his hair. He truly looked like he was breaking. Lauren gasped. She wasn't sure what to do. How could she comfort him? She felt so lost and unhelpful. 

"My life is shit!" He yelled out. Lauren stood, still unsure what to do. 

"Jeremy.." She started again. 

"Hey." She said softly as she kneeled in front of him. She prayed for the right words to come out of her mouth. 

"You don't have to feel this way." She said. Jeremy remained unmoved. He was in a state of despair. 

"This isn't your problem. Your mother lived her life and you have to live yours." She said. He began shaking his head, as if he didn't believe her. She sighed. Why couldn't life be like the movies? Why didn't words work the same way? She inched closer to him. 

"You're not alone, you have your brother and your aunt and uncle." She said. Is this helping? She asked him silently. 

"I am alone." He said. His voice was broken just like his soul seemed to be. Lauren wished she had a magic wand and could wish his problems away. 

"I'm here too. You're not alone." Lauren said, still refusing to give up on him. 

Lauren let silence fall over them. Maybe it would help her words sink in. Lauren watched Jeremy. His hands had fell, but his head still hung low. He looked like he had officially given up on life itself. The look on his face was enough to break her heart. Why can't life be a movie? She thought again. 

Lauren racked her brain for another idea. What would someone in the movies do right now? The girl would kiss the guy, as if kissing his problems away. Lauren thought. She wasn't too happy about that idea, but what if it worked? It couldn't hurt, could it? She nervously looked at his lips. She slowly reached out and lifted his chin up. He looked at her, confusion in his eyes. This had better work She thought. 

She brought her face closer to his and gently kissed his lips. It had been her first kiss and she hoped she didn't screw it up. Her eyes were still closed and she was about to pull away, when Jeremy surprised her. He had kissed her back, but it wasn't just a peck. He had opened his mouth and she followed suit. It was like a real, legit kiss. Lauren was taken back. 

Jeremy had stood and helped Lauren to her feet.
"Thank you." He spoke at last. Lauren opened her eyes and stole a peak at his face. He didn't look like the Jeremy she knew, he wasn't happy 100%, but he looked better.
"You're welcome." She said softly. She was still reeling over the kiss. Had she gone too far? She didn't know herself. They stood there, Jeremy's hands wrapped around hers. They didn't speak.
"I should go before my dad gets home." Lauren said. He was getting off early and she had took a risk leaving when she did. Jeremy nodded.
"Sorry." She said. She didn't want to leave him.
"It's okay. We'll talk later" He said. She smiled.
"Yeah." She replied. He gave her a small kiss on the forehead and watched as she went to hail a cab. She wasn't completely sure where Jeremy's head was when she left, but she knew it was a bit clearer. She smiled as she road home.

                                   _____________________________________________

Jeremy was by no means back to himself, but he felt a sense of hope. He didn't feel so defeated anymore. He had made his way back to his Aunt and Uncle's apartment. On the ride up he thought about Lauren. She kissed him, and he had kissed her back. What did that mean? Were they "together"? Were they still just friends? He wasn't sure. They would have to talk about that, but right now he had to talk to someone else.

Jeremy unlocked the door and found his aunt reading. He glanced over and saw his little brother playing happily with his toys in the nursery.
"Aunt Nina?" He called out. She closed her book and looked back.

"Jeremy." Nina said happily. She could tell by the tone of his voice that he was feeling better. She hoped he was returning to himself.

"Welcome home." She greeted. He smiled.

"Thank you." He replied. 

"I'm sorry for acting like a zombie." He apologized. Nina shook her head, dismissing his apology.

"You have nothing to be sorry for." She said.

"I do. You guys took us in and treated us like your own when you didn't have to. I should be grateful, and I am. But I repaid you by shutting you all out. I'm sorry." He said. 

"Jeremy you don't ever have to apologize. We know you were taking this hard." Nina reassured him. 

"Well thank you for putting up with me." He joked. Nina laughed and pulled him into a hug.

