Family Ties

Chapter 3
Two weeks had passed and everyone had fallen into their age old routines, like riding a bicycle, they never forgot the comforts of home.

As Jon approached Dave's house he thought of Bethany. He'd been watching her intently every time he was over for a visit and he knew she tried to be her old self, she really did, and she conned most folks into believing everything was alright, but Jon knew better, he wasn't sure exactly what was bothering her, but he had a good idea. As He watched her the last few days, he saw.

Just the other day the teenage boys that lived up the street from David's had walked by and to no ones surprise they took second, and a few of them third glances at Lizzie. Even though she was just 12 she was already a stunning girl, but not one had so much as glanced at Bethy, they acted as if she were invisible.

what stupid boys, if they would just get a chance to know her.... 

Bringing his thoughts back to the present he looked up as he took the last steps into the yard. Lizzie and Beth were sitting on the front porch steps enjoying the night air and reminiscing about the day quietly. He strolled up, hands in his pockets and nudged Beth gently with his foot "Hey Bethy, why don't we go hang at the boardwalk?"

Bethy looked up surprised to see Jon standing before her. She didn't flash him her normally warm smile, it was a forced one as she replied "Oh I don't know, think I will just hang here."

Hearing the despondence in her tone made Jon even more determined to get his way. "Come on Bethy we haven't have a chance to really hang out.. It'll be fun!" Jon flashed his million watt smile hoping it had the same effect with Beth that it had on the fans the band was beginning to collect worldwide. He was learning fast he got his way alot when he flashed that smile.

Beth sighed in resignation, she had lost. It was impossible to say no when Jon smiled like that "oh ..... alright! " She gave a slight huff as she hopped down from the stoop turning to give Lizzie an apologetic glance " guess I'll see ya later Liz"

Lizzie merely smiled softly and raised a hand in a farewell as she watched Jon sling his arm around Beth's shoulders and walk down the quiet street towards the beach and boardwalk.

Jon and Beth walked in silence. Both content to silently absorb the sights and sounds of home. Even though Beth now lived in Arizona she still considered this, Jersey, to be her home and she missed being here all the time.

As they walked, his arm draped casually over her shoulders, she let herself wonder about Jon. She'd known him for awhile now. She slid a sideways glance at him, quickly studying his profile before letting her eyes fall away. He certainly was handsome. even with the wild man blond tipped hair he was now sporting. But more than that, he was so nice to her! Even though he was something like 9 years older than she was, he didn't mind at all spending time with her.He really was such a good friend. It made Beth feel lucky to know he made time for her.

They had arrived at the boardwalk and Jon had stopped them on the deck overlooking the beach and water and leaned himself over the edge just looking around for a moment, he gathered his thoughts before he finally spoke.

"Bethy please tell me whats wrong ... Where's that fun loving, laughing, Beth I love so much? " he looked at her, his baby blue eyes that normally shone with unbridled mischief, now took on a soft coaxing glow.

Beth did not really want to get into it with him it was just so complicated and no one ever understood "she left for parts unknown " she replied sarcastically.

Jon sighed. He should have known trying to get her to confide in him would not be easy. She was known for having a stubborn streak a bit longer and a bit stronger than his own, And his own was quite a force to be reckoned with at times. Feeling a bit frustrated took her by the arms and gently turned her to face him, his fingers lifting her chin to meet his gaze "oh come now! what's the deal girl? You been moping around anytime you think no ones lookin' "

She half sighed half groaned at his invasion of her personal space and snapped her answer with all the pent up frustration she'd been hiding for weeks. "Whats the deal?? "Look at me !!! I'm ..... grotesque! I got a metal mouth!!! four eyes!!!!" she took a moment to shove her glasses back up her pert nose as she wrinkled it in disgust "I'm fat!!!" She sighed and shook her head.

Jon frowned the with exasperation said "Oh for fucks sake Bethany you are not grotesque!!!! or fat!!!!"

Beth fixed him with a angry stare "You are just saying that Jon cause you are ...... well you know.... you have to make me feel better........ You always try to make everyone feel better.. you're just ... a nice guy" she said a bit forlornly.

Jon rolled his eyes "No I'm not and you know it Beth! Have I ever lied to you? I ain't like that. I'm telling you the truth Bethany Marie Valdez . You are ..Look at me " He took her face in his hands forcing her to look at him.

Bethany felt her anger slipping away as she gazed into his gorgeous crystalline blue eyes and hear his voice whispering over her "You are a very beautiful young lady." Jon waited, keeping his gaze fixed to hers and his hands firmly on her until he saw her stop fighting and accept his words.

He slowly let her out of his grasp and continued to talk, now a bit more softly "Right now your just... just experiencing some physical changes ya know... Trust me on this babe... I've been thru it!" He laughed as he recalled some of his more awkward years. "When I was your age. Let me tell ya... ya think I'm scrawny now? Shoulda seen me then! and hello pimples... you girls ain't the only ones who have to deal with that shit!"

Jon stole a glance at Beth and saw the beginnings of a smile twitching at the corners of her lips and he continued "My voice..... man I'm tellin' ya it was all over the place! I thought I was going to sound like a girl for years! Then there were all those other awkward changes......" he trailed of with a bit of a sheepish grin "Let's just not get into to all those OK?"