"We love you Jeremy and Malcolm, don't ever forget that." She said. 

"I won't." He said and hugged her back.

"I think someone wants to see you." She said and nodded towards Malcolm.

"I think so too." He said and made his way to the nursery. 

"Hey kid" Jeremy greeted his little brother. Malcolm paused, with his stick in hand and smiled. He giggled happily.

"Up up!" He demanded. Jeremy shook his head. He could be so demanding sometimes.

"Alright" Jeremy said and threw his hands up playfully.

"Come here little guy." He said and picked him up. He tickled Malcolm and he laughed in delight. Jeremy was regaining his hope little by little. He knew everything would be alright. He thought about his grandmother. He smiled and looked up and silently said thanks. 

                                      __________________________________________

Back at Rehab, Veronica wasn't feeling hopeful. She should be. But she wasn't. Hearing that Jeremy was having a hard time dealing with the current situation took a toll on her. It was all her fault. If she wasn't selfish, she would  have never left home. She would have stayed home and been the mother they deserved. Usually when thoughts like this settled in, she'd wash them away with drugs or alcohol. A pill for this, a joint for that, a swig of vodka for the rest. But no, she was in rehab. She was clean she couldn't have any of that. She would have to be a prisoner of her guilt. She laid down fearing she wouldn't make it on the outside. That the real world wasn't for her.


 

Chapter Fourteen: Something to live for Pt. 1

***This chapter contains nudity and adult situations***

Veronica laid on the hard, lumpy mattress with her heart racing and tears streaming down her face. She hadn't been able to sleep anymore. She had spent God knows how long dreaming, if you could call it that. It was a perfect nightmare. It was the lowest time in her life. She blinked and the tears fell faster. How could she have been so weak? She thought. Sadly, her mind reminded her that wasn't the worst part. And that she would re-live it just as soon as she closed her eyes. She truly was a prisoner in every sense of the word. Of her mind, her life, her addiction...she felt as if everything controlled her and she was just allowing it to happen, as if it was out of her control.

Time had passed by, even though it felt like it was standing still. Soon the lights flashed on, her cell mates stirred and an Officer was calling out for them to wake up. Veronica quickly wiped away her tears and began to sit up. Her back felt awful, but she commanded her body to move anyways. She sighed, looking at the bars and the officer on the other end.
Nightmare Round 2 has just began. Veronica thought to herself.

One month had went by. 30 days, 4 weeks, 720 hours, 43,200 minutes, and 2,592,000 seconds had passed. Time Veronica would never get back. In that time, Veronica had received her sentencing. Her options were to continue to serve time, 6 months to be exact or to go to Rehab until the Judge decided she was clean enough to rejoin society. Although nothing was found on Veronica, they had went back to get her purse at the scene. They found syringes, pill bottles that were not prescribed to her, a small back of cocaine, a half smoked joint and a small bottle of alcohol. She didn't bother trying to deny it. What would be the point? She chose the lesser of the two evils and had been shipped off to Rehab. She willingly checked herself in, but she wouldn't be able to check herself out without the Judge's consent.

With Rehab, came mandatory counseling. But she had to go, she didn't have to talk. And during her first couple of visits she didn't. Anne, her therapist, politely sat there until the 30 minute session was up each and every time. 

Today was different, today Veronica finally felt like opening up. It could be because she wasn't experiencing the withdrawal symptoms anymore. She didn't have that intense craving, cold sweat, or an uncontrollable shake anymore. She felt like, for the first time in forever, that everything was going to be alright. 

In a month, Veronica's hair had grew. And the deep under-eye circles didn't stand out so much. She looked alive. Like she was actually living and not just existing. She was standing in front of the mirror and observing her reflection. She couldn't say she was 100% happy with the person looking back, but she was starting to like herself again. And one day, maybe she'd love herself. 

A knock on the door, and her alarm going off had told her it was time. She shut off the alarm and greeted the nurse standing on the opposite side of her door. She couldn't go anywhere without some type of escort, but it was what she had chose so she'd live with it. Anne's door was open and ready for her to enter. The nurse watched her walk in before shutting the door behind her. 

"Veronica" Anne greeted happily. She was always a cheerful woman. Veronica gave her a half smile before making her way to her seat.

"How are you?" Anne asked. It was how she had begun every session, asking how she was or what was on her mind. Veronica shrugged her shoulders in response.
"You don't know?" Anne inquired. She scrunched her brows up. "Just tell me what you are thinking. It can be anything at all." Anne asked. Veronica let out a small breath of air. You wanted to talk, so talk. She told herself.
"Well.." She began. "I guess you want to know why I'm here." Veronica said. Anne nodded her head, instructing her to go on non verbally.
"It's not a straight forward answer. There are many reasons." Veronica explained.
"Well life never is straight forward is it? There are twists and turns, bumps along the way. You can start from where you want." Anne responded.

"Right." Veronica replied. "Okay" She said before she began. She was going back willingly this time. Her dreams weren't in control this time.

"My boyfriend, whom I had moved out with, was a truck driver. He was always on the road, so it wasn't rare for me to be alone. Nor was it strange to find him home at random times. This had been one of those nights. He came home shortly with McDonald's in tow. It was his way of bringing dinner home. We ate our Big Macs, fries and coke while he told me about the towns he visited and the places he saw. He always talked about his job and I enjoyed it. I felt as if I was there sometimes, going to those places with him. But of course it wasn't much to talk about. He was on the clock, he had a schedule to keep so most of what he experienced was strictly visual. Dinner ended when he said he was tired. He retired to our bedroom while I threw the remainder of our meal away. I took a shower before going to bed. 

The night was nothing special. I followed my shower with moisturizing my body, you know the usual. And then I decided I was tired too and it was time for bed. I remember glancing at the clock in the hall before I opened the door. It was just a little after 10. It really wasn't late at all. 

Instead of being greeted with soft breathing and snoring, I found Lance wide awake. He was just laying there, smiling and obviously thinking about something. 
"Can't sleep?" I had asked. He looked in my direction and his face fell a bit. 
"You're wearing that to bed?" He asked referring to my bathrobe. I looked down as if I had forgotten I was wearing it. 
"Oh. Well no, I have my pajamas on under it. " I answered. I opened the robe and revealed a pair of flannel pj's. He still looked at me with a disapproving eye. 
"I come home and this is what you wear to bed." He said with a cruel laugh. "That's no way to dress for your man." He said. 

I wanted to protest, and I did slightly.
"What's wrong with me pj's?" I asked and re-tied my robe. I loved them, they were comfortable. Besides why should I change for someone who is never at home? I had thought. 
"Well you are 18 not 50. Dress like it." He said. "I got you something." He said. 
"What is it?" I asked and nervously looked around the room. He laughed and pointed to the dresser. 

I did as I was instructed. Inside, was a red lacy piece of lingerie. I just stared at first, fearful of picking it up. But I did after sensing Lance's gaze burning a hole through my back. I picked it up in my hands. I noticed there was no tag. Did he remove it? I didn't ask. 
"Put it on." He said. His voice was lower and slightly seductive. I didn't feel completely comfortable with this, but I obliged. 

Veronica had retreated to the bathroom. Lance looked as if he wanted to say something, but didn't. I did my hair and put on lipstick as well." Veronica said. She stopped talking for a moment. Anne looked at her, her eyes asking what was wrong? 

"Sorry." She apologized. She realized she was was about to tell Anne, a stranger, how she had lost her virginity. She took a deep breath and continued. 

"I had re-entered our bedroom with the flimsy outfit on. It looked as if it was barely attached to my body. And sexy was the last thing I felt. Nevertheless, if it was what Lance wanted, then it was what I'd give. I loved him that much. I risked my uncomfortable for his happiness. 