Bethy couldn't help but honestly smile at Jon's endless rant. She had seen pictures so she knew exactly what he was saying about himself was true. For once she honestly felt that he, out of anyone understood what she was feeling and why. And once he had broken the ice about it They spent alot of time just sitting there ranting back and forth. She listened as he told her embarrassing stories about himself in middle school and high school and he listened as she rambled about her weight , glasses and now braces and he explained away all of them with sound reasoning.and tenderness. For the first time she actually listened to someone without brushing it off. He truly meant what he said. And by the time they were ready to continue with their walk, Beth felt better than she had in a very long time.

They spent the rest of the day walking on the boardwalk then down to the beach kicking off their shoes and walking in the water . Talking about how things were just coming together finally for him and the band. It had been just what Beth needed. He had her laughing and smiling just like the old Beth by the end of the day

After Beth and Jon had disappeared down the street, Lizzie had gathered up her things and traipsed indoors, heading up to her room. She smiled knowing exactly what Jon had wanted to get Bethy alone for. Everyone had noticed Beth's tendency to keep to herself more. She was pulling away from everyone, and no one liked that. Lizzie knew if anyone could pull Bethy out of her funk it was Jon He had such a winning way with people.... girls in particular. Even Bethy who had known him for a few years now didn't stand a chance against his charm. Lizzie knew when her friend came back she'd be back to her old self again and she couldn't wait.

Lizzie sighed and flounced onto her bed, glad for a little time alone, she had alot on her mind. Ever since she and Beth had talked about boys and crushes that first night, Lizzie had been doing alot of thinking. She had been noticing boys more too. Just the other day a few kids from up the street had ridden past on their bikes and they all watched her as she was playing in the yard with Richie, Jon and Beth.

They rode around a few times as they all passed the football back and forth. Then one of the boys, Kevin James who was a grade above her in school actually stopped and called her over. He was kinda cute and seemed really nice. He asked her if she wanted to go to the festival this weekend with him and his parents... that is if her parents would allow her to. She wanted to go but.... Richie had promised her he would take her and she didn't want to make Richie mad by going with someone else. So now she didn't know what to do. She knew she really liked spending time with Richie. He was so cute.....

well, cute for a guy his age anyway 

Lizzie laughed at her thought, imagining Richie's reaction to being considered old. If she went to the festival with Kevin it would technically be her first date. Chaperoned of course but still, a date.... she just wished...... she sighed.... that was a silly wish! Wishing she were old enough to go on a date with Richie. Last week she never would have thought such a thing, but now.......

But Richie is always so much fun!

She flipped over on her stomach and hugged her pillow debating what to do..... go with Richie or go with Kevin.....It wasn't an easy decision for Lizzie.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a light knock on her door. She looked up and called out "Come in"

Richie opened the door and peeked his head in " Hey there lil darlin' your mom said I'd find you up here... whatcha doin?"

"Oh nothin..." Lizzie sat up and stretched "just thinkin" She smiled a bit and stood up "What's that?" she pointed to the small box he had in his hand.

"Oh this?? um... Sixteen Candles... your mom said you wanted to see it for a while now so... I bought it" he grinned and handed it out to her "I thought maybe we could go down to the den and hang out and watch it" He watched as excited joy raced across her face. He loved seeing that, such innocent joy over something as simple as a movie. She was why he loved coming home. After the hustle and bustle of the road, the women constantly wanting, it was so nice to be here and be appreciated for just being.

Thank God for Lizzie

"Really?!?! cool!!!!" she took it from him and looked it over "Wow Richie ... your the best!!" she hugged him then stepped back and looked up at him strangely.

He peered down at her confused by her sudden change " what?!?!? what's wrong?"

" You're gonna stay and watch a girly movie with me?" she looked up, one eyebrow raised in curious disbelief. He had to be joking. She knew he liked comedies and guy type movies.

He reigned in a genuine laugh and with a sigh played up a bit " well.. you know.. I wasn't gonna but... I heard you have a date Friday." he pouted a bit " So I figured since your gonna dump me for this... kid.... might as well just stay and watch the movie with ya.. since your gonna be so busy" he grinned his cheeky grin.

She looked confused not sure if he was angry or playing and stammered " but.. but.. Richie.. I'm sorry.. I ... I will go with you ... I...."

Richie finally let his laughter ring out squeezing her shoulders in a gentle hug " ah Lizzie girl!! I'm teasing you!!!!" He took her tiny hand in his "I hope you have a great time with this... Kevin kid.. I really do!" he said as he led her out of her room and down the stairs to the den.

Lizzie sat on the couch, her mind relieved, she didn't have to make the decision, Richie must have known she didn't know what to do so this was his solution! He was such a sweetheart!! No wonder she liked him so much! He always knew how to make her feel so much better!

She watched as he bent down and popped the tape into the VCR the plopped down near her on the couch stretching his long legs out in front of him and smiling in her direction. He pulled a throw pillow from under his arm and sat it on his leg and patted it " might as well get comfy Lizzie Girl, got two hours of Sixteen Candles to watch!"

Lizzie grinned then laid her head down. They watched the movie in comfortable silence til they both drifted off to sleep. His arm laying protectively on her shoulder.