He inched closer to me until he was right behind me. I shuddered nervously. He wrapped his arms around my waist and I placed my arms over his. He felt so warm. And for a moment, just a moment, I let go of the fears and anxiety I was feeling. My stomach was still in knots and butterflies were still fluttering around, but I welcomed his embrace and warmth. 
"You're beautiful." He whispered before kissing me. His lips devoured mines hungrily. I sighed happily. No matter how uncomfortable I felt, I couldn't deny the power of his kiss. His lips alone made my heart skip a beat and my knees want to buckle. I involuntarily moaned. He smiled, breaking our kiss. Instead of returning his lips to mines he began to remove the straps of my outfit. The fear, anxiety and all of the other emotions had returned full force. I closed my eyes so I wouldn't give myself away. It didn't matter, his eyes weren't paying attention to my face. 

I felt the garment completely removed from my body. The room got even cooler. There I stood, naked and cold. My nipples tighten in response. And Lance wrapped his arms around me. He pulled me towards him and began to kiss the crock of my neck. My arms nervously went around his neck. 
"Beautiful." He whispered again. I felt anything but it, but maybe if I told myself that I was then I'd soon believe it too. 

Before I knew it, he had stripped himself too and I was on my back. His eyes filled with lust, began to kiss me all over. I don't think there was a part he had missed. Soon after, he began to stroke himself. I shyly looked away. But then I stole glances at him. I had never seen all of him before. The sight of his penis made me want to push him away and run for the hills. But I knew he would never let me get that far, so it was useless. 

He had grown in size and was completely erect.  He made his way closer to me, Penis in hand, ready to penetrate me. 

I watched with tears in my eyes, threatening to escape any minute. 

"It'll be okay." He promised and proceeded to slide it in, or try to. Instinctively, I clinched up. He looked up at me and I mumbled an apology. His second attempt was successful. I bit my finger and closed my eyes to try to escape the pain. He pushed in more and more until he was completely inside of me. I felt as if I had died and went to hell. But the pain was so intense, that I couldn't even speak. I just laid there, biting my finger and shutting my eyes. My actions were oblivious to him. 

He began to move in and out, somewhat gently at first but he quickened his pace. I felt pain, but I had mentally blocked it all out until it was as if I was numb. I could feel everything, but at the same time I couldn't. I stared at the ceiling, my eyes focused on it. I could feel warm tears stream down my face. But he didn't stop. He was too wrapped up in the pleasure that he felt, so he didn't see my pain. 

Time was at a standstill for the entire duration, but eventually it was over. I felt him withdraw from me following his climax. He collapsed next to me. He didn't hold me or tell me he loved me. It was nothing like I imagine my firs time to be. It was nothing like the movies depicted it either. He did give me a small peak on the cheek before falling asleep though. Too numb to move, and too tired to try I laid there until sleep overcame me as well. 

The next morning had arrived and I found myself laid on my stomach. I must have turned over during the night. I awoke to an empty bed with nothing but a pink rose near my head. He had tucked it right under my arm. It was a wonder the thorns hadn't stuck me. I looked at the rose and pushed it away as memories of last night invaded my thoughts. 

Raw with emotion, and the pain of the past fresh on her mind, Veronica came back to the present time. 
"I had never felt so weak in my entire life." Veronica spoke. 
"But it wasn't all bad.." Veronica said. A small smile spread across her face. 

"There was a silver lining, a rainbow at the end of the storm. A few months later, after experiencing what he called sex a few times there was hope. A reason for me to be happy. I discovered I was pregnant." 

Anne looked defeated after hearing Veronica's story. No matter how many stories she heard, each one still managed to break her heart. She smiled after hearing the hope in Veronica's voice. When she remembered the happiness her unborn child brought her. 

"Well I think that's all the time we have now." Anne announced. She wasn't sure why Veronica had shared that story with her, especially when it didn't involve her addiction. But she assumed she was connecting the dots. Giving her the full story and not just the important details. And so whenever she was ready to talk, she'd listen no matter what. 

"Okay." Veronica simply said. Fresh tears were now on her face. She picked up a tissue before standing. And wiped her face as she opened the door. 

"Ready." She told the nurse sitting outside the door. It was another woman, the other must be on break Veronica thought before heading back to her room. 

Veronica now laid on her bed. Her mind drifted back to the past, but a different memory this time. With her pregnancy with Jeremy on her mind, it was no surprise that her mind took her back there. 

_____________

She was home alone, no surprise there. She had just awoken from a nap and her mind screamed for something to quench her thirst. So she headed for the kitchen. There, a Dr. Pepper was calling her name. 

Something told her not to go straight to the Kitchen just yet. She turned to her left as she left the bedroom and felt another presence in her home. Fearful she turned around. She sighed in relief when she saw the other person was Lance. 

"Thank God." She whispered to herself. 

"Hello." She greeted. Lance didn't look happy and didn't return her greeting.

"How long?" He simply asked. She raised one brow in confusion. She could ask him the same thing, how long had he been home, but she wasn't sure where he was driving at. 

"Huh?" She asked dumbfounded. 

"Don't play dumb with me. Did you really think I wouldn't find out?" He asked. His face was now neutral but his words were cold. 
"I seriously have no idea what you're talking about." Veronica said 
"Imagine my surprise when I come home to a phone call congratulating me on a baby I knew nothing about." He spoke. Veronica's eyes widen. She turned her head to the culprit, the phone on the wall. Lance had finally gotten the number changed so it was their official home phone and she was free to use it. 
"Lance.." Veronica said. 
"Sit." He demanded. 

He waited for her to make her way to the small table and join him. 
"Lance I was going to tell you." She said after she was seated. 

"When exactly? When you were wobbling around noticeably? When your water broke?" He asked sarcastically. 
"No." Veronica replied. She didn't appreciate his tone. "When you came home. How can I tell you when you are never here?" She threw back. She was tired of being his doormat. He couldn't just say or do whatever he wanted and she would just take it. No, she wouldn't take it anymore. Her baby gave her the courage she needed. He looked taken back by her response. 
"I have to work!" He yelled. 

"That's your excuse for everything!" She yelled back, her anger matching his. 
"For weeks I have been dealing with this alone. I don't know when you're coming home so excuse me for not having a speech prepared announcing my pregnancy." She said bitterly. She willed herself to calm down. He didn't deserve to make her upset. 

"You're right." He said. She widen her eyes in shock. Did he just say she was right? 
"You heard me, I said you're right." He repeated as if reading her mind. He stood and reached for her hand. She eyed him before taking it. He pulled her up gently. 

"I'm sorry." He said softly. Gone was the anger. He looked apologetic. 
"But this means I'll have to work even more. We have a baby to support." He said before hugging her. That wasn't what she wanted to hear. But Veronica allowed him to hug her anyways. She didn't want to argue anymore. 

__________

Veronica was pulled out her past with a knock on the door. 

"Who is it?" She called out. She wiped away at her tears with the sleeve of her dress. 

"You have a visitor." The Nurse informed her. 

"A visitor?" She asked. Who would want to visit her? She wondered. 

"Just a minute." She said and got out of bed. She nervously walked to the door and pulled it open. Who stood in front of her beside the nurse was the last person she imagined seeing here.

"Hello." The voice said waiting to be invited in. Veronica blinked and was unable to speak. 

Okay, Hi I'm back :D Sorry about the cliffy, but this was becoming too long lol. And I figured this was a good place to leave it. Don't get mad at me too much please! 

Hold on I'm coming back!

You guys have NO idea how happy I am to say this semester is O-V-E-R! I am so happy that I can't even express myself further than that lol. I will be coming back with an update in the middle of next week. I feel all rusty and a little overwhelmed about writing again. Seriously, Anatomy is still on my brain :/ But I'm sure all will be well once I open up my game! Thanks for hanging in there with me guys xoxo!

Short Hiatus

I hate to do this when it seems like so many other writers are going on break too, but it's become unavoidable at this point. I originally wanted to push the story back altogether since I knew this would be a tough semester in school. But I found time in the beginning and it was fine. Now it's crunch time lol. Finals, projects, lab reports, ahhh! I will be M.I.A until the first week of May. I don't want to, but I have to. I NEED to if I want to finish the semester on a good note. Sorry guys. I'll miss Veronica and the gang but they will have to just wait in sim land a little while longer. Thanks for reading and hanging in there with me though :)

Chapter Thirteen: Master Manipulation

Veronica felt as if she was in a horror story and the murderer had just entered her home. She turned around and froze. What was she going to say? What could she say? Her mind went blank. Her throat grew dry and all she could do was stand there and stare. Lance had dropped his arms and they were now uncrossed. He let out a deep breath and walked over to her. 

Thump, Thump, Thump went her heart. It seem to grow louder the closer he got. Thump, Thump, Thump. 

He stopped in front of her and glared. The fury and rage was evident in his eyes. If looks could kill, well Veronica would be dead meat. She somehow managed to find her voice or part of it. 
"Lance.." She said shakily. 
"I told you not to touch the phone, didn't I?" He asked. His spoke slowly as if talking to a child, but his voice was cold. Cold enough to send a chill up Veronica's spine. Her voice had abandoned her again and all she could do was nod. 
"Then what were you doing?" He asked and pointed towards the phone, which was still swinging. 
"I.." Her voice was coming back little by little. Think! She yelled at her brain. Say something! "uh..I wanted to call my mother." She explained. Lance shook his head at her disapprovingly. 
"I told you not to touch the phone." He repeated. 
"I didn't want her to worry and I missed her." Veronica said in a small child-like voice. She felt every bit of 18. She was reminded of their age difference and she felt like a stupid, innocent little girl. Lance looked his age too, which was 27. It was as if his anger made his face darker, older, and scarier. 
"You missed her?" He said mockingly. "You've been gone two hours tops. You can't possibly miss her." He said. But she did. Even more so now. She wished she was home. She wished she had never left. In that moment, she wished she could summon Dorothy's ruby red slippers, click her heels and go home. 

Veronica summoned every bit of strength she could muster. She closed the short distance between them. Lance withdrew slightly and looked at her with confusing eyes. Veronica reached out her hand and touched his arm with it. Silently willing him to calm down.
"Lance I'm sorry." She said. She forced herself to make and maintain eye contact with him. "Please forgive me." She said genuinely. Some of the anger left Lance's face. It was working, he was calming down. He sighed. 
"No.." He said. Veronica furrowed her brows sadly. No? She thought.
"Don't apologize." He added. His tone was returning to normal now. Gone was the roughness and anger. 
"Why not?" Veronica asked. 
"I overreacted. I am the one who's sorry." He replied. 

Hesitantly, Lance reached out for Veronica. She didn't flinch or shy away. He closed his hands over hers and kissed them. 
"I didn't mean to lose my cool with you." He said. She nodded. 
"I know." She replied almost automatically. 
"I just..I just want you to listen to me." He said. 
"I will." She replied. She was just so grateful he had calmed down. She had never seen anyone so angry before and she never wanted to see it again. Her heartbeat seemed to be relaxing too. 
"Let's go." He said. Veronica had opened her eyes. 
"Go?" She asked. Back home?..she thought. She still thought of her mother's place as home. 
"And call your mom. There is a pay phone not too far from here. We can walk there." He explained. 
"Oh." She replied. She then realized what he had said. She could call her mother. She didn't understand why she couldn't use the phone at their home, but she wouldn't push her luck. 
"Thank you." She said. He kissed her forehead in response. 

Lance gently let her hand go. He walked back to the door and picked up the groceries. He took all of two minutes to put the items away. He returned to Veronica who stood there waiting as if she needed to be told to move. 
"Come on." He said softly and smiled. She smiled back. He reached down and grabbed her hand and lead her out of the front door. She happily walked along side him. The walk was brief. They walked to a small store down the street and Lance gave her change to use the payphone. Barbara answered right away and was happy to hear her daughters voice. Veronica was happy to. She had told her mother she was fine and was settling in her new place. Barbara had offered to come over and help clean up or unpack. Veronica refused her offer when Lance shook his head even though she wanted to say yes. Lance was right, she'd be gone less than two hours, but she was missing home. She didn't want Lance to grow impatient so she let her mother go. She thanked him again for allowing her to call home and ease both of their minds and then they headed home. 

As they had reached their home. Veronica slacked back a bit. Lance was walking up to the door and reaching for the keys in his pocket. She stopped him when she threw her arms around him. He dropped his keys and turned his head to look at her. 
"What are you doing?" He asked. He didn't raise his voice though. Veronica shrugged.
"I don't know..I just. I'm grateful for this." She said. He chuckled. She kept saying thank you all through their walk. He told her she didn't have to, but she did anyways. She pecked him on the cheek and pulled away. He bent down and collected his dropped keys. 
"You're welcome." He said and opened the door. 

They entered the house. Veronica headed for the kitchen to prepare dinner. Lance split ways and headed to their bedroom. She wondered where he was going, but didn't ask. She didn't want to fight with him ever again. She would have to remind herself to behave. She couldn't afford to upset him like that again. Especially being here all alone with her family not even knowing where she lived. She vowed to be on her best behavior from here on out. Lance shut the door behind him. Followed by a clicking sound, he had locked the door as well. 

Lance waited until he heard the refrigerator door shut and pots moving before he took out his cell phone. He dialed a number and waited for it to ring. 

Somewhere across town, Daisy was playing with her daughter Natalie. She was tickling her stomach and enjoying watching the laughter her daughter rewarded her with. She smiled, but felt as if something was missing. Just as she was about to dismiss her thoughts, the phone rung. She kissed Natalie and placed her on the floor and allowed her to play with her toys. 

"Be back baby girl." Daisy said and went to answer the phone. It was nearing the fifth ring when she picked up.
"Hello?" She answered. 

"How's my second favorite girl?" The voice on the other end asked. 
"Second?" She repeated. "Lance..." Lance laughed, but was careful to keep his voice low. 
"Natalie holds first place you know that." He said. Daisy shook her head at him.
"Cute.." She said. "Hey what happened earlier today?" She asked. She remembered she tried calling and was greeted with the receiver being hung up in her face.
"What are you talking about?" Lance asked innocently. 
"I tried to call, but someone hung up on me." She answered and let a hint of her annoyance out. 
"Really?" He asked. "Beats me." He responded. 
"Someone picked up and hung up in my face! You have no idea who?" She said. She was getting angry. It was bad enough her husband was hardly home. She was happy to know she'd be able to get in contact with him, with him being in their old home preparing it to be sold. Or so she thought. 
"I just got here." He lied. "And calm down it's not good for your condition." He said softly. "Don't upset my baby boy." He joked. Daisy laughed. 
"Baby boy? No..Natalie wants a little sister. She insists." Daisy joked backed. 
"Is that so? Give her a kiss for me. I have to go." He said. Daisy sighed loud enough for him to hear.
"But you just called." Daisy complained. 
"And now I have to go. I'll be home before you know it." He said trying to cheer her up. He didn't want to get into that argument again. About him never being home. 
"I miss you. I need you here, we need you here." Daisy said sadly. 
"I have to go. Love you." He said and hung up. That ended that. He shook his head and placed his phone back into his pocket. 

***Okay I know my updates are SUPER short. I'm sorry. I picture them being longer, but when I write them I see they aren't. But I also like the short chapters. It allows me to focus on one thing at a time. Another reason is probably the pictures. In my mind they are so much better, I promise. But I guess that's where my failure lies, in picture taking. I love the sims and how you're able to capture the perfect moment with them. Well I don't have that down pact yet lol. But I hope you guys don't mind and I appreciate you all taking the time to read my story :)